Welcome to Gaia! ::

I had three u/s with Ethan. The first two were standard and third was because my midwife was concerned that he was going to be a big baby so they did a third to check the weight. Ended up being I just had a lot of fluid. The last two I had the 3d/4d ones...I loved them. They were awesome. They even recorded the first one a dvd for us. With Kaleb I got like 6 or 7. Two standard check ups and then once I switched to my VBAC doctor and they figured out he was breech they did one to confirm that, they did two when I went in for the version to check the postion before and after, one at the appt after to make sure he stayed head down, and one when I got to the hospital to give birth to make sure he was still head down. We only got pictures from three of those and a dvd from one of the 3d/4d ones (not that I am complaining 'cause I got to see him way more then most). All my u/s from both boys were covered by our insurance. I guess it depends on what insurance you have and the reason for the u/s. I am lucky my hubby has amazing insurance!

Dirge-I am sending lots of girl vibes your way!! I have to admit I am a little jealous....I want a girl! We'll see, I am a week late...to afraid to take a test to see the answer! sweatdrop

smile Well, I hope you get the answer you'd like.

I was thinking it was his birthday today: he's exactly 2 weeks older then my Ethan.

Happy Birthday to him! Can't wait to see some update pictures. smile

It's normal to feel unprepared and rushed at the end. Just breathe and take it one step at a time.

Read the directions for the carseat. They're really not that hard to install--a lot of people psych themselves out about it before they even try. Local businesses in your area should provide free checks to make sure it is installed properly; you just need to call around and see who provides them. (Firestations also do them at times. We have a friend that works for Volkswagon that was certified to check them and he does that. Car dealerships are a good place to start asking.) The hospital you're giving birth at may even provide the service. Once again, ask. You should be having weekly prenatal visits now, or have one soon, ask your OB for information when you go in.

A big thing with being a new parent is that there is so much new territory: you can't be afraid to ask when you need information.

I posted a link not too long ago for you about the CPS techs. It's a free service. I believe the statistic is 4 out ouf 5 car seats aren't properly installed. The nice thing about the carriers is that you generally have a base.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CPSFitting/index.cfm

Take a deep breath and one day at a time. I know it stinks to not have a mattress yet, but prioritize. You have the car seat, that's the main thing. Heck, things were VERY tight financially when I had my first. A lot of times, he'd sleep on a pallette on the floor.

Talk with your OB about your concerns. A lot of times they can give some information to charities or services. Like Dirge said, you have to ask. I know a lot of churches help out. Even if you're not religious, it can't hurt to swallow a little pride. If you need the help, take it.

As for your boyfriend, have you talked to him about taking the necessary legal precautions regarding child support and visitation? I know you had mentioned your parents wanting to edge him out of the picture, something to consider.

Make a list of musthaves and things that aren't quite so urgent. You can even post asking for help on Craigslist and Freecycle, there are some kind souls out there. Hang in there, Kawaii.

Well, I tested tonight but got a negative. Still no AF though. I am going to test again first thing in the morning, it would be really early (like 3-4 weeks).

Hope all you preggo ladies are doing well and had a nice Mothers Day!

EDIT: Tested again this morning, still negative. Guess I am not joining this thread again. Still no AF either though.

Thanks Kawaii. We really aren't trying right now though. I am not sure I want a third yet. I'm pretty happy with my two boys! Good luck getting everything ready!!

AF showed a couple of hours after I tested....go figure! blaugh