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(Oh, and there are two or three other brands of shower cap-style covers on Target's site, that you might want to look at. As long as it only goes around the seat, not in it, you're good. Click on "bunting bags" on the "similar items" index and you'll get a whole bunch to wade through, but there are definitely 2 or 3 other brands that are safe that they carry. )
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: Most companies now allow multiple positions, including most of them allowing straight up (including Graco.
My Graco (made last fall) specifically said not to leave it in the straight up position (but to leave it in either of 2 lowest positions). The fireman who helped check the install said that, in a crash, the handles tend to collapse inward (towards the baby) when they're left above. It wasn't that big a deal to move the handle out of the way when putting it in and out of the car.
Posts: 5879 | Registered: Apr 2001
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Our Graco Safeseat said to leave it in the straight up position. At the time we bought it (2 years ago) the salesperson said it was the only seat (including the other Gracos) that the bar was supposed to be up.
I'm not a big fan of the infant carriers, but in winter it is really nice to be able to strap the baby into the seat in the nice warm house, cover him up with his fleece cover and/or blankets, carry him out to the car and pop it into the base. If we had an attached garage, it wouldn't matter, but since we don't I'm hoping Charles doesn't get too heavy for the infant carrier until spring. Once it's not gettng down into the single digits we'll switch him to a convertible seat whether he's outgrown the carrier or not.
Posts: 9866 | Registered: Apr 2002
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The Graco Safeseat, since it was made, has always allowed either the all the way up or the all the way down position (but not the over the baby's head ones.)
Quite frankly, salespeople don't always know everything about what they're selling (there were other seats that allowed the handle up 2 years ago, including the Graco SnugRide.)
ludosti, what kind of seat did you have? Because I KNOW that the all the way up position is allowed on every U.S. Graco seat made for the past four or five years.
Also, I would encourage everyone to make sure that the firefighter installing their seat is a certified technician before letting them install or give advice. Not every firehouse has a tech and in some areas they will install seats without a tech present, which does not always lead to best practice or current information being dispensed. They mean well but don't always do as well as they could. And, everyone should read their instructions. Always. The instructions trump anything you are told by a tech, firefighter, nurse in the hospital, or anyone else, unless the company has specifically clarified something after printing the manual or given you permission to do something not in the manual.
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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Kq - We had (well, still have it, but don't use it anymore) one of the SnugRide ones. It says in the manual that when used in the car, the handle should be at one of the 2 positions farthest back. It occurs to me that perhaps we're interpreting "all the way up" differently. In my mind "all the way up" is with the handle up in carrying position ("all the way up" being roughly perpendicular to the seat), but perhaps you're thinking of "all the way up" as highest up the carseat.
It's really frustrating to me that it is difficult to find a certified technician. The websites that list certified technicians is woefully out of date and, like kq said, not every firehouse has a certified tech. We ended up going to the carseat installation clinic that our hospital promoted (which was staffed by firefighters), since I couldn't find a tech in our city. I didn't think to ask if the ones there that day were certified (since his installation jived with my understanding of the manual). I took his anecdotal evidence (about the handles collapsing inward) as just that - an anecdote.
Posts: 5879 | Registered: Apr 2001
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ludosti, that's very odd. I have a SnugRide made the same time and it specifically allows the handle to be in either of the two all the way back positions OR all the way up. Graco has also clarified that SnugRide handles after a certain date can be up.
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My manual said the same thing ludosti's did. (Snugride bought at Target 12/07.)
Doesn't matter anyway--it was no big deal to put it down. And he's in a convertible now, anyway.
I'm getting Nathaniel a carseat poncho for Christmas. Thanks for the recommendation, kq! I hate all of the coat on/ coat off/ coat on maneuvers, especially in the morning. (Obviously the poncho is actually for me! )
Posts: 834 | Registered: Jun 2005
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I need carriers with twins, especially if I'm alone with all 3 kids (which will be 5 days a week). One of the only benefits of having small babies is that they don't outgrow things as quickly. Aerin was in her Bumbo seat until well over a year, for example, and it was so helpful. I think I'm going to get the twins Radians when they finally do outgrow the carriers. We have what we call Britax thrones (Decathtalon and Diplomat) for Aerin and they're just so wide. She hated the car for such a long time that I wanted to get her the most comfortable (and safest, of course) car seat available and the Britaxes look like easy chairs. I'm hoping that the twins aren't weirdos like their sister and like the car enough that we can get normal-sized seats.
I'm at 33 weeks today. I had my weekly NST (non stress test) and the babies are great and I'm not having contractions. I had a precautionary course of bethmethasone last week and it was pretty yukky. Aside from the searing pain and lasting ache, I had a little bit of a reaction. The babies slowed way down in their movements and I had a couple of other warning signs, so my OB checked me and sent me right to the perinatologist. The babies were fine and they were back to their fiesty selves the next day.
Today is Aerin's due date and the day we brought her home from the PICU. It's always an emotional day for me, but it's even more bittersweet this year. I'm thrilled that the twins are making it this far, but the farther they go, the sadder I feel for Aerin. I wish we could have known during her pregnancy what we know now.
Posts: 3037 | Registered: Jan 2002
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I've been thinking about you and the twins and wondering how things have been going. I'm so glad to hear that things are still going well!! I'm sorry that Aerin didn't make it this far, but she is a wonderful little girl who has done really well. Thinking of her in her bumbo made me smile - Beanie still fits in her bumbo and turns 1 next week.
Posts: 5879 | Registered: Apr 2001
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First ultrasound today. Everything looks good, development matches the estimated due date, and baby was very cooperative in positioning, so we now know that it's a boy .
ludosti, have you used the Bumbo tray? They didn't have them for Aerin, but I'm sure going to get them for the twins. It would have been so useful, too.
I got some very exciting news at the OB today. Since I'll be 34 weeks on Monday, I'll be upgraded (downgraded?) from bedrest to restricted activity! That means I can go up and down the stairs more than once per day and I can go out every other day or so. I am so happy. This is especially welcome since Aerin is on winter break starting Monday - I can take her to the gym and spend more non-couch time with her before the babies arrive. I can even go to shul, which Aerin and I have especially been missing.
I get my stitch out on Jan. 5th, which is Aerin's first day back at school. Andrew's birthday is the 9th. My C-Section is being scheduled (scheduled!?!) for the 12th, which is the first day of the VCU spring semester. Everything seems to happen all at once in our family.
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Wow, Mrs. M, that's awesome! We always seem to have so much going on when a baby is coming, too, I think it's universal. Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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I'm so glad to hear that things are continuing to go well for you and the twins!! We've been using the bumbo and tray at grandma's house - it's great for putting toys on (or, in Beanie's case, pushing them off).
Posts: 5879 | Registered: Apr 2001
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Big news, literally. The babies are huge! Baby A is 5 pounds, 9 ounces! Baby B is 5 pounds, 2 ounces! I don't know how this happened, because I've lost 5 pounds since the babies were measured last. My NST was great and the babies are perfect. I asked Dr. Chistmas how this happened and he explained that we think of twins as small because they are more likely to be growth restricted, but they aren't always. Obviously mine aren't. I'm in shock. I was hoping they'd be around 5 pounds when they're born. Dr. Christmas says they should gain about 1.5 more pounds each in the next 3 weeks. I actually said to him, "But I'm so small." He laughed at me and pointed to Andrew and said, "Yeah, but he's not." He assured me that I'll stretch as much as I need to. I can't believe I have almost 11 pounds of babies inside me.
I'm scheduled for 12:30 on January 12th.
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Woo-hoo! You're gonna have nice big babies! And so soon! Are you in shock frantically trying to get stuff ready?
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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I was going to say something about ultrasound measurments of weight being usually inaccurate, but I bet a perinatologist is better at it than the average doctor. I don't think I've ever met anyone whose estimate of how big the baby supposedly was going to be at birth was accurate to within a pound.
Posts: 9866 | Registered: Apr 2002
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Nathaniel was estimated at 5 lb. 1 oz. on 12/3 and was born at 5 lb. 0 oz. on 12/7. The estimate was by the sonogram tech at the maternal fetal specialist.
Since he was born, I've heard lots of stories of estimates being wayyyyyy off, though...maybe, as you said, experience is the difference?
Posts: 834 | Registered: Jun 2005
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quote:Originally posted by dkw: I was going to say something about ultrasound measurments of weight being usually inaccurate, but I bet a perinatologist is better at it than the average doctor. I don't think I've ever met anyone whose estimate of how big the baby supposedly was going to be at birth was accurate to within a pound.
My OB was amazingly on target with the first two -- and waaaay off with the third. In her defense, the estimate on the third was based on measurements taken when the baby was already largely obscured by the pelvis, and was not the purpose of the ultrasound at all.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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The babies are definitely getting bigger - my skin is stretched so much that I'm getting little tears that are bleeding. My stretch marks are a horrible dark purple. None of my maternity clothes fit. They're still managing to move around constantly, though. I don't understand how they have the room. The next 2 weeks can't go by fast enough for me.
BTW, what did y'all bring to the hospital that you ended up not needing and what do you wish you'd brought that you didn't? I have a list, but it'll be nice to compare, just in case.
Posts: 3037 | Registered: Jan 2002
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I never got around to watching the movies I brought for AFTER labor (I did watch some during labor, but afterward I either had the tv on and zoned in front of the Discovery channel, or didn't have it on at all.) I never brought books after the first time. No concentration. I did like having music, even after delivery, so mp3 player or cd player might be a good idea. I wanted to have the laptop (lol, I'm an addict) but it was out for repairs just then. Camera a definite must. Also nursing nightgown (or some prefer pj pants-- maternity-- and a top, but after a c-section I'd definitely prefer a nightgown) because I'm much comfier in my own clothes after the first day, sleep nursing bras, bathrobe (it always seems the hospital is either icy or broiling), flip flops (if you plan to shower) and comfy slippers for walking around the room and to the nursery for supplies and whatever. Also fuzzy socks, I cannot go to the hospital without my fuzzy socks. I prefer striped.
I loved having my sling this time, but with twins and a section, probably not so much. Also, our hospital does not supply pacifiers. If yours does, you don't need those, but since mine doesn't I bring my own. With twins I would even-more-so want them, because two of my 3 babies have had VERY strong sucking needs and the first few days especially, my nipples needed a break. Last time I brought the RazBaby Keep-It-Kleen paci and it was a real lifesaver because when I'm tired I drop stuff a lot.
And, I prefer to go home in my own panties and pads, the hospital ones wiggle too much. I wear them in the hospital, but bring my own favorite pads and a pair of large panties for going home. I usually go home in a nursing top and a pair of maternity jeans or pants.
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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I will definitely bring books this time. Last time, I didn't bring any, thinking that I would pass the time by crocheting. I didn't realize that the IV would be in my hand, or that it would stay in well after the birth. I still managed to crochet some, but it was pretty uncomfortable.
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Both times we were released early, so I never used the books or DVDs I brought along. I was very glad to have my own clothes, though -- I changed into yoga pants and an oversized T-shirt almost right away. And both times I brought a pack of cheap cotton undies so I didn't have to wear the hideous mesh disposable ones the hospital provides.
We never did use the massage implements or most of the labor aides we brought along, even though I did natural childbirth both times. The first time I had hideous back labor and just wanted Bob's first planted as hard as he could push in the small of my back. The second time it was so fast and so intense (1.5 to 10 cm in an hour) that I didn't want anyone to touch me at all. Bob tried to rub my shoulders a couple times, but I kept saying "please don't touch me."
I snuck apple juice boxes in the second time (against hospital policy) and was so glad I did. The nurse caught me drinking one, but she didn't say anything. And later she actually asked if I needed a sip of juice. Posts: 9866 | Registered: Apr 2002
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Oh, we brought snacks and drinks "for KPC" but I ended up having some too. They looked the other way because they knew I was gonna do it anyway. Best not to do that before a c-section, though.
But one thing we have done the last two times that was inspired was to have sippy cups, juice, and snacks, along with books and quiet toys (such as puzzles) for the older one(s) to use when they visited. My mom suggested it and it was a very good idea.
I want to leave early next time. I think I will ask to leave after one night. I am developing allergies to so many things the hospital was even more miserable last time (I am apparently now allergic to the hospital's pillows. Boy was I glad I had brought mine. Oh! There's another one!)
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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Some things on my list (not already included in this forum):
-extension cord -cell phone charger -Baby K'tan (the only sling that carries twins - up to 10 lbs. each) -My Brest Friend -Halo swaddlers for the babies -Hooter Hider (I want to get used to using it while I have a lactation nurse to help me)
Posts: 3037 | Registered: Jan 2002
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The best thing we had was a pizza, brought in by my brother about 3 hours after delivery. By then I hadn't eaten for about 24 hours (wasn't hungry when I was in natural labour, then after the epidural got put in and I *was* hungry, I wasn't allowed to eat...), and the hospital food was gross. Fresh pizza on the other hand... (even the midwife had some!).
Powerade/Gatorade was fantastic, but I'm not sure what you'll be allowed with c-section. Though I did drink it the next day too, and really found it useful.
Changes of clothes and underwear - I went through so many pairs! I think I brought 5 spares, and used them all. And a nice comfy dressing gown.
We didn't have a tv, so no DVDs, and I wasn't up to reading books (we were only in for 24 hours after the birth anyway) but I did send Tony to the hospital newsagent for some trashy magazine - which were just what I felt like reading.
Oh - Lip Balm! My lips were so dry and cracked.
Posts: 4393 | Registered: Aug 2003
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I just remembered besides the pillows I brought my comfy afghan that I love. I didn't mind their blankets on the bed but I liked to have something really snuggly for when I was sitting in a chair.
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And if you bring your own pillows put a bright or patterned pillowcase on them so that it will be obvious which ones you brought in and you're less likely to overlook them when you're leaving.
Posts: 9866 | Registered: Apr 2002
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A is 6 lbs, 15 ounces and B is 6 lbs, 4 ounces. Heartbeats are great and they're moving like champs. A is breech and B is transverse, so they're in a kind of upside L shape. That should be fun for Dr. Davis. I'm not having any contractions at all, which is unbelievable. I didn't even get above double digits during my NST today.
They'll be here at this time next week. I can't wait to see them, but I am also really can't wait to not be pregnant anymore. Everytime I see one of my doctors, I have this urge to scream, "Get them out now!" I heroically restrain myself, though.
We got the crib mattress, which was the last essential we needed. We do need to get a diaper champ for upstairs, but we could make do in a pinch. It's funny - they don't have Diaper Champs in any of the Targets or Wal-Marts in Richmond, but they all have plenty of Diaper Genies. Andrew found one at Toys R Us, but didn't buy it for some reason.
I also made a fantastic discovery. Regular underwear that is 4 sizes bigger than I usually wear is much more comfortable (not to mention cheaper and prettier) than maternity underwear. The maternity panties do fit my stomach, but they're baggy everywhere else, which is a new level of discomfort that I was not familiar with. I got a couple of pairs of the regular panties at Target on a whim and I went back the very next day after trying them on at home and got 12 more pairs (I always like to have a 2-week supply). I'm getting pretty annoyed at how much I'm outgrowing my maternity clothes. They need to make special lines for multiple moms. The stomach part keeps riding up over my tummy panel and that's not something I want visible to the public.
In other news, my rings still fit. I attribute this to the 80 ounces of water I drink each day, which also kept the fluid up for the babies.
Posts: 3037 | Registered: Jan 2002
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Mrs. M, don't feel too bad. With my third and fourth children, I outgrew my maternity clothes in the eighth month. And they were singles. You're not alone.
Those sizes are great. Baby A is as big as my son was (#3) when he was born, right on time. And I know how you feel about not being able to do it any longer. At least you know how much longer you have!
Hang in there. I am looking forward very much to meeting the babies (electronically,at least).
Edit - I have a clothes complaint too. I now weigh 10 kg less than I did before I conceived (yay breastfeeding and healthy eating!), which is great. However, some of the clothes that fit me then still don't fit me now, because of my remaining belly. Silly changed body shape.
Posts: 4393 | Registered: Aug 2003
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Mrs. M, it will be over soon! I have a friend who had twins and got huge with them. What she ended up wearing was regular maternity tops, a size too big, with a clip in the back of the neck to hold up the shoulders, plus a camisole for modesty at the neckline, plus a Bella Band for modesty where it would ride up at the bottom. Ay. I can't imagine, as someone who hates layers, but that's what worked for her.
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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I had to wear a camisole under my giant shirt to shul today, which drove me nuts. I let the shoulders bunch, which was super attractive. My skirts are okay, but my pants are not. I have no idea what I'm going to wear to the naming.
My ankles and feet have exploded. It's scary - they're so puffy that they're almost unrecognizable. I can't imagine what they'd be like if I didn't drink 80 oz of water per day. I couldn't walk yesterday, they got so bad. My hands are fine, though - my rings still fit. We have a good blood pressure cuff in the house, so I'm monitoring just in case.
Everything is ready. We got the last Diaper Champ in Richmond (seriously - I called every store that would possibly sell them). The washable things are washed and the nursery is all set up. I picked out Aerin's clothes for the next 2 weeks and I just have to iron them. Her big sister shirt is ready to go, but I haven't chosen what bottoms I want to go with is. I want to get the car washed, but I think I might have to hand that off. I know this is all stupid little unimportant stuff, but I'm in hyper-nesting mode and I'm compulsive to begin with.
My hormones are going crazy and I'm starting to freak out a little.
Posts: 3037 | Registered: Jan 2002
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Dang, I don't have her friended, but I'm so glad to hear she has babies!!! I hope everything went really well and that everyone is happy and healthy! Posts: 5879 | Registered: Apr 2001
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We're all home and healthy! Everything went pretty smoothly and my recovery is coming along really well. Being a term twin mom is easier than being a singleton preemie mom, which is a pleasant surprise!
Camille is getting home phototherapy, but that should be discontinued by Monday. They're creeping back toward their birth weights. Nursing is going fantastically. Neither of them has a problem latching, which is awesome. They both tend to conk out, but we're working on it. They both hate the football hold, so we're not feeding together yet. We tried a cross cradle, but the one on top (I can't remember who it was) kicked the other one too much.
It turns out they might be identical! We're going to have to send away for a DNA test if we want to find out (which we do). Everyone has a different opinion, so I'm interested in what y'all think.
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