I would LOVE to do memorial day weekend - my MIL is visiting and it'll give me a great reason to get away from them!

If anyone is interested, what about seeing if we can get a large table at Le Diplomat...(they have that glass room to the side off of 14th St)? Lunch on Monday or something? some place like Le Pain might be nice, too?

I would love to do a get together and/or help organize - I'm super retentive.

Also, I think I'll be wearing these pants until Gummibear is 18.

...I think some of those people aren't regular Oct moms, but just here to argue about twins. Perhaps they need to start their own thread?

Anyway, 16W today.

And I can say...maternity pants, where have you been my whole life? It's like wearing pajamas to work!

As the spouse of a man who has a terrible relationship with his emotionally abusive father, I definitely understand his desire for a girl. He's worried he won't know how to raise a boy, and I 110% understand his concern. But, we won't find out for a few more weeks. Like some of you, I need to find out so he can prepare in case it is because I'm sure it's an emotional issue for him given his childhood.

That said, growing up he really loved pink and purple (and now he's a Marine). So if you have a boy, don't discount that you'll get away scott free without a pink/purple phase!

Mine comes when they are important. The first one involved lots of questions for both of us and a confirmation ultrasound. Another time, it was an emergency visit. NT scan also involved questions for both of us. Now, I don't need him there u less there is an ultrasound he wouldn't want to miss. Later on, I'll have him come to learn about a plan and meet the other docs.

For me, the first few were important in case there were any problems. I would want him there in case. He doesn't attend now because saving leave is more important.

Anonymous wrote:Greg has a newborn (or at least a very young baby). Cut the man some slack!

He also had shoulder surgery.

I've never had him act anything but professional to me, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen just like in any profession. If it were a recurring issue, you should bring it to the attention of a doctor.

Anonymous wrote:Who the hell is still naming their kid Madison??

Maybe there was a reissue of Splash in a hidef?



I for one can't wait to vote for a Presidential candidate named Jaiydyn or Jaxson

Anonymous wrote:Any advice for an early-30s, inter-faith couple (I'm the Jewish partner--- Reform) without kids (yet), when considering whether to join a congregation, and which one to join? I have visited Temple Sinai and Temple Micah several times and liked them both lots, but it seems somehow a little bit silly to join a synagogue without kids. I know this sounds terrible, but I am really taken aback by how EXPENSIVE temple dues are--- very different than wheren I'm originally from. It just seems like such a commitment, which I am happy to make to be a member of a Jewish community that I really enjoy. However, it seems trickier to really fit in without children, and therefore difficult to know whether the community would be a good match. I'm rambling, I know, but any advice would be appreciated!

If you check in here, I would recommend Bet Mishpachah - services are on Fridays at the DCJCC at 8PM (with Saturday services every other week). We attended because it was walkable from our apartment...then we joined....then my husband proposed to me there, and we still attend. Once we have our baby and we have religious school needs, I'll be sad to part with them. We pay the dues we can afford, no one bothers us about it - we didn't join right away, either, and attended regularly. It's very member-driven, no formal office staff or anything. You can participate as much or as little as you want. For a community as progressive as it is, services are very traditional. We are a straight couple and it's a gay-friendly congregation and have never felt out of place. There are interfaith couples and couples of all sorts. Give it a try!

ugh some of these "popular" names are so bad.

ETA: do these lists really influence people? We've had names picked out forever as a way to honor relatives who have passed away. That won't change....do you really judge people who name their kids and the name ends up popular? Is this a thing?

...if you are before 18-20 weeks, how did you find out your baby's sex? I couldn't schedule an anatomy scan until 18-20 weeks (so, 19 weeks it is).

Is anyone concerned about it being too early so the scan possibly being wrong?

Is anyone holding our for a surprise? We aren't, but I'm one of the later due dates here, so I'm behind

If it were me, I would go right to IVF (time is important) or I just wouldn't do anything. But that's just me.

Not until later. I have the Sonoline B and now, at 16w tomorrow, can pretty easily find it. At 13w it was still difficult.

One key for me is a full bladder. I do it right before bed. Though, at my last doc appointment I had to pee first and she found it right away (the previous time she couldn't, just like you).

I have a doppler and I think you have to take it with a grain of salt. I told myself that's what I'd do when I got it, and I try to give myself 5 minutes to find it - if I don't, I put it away. when I first got it, I couldn't find a HB...or I could, but then not the next time. Going more than 5 minutes or so would cause me to stress, so that's why I limit myself.

Your baby moves all over the place. And you've probably heard the baby move while looking for the HB. Put it away for a few days, and if you can't resist, go back for it. If you think it will be a constant source of worry, I agree to get rid of it.

oh - according to an email from BFit - no barre this sunday, Mother's Day. So enjoy a day off!

Not feeling movement is a bit disheartening, even though it's normal. I'll be 16w on Friday and everything I read is "16-20 weeks....unless you're overweight". Except you feel it on the INSIDE, where there's no chub! WTF?

Glad to see everyone is on track and doing well. We haven't had any drop outs, huh?!

Thanks, PP - as a fed, there's a PT work policy - I'd be paid a percentage based on the number of hours and all that. There's nothing to negotiate regarding pay/benefits (I'd just get my benfits from my DH). But I do plan on "trial run for 6 months".

I'm on my BB all the time now and not compensated for it. If, as an employee, I say "I will be accounting for my time I answer emails", is that horrible? Would you think badly of an employee who said that? (I'm the only civilian who checks their BB - the others have them, but never respond to them, even though both are paid more than me....so everyone just emails me since I do respond).

We are not allowed to work from home ("telework") at our department. The commute isn't the issue - it really is that I don't think I'll want to spend that much time away from my child, and since I have to have an income, PT seems like the only balance to allow that to happen.