Friday, December 30, 2011

My wish

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Rules 31- 50

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

Natalie Marie, you have no idea how much your daddy and I love you already. You have become the light of our lives and we haven't even met yet. We love you sweet angel!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

26 weeks 6 days...

I'll finish the rules at some point, I swear :)

Well we are almost 27 weeks! I had an appointment this morning that went very well. It was the glucose tolerance test which wasn't nearly as bad as I expected... People constantly complain about how bad the drink tastes, but I really didn't think it was awful. Anyway, I drank it at home and then went in for my appointment. They took my blood pressure (100/60) and my pee and my weight... I'm up 8 pounds total, which the doctor reassured me was just fine.

So all in all, it was a great appointment. I have an appointment in 4 weeks and then we will start going every two weeks... such craziness!!!!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Rules 21- 30

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there

Thursday, December 8, 2011

More rules :)

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.


15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

 16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

50 Rules for dad's of daughters

I found this amazing website earlier today with 50 rules for dads of daughters.... I'll post the first 10 tonight and get around to the rest... I need to stop putting off my homework-- woops!!

http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.



With those ten, I'll leave with the song that's stuck in my head...

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZLbUIa7exE&ob=av3e

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

23 weeks 4 days

How far along are you?  23 weeks and 4 days!
How big is baby?  the length of an ear of corn... and somewhere around a pound!
Maternity clothes?  I am in love with my maternity jeans!!!! I have a few shirts I where, but not because I NEED to, but because they're so darn comfy!
Weight -Loss or Gain?  I'm assuming around 6 pounds
Stretch marks?  Nope-- I WIN!
Sleep?  I'm sleeping pretty good... but I wake up sooo easily and so many times during the night. I guess it's my body preparing me, right?
Best moment this week:  I ordered the fabric for our crib quilt and bed skirt-- my friend's mom is making it for us!!! SO excited!
Any Movement?  all the time.... it's such a gift!
Food Cravings?  mustard. and A1.... do those even count??
Food Aversions?  I don't think I really have any... but seeing raw poultry grosses me out.
Belly Button in or out?  In... the belly button stud is out and my belly button is looking just kind of weird... lol
What do you miss:  the evening glass of wine... and sleeping on my belly
What are you looking forward to:  Christmas break... and my next appointment, even if it is the glucose test...
What was the BEST part of this week?  Having everyone at work be so excited that we're having a girl!
What was the WORST part of this week? Work is really getting to me. I'm just so over two jobs!

Friday, November 25, 2011

We're having a ....

We had our elective ultrasound on Wednesday November 23 at Sneek a Peek in Fredericksburg Virginia. I must say that it was a fabulous experience! The clinic was very clean and we were the only ones there. Our tech was fantastic. She took us into the exam room which had a nice comfy bed for me to lay on and a giant flat screen TV on the wall so we could watch the ultrasound from a bigger view.

Our little baby was in a horseshoe position, which our tech explained would be terrible for taking measurements but awesome for looking at the sex. We got to see the little feet in baby's face which sure explains all the moving I had been feeling. She scanned for a little bit, took some pictures, and had me empty my bladder to get the baby to move slightly.

When I came back, there was no doubt-- we are having a little girl!!!! Now comes the fun stuff :)

Baby looking right at us


                                                          Baby girl's profile

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Anatomy scan disappointment...

I can't remember the last time I was this nervous. I had been laying awake since 5 AM hoping and praying that anatomically the baby would be healthy. I tossed back and forth about whether we would be having a baby boy or girl. In my dreams we were having a boy, but lately I've been feeling a "girl" instinct. I was so excited to finally get done, wake Jason up, and head to the hospital.

Our anxiety continued as we waited and waited in the waiting room. The nurse took me back and took my blood pressure, which was fine. Then she had me empty my bladder which I thought was weird, but I did anyway. She took my weight and I was up 4 pounds. We then went to an exam room with no sonogram machine... she realized this was a mistake and took us to the right room... We waited and waited some more.

The doctor came in... fortunately I understand dry humor, otherwise I would've thought he was being a dick. I had to depart with my belly button stud because the baby's butt was right underneath it. I was immediately thrilled to see a beautiful round head, big belly, and the spine. The doctor pointed out the bones in the arms and legs, the hemispheres of the brain, and the kidneys. My fluid levels look fine too so I'm not at risk for placenta previa.

He asked us what we thought we were having. Of course I'm clueless, but Jason has been saving "boy" since before we even conceived. The doctor tried to get a good shot, but the baby wasn't quite in position. He said he would come back to it. Well he did. Again. And again. The baby was moving but its legs were together. Figures. I had the strongest feeling that this would happen to us.

Ultimately, he said he was 75% sure it was a girl because he could not see any outer plumbing. He said he'd bet $5 on it, but not $50. That didn't leave us feeling very reassured. He also mentioned that our baby will likely be on the 7 pound side as opposed to 10 pounds. He recommended that we go to a commercial ultrasound clinic for another look.

So, next Wednesday we'll be back in the same anxiety- provoking situation. I was able to book us a regular ultrasound at a clinic about 45 minutes way. Until then, we won't be buying any pink stuff

Sunday, November 13, 2011

21 weeks 2 days...

I don't think I ever imagined being THIS far in my pregnancy. Now that I have a little belly, it is becoming more and more obvious that we will soon be the parents to a beautiful baby. Even more exciting, we will know whether that baby will be a son or daughter in 3 short days.

We did have a minor hiccup this week. I got a call from my OBGYN's office letting me know that my doctor would be gone the entire week I was scheduled to have my anatomy scan. Needless to say, I wasn't very happy. Fortunately, the AMAZING receptionists knew my excitement and readiness for this appointment and saved me a slot at the same time with the other co- founder of the practice. I would have to meet this doctor anyway, so now is as good as any time.

I have to say, right now everything is just blissful. I've been in a wonderful mood and feeling great overall. Jason has been the man of my dreams, supporting me in every way possible, not just in the pregnancy but around the house, with work, and preparing for my field experience in January. I couldn't do this without him.

Keeping things on a positive and cheerful note, here are some quotes that I found that sum up how I'm feeling about baby and pregnancy in general.

A new baby is like the beginning of all things, hope, a dream of possibilities.

A father is someone who carries pictures where his money used to be.


A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bank balance smaller, home happier, clothes dirty, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.

Every child born into the world is a new thought of God, an ever fresh and radiant possibility



Sunday, October 30, 2011

19 weeks 2 days

We are inching closer and closer to know whether we are team blue or team pink! We absolutely can't wait!!!!!

How far along are you?  19 weeks 2 days
How big is baby?  about the size of a large mango
Maternity clothes?  I really don't need them yet.... But I wear my maternity jeans over normal jeans
Weight -Loss or Gain?  I may have put on a pound or two, but not much...
Stretch marks?  Nope
Sleep?  I wake up a lot in the middle of the night
Best moment this week:  realizing how close I am to the halfway point!
Any Movement? absolutely. Much more frequently too!
Food Cravings?  Starbursts
Food Aversions?  Just the usual pickiness
Belly Button in or out?  In
What do you miss:  The occasional glass of wine
What are you looking forward to:  knowing whether it's a boy or girl!!!!
What was the BEST part of this week?  slowly starting to recover from my two week cold!
What was the WORST part of this week? Working. I'm just not happy with my jobs

And finally, a picture from a few days ago.... come on baby bump!

Friday, October 14, 2011

The date is set!

I saw a new doctor today. I guess she was alright. I just felt really rushed... like I couldn't finish a sentence without her moving on.

Anyway, she said I was 17 weeks 4 days, which I guess would be the date according to my LMP. She showed me how my uterus has really risen. I've also lost a pound since my last appointment, which was surprising because I haven't exactly been eating well all the time...... ooops.

She reconfirmed that my inhaler is fine to take, but I've read a lot of conflicting stuff on the FDA website so I'm not sure. Everything in moderation I guess! She also asked if I had felt any movement which I think I have! It's pretty exciting :)

ANDDDD the big day is set-- our anatomy scan! November 16! We will finally know if our peanut is a boy or girl.... but if you ask Jason, it's definitely a boy haha

CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

16 weeks and 2 days-- holy cow!

How far along are you?  16 weeks 2 days
How big is baby?  about the size of a turnip
Maternity clothes?  I'm still mostly in my normal clothes, but I must say I'm loving my new mat. jeans
Weight -Loss or Gain?  Don't know yet... we'll find out next week
Stretch marks?  Nope
Sleep?  I've been sleeping very well lately!
Best moment this week:  feeling tiny baby flutters... at least that's what I'm assuming they are!
Any Movement? ^^^
Food Cravings?  cheeseburgers. not the homemade kind... the greasy fast food ones!
Food Aversions?  I'm still really picky. I still manage to cook whole meals and then I can't eat any of it
Belly Button in or out?  In
What do you miss:  lunch meat.... and wine.
What are you looking forward to:  My appointment next week-- meeting a new doctor too!
What was the BEST part of this week?  the nice weather... feeling good... getting stuff done for school
What was the WORST part of this week? Working. I'm really fed up with my jobs

Sunday, October 2, 2011

First piece of furniture: Check!

Well, I guess I should say second because I was given a glider like 2 years ago from a cousin long before we even started ttc.

Today I was browsing around online instead of doing my homework and found this super cute dresser/ changer combo that matches the wood in the glider.

Here's the link-- we can't wait for it to get here!

http://www.amazon.com/Stork-Craft-Aspen-Dresser-Cherry/dp/B000F74S2O/ref=sr_1_24?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1317572824&sr=1-24

Saturday, September 17, 2011

13 weeks 1 day...

How far along are you?  13 weeks and 1 day
How big is baby?  about the size of a lemon
Maternity clothes?  I ordered some last night, but everything still fits pretty well
Weight -Loss or Gain?  nada
Stretch marks?  Nope
Sleep?  Not too bad recently. I wake up every time I need to turn over though.
Best moment this week:  Entering the second trimester!
Any Movement?  Nope... but I sure hope to feel flutters soon!
Food Cravings?  Nothing.
Food Aversions?  Nothing really... still just picky.
Belly Button in or out?  In
What do you miss:  lunch meat.... and wine.
What are you looking forward to:  Relaxing this weekend. Last weekend was so insane with my friend's wedding and hosting a finale party for True Blood that I just want to do nothing.
What was the BEST part of this week?  feeling good and going into the second trimester.
What was the WORST part of this week? Working. I'm just not feeling it.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Had my 12 week yesterday...

It was a pretty quick appointment! I gave a urine sample and had my blood pressure and weight taken. Jason and I went back into the room and waited for my doctor. It took him a while to come see us, but we were excited when he brought in the doppler! He told me it might take a while to find the heartbeat, but he was pleased he could find it within a minute or so. He said I had a cooperative baby.... let's hope the baby is that cooperative when I'm in labor!

The heartbeat was nice, fast, and strong. The doctor told me I should get my flu shot before my next appointment and everything else was good. 5 more weeks to go....

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

11 weeks 5 days

12 week appointment tomorrow! EEKS!

How far along are you?  11 weeks 5 days
How big is baby?  about the size of a large plum
Maternity clothes?  Nope. Everything still fits.
Weight -Loss or Gain?  I'll know tomorrow
Stretch marks?  Nope
Sleep?  Not too bad recently. I think it's because I'm so exhausted from work.
Best moment this week:  I'm definitely starting to feel better. Less queasy, less tired, eating more... I'm good!
Any Movement?  Too early for that
Food Cravings?  I still want a slushee or slurpie
Food Aversions?  Seafood. Sad story. I wouldn't call them aversions, but I'm super picky now. 
Belly Button in or out?  In
What do you miss:  lunch meat.... and wine.
What are you looking forward to:  TOMORROW! MY 12 week appointment!
What was the BEST part of this week?  feeling better. And having my wonderful husband cook dinner!
What was the WORST part of this week? The kids at work. They're killing my soul.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

9 weeks 5 days...

I'm starting to get more and more anxious waiting for our next appointment where we can hear the heartbeat. I feel like this is the critical appointment... if we make it past this one, everything will be ok. I found this fun little survey that might track changes over the next few months!


How far along are you?  9 weeks 5 days
How big is baby?  About the size of a prune!
Maternity clothes?  Nope. Clothes are tight, but not that tight
Weight -Loss or Gain?  I don't get on the scale
Stretch marks?  Nope
Sleep?  It varies night to night. Some nights I'll have the most amazing sleep, but most nights I wake up multiple times which leaves me groggy in the morning. I'm also more alert to when Jason comes home, which hasn't been the case for years.
Best moment this week:  Not throwing up... yet...
Any Movement?  Too early for that
Food Cravings?  nothing. Food is pretty gross to me. I have wanted a sonic slushie though... or a slurpee.
Food Aversions?  Pretty much everything. I've made several dinners this week and by the time they're cooked, I want nothing to do with them.
Belly Button in or out?  In
What do you miss:  lunch meat.
What are you looking forward to:  getting to our appointment on September 8
What was the BEST part of this week?  feeling somewhat less tired and nauseous
What was the WORST part of this week?  I was still tired and nauseous somewhat... and I started working at the school again... oh, and that little 5.9 earthquake thing... normal.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Not a whole lot going on...

Just a short, quick update...

Not too much is going on with me. I threw up for the first time this last week, which, let me tell you, was a FANTASTIC experience (sense the sarcasm?).

The nausea has been pretty obnoxious, but the fatigue is far worse. I am constantly tired. Adding to that, I started working back at the school again this past week.

I attended a friend's baby shower today... we've been good friends since middle school! It was awesome to see all the cute little baby things... it made me excited :)

That's it for now. I better start homework before my nap... :)

Thursday, August 11, 2011

It's real...

My husband and I went to the doctor today. We got there and filled out the screening forms for HIV and Cystic Fibrosis. I was like wow, that's not a lot of paperwork. Ha. We went back with the head nurse and did a full medical history. Turns out my family is way more sick than Jason's... who knew? We talked about do's and don'ts, safe medication, and all that stuff. Since I have irregular cycles and I was on clomid, the nurse said they would do an ultrasound today-- woohoo!

Then they did a urine screen which was fine. They tried to get my blood. Ugh. This has always been a difficult task. They stabbed me three times and still didn't get what they need. At one point I had three nurses and my husband hovering over me to see if my blood was flowing. Claustrophobic much? Anyway, they couldn't get enough so I have to go back next week.

There was an emergency so we had to wait 30 minutes for my doctor to do an ultrasound. Jason and I were so jittery waiting to hear the heartbeat so it could feel "real." The doctor came in and asked if I had any questions. He probably thought I was an idiot because I really didn't have any.

When he first brought up the screen, all we saw was the sack but no baby. I freaked out a little bit, but 2 seconds later there was our little nugget! Heart was just beating away! He turned on the volume so we could hear the heartbeat too. It was beautiful.


Little baby Deal, due March 23, 2012.... You are so loved already!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Morning sickness my ass

More like all day every day sickness. I'm not throwing up, but I a constantly queasy. My stomach is flippy all during the day. No food is appetizing to me even though I'm definitely starving. Eating is like a freaking chore.

Other than that, exhaustion is the biggest symptom right now. I'm having a really hard time getting my homework done during the day. When I go see my clients, I feel like I'm yawning throughout the entire session.

Ah well. Countdown to the first appointment: 12 days

Monday, July 25, 2011

Random updates and thoughts

Hello hello!

Just a short and quick update on what's going on! We are a whopping 6 weeks and the size of sweet pea! Getting closer to my first appointment and I can't wait!

Symptoms:
  • Exhaustion. I want to sleep ALL. THE. TIME. 
  • Thirst
  • Sore boobies
  • Heartburn
  • Queasiness-- but no throwing up YET... thank goodness!
  • Bloat... I've been trying to combat that with the gym..
  • Insomnia... Difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep
  • Cravings. Nothing too consistent yet... one minute its soda, then sushi, pickles, cupcakes, chipotle... it varies!

Every single bit of discomfort will be totally worth it.

To wrap it up tonight, here's a before shot of the belly. We'll see how big this baby gets...

Monday, July 18, 2011

Good news!!

I got a call from the nurse today... I guess the doctor looked at my progesterone levels from last week and said they are totally normal!! I got a little more information from this nurse than the bitch unhelpful nurse I first saw. I'm taking the right prenatal vitamin, no need for supplements, I can keep exercising, and I will likely have an ultrasound on my 8 week appointment since I was on clomid-- they need to rule out multiples! 24 days and counting...

Sunday, July 17, 2011

I guess I should have posted this earlier...

.... But I've been a little preoccupied freaking out because I'M PREGNANT!!!

I got home from the beach last Saturday. I was exhausted and had sore breasts... I figured, why not test the next morning.

When I peed on the test, nothing appeared at first and my heart dropped. I may or may not have thrown a mini fit and threw my head in my hands. When I looked up there was the faintest, most beautiful line ever. I couldn't believe it. I knew I had to test the next day.

Three tests later...

I was ecstatic. Jason was nervous. We knew I needed to schedule an appointment to get the doctor confirmation. So I went in Wednesday. Two more pink lines. I'm officially pregnant! And due March 21, even though all my fancy apps on my phone say March 19. Who cares, we're getting a little lucky charm!

I go back August 11 when I'm about 8 weeks for all the paperwork, lab work, scans, and hopefully our very first ultrasound!!! It's still hard to believe. I can't believe it's real. This has been our hope and dream for years and it is finally happening. "Blessed" doesn't even cover it.

Um, and I may or may not have taken a few tests since then to confirm..

I just like watching the line get darker :)

Thursday, July 7, 2011

The nurse called!

I finally got my bloodwork results today! I ovulated again!

My progesterone was a 8.5 this month, up from 6.9. From what I understand, they want your progesterone to be above a 15, but anything above 5 means you ovulated.

Who knows. Back to the waiting game.


Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Hello from my heaven!

Thank goodness for short, sweet vacations! Without this, I would probably be going crazy at home, overanalyzing every potential pregnancy symptom and wasting a ton of pregnancy tests.... I was going to bring a test with me, but said FORGET IT, it doesn't matter. I'm enjoying my time here and not wearing about my uterus.

Before I left for the beach Tuesday morning, I had my usual monthly blood draw. The worst nurse in the freaking world nurse tried to get blood from my arm and failed... like I told her she would. It took two of them to get a vile from my hand. Lovely, ay? I love looking like I have heroin marks. I'm still waiting to head the results, but I assume they'll resemble the past two months: "The clomid is working, but your levels are still low... keep trying..." Eff that. Thank goodness for my appointment with the doctor July 21st!

I digress. How about some pretty vacation pictures instead?


        
                                            My view this morning... Absolutely wonderful!

                                                                View from the deck


   The house we're staying in. No, we don't own it. So please don't hunt me down out of jealousy.



                                   My sister :) You can see the dark storm clouds coming in!



I will retire here one day. Hopefully with a rack of kids. And a husband that loves me despite my insanity. *wishful thinking*

Saturday, July 2, 2011

These are a few of my favorite things

One of the things I do during my lovely two week wait is to complete submerge myself in things that I love. The busier I stay, the less likely I am to waste a million pregnancy tests! I have a bad tendency of saying EVERYTHING is my favorite thing.... every song, every movie, every project... all my faves. But really, they are.



There is no place I would rather be than the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I would love to retire here one day. I've been going every summer for over a decade now. It is my personal paradise. And where my husband asked me to be his wife!


Redskins football. Seriously, I'm useless once training camp begins until the superbowl. I told my husband within the first week of us knowing each other that I could never be with him if he isn't a Redskins fan. Lucky him, he is.... just maybe not as diehard as I am ;-)


Crafting. I love homemade projects. I'm totally cheap. What's better than saving a few bucks? My stepdad and I crafted this mirror together. It's a knockoff of the Eagen Pottery Barn mirror. Their price: $700. How much did I pay: $70. BOOM.


My house! Seriously, it took us forever to buy a house and I couldn't be more proud. We love, love LOVE our home. ((and are ready to design a nursery and have little feet scampering around))



Yes, I'm a geek. And I love school. Getting my master's was one of the best decisions I've made. I thoroughly enjoy the program that I'm in and I'm eagerly investigating a doctorate.











If you don't recognize this band, we can't be friends. Kidding. Kind of. Incubus! I love all music, and that was the point of this next picture, but this is who I'm stuck on right now with their new album dropping soon.





The HBO Original Series: True Blood. My lovely husband actually got me into this show and it has become a Sunday night obsession. Note to self: stop being so freaking lazy give the books a shot!






















And of course, my darling husband. Like this really needs an explanation! He's the one person who keeps my feet grounded and my head in the clouds. I couldn't make a family with anyone else.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Our Timeline

Here's to hoping it does not get too much longer...

July '10 -- stopped hormonal birth control-- immediately began TTC
August '10-- BFN
September '10- BFN
October'10-- began using ovulation predictor strips
November '10-- BFN
December 25, 2010 -- BFP!
December 29, 2010-- Negative blood test... chemical pregnancy...
January '11-- BFN
February '11 -- BFN
March '11 -- met with the OBGYN. Began bloodwork
April '11-- results say low progesterone and anovulation. Began Clomid- 50 mg. More blood work. I ovulated!!
May '11 -- I ovulated! But BFN. 50 mg Clomid.
June '11-- I ovulated! Progesterone was 6.9. But BFN. 100 mg Clomid.
July '11 -- I ovulated! Progesterone was 8.5
July 10, 2011-- BFP!
July 13, 2011-- Doctor confirmed BFP!
July 18, 2011-- Normal Progesterone levels!

A little introduction

Psalms 127:3

Children too are a gift from the LORD, the fruit of the womb, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children born in one's youth. Blessed are they whose quivers are full. They will never be shamed contending with foes at the gate.

I had my life all planned out by the time I was 16. I would go to college, get my bachelor's, get into graduate school, meet a successful husband, get my doctorate, have a beautiful wedding, and have a baby by the time I was 30.


Scratch that. I went to college alright, but little did I know I'd meet my best friend and future husband at 19. Life has been a whirlwind since. I finished my degree, we got married, and bought our dream house in our hometown. Now what? Oh, maybe that tiny little thing my darling husband mentioned right after he proposed....

"I want kids by the time I'm 30."

Womp Womp, that was a mere 2 years away.... and approximately 7 years ahead of when I thought I'd have my first. And babies cook for what, like 9 months or something? Meh, all good, we have some time..... Who know it would be so difficult....

I got off the birth control pill and we jumped right into trying. I always had the mindset that it would be a piece of cake. I mean, 16 year olds do this all the time.

But then it didn't happen. And still didn't happen. And then again. Shit. This sucks! I downloaded every baby app I could think of... I researched trying to conceive, bought ovulation predictor strips, looked intro charting, and fortunately met some of the most amazing people who were struggling just like me ((you know who you are!!)).


So here we go. Time to put my thoughts into writing, a year later. Being infertile is a scary concept to consider... but I know I'm not alone.