Knocked up ( 1

[Phoebe]

Kris- A 4th child? How much more work is 4 than 3? I have heard the transition to having 3 kids is harder than having four. How many bedrooms is your new house? haha. That would be so exciting!



As far as I am concerned I don't know if you are ever prepared for having kids. I think you just do it. I have had lots of experience with children of all ages and feel comfortable taking care of other people's kids. My husband and I were at a time in our lives where we were "ready" for the commitment, time and energy it takes to raise children. But when I found out I was pregnant, I was shocked, scared and a little overwhelmed. Mostly because I thought it would take longer for me to get pregnant.



I am almost 6 months along now and some days I can't wait for the baby to get here and other days I question what I am doing. I will be worrying about this baby's health, safety and well-being for the rest of my life.



I am worried about labor, scared I will screw the kid up somehow. Sometimes it seems like every decision you make can have a potentially positive or negative effect on your child. In the long run, I think parenting is a lot of trial and error. I can't expect to be a perfect parent or to raise a perfect child. But deep down I know that our baby will be well cared for and loved by her family. (Yes, its a girl) That is most I hope for and pray that the rest falls into place. The rewards of being a parent greatly outweigh everything else.



I don't know if I gave you any advice about when it the right time to have kids or to know when you are ready. I am sure I cannot even comprehend the financial responsibility of having children. My husband has the salary of a PGY4 (PGY5 in 5 weeks) and I work full-time. However, just the cost of day care may range between $8-9000/year. Yikes!



Every day I wake up and think. Gosh, I am going to be a mom. There's no turning back now.



Jennifer

[Phoebe]

Kris- A 4th child? How much more work is 4 than 3? I have heard the transition to having 3 kids is harder than having four. How many bedrooms is your new house? haha. That would be so exciting!



As far as I am concerned I don't know if you are ever prepared for having kids. I think you just do it. I have had lots of experience with children of all ages and feel comfortable taking care of other people's kids. My husband and I were at a time in our lives where we were "ready" for the commitment, time and energy it takes to raise children. But when I found out I was pregnant, I was shocked, scared and a little overwhelmed. Mostly because I thought it would take longer for me to get pregnant.



I am almost 6 months along now and some days I can't wait for the baby to get here and other days I question what I am doing. I will be worrying about this baby's health, safety and well-being for the rest of my life.



I am worried about labor, scared I will screw the kid up somehow. Sometimes it seems like every decision you make can have a potentially positive or negative effect on your child. In the long run, I think parenting is a lot of trial and error. I can't expect to be a perfect parent or to raise a perfect child. But deep down I know that our baby will be well cared for and loved by her family. (Yes, its a girl) That is most I hope for and pray that the rest falls into place. The rewards of being a parent greatly outweigh everything else.



I don't know if I gave you any advice about when it the right time to have kids or to know when you are ready. I am sure I cannot even comprehend the financial responsibility of having children. My husband has the salary of a PGY4 (PGY5 in 5 weeks) and I work full-time. However, just the cost of day care may range between $8-9000/year. Yikes!



Every day I wake up and think. Gosh, I am going to be a mom. There's no turning back now.



Jennifer

[Phoebe]

Kris- A 4th child? How much more work is 4 than 3? I have heard the transition to having 3 kids is harder than having four. How many bedrooms is your new house? haha. That would be so exciting!



As far as I am concerned I don't know if you are ever prepared for having kids. I think you just do it. I have had lots of experience with children of all ages and feel comfortable taking care of other people's kids. My husband and I were at a time in our lives where we were "ready" for the commitment, time and energy it takes to raise children. But when I found out I was pregnant, I was shocked, scared and a little overwhelmed. Mostly because I thought it would take longer for me to get pregnant.



I am almost 6 months along now and some days I can't wait for the baby to get here and other days I question what I am doing. I will be worrying about this baby's health, safety and well-being for the rest of my life.



I am worried about labor, scared I will screw the kid up somehow. Sometimes it seems like every decision you make can have a potentially positive or negative effect on your child. In the long run, I think parenting is a lot of trial and error. I can't expect to be a perfect parent or to raise a perfect child. But deep down I know that our baby will be well cared for and loved by her family. (Yes, its a girl) That is most I hope for and pray that the rest falls into place. The rewards of being a parent greatly outweigh everything else.



I don't know if I gave you any advice about when it the right time to have kids or to know when you are ready. I am sure I cannot even comprehend the financial responsibility of having children. My husband has the salary of a PGY4 (PGY5 in 5 weeks) and I work full-time. However, just the cost of day care may range between $8-9000/year. Yikes!



Every day I wake up and think. Gosh, I am going to be a mom. There's no turning back now.



Jennifer

Wendy,



I think actually, that residency is a nice time to have a family. The downsides are the financial constraints and the time factor for hubby...that is true! But I think that once they get out of training there are issues of time as well...although financially things get better...I HOPE !



It IS an incredible responsibility though and I still sometimes am in awe because of that. I worry all of the time (imagine that )...if one of my children is having a behavioral problem I ask myself what I have done...I worry about their general health and happiness....I want so much to be a "good" mother and yet at the same time, I realize how many mistakes I have already made! . It is at times overwhelming to think that the things that we do right now will shape our children's futures....



But it isn't something that you think about a lot, and for the most part, I think you do what in your heart feels right as a parent....gosh, everyone has a different opinion about how to be a good mom and dad....



I think it is exciting that you all are thinking of starting a family soon!!...and yes, sometimes it is better to be a bit further from some family



Kris
Edited by: kmmath  at: 5/28/01 11:41:00 am

Wendy,



I think actually, that residency is a nice time to have a family. The downsides are the financial constraints and the time factor for hubby...that is true! But I think that once they get out of training there are issues of time as well...although financially things get better...I HOPE !



It IS an incredible responsibility though and I still sometimes am in awe because of that. I worry all of the time (imagine that )...if one of my children is having a behavioral problem I ask myself what I have done...I worry about their general health and happiness....I want so much to be a "good" mother and yet at the same time, I realize how many mistakes I have already made! . It is at times overwhelming to think that the things that we do right now will shape our children's futures....



But it isn't something that you think about a lot, and for the most part, I think you do what in your heart feels right as a parent....gosh, everyone has a different opinion about how to be a good mom and dad....



I think it is exciting that you all are thinking of starting a family soon!!...and yes, sometimes it is better to be a bit further from some family



Kris
Edited by: kmmath  at: 5/28/01 11:41:00 am

Wendy,



I think actually, that residency is a nice time to have a family. The downsides are the financial constraints and the time factor for hubby...that is true! But I think that once they get out of training there are issues of time as well...although financially things get better...I HOPE !



It IS an incredible responsibility though and I still sometimes am in awe because of that. I worry all of the time (imagine that )...if one of my children is having a behavioral problem I ask myself what I have done...I worry about their general health and happiness....I want so much to be a "good" mother and yet at the same time, I realize how many mistakes I have already made! . It is at times overwhelming to think that the things that we do right now will shape our children's futures....



But it isn't something that you think about a lot, and for the most part, I think you do what in your heart feels right as a parent....gosh, everyone has a different opinion about how to be a good mom and dad....



I think it is exciting that you all are thinking of starting a family soon!!...and yes, sometimes it is better to be a bit further from some family



Kris
Edited by: kmmath  at: 5/28/01 11:41:00 am

Jennifer,



Quote: I am almost 6 months along now and some days I can't wait for the baby to get here and other days I question what I am doing. I will be worrying about this baby's health, safety and well-being for the rest of my life.



I am worried about labor, scared I will screw the kid up somehow. Sometimes it seems like every decision you make can have a potentially positive or negative effect on your child. In the long run, I think parenting is a lot of trial and error. I can't expect to be a perfect parent or to raise a perfect child. But deep down I know that our baby will be well cared for and loved by her family. (Yes, its a girl) That is most I hope for and pray that the rest falls into place. The rewards of being a parent greatly outweigh everything else.









I remember that feeling with my firstborn. I had done a lot of babysitting as a teen-ager and had always been very confident about my abilities to care for a baby or a toddler...and when I was pregnant with Andrew I started getting so nervous. I bought this stuffed monkey for his bed and somehow I ended up "practicing" on it...carrying the "baby", etc. My bizarre worries ranged from worrying about the doctor dropping the baby when it was born, to me dropping it at home, etc, etc. For his first 6 months, I would only let Thomas carry him down stairs....It was pretty weird, actually! I just felt so unsure of myself all of the sudden...and yet at the same time, mothering also comes naturally to you...nursing, cuddling...you and your baby will become very in-tuned to each other and you will instinctively understand many of the baby's needs...that does build confidence.



About labor: You are talking to someone who talked obsessively about what I wouldn't allow to have happen during labor for 9 months...I worried myself sick! At the end of the day, Jennifer, regardless of what happens in L + D, it will be over before you know it...and you will be a mom. Billions of women before us have done it and gone on to have more than one child...it sounds horrible, and at times, it was...but every contraction brings the baby closer to being born...and there is adequate pain control...get an epidural....I still say that the high point of my life has been the day that I gave birth to each of my children....there is no experience more beautiful in the world...that doesn't mean that it isn't uncomfortable or sometimes painful....but it is a wonderful experience...and before you know it, Jennifer, you are going to be the mother of a beautiful little girl...and I bet you will do a great job!

Jennifer,



Quote: I am almost 6 months along now and some days I can't wait for the baby to get here and other days I question what I am doing. I will be worrying about this baby's health, safety and well-being for the rest of my life.



I am worried about labor, scared I will screw the kid up somehow. Sometimes it seems like every decision you make can have a potentially positive or negative effect on your child. In the long run, I think parenting is a lot of trial and error. I can't expect to be a perfect parent or to raise a perfect child. But deep down I know that our baby will be well cared for and loved by her family. (Yes, its a girl) That is most I hope for and pray that the rest falls into place. The rewards of being a parent greatly outweigh everything else.









I remember that feeling with my firstborn. I had done a lot of babysitting as a teen-ager and had always been very confident about my abilities to care for a baby or a toddler...and when I was pregnant with Andrew I started getting so nervous. I bought this stuffed monkey for his bed and somehow I ended up "practicing" on it...carrying the "baby", etc. My bizarre worries ranged from worrying about the doctor dropping the baby when it was born, to me dropping it at home, etc, etc. For his first 6 months, I would only let Thomas carry him down stairs....It was pretty weird, actually! I just felt so unsure of myself all of the sudden...and yet at the same time, mothering also comes naturally to you...nursing, cuddling...you and your baby will become very in-tuned to each other and you will instinctively understand many of the baby's needs...that does build confidence.



About labor: You are talking to someone who talked obsessively about what I wouldn't allow to have happen during labor for 9 months...I worried myself sick! At the end of the day, Jennifer, regardless of what happens in L + D, it will be over before you know it...and you will be a mom. Billions of women before us have done it and gone on to have more than one child...it sounds horrible, and at times, it was...but every contraction brings the baby closer to being born...and there is adequate pain control...get an epidural....I still say that the high point of my life has been the day that I gave birth to each of my children....there is no experience more beautiful in the world...that doesn't mean that it isn't uncomfortable or sometimes painful....but it is a wonderful experience...and before you know it, Jennifer, you are going to be the mother of a beautiful little girl...and I bet you will do a great job!

Jennifer,



Quote: I am almost 6 months along now and some days I can't wait for the baby to get here and other days I question what I am doing. I will be worrying about this baby's health, safety and well-being for the rest of my life.



I am worried about labor, scared I will screw the kid up somehow. Sometimes it seems like every decision you make can have a potentially positive or negative effect on your child. In the long run, I think parenting is a lot of trial and error. I can't expect to be a perfect parent or to raise a perfect child. But deep down I know that our baby will be well cared for and loved by her family. (Yes, its a girl) That is most I hope for and pray that the rest falls into place. The rewards of being a parent greatly outweigh everything else.









I remember that feeling with my firstborn. I had done a lot of babysitting as a teen-ager and had always been very confident about my abilities to care for a baby or a toddler...and when I was pregnant with Andrew I started getting so nervous. I bought this stuffed monkey for his bed and somehow I ended up "practicing" on it...carrying the "baby", etc. My bizarre worries ranged from worrying about the doctor dropping the baby when it was born, to me dropping it at home, etc, etc. For his first 6 months, I would only let Thomas carry him down stairs....It was pretty weird, actually! I just felt so unsure of myself all of the sudden...and yet at the same time, mothering also comes naturally to you...nursing, cuddling...you and your baby will become very in-tuned to each other and you will instinctively understand many of the baby's needs...that does build confidence.



About labor: You are talking to someone who talked obsessively about what I wouldn't allow to have happen during labor for 9 months...I worried myself sick! At the end of the day, Jennifer, regardless of what happens in L + D, it will be over before you know it...and you will be a mom. Billions of women before us have done it and gone on to have more than one child...it sounds horrible, and at times, it was...but every contraction brings the baby closer to being born...and there is adequate pain control...get an epidural....I still say that the high point of my life has been the day that I gave birth to each of my children....there is no experience more beautiful in the world...that doesn't mean that it isn't uncomfortable or sometimes painful....but it is a wonderful experience...and before you know it, Jennifer, you are going to be the mother of a beautiful little girl...and I bet you will do a great job!

I've told a few friends that we are thinking pretty seriously about having a child within the next year. Someone today asked me about in front of someone that I don't know as well. I felt kind of like 'Hey- that's private information!" I know that's my own weirdness, but I kind of do feel like it is a little private. I think it comes from having several friends with serious fertility problems as well as another couple of friends that had miscarriages at around 10-12 weeks. I guess I'm a little scared that will happen to me. We don't even plan on telling our mother's that we are trying until we are actually pregnant.



Am I weird in not wanting to tell people this kind of stuff?



Hey Jennifer- here's a pregnancy comparison for you--- my good friend is 30 weeks pregnant and has gained 50 lbs! The really funny thing about that is that she is an incredible athlete who has completed an ironman triathalon and completed a marathon 1 month before she got pregnant!



Wendy

I've told a few friends that we are thinking pretty seriously about having a child within the next year. Someone today asked me about in front of someone that I don't know as well. I felt kind of like 'Hey- that's private information!" I know that's my own weirdness, but I kind of do feel like it is a little private. I think it comes from having several friends with serious fertility problems as well as another couple of friends that had miscarriages at around 10-12 weeks. I guess I'm a little scared that will happen to me. We don't even plan on telling our mother's that we are trying until we are actually pregnant.



Am I weird in not wanting to tell people this kind of stuff?



Hey Jennifer- here's a pregnancy comparison for you--- my good friend is 30 weeks pregnant and has gained 50 lbs! The really funny thing about that is that she is an incredible athlete who has completed an ironman triathalon and completed a marathon 1 month before she got pregnant!



Wendy

I've told a few friends that we are thinking pretty seriously about having a child within the next year. Someone today asked me about in front of someone that I don't know as well. I felt kind of like 'Hey- that's private information!" I know that's my own weirdness, but I kind of do feel like it is a little private. I think it comes from having several friends with serious fertility problems as well as another couple of friends that had miscarriages at around 10-12 weeks. I guess I'm a little scared that will happen to me. We don't even plan on telling our mother's that we are trying until we are actually pregnant.



Am I weird in not wanting to tell people this kind of stuff?



Hey Jennifer- here's a pregnancy comparison for you--- my good friend is 30 weeks pregnant and has gained 50 lbs! The really funny thing about that is that she is an incredible athlete who has completed an ironman triathalon and completed a marathon 1 month before she got pregnant!



Wendy

Wendy,



I think it is private!!!! We didn't tell anyone until we were sure that I was pregnant as well.



I feel so sorry for your friend.....because I gained a total of almost 70 pounds during my first pregnancy. It was terrible. I had always been very active...I am a bit of a "green" person and rode my bike everywhere until I was pregnant....and it was just unbelievable. Every time I went to my OB I had gained at least 10 pounds...and she kept telling me to stop eating...but I just wasn't eating that much! I lost some of it before becoming pregnant with my daughter, but began gaining a lot of weight in that pregnancy too. They actually tested me and found out that I had an underactive thyroid and put me on thyroid replacement meds...this evened out the weight gain....but it was already there! The thyroid issue resolved post-pregnancy and I didn't have it in my third pregnancy.



The unfortunate thing about weight gain in pregnancy is that because of the hormones you supposedly also gain more fat cells...usually when you gain/lose weight, you just fill up/take away from the ones that you have....Well, you probably know much more about this than I do, Wendy....

Wendy,



I think it is private!!!! We didn't tell anyone until we were sure that I was pregnant as well.



I feel so sorry for your friend.....because I gained a total of almost 70 pounds during my first pregnancy. It was terrible. I had always been very active...I am a bit of a "green" person and rode my bike everywhere until I was pregnant....and it was just unbelievable. Every time I went to my OB I had gained at least 10 pounds...and she kept telling me to stop eating...but I just wasn't eating that much! I lost some of it before becoming pregnant with my daughter, but began gaining a lot of weight in that pregnancy too. They actually tested me and found out that I had an underactive thyroid and put me on thyroid replacement meds...this evened out the weight gain....but it was already there! The thyroid issue resolved post-pregnancy and I didn't have it in my third pregnancy.



The unfortunate thing about weight gain in pregnancy is that because of the hormones you supposedly also gain more fat cells...usually when you gain/lose weight, you just fill up/take away from the ones that you have....Well, you probably know much more about this than I do, Wendy....

Wendy,



I think it is private!!!! We didn't tell anyone until we were sure that I was pregnant as well.



I feel so sorry for your friend.....because I gained a total of almost 70 pounds during my first pregnancy. It was terrible. I had always been very active...I am a bit of a "green" person and rode my bike everywhere until I was pregnant....and it was just unbelievable. Every time I went to my OB I had gained at least 10 pounds...and she kept telling me to stop eating...but I just wasn't eating that much! I lost some of it before becoming pregnant with my daughter, but began gaining a lot of weight in that pregnancy too. They actually tested me and found out that I had an underactive thyroid and put me on thyroid replacement meds...this evened out the weight gain....but it was already there! The thyroid issue resolved post-pregnancy and I didn't have it in my third pregnancy.



The unfortunate thing about weight gain in pregnancy is that because of the hormones you supposedly also gain more fat cells...usually when you gain/lose weight, you just fill up/take away from the ones that you have....Well, you probably know much more about this than I do, Wendy....