@romanigypsyeyes : Well, of course I knew you did!!!
Thanks for that. I always learn something from you!
It’s fun reading these posts because I remember so many of these thoughts and fears myself.
Romani, here’s a sad and annoying truth: you begin worrying the moment you find out you are pregnant. And you stop worrying…never. Sorry!
But here’s a happy truth: enjoy every single second of it all. Seriously, even the crappy parts, like when they won’t sleep, or are sick. It goes sooo fast. Hubby and I just said to each other that we can’t believe D is in her last year of college. I can still remember exactly how they smelled as newborns. Best smell ever. Enjoy every moment.
I always said the first three months actually takes 3 years, then it flies by. 
^^^That’s why I’m in favor of a 12-month gestation. The first three months are hell for the new parents. And probably not much fun for the baby, either.
You’ve probably heard this saying, but it’s still one of my favorites: The days are long bu the years are short. I’m another parent who cannot believe her “baby” is a college senior.
The advice my mom gave me helped a lot, too. When you’re going through the difficult early days, keep telling yourself, “This won’t last forever!” That was my mantra. 
“Apparently I’m not going to bond with my baby and I’m intentionally making them sick by formula feeding. If I really loved my child, I wouldn’t be looking up formula costs. ?”
The idea that bottle fed babies don’t bond as well is stupid. I remember reading that part of what bonds babies at the breast is it puts the baby at perfect distance for make eye contact and see the mother (feeder’s ) face. Guess what - you can hold a baby in that position with a bottle as well.
I know annedotes aren’t statistics but this is a sweet story. My D who teaches during the year was a nanny last summer for identical twins of an acquaintance. They came a little early and mom didn’t want them in the nursery so young. They were around 10 weeks when she start. D spent a lot of time cuddling, holding and feeding. Four weeks in, they started responding to her when she held the them, following her with their eyes when she walked around and kicking excitedly when she came to the door in the morning. She only did this for 8 weeks. She spend time as they got a little more aware with tummy time and reading to them. Fast forward 2 months to baptism. When D walks up to them, they still smile and kick. Bonded. Obviously no breast feeding and I’m sure they are much more bonded with their Mom and Dad.
Interesting side note, the mom pumped breast milk. But, only one took it. The other had some digestive problems and was on formula. So identical twins, one on breast milk and one of formula. Same level of bonding.
I’m not in any way worried about bonding with my child just because they won’t be attached to my boob.
I spent nearly the entire first month of their lives with 2 of my 4 niblings because their moms needed help. I was more bonded with them than their dads were. Only their mom and I could soothe them. I didn’t even bottle feed them as they were exclusively breastfed. I held them, cuddled with them, they slept on my chest. That is bonding just as much as bf-ing.
@Lindagaf I had the same thought as you … There’s no way to get an expectant or new mom not to worry. It’s all part of the process of getting ready, I think. I’m just glad those days are over! Seemingly in a blink of an eye, I went from worrying about breastfeeding to getting ready to meet the prospective new in-laws at T’giving. The cycle of life and all that.
Amnio this morning. From the ultrasound, everything looks ok. They have a big head lol. Also I’m about 75% sure we’re having a boy.
Should get preliminary results in a few days and full ones next week.
Great news!
This is such an exciting time for you. Savor each moment, romani.
“they have a big head”… Is there more then one? Have I missed anything on this thread… Lol.
Also a parent that can’t believe my kids are ending college… Seriously!!!
Enjoy ever second especially when they are young…
“They” can be used as a singular pronoun.
Thx. I have to become “with it”… Lol… As long as her baby is healthy…
Haha yes they as a gender neutral pronoun.
My OB said if there was something like Downs, we’d almost certainly be seeing signs of it on ultrasound and we’re not which is a huge relief.
Also there are two types of people when it comes to needles: Mr R who shut his eyes through the entire procedure and me who watched the needle go through the whole thing via the ultrasound big screen lol.
I fed my daughter formula - she ended up healthy, very smart, and very close to her mother (all those things they warn you won’t happen if you don’t nurse.) I do remember buying formula in bulk and with lots of coupons, I think that kept the cost down. Plus, she was fine with normal formula (I know those special ones for babies with various digestive issues can be more costly). I would think with the internet buying in bulk is even easier today.
And yes the years fly by and you never stop worrying about them. That is the definition of parenthood (my baby is 25 BTW).
To put in perspective. My 90 year old mother still sees me as her baby… Youngest of 4 at 58 years old. You just don’t stop worrying about your children. Lol…
thud
I’m with Mr. R.
@“Youdon’tsay” hahaha.
I plan on having both Mr R and my mom in the room with me when I give birth. In large part because of this. If he can’t even watch an amnio needle, I’m afraid of what’s going to happen if something goes south.
And yes, I have no shame in admitting that I am in my late 20s and still sometimes just need my mommy. shrug
I don’t know if D2 will want me there with her when she gives birth, but she often “needs her Mommy,” and I love being there for her when she does.
D1 won’t be having children, but she often says the same with no shame. Of course I love it.