@VC- [name_m]Phineas[/name_m] was my top choice for a boy. l have loved it for what feels like forever.
@Lirio- [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] was high our list as well. [name_m]Pip[/name_m] is such an adorable nickname.
Since we’re having a girl I’m fairly certain that we’re set on [name_f]Marguerite[/name_f] ([name_f]Margot[/name_f]) [name_f]Rosamund[/name_f] [name_f]Alice[/name_f], though the use of a second middle is still being discussed. Our runner up was [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f], but I think we’re both feeling really confident that our girl is [name_f]Marguerite[/name_f]. I fully expected to spend my pregnancy agonizing over this decision, and using nameberry polls to finalize combinations, but as it turns out we’ve had a lot of time to dream and discuss already.
@dotdraper Wow, what a stunning combo! [name_u]Love[/name_u] it, and I’m right there with you on the agonising Let’s hope this baby is another boy, haha!
Ok, I didn’t go back far enough on the name discussion and I feel like I’ve missed so much!
@[name_f]Thomasina[/name_f]- I’d have a hard time choosing from your list too! So many beautiful options! [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] is my hard-to-leave-behind runner up, but [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] has been a close contender for years. [name_f]Philippa[/name_f] and [name_f]Eva[/name_f] are on my short list, too. And I love the sweetness of [name_f]Mary[/name_f]. Honestly, I’m no help to you because I love them all!
@Mill- I love both combinations. [name_f]Tibby[/name_f] and [name_u]Teddy[/name_u] are both so cute as well. And, FWIW, all of the unscientific old wives tales predictions (including [name_m]Ramzi[/name_m]) pointed to girl for us, though I’m partially convinced I’ve unscientifically wished her into being.
I’m still working through everyone’s name talk-- how did I duck out right as the conversation picked up???
@farewell, angelina: Oh moving to Prague would be wonderful. We just spent some time visiting this summer and it’s beautful. I grew up in Germany and live in the US and find healthcare prices and birthcomplications rates a concern as well. Last pregnancy my family told me to just move home for a few months before to deliver.
My mom is currently visiting (and knows I’m about 7 weeks) she asked me how I was doing and how I slept last night. When I told her I was just physically exhausted “Why? We didn’t really do anything yesterday.” “Nope, just growing a tiny human over here!”
@northernlights, aww, don’t worry. Your daughter will be okay! It is really hard to be a caregiver when you’re sick in early pregnancy but it will pass, plus she will eventually get a sibling out of the deal—one of the best things in life, in my humble opinion! [name_m]Don[/name_m]’t be hard on yourself.
@lexiem I’m also a European transplant to the US finding the healthcare/insurance system overwhelming! Where did you decide to have your daughter in the end? Any pros/cons either way? We’re weighing up whether to have the baby here or at home, and it’s such a tough decision.
On the one hand, having the baby here would cost around 3000 dollars in my estimation (assuming no complications, which is a big assumption). That seems absurd when we could have it at home for free. Plus we have a great family support network at home.
On the other hand, if I went home to have the baby we’d have a visa problem (baby would have to have its own visa if not born in the US, and I don’t know how long that would take). Also, my OH would have to stay here for work and would miss the third trimester and potentially the birth if the baby doesn’t come on time.
Aargh decisions decisions!
@farewell, angelina - sounds like you are having similar discussions/dilemma! When will your husband find out whether he got the job he applied to in Prague?
@al.vy - congrats on being approved for your apartment! I’m loving [name_u]Jericho[/name_u] and Issachar from your boys list, and [name_f]Elisheba[/name_f] and [name_f]Zipporah[/name_f] from your girls list. I think they all go great together and with [name_m]Malachi[/name_m].
@dotdraper - I love [name_f]Margot[/name_f], it was high on our list for a while until a friend used it. I also adore [name_f]Rosamund[/name_f] but it’s been vetoed (to be fair that’s because we have two very close friends called variations of [name_f]Ros[/name_f]- names).
@lirio: I’m first generation [name_m]German[/name_m]-American. So our LO has dual citizenship as well. Yay loop-holes. Might cost $3K to have a baby here but flying home for us would probably wouldn’t cost much less once you calculate flights and time off work etc. Its a headache. My first was born at a [name_m]John[/name_m] Hopkins affiliated Hospital in [name_m]Washington[/name_m], DC. I had the most amazing OBGYN – I might have cried when we moved because his office is now 1.5-2hrs away and it’s not a feasible option for baby #2.
[name_u]Baby[/name_u] #2 will be born in the US as well. I’m just still trying to find a OBGYN that I like. I probably won’t love anyone as much but I’d at least like to feel like I don’t have to pressure them to get things done.
Finally had my ultrasound yesterday and got to hear the heartbeat! I’m still surprised but everything is fine!!! Strong heartbeat, baby was moving, and we are actually measuring a week ahead (11wks 5days). Still same due date though (2/22).
Got a prescription for something to hopefully help with the nausea.
Really had a great first impression of my new OB and her nurse! So I’m excited about that.
It all feels a lot more real all of a sudden. Crazy. Very excited now.
lirio: Thank you! We seem to agree the most on Hebrew & Biblical names, all of which seem to go effortlessly together (and with [name_m]Malachi[/name_m], since it’s also a biblical name). As it stands, [name_f]Elisheba[/name_f], [name_f]Zipporah[/name_f], [name_u]Jericho[/name_u], and Issachar are our top four at the moment, though Euodia and [name_m]Reuben[/name_m] have come up in conversation recently and haven’t been vetoed.
I’m going to a family reunion this weekend and I’m so beyond nervous. This particular side of the family tends to have very prejudiced (borderline racist) commentary and thought processes, so I’ve been keeping my pregnancy from them since my partner is multiracial. It’s a lot of stress just imagining all the nasty things they might say; but, I feel obligated to go since my grandfather isn’t doing well lately and he hasn’t seen me in a few years.
Here I was just saying how nothing could take my giddiness away!
Ugh @al.vy good luck with that. Sounds awful, your poor partner too. [name_f]Hope[/name_f] it goes OK.
@vc2013 Congratulations! Great news on all fronts. You’ve overtaken me then — I’m 11+2 today. Why have they not moved your official due date forward, I wonder? My understanding was that the scan around 12w is the most accurate due date predictor (it’s certainly proved so for me!)
[name_m]How[/name_m] is everyone else feeling? I think the nausea might be starting to ebb a little over here — this would be uncharacteristically early for me but fingers crossed!!
@al.vy- I’m sorry. That stinks. I’d say set a firm boundary and leave if anyone crosses it, but I know that’s easier said than done when dealing with family. I hope your family gets caught up in the excitement of your pregnancy (and bite their racist tongues.)
@VC- congrats on the scan and cheers for the anti nausea medication. I’ve heard really good things about the prescription stuff, I hope it works for you!
You mention liking your OB and nurse (awesome!)… what if I’m not crazy about my practice? I’m not sure I dislike them, but I felt rushed in my appointments and like they were running through scripts of what to say even though I had other questions that were more important for me. Has anyone changed practices or considered a change? I know it’s possible, but I’m not sure what to ask. Ideas on where to start?
I’m totally confused on the due date calculation now. She said it would usually be 2/15 but going from the US, it’s 2/22. I said, I calculated 10wk 4d and I got 2/22. I’ll need to ask again next time cause I didn’t really get how the whole thing was calculated now…
Oh you’re giving me hope with your nausea ebbing!!! Crossing my fingers for you that it stays away and happy to hear you’re feeling better!
@dotdraper I think it’s very important to feel a connection with your practitioners. They’re the ones who are going to be at your birth. If you feel rushed and like they’re reading a script to you, those are signs for me personally to look for someone else (if it’s not just a one-time occurrence). I’d look for a new OB based on what’s important to you, read reviews, or ask people in your community whether they have recommendations.
My last OB was always in a hurry, the pregnancy ended in miscarriage but I was thinking every time I went that I need to find someone else. She also didn’t seem to really get what I needed in terms of care, which was another red flag. (She did handle the MC well though.) That’s why I’m ecstatic right now over my new one, I felt an emotional presence from them, they really seemed to listen, they knew what I was talking about… I felt great walking out and feel like I can trust them with my care and birth!
@vc2013: I had the same problem calcuating the due date with my first. Was so confused I just decided that since due dates are an estimate anyway I was going to just go with “beginning of may”. It took the pressure off cause nobody knew the actual due date except DH - so I wasn’t getting a ton of calls the days leading up with people asking useless things like “are you in labor yet?” “congrats on the baby” etc… lol. In the end she was induced anyway…
[name_u]Baby[/name_u] A is a… GIRL!
[name_u]Baby[/name_u] B is a… BOY!
I’m ecstatic right now! They were not cooperating whatsoever at first, but it’s almost as if they sensed our frustration and decided to let us get a look haha. Can’t wait to talk about names more now that we have a better idea of what we’re expecting.
@al.vy – WOW so exciting! I hope choosing names will be a fun experience for you guys. It was a struggle in our household the first time around since DH and I can’t agree on names AT ALL. (Though if we hav ea boy this time around I think the name is 80% set).
I’ve managed to loose about 5lbs in 2.5days. Which is leaving me more nausiated than I already was and super weak. Like I walk up the stairs and need to lie down cause i’m shaking. I clearly can’t parent my 2yr old like this. DH has really stepped up and called into work sick the last two days but is also getting frustrated and worried. He obviously can’t keep calling in sick till I hit 12 weeks. I’m not throwing up - just lighty nausiated all day and really have no desire to eat/ gag at the thought of most food. Definately didn’t have this during my first pregnancy. Anyone gone through this an have any food suggestions that aren’t “Crackers”?
Thank you all for your kind words last week – I’m feeling a bit better now and it’s so good to know I’m not the only one feeling this way!
On the due date discussion: I will never make the mistake of telling anyone my actual “due date” again! [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] was 2 weeks late and they were the longest two weeks of my life – on top of being very nervous about being overdue, I had people contacting me multiple times a day asking if she was here yet, putting pressure on me to get her out, and giving me awkward advice about how to do so as if I hadn’t already googled “how to get this dang baby out” a month before. I ended up shutting down my Facebook and turning off my phone for a few days. Then some relatives showed up at the hospital because they knew we were being induced and we hadn’t been in touch. -_- That’s why all anyone is getting this time around is a vague “[name_f]April[/name_f].” Hopefully he/she comes in [name_u]March[/name_u] and we avoid all that nonsense this time around.
@al.vy: So excited for you! One of each is so perfect!
@lexiem: Right. there. with you. My nausea isn’t as bad this time around – not yet, anyway. But I am still struggling to parent and on top of the nausea I’m feeling extremely guilty. Have you tried Sea Bands? I didn’t use them last time but got them earlier this week and found they are taking the edge off (people do know what they are though – I was hoping they didn’t and now half my coworkers know I’m pregnant! So if you get them make sure you cover them up with something). Last time around as well I was eating literally anything that I could stomach, even if it wasn’t healthy – that meant these chocolate breakfast biscuits last time. And then I did this rice/bean mixture for dinner. This time it’s CocoPops. Watermelon tends to sit well too for me. Crackers and toast just make me gag. I’ve also been finding this time around that I need to try to vomit – bit TMI and gross but it’s helping me feel better. I just spent the entire weekend feeling nauseous and disgusting, forced myself to get something up and now I feel a lot better and could eat.
Feeling a bit better than I was last week when everything hit me. I’m still feeling nauseous in the morning and evening, but I’m having a few golden hours 2-5ish and was luckily out of work at 3 all last week so was able to take [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] to the park each day for a play. She has been such a good girl letting DH put her to sleep without a fuss. She’s an anxious kid though so each time she’s seen me vomit she’s started crying/becomes very scared. I’m nervous about telling her so early still but I think she’s going to need an explanation soon. She also said to me the other day, “Mummy, why I think there’s a baby in your belly?” So… I think on some level she already knows!!
Still waiting around for my 12 week scan – haven’t received the paperwork for it yet. I have heard back from both the places my GP referred me to, I’m definitely in to my second choice which is nice but my fingers are crossed for the birth centre where I had my daughter. I think I’m almost guaranteed a spot since I’ve been before but I’m not sure I’m in the catchment area for it since we moved. It’s now a bit far away which makes me nervous if I actually go into labor spontaneously but definitely worth it if I do get in!
[name_f]Hope[/name_f] everyone else is doing well. Good to see the nausea is easing for some of you. It gives me hope!
@vc2013 The due date thing is weird because I’m a few days behind you and have been given an [name_m]EDD[/name_m] of 19th Feb. But I suppose it’s better to get a nice slightly early surprise rather than go weeks over (as I’m sure @northernlights will attest to!)
@lexiem Slightly underripe bananas have been good for settling my stomach (weirdly specific I know!) Also plain natural/Greek yoghurt. Not too strong, not too sweet, not too dry, and they don’t leave a bad taste. It’s the dryness that makes crackers a no-go for me, I already have a dry mouth constantly!
@al.vy Awesome news, congratulations! I love the names in your sig
ETA: No real news over here but my “proper” dating scan is next Friday so I’m looking forward to that. We were accidentally a couple of weeks early last time. Only downer is that I don’t think my husband will be able to come this time, since it’s at an awkward time in the middle of the day we’ve got no one to watch the kids Still, I’m excited to get another peek at baby and a final due date.
@al.vy- Yay! Congrats! I also think the names in your signature are lovely for your sweet b/g twins! Not only did finding out the baby’s sex kick off the in earnest name discussions in our house, it led to a lot of shopping for adorable baby things. And with b/g twins you get to have twice the fun!
@lexiem- I’m seconding [name_f]Katinka[/name_f]'s recommendations for both bananas and greek yogurt. I think I’ve had some combination of a banana, a greek yogurt, and a bowl if honey nut cheerios every morning since six weeks. I’ve also eaten a lot of string cheese. [name_m]Even[/name_m] in my second trimester, I tore into a new package like a wild animal yesterday when my stomach got funky. And, when I’m up for more flavor, I’ve eaten a ton of stone fruit. Cherries, peaches, nectarines, pluots… these have all still tasted good when everything else was grossing me out.
@lexie.m - sorry to hear you’re feeling so rough. I feel your pain. I agree with what several others have said - underripe bananas have been a godsend for me, and like dot.draper I’ve found stone fruits go down when pretty much nothing else will. I also recommend sucking on some orange slices - it’s a good way to get some fluid and sugar in you and I find the taste refreshing rather than gag-inducing. Other things I’ve been able to eat at different times (it varies day to day annoyingly) include dried fruit, half a plain jacket potato with a little bit of grated cheese, a small bowl of pasta with a bit of grated cheese, ice lollies (popsicles in [name_u]America[/name_u] I think?), cornflakes, fries, and a small glass of milk sometimes helps to settle my stomach. I would also second the recommendation to try and make yourself throw up - constant nausea is so draining and throwing up can actually release the pressure for a while, enabling you to eat a bit and get stuff done. It’s gross but better than that awful relentless sick feeling 24/7. But the biggest advice is simply to force yourself to eat - even if you feel nauseous, even if the thought makes you gag, even if it’s actively unpleasant. [name_f]Every[/name_f] time I let myself get into that weak, dizzy state from not eating, it improves within about quarter of an hour once I make myself eat something. Hunger will only make your nausea worse. Sending hugs and hoping you find some relief soon!
I’m 13 weeks tomorrow and very excited to be starting the second trimester. I’m still feeling nauseous a lot of the time but the vomiting is getting less frequent, and I’ve been able to eat more variety of foods after being restricted to the ones listed above for the last 7 weeks! I know several people who said they felt better around 14 weeks, so I’m hopeful for improvement in the next week or two.
We’ve now told all our family and most of our friends, which is making everything suddenly feel more real. Still undecided about where to give birth, but I think we have time still to decide.
Thanks for the suggestions on food for everyone. After losing 6 lbs (US) in about 4 days (~2.5kg) I started for force myself to eat a lot more. I found that if I eat at least something every 2-3 hours - also during the night that I do much better. I have better energy and the nausea is less. I haven’t thrown up yet - and don’t really expect to but I’m a bit done with feeling dizzy as soon as I reach the top of our stairs.
Had my first sonogram today at 7weeks 4 days and saw but couldn’t hear a heartbeat. Make the whole thing feel more secure and hopefully this week I’ll find some time to find a new OBGYN. I’m really fed up with the front office of my current one who scheduled two patients for a sonogram at 9am and I had to wait till 9:35am to be taken in. I’m not begruding the other patient for having them take their time with her but rather the fact that they didn’t stager our appointments or didn’t bother to offer an appology for double scheduling or whatever. I shouldn’t have to wait for almost an hour in the waiting room for every appointment I get to on time. And, have to schedule each appointment at least 3 weeks in advance. <sigh>
Let’s hope this baby is another boy, haha!
Still, I’m excited to get another peek at baby and a final due date.