Mom-to-be Monday

[Yankees21]

1. How far along are you this week?
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week?
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now?
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?

[Yankees21]

1. How far along are you this week? 29 weeks, 2 days
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? I took and passed my three hour GD test on Thursday <) I have an ultrasound tomorrow to follow up on something from the A/S, and I'm excited to see our little guy but nervous that everything won't look ok. Also, we are trying to finalize the daycare situation this week- our top choice has a one year waitlist- and start classes at the hospital Wednesday; lots going on this week!
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? No snow luckily, but wind chills of -40 degree today. All the schools are closed.
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most? Sleep and spontaneity in plans. I'm looking forward to so much- just seeing him grow and develop as a person! And of course baby snuggles. 

[browneyedgirl9]

1. How far along are you this week?  38 weeks, 4 days

2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? When people ask I can officially say "I AM DUE NEXT WEEK!" ahhh.  The next days can't not go by quick enough, I want him here.

3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now?
Weather has been snowy this past week, and we got a lot of snow last Thursday/Friday.  But today it is oddly warmer, and was almost 60 on my ride into work this am.

4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?
I'm a FTM!  I think I will miss just being able to run to the store wherever I want, or going out to random dinner nights/ movies with husband.  And being able to sleep in!!  (although with pregnancy I have slept like crap for 9 months)

[missbella]

1. 17 weeks

2. We have our A/s a week from today. I can't wait to see the baby and find out the sex! 

3. At the moment it's over 50 degrees and raining and super foggy from all the snow melting but the temp is supposed to drop this afternoon and we are back to a high of 16 tomorrow.

4. Sleeping and doing whatever I want whenever I want to. Baby snuggles and watching him/her grow and discover the world.

[Myrrhine]

1. How far along are you this week?
11 weeks, 5 days

2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week?
We are debating when to tell people. I think that after our NT appointment, I will be ready to announce to friends and extended family, but I would like to hold off on telling work a bit longer than that. Unfortunately with FB, that is probably really unlikely to be successful.

3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now?
We got about 10 inches of snow yesterday, and the high today may get up to 0. My work is closed. Hurray!

4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?
I assume I will miss down time? I really cherish having nothing to do. I can't wait to see what the baby looks like. It really seems kind of surreal / unreal at this point that there will be a baby here in a few months time.

[rbp]

1. How far along are you this week? 10 weeks

2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? I am getting really nervous about telling work that I am pregnant. I don't know of a tenure-track woman who has given birth recently, so I just don't know how they're going to react and I'm bracing for the worst. 

3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? Everyone is freaking the fuck out because it's 24 degrees and windy. LOL. No snow, though.

4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? Vegging at home; quiet

Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most? I don't know? Babies are cute? (I never had baby fever so I'm really not sure what I'm doing here LOL)

[catsarecute]

1. How far along are you this week? 25 weeks 4 days

2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? We are making major progress on the nursery and it is quickly becoming my favorite room in the house. On Saturday, I grabbed a blanket, sat in the glider and read magazines. My husband is working on hanging picture frames and we are waiting for the rug to arrive this week. This morning, I had to run downstairs to eat breakfast because I felt like I was going to puke! First tri flashback!

3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? Everyone might hate me because of this.....this weekend it was 70 degrees. I wore flip flops to lunch yesterday. Right now, it is 40 degrees but will be in the mid 60's and sunny all week. I'm in California.

4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?
From a pregnancy perspective, I'll miss feeling the baby kicks. It is pretty neat! From a day to day perspective, the ability to just make plans and do them. Walk out the door to a movie, go out to eat whenever, etc. I think that will be tough on my husband as well. I'm looking forward to seeing the baby grow. They change so fast, especially in the first few months. We have been together for so long and although we aren't bored of each other, it will be nice to add a new person into our lives.

[Deleted]

1. 32w5d
2. I had a work shower last week and all of the big things from both of our registries are already bought. One of my fb friends is a month ahead of me and just had her baby early so now I am freaking out about all of the stuff we still need to do in case the baby comes early.
3. I think it's about 30 degrees high today. Cold but no snow/ice.
4. I will miss traveling freely with my H but am looking forward to being a mommy and making lots of new memories together.

[Cricket0619]

1. How far along are you this week? 36 weeks 1 day today
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week?  Not that I can think of
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now?  - 20 with a windchill of 40 to 50 below  :?  luckily I don't work Mondays and I don't have to go anywhere today
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?   I think I will miss sleeping and napping when I want.  I will also miss just getting up and going wherever easily.  I am looking forward to kissing and snuggling as much as I want, seeing him grow and watching H with him.

[sneetch]

1. How far along are you this week?  I will be 32 weeks on Wednesday.  I can't believe it!
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week?  My baby shower is this coming weekend and I'm looking forward to it, but also nervous about being the center of attention.  Also, TMI  - I have had issues going to the bathroom the past week and I feel really uncomfortable today.
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now?  Today it's fine, but it's supposed to drop to 0 degrees tonight and not get above 9 tomorrow.  I still think that's not as bad as what a lot of people across the country are dealing with today.
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?  I think baby kicks, and feeling like it's just me and the baby instead of sharing him with everyone.

[mellimel19]

1. How far along are you this week?
32w, 6d

2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week?
I think my shower is this Saturday (DH's family is adamant that bridal/baby showers MUST be a surprise), and I'm so excited! However, no one ever asked me for a list of people I'd like to invite, so I'm just hoping that all my close friends have been invited.

3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now?
The weather is crazy! Today is 53 degrees, and tomorrow is supposed to be 11!

4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?
I think the things I'll miss most are sleeping in as late as I want on weekends, as well as my quiet weekend mornings spent reading or playing around on the internet while I drink my coffee. What I'm looking forward to most is snuggling with our new baby and watching this little person develop their own personality

[mellimel19]

Yankees21 yay on passing the 3-hour glucose test, and good luck on your ultrasound tomorrow!

[lauren170]

1. How far along are you this week? 37w 2d
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? Was a very hard week with my Dad passing away, and I caught the flu yesterday. I ended up in the ER for dehydration. I was having contractions, but the IV stopped them. Not sure I'm glad they stopped or not.
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? Rainy over patches of ice.
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most? 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

[smock]

Jan 6, 2014 10:12:50 GMT -5 rbp said:

I am getting really nervous about telling work that I am pregnant. I don't know of a tenure-track woman who has given birth recently, so I just don't know how they're going to react and I'm bracing for the worst. 

I really lucked out in my department; one of my colleagues is pregnant and due 4 months before me, so I knew the department treated her really well before I announced. Plus my chair is a woman with two middle school/elementary aged kids, and my mentor has an elementary aged kid. We still don't have many women in the department, but a fair number of the women we do have are parents.

It really stinks that you have to brace for the worst, and here's hoping things go smoothly! It might help to contact HR and go into your meeting with your chair knowing the standard operating procedure for faculty members. I'm guessing you'll be able to get a teaching release for next fall? 

[sh10]

1. 30 weeks, two days.
2. Now that we are in the 30s, it's starting to feel very soon! I went to the gym this morning for a class and a few people told me how great I look. That is the best thing a pregnant woman can hear!
3. We went from low single digits to freezing rain, now it's up to 38, but we are expecting single digits and freezing rain again. Fingers crossed our pipes don't freeze! (We thought it happened on Saturday.)
4. I'm going to miss being able to leave the house quickly and last minute plans. 

[smock]

1. One day shy of 19 weeks. 

2. I can't believe I'm almost halfway! Our a/s is in one week, so we're finding out the sex soon, whoo!

3. Ugh it is frigid. No snow, but -20 with wind chill, which is very, very rare in my city. 

4. Sleep! Also, I'm guessing air travel will get MUCH more difficult, particularly since all our family lives 1000+ miles away. And I'm looking forward to making my baby laugh. 

[kermit]

1. How far along are you this week? 13w6d
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? Not really. My belly seems smaller but I hope it's just bloat going away. Also I'm having a hard time eating a lot so I might have lost a little bit of belly fat. I still track my food intake and I'm getting about 1500 calories a day, which isn't horrible but it used to be more of a struggle to stay at that number. Now some days it's a struggle to get there.  I just can't eat much in the evening or I get uncomfortably full. It would be easier to get calories from peanut MnM's and Baked Lays but I want to make sure I get healthy food.
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? Clear but very cold, about -5.
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most? Sleep and freedom to do whatever, whenever. Looking forward to so many things.

[lulu21]

1. How far along are you this week?

30.5 weeks
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week?

Vent - I finally had to take my wedding band off
Aws- Its a little late but were starting the nursery! I cant wait  
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now?

Dont hate me! High of 82. But tomorrow were supposed to have a high of 60 with wind, brrrrrrr.
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?

The kicks! But I can not wait to sleep on my stomach! 

[piaffe]

1. How far along are you this week?
38 wks 2 days
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week?
I'm so blessed to have had an easy pregnancy the getting pregnant wasn't easy but everything else has been great. I have had some back pain but nothing like some ladies. Vents my deductible started over and I still have NSTs twice a week until he decides to come out or I'm induced. 
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now?
-2 real feel -25
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?
I will miss feeling him move around inside me. I can't wait to hold him and see what he looks like. 


Read more: pandce.proboards.com/thread/274132/mom-monday#ixzz2pdPN3C5P

[Yankees21]

Jan 6, 2014 10:12:50 GMT -5 rbp said:

1. How far along are you this week? 10 weeks

2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? I am getting really nervous about telling work that I am pregnant. I don't know of a tenure-track woman who has given birth recently, so I just don't know how they're going to react and I'm bracing for the worst. 

3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? Everyone is freaking the fuck out because it's 24 degrees and windy. LOL. No snow, though.

4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? Vegging at home; quiet

Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most? I don't know? Babies are cute? (I never had baby fever so I'm really not sure what I'm doing here LOL)

Fingers crossed everything goes ok with telling work. Do you know how much time you want to take off?

[smock]

kermit, I was really struggling with calorie intake at that point, too. I decided it was more important to just get some fuel in my body than make sure it was healthy, so I ate a fair number of pop tarts.

[SJ]

1. How far along are you this week?  14w2d
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? Not really! Just moving along.
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? Horrible. -15 degrees right now. My office is closed because my boss didn't want anyone to commute.
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most? I think I will miss the spontaneity of our social lives right now. We see friends at least 3-4 times per week and travel/drink/eat out heavily.  I am looking forward to so many things! Watching my husband become a father, traveling with the baby, introducing him/her to family/friends, building family traditions, collecting books/toys….

[kermit]

Jan 6, 2014 11:08:41 GMT -5 smock said:

kermit, I was really struggling with calorie intake at that point, too. I decided it was more important to just get some fuel in my body than make sure it was healthy, so I ate a fair number of pop tarts.

I don't mind healthy food, it's what I'm used to and prefer, but it fills me up way faster than junk. It's not like I'm losing massive amounts of weight so I'm not really worried, but I know I need to keep an eye on it. It's not like Baked Lay's are really fuel - they're more like air. Yummy salty air.

[rbp]

Jan 6, 2014 10:49:07 GMT -5 smock said:

Jan 6, 2014 10:12:50 GMT -5 rbp said:

I am getting really nervous about telling work that I am pregnant. I don't know of a tenure-track woman who has given birth recently, so I just don't know how they're going to react and I'm bracing for the worst. 

I really lucked out in my department; one of my colleagues is pregnant and due 4 months before me, so I knew the department treated her really well before I announced. Plus my chair is a woman with two middle school/elementary aged kids, and my mentor has an elementary aged kid. We still don't have many women in the department, but a fair number of the women we do have are parents.

It really stinks that you have to brace for the worst, and here's hoping things go smoothly! It might help to contact HR and go into your meeting with your chair knowing the standard operating procedure for faculty members. I'm guessing you'll be able to get a teaching release for next fall? 

Thanks, smock. I have no particular reason to think that it will go badly, except that I am the first TT woman to be pregnant in quite some time. A lot of the senior faculty have kids, but they're in their teens and 20s. 

I spoke to HR before getting pregnant while I was trying to figure out my benefits elections for 2014. Our faculty handbook is extremely vague on the subject of maternity leave; it comes down to the fact that each leave is negotiated on a case-by-case basis with the department. I'm not sure whether this will be good or bad for me.

I would love to take the whole semester off, and that seems to make the most sense. (Twelve weeks would put me in late October, and why would I take over the adjunct's classes with six weeks to go?) I guess I'm less concerned about getting time off (I can take 12 weeks unpaid if it comes to that) and more concerned about the effect on my career. 

[narockshard]

1. How far along are you this week? 16 weeks tomorrow
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? I went snowboarding yesterday probably for the only time this season and it felt great. We don't have mountains here, just several big ski hills, plus I'm experienced at it and took it easy, so no worries 
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? Snow, temps in the single digits, and wind chills around -20 to -30. I called into work today because my hubs got to work from home so he wouldn't be able to drive me and there was no way I was going out on the roads.
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most? Probably my sleep and doing whatever I want whenever I want. Also my clean house--it makes me nervous thinking about a little kid getting into everything and making messes...

I'm most looking forward to seeing what the baby looks like, having my very own baby to snuggle, and hopefully raising a great little human, passing down our morals and values and such. 

[D2M]

1. How far along are you this week? 18 weeks, 4 days

2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week?  Anatomy scan last week!  Everything looked great.  The imaging center my doctor's office partners with requires two scans, one at 16-18 weeks and one at 20-22 weeks.  I asked for just one, so my doctor suggested I go on the later end of the 16-18 week window.  Well, I have to go back for another scan, anyway, because the doctor wasn't able to get a clear image of one part of the baby's heart and apparently you can't really see that part until 20-22 weeks, anyway.  The doctor told me not to worry and, on the plus side, I'll have a chance to see the baby squirming around one more time. 

3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now?  Mild and rainy today.  It will be fa-reezing tomorrow.

4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby?  Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most?  I'll miss being able to make last-minute plans after work and spontaneous date nights with H.  I'm looking forward to being a little family of three and seeing my nephews and this little guy/gal interact. 

[MrsDarcy]

1. How far along are you this week? 10w3d
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? None really
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? Cold, but not as cold as other parts of the country. Highs in the 20s-40s, low tonight of 9.
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most? This is my second. I really miss being pregnant. I was fortunate to have a great pregnancy last time. I'm looking forward to movement and a big bump!!

[kermit]

Jan 6, 2014 11:39:36 GMT -5 jjwritergirl said:

kermit I'm having the same issue with food. My eyes are bigger than my stomach and I just can't get much in. I will admit to eating some bad calories just to get them in, because I worry about not having enough. I have definitely eaten way too many cookies. I don't know which is worse.

I always remember the saying that the baby will take what she needs before I get anything. I was pretty surprised that I finished my entire beef and bean burrito last night. Maybe it's getting better.

[sunshine608]

Jan 6, 2014 9:17:00 GMT -5 Yankees21 said:

1. How far along are you this week? 21 Weeks
2. Any pregnancy related AWs, vents, or randoms you want to share this week? I felt my first external kick! So excited to "feel" him
3. Popular topic on the boards this week- what is the weather like where you are right now? Cold. I'm in Atlanta and I heard on the radio this morning its colder here than in Alaska. Supposed to be 8 degrees tomorow morning. We just aren't equipped for this weather.
4. For FTM, what thing do you think you'll miss most after baby? For STM+, what was the thing you missed most? Then on the opposite side, what are you looking forward to most? I'm a FTM and I'll probably miss sleep, the ability to run a quick errand and I know our disposable income will really decrease once we have the baby.I'm just looking forward to holding him in my arms and watching him grow and develop into a little person and then a bigger person.
 

[smock]

Jan 6, 2014 11:24:45 GMT -5 rbp said:

Jan 6, 2014 10:49:07 GMT -5 smock said:

I really lucked out in my department; one of my colleagues is pregnant and due 4 months before me, so I knew the department treated her really well before I announced. Plus my chair is a woman with two middle school/elementary aged kids, and my mentor has an elementary aged kid. We still don't have many women in the department, but a fair number of the women we do have are parents.

It really stinks that you have to brace for the worst, and here's hoping things go smoothly! It might help to contact HR and go into your meeting with your chair knowing the standard operating procedure for faculty members. I'm guessing you'll be able to get a teaching release for next fall? 

Thanks, smock. I have no particular reason to think that it will go badly, except that I am the first TT woman to be pregnant in quite some time. A lot of the senior faculty have kids, but they're in their teens and 20s. 

I spoke to HR before getting pregnant while I was trying to figure out my benefits elections for 2014. Our faculty handbook is extremely vague on the subject of maternity leave; it comes down to the fact that each leave is negotiated on a case-by-case basis with the department. I'm not sure whether this will be good or bad for me.

I would love to take the whole semester off, and that seems to make the most sense. (Twelve weeks would put me in late October, and why would I take over the adjunct's classes with six weeks to go?) I guess I'm less concerned about getting time off (I can take 12 weeks unpaid if it comes to that) and more concerned about the effect on my career. 

Our faculty handbook is also super vague, because the university policy is 6 weeks paid for faculty and staff, but that makes no sense if you're due in the middle of a semester, and most of our classes cannot be taught by other faculty members or adjuncts. So we have the same case-by-case system, which also worried me a bit.

Turns out that even though I'll be 12 weeks postpartum when the semester starts, my chair is getting me a course release for fall so I only have to teach one class that semester. Also, I sort of thought having a baby in late May/early June would be perfect for the semester system, until I realized that I'm essentially screwing myself out of research time whereas a Feb/Mar or Sept/Oct due date would mean a semester completely off from teaching! 

And I totally understand on the career impact. Does your school have a policy on pausing the tenure clock? We can take an extra year to tenure to account for babies. It's not like you'll be able to do research or publish very easily with a newborn. I do wonder if it's easier to take time off in the humanities versus the sciences, since I can do almost all of my work from home whereas I'm guessing your work involves being in a lab.