Only God Knows When

Update

2011-12-23T15:06:00.001-06:00

Well girls I guess this is my 23 month update;) I've been a horrible blogger!! This is my favorite age for Kenzie! She is so fun right now that I want to freeze time!!
She is in her toddler bed because she started climbing out of her crib a couple months ago. When we changed beds she finally started sleeping awesome!! Its life changing to be sleeping all night again;)
When she wakes up in the morning she has to lay in our bed and watch cartoons and drink her milk until she is fully awake. She does this with me on the weekends and Brandon during the week before daycare. This is our favorite cuddle time!!
She has been using her potty on and off for a couple months but it's not an exclusive thing...mostly just when she wants a skittle;) since she's not two I'm not concerned.
She loves playing with other kids, playing dress-up, baby dolls, Mickey mouse, Dora, Barney, all animals, being outside, painting in the bath tub, going to visit people, dancing, coloring, and cooking.
She is a very picky eater which is HARD!! Oh well!! she weighs 25 lbs and is 32 inches. She is in size 4 diapers and in underwear around the house when I feel brave.
She understands sooo much and is speaking so well. The other night I was taking a bath and she knocked on the door saying "Ashley, Ashley let me in" Brandon asked her who Ashley was and she said My Mama! She cracks me up!!
She loves Christmas and everything about it...especially Santa!!
well I have to go get ready for the first night of family Christmas while someone is napping! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!! Merry Christmas!

Pics

2011-12-21T07:10:00.001-06:00

Hi girls!! Sorry I've been so bad at blogging!! Here are some pics and I promise to update this week!! Hope all is well!! Merry Christmas!!

Post that goes with pics below!!

2011-08-05T22:36:00.000-05:00

Summer has been a whirlwind! We got out of school the weekend before memorial day and go back on August 10th. BOO HOO!!! I’m not ready to go back! I’ve enjoyed my summer with McKenzie IMMENSLY!! I’ve also been very busy!! Here is my summer in a nut shell…
In June, Brandon and I had to go to Puerto Rico for his business. Kenzie stayed with my parents. IT was very relaxing!! While Brandon was in meetings I got to lay on the beach. I went to breakfast, lunch, and dinner with him. The rest of the time was spent on the beach or by the pool. It was nice!! Kenzie had a blast with my parents. When we got back she was hesitant to go to us. After 10 minutes she grabbed my neck and broke out crying. It broke my heart…it was as if she was saying I missed you Mama!
The rest of June, Kenzie and I had playdates, went swimming, etc. July was busy because I had to leave yet again to go to Indianapolis for a teacher conference. Brandon and Kenzie had to stay home. I was gone for 3 nights. IT was an all expense paid trip at a 4 star hotel (the best one I’ve ever stayed in). I had a lot of fun!! When I got back Kenzie wouldn’t let me out of her sight again!! I think she is scared that I will leave for a few more days…she has become much more needy.
Last week, we all went to the beach! It was me, Brandon, Kenzie, Brandon’s sister, her husband and 3 girls, his mom, and her boyfriend. We had a lot of fun. Kenzie loved being with the kids all day and being able to stay up till 10 at night. She did awesome and really enjoyed the whole experience.
I’m very nervous to leave Kenzie in 4 days. I’ve become so used to laying in bed with her and watching cartoons when we wake up in the morning and being able to play with her all day. I wish I could be a stay at home mom!
Kenzie turned 18 months last week! She is soo fun right now. Here are a few stats:
She is 22 lbs and in size 4 diapers.
She knows her belly button, eyes, ears, nose, hair, head, toes, legs, hands, fingers, eyebrow, mouth, tongue, and teeth.
She says tons of words and tries to repeat everything you say.
She has 12 teeth. She loves to dance, and pretend to sing.
This post is getting really long so I’m going to wrap it up. Hope all is well with everyone!!

Summer/18 months pics

2011-08-05T22:00:00.004-05:00

We're at the beach...let us out!!

Olivia, Emily, Kenzie, and Anna

Kenzie and Olivia

Brandon's mom and her four granddaughters

Puerto Rico

I wrote up a post in word and it won't let me paste it for some reason....hope all is well with everyone!!

16 months 1 week;)

2011-05-27T20:53:00.003-05:00

My little lady is 16 months!! I cannot believe it! This time has FLOWN by. I feel like I was just doing my embryo transfer to conceive her...I had my 2 year anniversary of that on the 11th;) She is AMAZING! Everyday she is more fun. She has started to test her boundaries though...she likes to see how we react to things. She had her first mini tantrum when I wouldn't let her play in the trash can. She laid on the floor and cried/screamed for about 30 seconds. She also likes to throw things to see how you will react to that. Other than that she is awesome!! Here are some of her stats:

She is almost 22 lbs and is 30 inches...maybe a little more now.
She wears size 3 diapers.
She LOVES croutons and when the fridge door opens she runs to grab the bag of them out of the door. She is picky about the things she eats, sometimes she loves something and then the next day hates it. She loves cheese, goldfish crackers, croutons, sour cream (eats it by the spoon full), guacamole, peanut butter and jelly, sausage, rice, jambalaya, taco meat, etc. She doesn't like many vegetables and is picky about the fruit she eats. She will eat more for my babysitter and mom then she will with me....not sure why!!
She LOVES ice...she asks for it all the time and sequels when you give her some;)
She loves bubbles. She asks for bubbles in the bathtub, outside, in the pool...she can't get enough.
She can say so many words now that I can't keep track. She repeats a lot and then I don't hear it again for awhile though. Her favorite words are: bubbles, ice, cow, duck, maw maw, paw paw, papa, dada, mama, fish (says "ish") dog, truck (when she hears a truck she things it's her daddy coming home), bubs (her boyfriend at daycare), cook, snack, more (she says this anytime she wants more of something)...that's the main words she says but repeats many more.
As soon as I open the laundry room door (which also is the pantry) she says "snack, snack, snack" and wants me to giver her something to eat.
She loves to "read" and be read to.
She loves going to our farm to see the cows and horses.
She loves to feed her dog after dinner. If we don't let her give him the food she gets so upset.
She LOVES to dance. This girl will dance to any kind of music but loves when my daddy puts on his juke box the best!
She loves to help me cook. I put a stool by the counter and she stands on it and puts stuff in her bowl and stirs it around. It occupies her while I am cooking dinner. I figure she will also learn a lot this way too.

I'm sure there is more that I am forgetting but it is the last day of the school year and I am exhausted! My summer vacation starts tomorrow and I am so excited to have 10 weeks off with my baby girl! I hope everyone is doing well. I read all of your blogs while I am rocking kenzie to sleep at night...it is often to hard to comment though! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

catching up!!

2011-04-03T10:02:00.005-05:00

Helping me make waffles!!

Her favorite thing to do...see the cows (don't worry Brandon is close and the cows are tame!)

I've been wanting to catch up for a while now..but haven't had a chance. I always check blogs while I am rocking Kenzie at night using my phone. I can't figure out how to post from my phone...anyone know:) I can post the title but can't write on the body for some reason??

We have had a rough two weeks. First Kenzie had an 8 day virus...yes you heard that right...EIGHT days! It was miserable!! She would throw up once in the morning and then have diarrhea during the day. We couldn't bring her to the babysitter so Brandon, my mom, and I had to take turns taking off of work. She was then well for 4 days... four days!!! Last Friday when I got home from having to much fun at a girl's night, I found that my poor little baby had 102 fever and croup. We took her to the doctor on Saturday and she did have croup. She had fever all day Saturday. It has been a week and she still has a terrible runny nose and a cough but is playing and smiling, so we are thankful for that! Friday night was the FIRST night that she slept all night in two weeks. I was one tired momma! Hopefully the sickness has left our house for awhile!! I have seven weeks left until summer break and I am hoping when she is home with me she won't catch as many illnesses.

Kenzie is at such a fun age! We are having a blast with her. Her are some stats:

She weighs 21 lbs 5 oz as of Friday and is around 28 inches tall
She is in a size 3 diaper
She hasn't had a bottle since 13 months
She has been walking since her birthday and is running now..I can't keep up with her.
She says dada, mama, papa, cat (her favorite word), cow, eye ( I love how she says this!), ear, ball, duck....I know I am missing some...
She makes the sound for a duck, cow, owl, and monkey
She can point to her eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, ears, toes, belly. (She loves the teeth and eyes the best)
She goes to visit the cows on our farm everyday and gets so excited when you tell her that you are going. She makes an "o" with her mouth and starts going "Oooooooo" as soon as we get on the mule(its a motorized vehicle a little bigger than a golf cart) she starts making a cow sound and jumping up and down;)
She loves to drop things and say uh-oh!
She wants to be outside all day and sometimes cries when we come in. She is definitely her father's child.
She loves books and rolling a ball to us.
We are so thankful for this little piece of heaven!!

I hope everyone has been doing wonderful! Have a great week!

Sickness.

2011-03-17T20:38:00.002-05:00

Update

2011-02-15T18:38:00.002-06:00

Thanks for all the prayers girls! Saturday evening I started bleeding a lot more and Sunday it was the same thing. I knew in my heart that it was over. Brandon made me go for my beta on Monday anyway. It was down to 13. I have to go back on Monday to make sure everything is gone.
I'm okay. I truly believe that God has a plan for me. I had to go through 2 years of struggle to get Mckenzie. I know that God had that planned for me and I got the best baby out of it. So I trust that he has my next journey planned too!! I am sad that I'm not going to be pregnant with my 2 best friends....it doesn't happen often that three people who are so close get positive tests in one week.
Pray that we will get pregnant again easily and it will result in a healthy little baby;)

I need some prayers girls!!

2011-02-12T15:00:00.002-06:00

Tuesday something happen that I never thought I would see in my life...I saw a positive pregnancy test without having to do fertility treatments. I didn't believe it so I took 3 more test over the next 3 days and they were also positive. Friday I went to my Dr to test my HCG since I was a previous IVF patient. The nurse called and said my level was 76 which was fine if it was an early pregnancy but they wanted to recheck Monday. Wednesday Ialso found out that my best friend is pregnant and yesterday I found out that my other good friend is pregnant. All a couple of days apart. Talk about my dream come true;)
Well when I woke up this morning there was bleeding. It's only when I go to the bathroom but I'm pretty sure I'm miscarrying. Brandon keeps telling me that I still need to go in on Monday for another HCG since this exact same thing happen for my last pregnancy..but I don't have any hope that it will be okay. Can you just say a prayer for me girls! Tomorrow is my birthday..what a present!! I know God only gives you what you can handle. He knew I couldn't handle a miscarriage unless I already had a beautiful baby. Its still really hard. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers!!

First Birthday

2011-01-28T21:04:00.007-06:00

Hey all!! I am a week behind on my little lady turning one;) I cannot believe how fast a year flew by. It was by far the best year of my life!! McKenzie turned one on January 21st. We had a small birthday party for her on the 22nd. It was just close family. She LOVED it because it was everyone she is really close to.

Year Stats:

She is 20 lbs 6 oz (25%)
She is 28 inches lon (25%)
In size 3 diapers
wearing 12 month clothes
She is walking small distances but prefers to crawl...because she is a very fast crawler!
She is a picky eater and prefers french fries and grilled cheese over anyting else. Her favorite healthy foods are blueberries and gaucamola.
She has 6 teeth and should be two more soon because her top and bottom gums are swollen.
She says mama, dada, papa, bye, cat(her favorite word), cow, quack, who(for an owl)
She makes everyday such a better day and we are so blessed to have her!!

She LOVES her smart trike!!

Birthday breakfast;)

My first attempt at birthday cakes.

Me,brandon's grandma, brandon's mom, Mckenzie, my mom, my grandma

Opening presents

She opened up presents like a big girl and was careful and looked at each one;)

She loved her cake;)

Christmas and 11 months

2010-12-29T10:16:00.006-06:00

Sorry I havent' blogged in so long. I get so busy that I forget. Those of you who are so good at blogging...how do you make the time? Kenzie turned 11 months on the 21st! I can't believe it. She is unbelievable. So good and laid back. I'm so lucky to have her. We also had a lot of fun celebrating her first Christmas. She was so fun and loved all her presents and all the parties. She is turning into an entertainer and likes to make people laugh. We are now preparing for her first birthday. I hope all is well with everyone!! Sorry my pictures are in reverse;)

Her gran and papa
Dancing to Christmas songs

Her Godfather gave her this giant bear!!

Loving Christmas!

Kenzie and one of Brandon's twin sisters

She loves doing sweet eyes now;)

Ragady Ann

She LOVES her new trike

Thank you Santa

Her present from her Nanny

Kenzie and Olivia

Walking to see the tree.

Loving bubbles.

Helping me make brownies for her daddy!!

Helping me wrap presents!

Helping decorate the tree!

Look at all this stuff to play with.

She is sooo curious and wants to know about everything.

10 months old!!

2010-11-21T10:12:00.000-06:00

9 Months...a little late!

2010-11-07T19:53:00.008-06:00

McKenzie and her cousin Olivia on Halloween

I"m not sure why the pics are so spaced out! I couldn't fix it;) .My beautiful little lady is 9 months...well 9 1/2 now since I've been slacking on blogging lately! She is doing wonderful and is such a happy, laid back baby! We are so blessed!!

She is in 9-12 month clothes (a couple of 12-18 month all in one outfits)
Size 3 diapers
Weighs 18lbs 1.5 oz
Is 27 7/8 inch long
Is crawling EVERYWHERE..I can't even go to the bathroom alone anymore;)
Is pulling up on everything. All she wants to do is stand
Says Bye-bye, mama, dada, papa
Mostly wants to eat real food not baby food too much anymore.
Takes 2 good naps one at 9 and one at 1.
Sleeps through the night most of the time but wakes up for a bottle at 5:30, then goes back to sleep.
Laughs and smiles all day and makes us soo happy!

Well, I gotta go before my husband kills me:) I hope all is well with everyone!!

8 Months

2010-09-25T06:10:00.004-05:00

She loves stuffed animals!

Wearing camoflauge for her daddy's birthday.

Reading her book!

McKenzie is 8 months! I cannot believe it. Time has flown by since she was born. It seems like 8 months of being pregnant took so long....but now life is a blur. It feels like I rush through my day at work to get home to see her. I wish we had more time to spend together...oh how I want to be a stay at home mom;) Anyway....here are her 8 month stats!!

It has been a busy month:

She started being able to go from laying to sitting on her own.
Three days later she started to clap!! I was so excited about this. I have been working with her for about a month on clapping. I left to go somewhere for a few hours and when I got back she was clapping. Brandon said they were watching "Diego" and he said clap, clap, clap and she did it;)
Yesterday she started crawling (army style). She still likes to roll more because she is faster at it. I'm sure this will change soon!!
I'm working with her waving bye-bye. Yesterday she did it a little.....
We had to lower her crib since she can sit up now. She crawls all around the crib pulling down the bumpers and looking through the bars;)
She is sleeping better at night. I think this is in large part to the awesom naps she takes at the babysitter...she must be a magician;) She wakes up at 5:30 though because she hears us getting ready for work. This is fine during the week but kind of sucks on the weekend. She will usually go back to sleep after a bottle though.
She LOVES her daddy. He can get the most laughs out of her. They spend time together in the morning after I leave for work. He brings her and picks her up from the babysitter!!
She hasn't been wanting as much formula during the day. I guess this is because of the baby food.
She loves the Sprout brand babyfood doesn't really like the other brands...I can't blame her. The sprout is really good. To bad it cost more!! She loves finger food...especially mac-and-cheese, pasta, bread, waffles, fresh fruit, etc.
She has gotten good with the sippy cup but has started a new game where she likes to throw it from her high chair.
Her favorite toys are measuring cups, measuring spoons, containers, plastic bottles, etc. She does love stuffed animals though!
She has her bottom 2 teeth and her top gums are really swollen so I'm expecting them any day now.
She is in size 3 diapers and 6-9 month clothes.
She loves being outside and taking a bath.
She has started her "stranger danger" stage and either gives them serious looks or cries.

We are so happy to have our beautiful little lady. We feel so blessed for these 8 months!! I hope everyone is doing great!!

Bad Week

2010-09-09T20:43:00.003-05:00

Since Sunday Kenzie has been waking up a lot at night. I've only gotten 2-4 hours a sleep the last 4 nights. Plus I've had to wake up at 5:30 and go to work....ugggh!! Her nose is running clear and she has been cranky. Everyone says that she must be teething. She didn't really do this much with her first two teeth. Are the 2nd set worse? Tonight she has been cranky and would only drink 2 oz of her bottle. Anyone have this happen? Should I bring her to the doctor? I need some sleep and I need my happy baby back.....

Wierd comments

2010-09-06T20:32:00.001-05:00

Has anyone been getting wierd comments from strange people?? I'm thinking maybe I should go private!!

7 months and starting work

2010-08-23T20:06:00.003-05:00

Sorry I haven't been able to comment much on every one's blogs...I'm so busy now that I'm back at work. It's crazy....having a baby and working is so much different than working without a baby...why didn't ya'll tell me that;) I have to wake up at 5:30 so I can get ready in time and still get to do everything with McKenzie like dress and feed her. Thank goodness Brandon brings her to the babysitter or I would really be late for work. She really seems to love the babysitter and the other kids that stay there (there are 5 other small children). I'm so thankful for that. I think the anticipation of going back to work was much worse than actually going. Once I was there it wasn't as bad as I expected. So that's going pretty good. Kenzie already had to miss a day on Friday because she had her 2nd cold....uggggh!! I hate when she's sick.

She turned 7 months on Saturday!! I can't believe it!! Time is FLYING by. Her 7 month stats are:

She got 2 teeth a month ago (bottom)...I forgot to write that on 6 months...
She is in size 3 diapers.
She is taking 5 bottles a day... 4 that are 6 oz and an 8 0z before bed.
She sleeps through the night most of the time but wakes up on occasion @2nights a week.
She could care less for baby food. She really only likes the Sprout brand (I actually like it to0;) She loves graham crackers, puffs, gerber snacks, fruit slices, etc. though
She loves her swing outside!!
She is talking/babbling like CRAZY. I swear she says babbbaaa when she wants a bottle.
She is still only rolling where she wants to go...I don't know is she will crawl anytime soon.
She is wearing 3-6 month clothes..some 6-12 month dresses.
She loves playing peek-a-boo/peep-pie with her daddy...she beams every time she sees him.
She still loves her jumperoo...best money that I've spent!
She is 16 lbs 3 0z and 26 1/2 inches long.

Can't think of anything else because I'm so tired;) I hope everyone is doing great! I'm trying to catch up on your blogs. Know that I'm always thinking of ya'll! Have a great week!!

PS. To those teachers....wish me luck...I get my kids tomorrow;)

I don't know why we buy toys...she loves remote controls, paper, and water bottles!!

Overdue posts:6 month pics, cold, sleep....

2010-08-08T09:30:00.006-05:00

Well I am sleep deprived...I feel like I have a newborn. McKenzie hasn't slept well since she first got a cold. At first it was because she couldn't breathe well. Her cold then developed into croup. The doctor put her on steroids for the croup and said it would make her active at night..yay! He was right. For three nights straight she was up for 2 hours at a time. I am averaging 3-4 hours a night...uggh! Friday night she finally slept again. Last night she had these weird crying spells like she was having nightmares. For 2 hours she made the noise they make after they cry for a long time..you know the one where they sound like they are catching their breath. Brandon looked it up and he said it was night terrors...has anyone else experienced this?

I am starting work on Thursday and I'm so sad!! I'm so nervous about leaving McKenzie with someone else!! Wish me luck:(
I am also late posting McKenzie's 6 month photo shoot pics. They are below...I hope you enjoy;) I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

6months/beach/cold/catch up

2010-07-29T13:40:00.004-05:00

I'm kind of late with these posts because my laptop crashed and I had to wait to get a new one!! McKenzie turned 6 months old on July 21st. I can't believe it..time has FLOWN by! Here are some of her 6 months stats

She weighs 16lbs 2 0z
She is wearing mostly 3 month clothes..some 6 month.
She is in size 3 diapers.
She has been sitting unassisted since right after she turned 5 months.
She is rolling all over the place to get where she wants to go.
She is mostly sleeping through the night..every now and then I have to get up and pat her pack until she goes back to sleep. she usually sleeps from 7:30-6 ish.
Her naps range from 45 min-1 hour and 1/2.
She really could careless for baby food. The only kind she really likes is the Sprout brand...apples and pears. She does love Gerber puffs though;)
She has started to drink from a sippy cup but has not mastered that yet.
She absolutely LOVES her daddy and beams whenever she sees him.
She can only "crawl" in the bathtub. She uses her arms to slide across the tub on her belly. IT's so cute.
She is jumping like crazy in her jumperoo.
She makes all kinds of sounds. She says mammamaa alot when she is crying. I know she probably doesn't know what she is saying but it sure makes me want to pick her up!!

We also went to the beach for the first time last week. She did much better than I thought she would. She was AWESOME in the car and played and slept the whole way there and back. She did okay with naps and night time sleep. We stayed with Brandon's Dad and his wife and small kids and his sister and their kids...so it was MUCH louder than she is used too;) When we got back she had her first cold and still has it now. It is nooo fun. Ihate not knowing how she feels and exactly what she needs.

We also met with her babysitter. I have to go back to work on August 12th and I'm so sad about it. That day will mark 30 weeks that I was off with Mckenzie and I don't know what I'm going to do without seeing her all day.

Well I think she is waking, I better go! I hope all is well with everyone!

McKenzie and Olivia (her cousin-3 weeks apart)

Swimming

I love this picture!!

Brandon's Dad with his daughter and 3 granddaughters

Windblown!

Too curious to sleep on the beach!

Kenzie and daddy!

Kenzie and her best friend Liv!

Kenzie and Emily!

The most important thing we packed!

2010-07-04T19:19:00.003-05:00

My cousin came home from Art school in Savanna and wanted to take some pictures of McKenzie! I thought you might like to see them. Hope you have a great week!!

This is my Aunt. Mckenzie LOVES her;)

5 months

2010-06-21T15:33:00.007-05:00

I forgot this picture so that's why it's out of place. It was from Father's Day.
I made a frame of McKenzie holding letters that spelled out DAD. He loved it.

My little lady turned 5 months today! Time is flying by. I am cherishing each day and hoping summer goes by slow because I don't want to leave her and go back to work. Here are some stats on my little one;)

You are always so happy and laid back.

When you meet knew people you look at them really serious.

You are obsessed with sucking your fingers. While you are eating baby food you suck them between each bite..very messy;)

You have tried green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, pears, apple sauce, prunes, and peas. Your favorite is pears and sweet potatoes.

You are wearing size 2 diapers.

You fit in size 3 month clothes the best but some 6 month clothes fit.
You weigh 14 lbs 2 0z and are 25 inches long.

You won't nap longer than 45 minutes and wake up smiling and happy.

You sleep on your stomach but often wake up on your belly...I think that's what wakes you up.

You can roll over both ways but are much better at rolling from belly to back.

You want to stand up all day...everyone thinks you are going to walk early...we will see;)

You love your jumperoo and your play gym. You could lay under your gym for hours.

Your favorite toy is Sophie the teething giraffe. It was worth the money!!

You still wake up 2 times a night. We are only feeding you once...hoping that you start sleeping well soon!!

You love being outdoors.

You are very ticklish and it always gets a laugh.

You found your feet a couple of weeks ago and put them in your mouth on June 11th..daddy was with you when you did it!

We have loved every moment of these past 5 months!!

Sophie!!

You found your feet a couple of weeks ago and put your feet in your mouth on June 11th!

4 months!!

2010-05-20T09:07:00.009-05:00

Our favorite time of the day!!

Kinsey with her Gran and Papa. (My parents)

I love my jumperoo!!

I finally learned how to grab this frog and make it sing!!

First try at cereal!

I can't believe that my beautiful daughter turns 4 months tomorrow...that I have been blessed with her for 18 weeks!!! Time has flown by. I am so lucky to have been off of work the entire time. Now as the school year draws to the end, I am getting so sad, knowing that I only have the summer left to spend with her. I wish that I could be a stay at home mom...maybe one day I will win the lottery;)

Here are some 4 month facts about my little angel

she just started to eat cereal this week...she cried at first. After day 1 she didn't cry but it is still a learning process!!
she is talking up a storm!! All she does is talk. This morning I laughed and laughed because the entire time she was nursing she took breaks to talk.
She is in a 4 month sleep regression and wakes up 2 times to eat...I think it's because she is so curious that she doesn't eat enough in the day time.
She loves to stand up and sit up on your lap or in her bebe pod. She no longer likes to be held like a baby and gets made if you do that!
She is smiling up a storm and just started really laughing. She laughs the most when I give her a massage after her bath.
She loves bath time and if you don't do it at her routine time she gets really mad and it's one of the only times that she cries.
She puts her self to sleep for naps but usually only sleeps for 45 min-1hour. Though on occasion she has slept for 2 hours.

She LOVES to be outside. The swing is her favorite place. We go out there everyday and swing and sing;)

She loves her jumperoo and playing on the floor. She will do these things while I cook and laugh when I tell her what I'm cooking.

Every morning Brandon and I bring her in the bed with us at 7 so we can play. It's our favorite time of the day.
Her bed time is 7 and she goes to bed easily but has been waking on occasion after 1 hour wanting to eat again.
She is grabbing at everything and putting it in her mouth.
She has rolled from tummy to back but only rolls on her side when she is on her back.

She has made our lives so wonderful and we thank God for this awesome miracle!

I hope everyone has a great day!!

Mother's Day and Question!!

2010-05-12T08:04:00.010-05:00

My first Mother's Day was awesome! I couldn't have asked for a better one!! My wonderful husband started on Wednesday by saying that he wanted to give me one of my gifts and it couldn't wait. It was a Nikon D3000 camera! I NEVER expected it. He knew I wanted one because I had borrowed my mom's to take McKenzie's 3 month pictures. He told me that Inever ask for anything and I deserve it. I was ecstatic!! Thursday he gave me another present, a frame that said "To Mommy on our first Mother's Day"! This one made me cry;) On Friday he gave me a scrapbook that said "Live, Laugh, Love!" because he knows that it is one of my favorite sayings. Mother's Day morning he got up early so that he could be up when McKenzie got up so I could sleep late...but for some reason I couldn't. Instead, we all 3 watched Avatar in bed and McKenzie fell asleep in between us holding each on of our fingers...I wish I had a picture of that! Then he made me breakfast: homemade hash browns, scrambled eggs, and toast. He definitely did good!! I couldn't ask for a better husband!!
After breakfast we got ready and headed to Brandon's mom's house to celebrate with her and his sister's family. We barbecued and played outside. It was really fun and layed back. McKenzie slept a good part of the time in her sling! After lunch we headed to my parents house to eat more food;) My dad and brother boiled crawfish for us! For those of you who don't know...crawfish are a big part of Louisiana gatherings! We LOVE them. After that we stopped by Brandon's dad's house to give his stepmom her present. It was a great day!! I feel so blessed. Last year on Mother's Day I knew that my embryo transfer was on the next day and I was praying that it would take!! How far we have come;)
On a different note...I have a question for you mommies. McKenzie had gotten so good with sleep. For 3 weeks she only woke up once a night. She was sleeping from 7:30 to around 4 and then going back to sleep till 7. The last 3 weeks it seems like she is going through some kind of sleep regression. We put her down easily at night but she wakes after an hour and it is tough to get her back down. Then she wakes twice a night...usually around 11/12 and then 3/4. A few nights she woke up 3 or more times. I felt like I had a newborn again. She also easily goes down for a nap...I put her in her crib and she puts her self to sleep. The problem is that she only sleeps now for 30 or 45 minutes. After that she won't go back to sleep unless you pick her up and hold her. Has anyone else experienced this?? Any advice would be great...I feel like we are going backward!!!
HEre are some pictures from Mother's Day...the are all mixed up...sorry;) Hope everyone is having a great week!!

My first Mother's Day...McKenzie looks shocked;)

My mommy and her first grandchild!

McKenzie's 3 cousins. I wish she could have been in the picture but she was napping.

Brandon having fun with the 2 older girls;)

Brandon's mom and McKenzie.

Brandon fixing me a yummy breakfast!!

My beautiful little angel!!

One of my presents!!

A few pics from McKinsey's 12 week photo shoot

2010-04-15T10:40:00.007-05:00

McKenzie's Babtism

2010-04-14T09:52:00.007-05:00

Saturday was McKenzie's babtism!! She did AWESOME!! She was so good in church. We were so proud of her. After the babtism we all went out to eat at a local restaurant and she was great there too. We feel so blessed to have such a wonderful baby!! Hope everyone has a great week!

The godparents..my brother and Brandon's sister!!

My parents and my brother

The priest held her up and walk like that down the alters...can you say nervous;)

My beautiful little angel!

It's been awhile

2010-04-08T12:33:00.004-05:00

Hi friends!! It's been awhile since my last post. I have been reading your blogs though!! If I don't comment that is because I am either feeding a baby or comforting a baby while reading them;)

My little doodlebug is 11 weeks old today!! I cannot believe how quickly time has flown by. At her 8 week appointment she was 10lbs 10oz and 22 1/2 inches long...I'm sure she is 11 lbs by now!! I am still missing having a full nights sleep...that seems like such a long time ago;) She teases me by only waking up 1 time for a couple days and then goes back to 2 times a night. This has happened a couple weeks in a row. Also every few days she is really restless after her 4 am feeding. She will make a lot of noises and toss and turn for about an hour...anyone else?? Any advice about this?? I am also having a hard time getting her to take more than an hour nap at a time. She will take around 4 one hour naps a day. I would like to get her to take 3 1 1/2-2 hour naps...any suggestions?? Well, she is about to wake up so I better go. I will post Sunday to tell you how her Christening goes!!

PS...Please pray for my blogger friend Tammy who is having an embryo transfer on Friday!!

8 weeks!!!

2010-03-18T15:10:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that my little lovebug is 8 weeks old!! Time sure is flying by. We started a night time routine on Tuesday: bath at 7:15, 2 stories, prayers, bottle/songs, bed. I am still breastfeeding but am giving a bottle at bed so that when brandon does it, it won't be confusing. She has been doing better since the routine. Last night she slept from 8:15-1:15 1:30-4:30 4:30-8:15. I can't complain about that. We go to the Doctor on Monday to get her shots. I will post her stats after that. I hope everyone is having a fabulous day!!

Thanks for the advice

2010-03-13T08:34:00.002-06:00

Thanks for all the advice. I didn't get to read it until this morning so last night I followed my SIL's advice. She told me that if McKenzie woke up to soon to be hungry to go in her room and put her pacifer back in her mouth without holding her. Brandon fed her at 8:30. She went to sleep around 9:30. At 10:30 I heard her...went in and put in her pacifer. She slept 4 more hours!! Not sure if it was a fluke or what but I'll take it;)

I need Advice

2010-03-12T16:32:00.004-06:00

Hi blogger friends!! Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I have been reading your blogs though!! I need advice on helping McKenzie to sleep more at night. She is 7 weeks old. For the last few days she has been waking up every 2 hours at night and I'm going crazy. I read that it is because I rock her to sleep so when she wakes in the night she has to be rocked back because she can't self sooth herself. Not sure if this is true or not. Does anyone have advice on how I can get her to sleep at longer intervals...Mama is tired;)

Other than that she is doing great! She weighs 10lbs now!! We go for her 8 weeks shots on the 22nd and I'm so happy because that means more freedom to go around more people!! I hope everyone is doing great.

PICS

2010-02-11T14:50:00.004-06:00

Hi! Don't have much time to write. Just wanted to say that I love motherhood...except the sleep thing:) I have a really good baby..I feel really lucky. Life is good. I will try to write more about it.whenever I get time. HOpe all is well with everyone!!

Pictures

2010-01-30T16:31:00.008-06:00

Hi everyone! Sorry it's taken so long for me to get some pics up. My computer crashed and we just got it going again. I hope ya'll enjoy. I will post about the first week home when I get a chance!!

Birth Story

2010-01-24T16:05:00.003-06:00

Here is McKenzie's birth story:

My water broke around 3:50 on Thursday January 21. I had a pain that woke me up. I went to the bathroom and then went back to bed. When I laid down my underwear got soaking wet. I got up to try to determine if I peed on myself or if it was my water. When I stood up it stopped. I went to the living room and sat on the couch to see if it would happen again...it did. I looked at my underwear and there were dots of white mucus...this assured me that it was my water. I called the Dr. and they said to come in. I decided I better do some stuff before I woke up Brandon because I knew he wouldn't let me when he got up:) I took a shower, put on makeup, blow dried my hair, got dress, ran the dish washer, straighten the living room, and then woke him up. I gently shook him and asked him if he was ready to be a dad;) He said "Really?, how do you know?" While he was getting ready I took the opportunity to eat because I knew when I got there they wouldn't let me and I was STARVING!! All this took around 50 minutes. We left our house at 4:40 and got to the hospital around 5:15. I was assessed before moving to labor and delivery. When I got there I was only having back pain and I was still 2 cm. I got to labor and delivery at around 6:00. Once I was there my contractions started to hurt in the front as well as the back and they were quick..around 2 minutes apart. They asked me if I wanted an epidural but said when I got one I wouldn't be able to get up. I decided to try some pain medicine first..mistake!! It made me feel DRUNK but i could still feel the pain. My Dr came to check me and I could not concentrate on what he was saying. He checked me and I was around 4-5. At around 8:50 I was 5 cm and decided to get an epidural because the pain was bad. It made the contractions painless but my legs were DEAD weight and felt asleep..tingling really bad. At 10 I was 8 cm and the nurse said I would start practice pushing soon. We decided to start at 11:15. She put a mirror in front so I could see. Every time I saw here hair it made me DETERMINED!! I pushed till 11:45 and she called the doctor and told him to hurry up. He couldn't believe it..he thought it would take awhile. He came in and I pushed 2-3 times for him and she was born at 12:14.
She was so beautiful!! I busted out crying as soon as he pulled her out. I cannot believe the instant love I felt for her and how much more love I felt for my husband at that instant. It was AMAZING!. She weighed 7 lbs 5.1 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. She was taken and cleaned before being brought to me because the placenta was stuck and the doctor had a hard time getting it out. That was the only painful part of the delivery!! He had to get on top of me and push like crazy and then pull it out. I was close to having to go to a surgical room to get it removed.
I got to breastfeed her right after she was bathed. The baby nurse helped me get the hang of it. I believe doing it so quickly helped with our great success with it!!
McKenzie had a slight temperature when she was born. Since I had Group B strep here white blood count was taken. It was slightly elevated so she had to get an IV in her foot. She had to get antibiotics every 12 hours for the first 2 days. On Saturday she also tested positive for jaundice so we had to stay an additional day and have her sleep underneath a light in our room. Other than that she has been a PERFECT baby. She hardly every cries (only when we change her diaper or she is hungry). We are sooo in love with her!!
Sorry this was so long...I didn't want to forget anything!! Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend...I'm going feed my little love.

She's HERE!!!

2010-01-23T11:15:00.002-06:00

Well ladies I don't have much time but I wanted to say that McKenzie is HERE!!! My water broke Thursday morning at around 3:45. She was born at 12:14 pm after only 30 minutes of pushing. I will write the entire birth story later. I hope everyone is doing great!!

Quick 39 week update

2010-01-20T19:42:00.002-06:00

I'm still here!!! I went to the Dr. yesterday for my 39 week update. I just knew that I would be further along...ha ha!!! When he checked me he said "Still 2 cm and 75% effaced"!! I wanted to hit him;) I asked him if there was anything I could do to get labor going and he said no she would come when she was ready. He decided since he thinks she is going to be around 8 lbs and my pelvis is small, plus the fact that I have gestational diabetes, that he will induce on Monday morning if she doesn't come before then. I am really hoping that she comes before then because he said it would be much easier!!
So, I'm still here!! I'm feeling okay besides the fact that I'm not sleeping good and my legs have been really swollen the last few days. I am still working. My preschoolers ask me everyday when McKenzie is going to come. They said she is really big now and it is time for her to come out;) They amaze me!! I couldn't believe how many of them bought her Christmas presents. The were SOOO proud of their gifts. One mom told me yesterday that when McKenzie grows up her daughter is going to teacher her how to swing...is that cute or what. I'm going to miss them for the rest of the school year. I hope my sub does a good job!!
Well girls, I hope everyone is having a great week!! Hopefully my next post will have baby pictures included. Please pray that I have a safe delivery and a healthy baby girl;)

Quick 38 week update

2010-01-12T20:22:00.002-06:00

HI!!! Just wanted to give everyone a short update...don't have time for the regular stat update. I went to the Dr. today and I am 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. It could be any day now;) I also have the joy of having Group B strep...I think I have gotten everything that you can get besides high blood pressure;) He said it was not a big deal if I get the antibiotics when I go into labor. 1 in 5 women get it or 200 in 1000 women get it. Out of that 200 woman 1 baby gets sick from it. Praying that isn't my baby!!!
I'm still at work and doing pretty good. My pre k class is anxious about me having the baby. They tell me everyday that the thing she is definitely big enough to come out now...LOL!!! My goal was to make to class picture day and that is tomorrow!!!
Well, I hope everyone is doing great. I am going relax in bed with my loving hubby...who has been WONDERFUL by the way. I love him soooo much!!

37 weeks

2010-01-05T16:38:00.006-06:00

How far along: 37 weeks
Weight gained: I can't believe this but.....37 pounds....I guess that's a pound a week;)
Maternity clothes: Yes, I'm running out of room. My shirts are tight. I am wearing Brandon's shirts to sleep in.
Sleep: Not very good. I am getting up a lot to pee and my hips hurt.
Best moment of the week: Getting to 37 weeks (full term) and seeing her on the sonogram.
Food cravings: Pasta, salad, fruit, and my favorite bed time snack ginger snaps and milk...Ive been very hungry lately.
Heartburn: yes, mostly at night
Labor signs: nope
Belly button: barely there
What I miss: being able to get out of bed like a normal person
Weekly wisdom: Infertility worries stay with you forever...I've been getting more and more nervous the closer we get.
Milestones: 37 weeks (full term)

I went to the doctor today. I am 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The head is engaged and the doctor said we are on the 10 yard line. I'm thinking it will happen around the 13th...but we will see:) I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!

HEre are my 37 week belly pics. My computer is acting up...it would not let me rotate them!!

35/35

2009-12-22T20:43:00.003-06:00

**I'm not sure why everything is underlined!! I couldn't get it off!!

How Far Along 35 weeks
Weight Gained ....gulp...35 pounds!!

Maternity clothes yes, some stuff still fits. The shirt in the picture is not a maternity shirt.

Sleep has been horrible...my hips and back hurt

best moment of the week having time off so I get to relax and feel McKenzie move more!

Food cravings it was chicken salad but I've had so much of it that I'm no longer craving it!

morning sickness no but I am getting heartburn at night

Gender sweet baby girl

labor signs nope and we are now at the point that my Dr. would not stop labor

belly button barely there it's pointy at the end though and gets hard at times

What I miss a good nights sleep and being able to shave without any trouble!!

Weekly Wisdom enjoy every kick poke and prod...I"m going to miss that about being pregnant! Also, I ordered things I might need after pregnancy (e.g. pads, breast pads, nipple cream, witch hazel, etc) from drugstore.com it is comparable to most stores and they delivered it to my door with free shipping.

Milestones 35 days left!! I have a feeling that I only have 3 weeks left....but we will see.

Also, I went to the doctor yesterday and waited 2 1/2 freaking hours!! There are 6 Dr's in my office and 3 are taking off this week and 3 the next!! Does that make any sense??? Anyway when I got in there my doctor argued with me about my due date. They got a new computer system and accidentally put my in for January 29th. I know it's only 3 days...but those 3 days matter to me!!! I did IVF I know my EXACT due date...I'm the one who told my doctor!! He was in too much of a hurry to change it in the system!! I was so MAD!!!

Anyway, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!! Remember Jesus is the reason for the season:) LOTS OF LOVE!!

31 weeks 2 days

2009-11-27T15:57:00.006-06:00

How far along: 31 weeks 2 days

Weight gained: 21 pounds

Maternity clothes: yes, but stil wearing some t-shirts, comfy pants, pjs, and cami's from pre-pregnancy

sleep: wake up every 2 hours for bathroom and hip pain

best moment of the week: when Brandon gave me a baby book for our anniversary. He had researched for a month to find the perfect one;)

Food cravings: none at the moment....

Morning sickness: nope

Gender: baby girl

Labor signs: hopefully not for at least 6 more weeks!

Belly button: starting to get really tight and hard...

What I miss: sleeping all night and a cold beer

Weekly wisdom: don't wait till the last minute to do things...you never know if you will go on bedrest or labor;) My friend was induced this past week 3 1/2 weeks early because her placenta had stopped working. Also, GOD IS GOOD:)

Milestones: getting past 30 weeks...really big milestone for lung development!!

29 weeks/shower

2009-11-11T17:02:00.010-06:00

How far along: 29 weeks
Total weight gained: 19 pounds
Maternity clothes: yes, but a few shirts and comfy pants still fit
Sleep: it hasn't been good. My hips hurt so bad at night...I wish I could sleep on my back.
B est moment of the week: when my parents felt McKenzie move
Movement: she as been moving a lot....I LOVE IT
Food cravings: well, since I got gestational diabetes I have been craving cake, cupcakes and pasta:)
Morning sickness: no but I have started gagging again in the morning. I hope it doesn't come back@
Gender: sweet little girl!
Labor signs: no..hopefullly not for at least 6 more weeks!
Belly button: it's disappering fast;)
What I miss: being able to sleep, being able to move like a normal person;)
Weekly wisdom: enjoy every minute because it goes by so fast
Milestones: 3rd trimester

I had my baby shower on November 1st! It was AWESOME!! My cousin, SIL, aunts, mom, and best friend planned it. Everything was perfect! I couldn't have asked for more. Here are a few pictures. I haven't gotten them all yet!

Here is some of the monogrammed stuff that McKenzie got.

One of my favorite pictures! My cousin (whose like a sister) kissing my belly!

My aunt and cousin touching my belly

One of the food tables

My mom and best friend

My cousin painted this for McKenzie. It is now above her crib.

The YUMMY cake!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2009-10-31T20:06:00.002-05:00

26 weeks update

2009-10-21T16:59:00.002-05:00

How Far Along? 26 weeks
Total Weight Gained/Loss? 16 pounds...I didn't gain any this month!!
Maternity Clothes: yep..I can still fit in some shirts and comfy pants
Sleep: I miss sleep so much!! Leg cramp, back pain, and hip pain have been waking me up.
Best Moment of the Week. Last week it was when they said I could go back to work. This week it has been how much our little girl has been moving!
Movement- yes, she is really moving now!! I love the feeling:)
Food Craving- lettuce wraps, scallops, pizza
Food aversions- nothing...I'm loving eating!!!
Morning sickness?- No but I have started gagging in the morning..I hope it doesn't come back.
Gender- It's A GIRL!!! McKenzie Joy
Labor Signs- hopefully not for at least 9 more weeks...that worries me!!
Belly Button- in but getting shallow!
What I miss-being able to sleep well, being able to do a lot without having to worry about going back on bedrest.
What I'm looking forward to- My baby shower next weekend.
Weekly Wisdom- God has a plan for us...we just have to trust in that plan!! Do as much as you can early...you never know if you will be put on bedrest!
Milestones- going back to work.

Well, last Thursday I went back to the doctor. He decided to "cautiously" let me go back to work. He told me to sit as much as I could, no exercise, no "relations" as he called it, and come back in 2 weeks. He will check my cervix and do a fFN test again next Thursday to see if I can continue working. I'm crossing my fingers that I can..I really don't want to use up my days before the baby is born.

Last Saturday Brandon and I were on our way to my friend's couple baby shower. We were 10 minutes from the party when my nose started bleeding. I have had 2 nosebleeds since becoming pregnant but they only last 3-4 minutes. This nosebleed was massive!! It was so much blood. When I switched paper towels it got on my clothes. Brandon decided that we needed to stop at my parent's house so we could clean my clothes and regroup. We got to the house and it continued to bleed. It was horrible. I held my head over the sink and just let it flow because we were told not to plug it up. It bled for 45 minutes!! Brandon was worried that I had lost too much blood;) We cleaned my clothes and finally made it to the party an hour late. It was crazy!! I hope I don't get anymore like that.

I hope everyone is doing great!!

Bedrest..

2009-10-12T09:29:00.005-05:00

This post may have TMI...just a warning;) Yesterday when I woke up I had some brown mucus in my discharge...here comes Wimberly....making me freak out;) Well I went to church and when I got back there was more. My parents picked me up to go meet my brother to eat. I asked my mom if I should call the Dr. She said yes. I called and they said if it got worse to call back. I went about my day and it stayed the same. Around 4 a big chunk came out. I'm freaking out because I'm thinking I'm losing my mucus plug already. I called the Dr. and she said to come to the hospital to get checked out.
When I got to the hospital they put me on a fetal heart monitor and a contraction monitor. Both looked good! They then did an ultrasound. The baby looked great! She is breech (still early of course), she weighs 1lb 9 0z, and is definitely a girl;) My fluids and placenta also looked good. While I was having the ultrasound I had two contractions. She then checked my cervix and thought it looked a little bit open.
I went back to the room and the Dr. came to talk to me. She did the swab test to see if I would be going into labor within 2 weeks. It came back negative..thank GOD!! She then checked my cervix and said it was a little bit open on the outside but the inside was still closed. My regular doctor was out of town so the Dr. on call decided that she wanted me to stay at home an relax until he could look at me on Thursday. Since I have a job where you stand up all day and chase 4 year olds she didn't want to risk my cervix opening up more. After the exam a huge chunk of stuff came out...GROSS!! She said it was probably from the exam...I sure hope so.
So I'm here at home laying on the couch. I'm hoping that I don't have to stay home past Thursday. I really didn't want to use up my sick leave days before maternity leave. My principal made my day last Thursday, because he asked me if I minded staying home with the baby, till next school year. He can hire a certified teacher if I stay gone the rest of the time. If I was only gone for 12 weeks and came back the last 3 he would have had to hire a part time sub. Of course I was thrilled by this news. If it all works out McKenzie will be 7 months old when I go back to work. I just have to save money to compensate for those 3 weeks of work that I won't get paid. Hopefully she will behave and I won't have to stay on bedrest long;) Say a prayer for us.

24 week update/reunion

2009-10-07T18:37:00.004-05:00

How Far Along? 24 weeks
Total Weight Gained/Loss? 16 pounds...CRAZY!!
Maternity Clothes: yep..I can still fit in some shirts and comfy pants
Sleep: leg cramp, back pain, and hip pain have been waking me up
Best Moment of the Week 24 weeks VIABILITY!!
Movement- yes!! I love the feeling:) We can also see her move now;)
Food Craving- lettuce wraps
Food aversions- nothing...I'm loving eating!!!
Morning sickness?- NO, and I hope it doesn't come back in the 3rd trimester.
Gender- It's A GIRL!!! McKenzie Joy
Labor Signs- hopefully not for at least 12 more weeks...that worries me!!
Belly Button- in but getting shallow!
What I miss-being able to sleep well.
What I'm looking forward to- baby showers and my 3D ultrasound
Weekly Wisdom- God has a plan for us...we just have to trust in that plan!! Enjoy every second of being pregnant!
Milestones- Viability
Here is my belly shots..I am getting BIG!!

On September 26th I had my 10 year reunion! It was fun seeing everyone...even though most of us have stayed in touch. I only stayed from 5:30-10:30 because you can only have so much fun around people who are drinking when you can't;) I did have a Coors cutter though (nonalcholic beer)...it tasted so good;)

This is one of my best friends. She is due 7 weeks before me. I love this pic..belly to belly!!!

I hope everyone has been doing great. I have been reading blogs...sorry if sometimes I'm too tired to comment;)

21 week 4 day update

2009-09-20T18:31:00.007-05:00

How Far Along? 21 weeks 4 days
Total Weight Gained/Loss? not sure, I'll know Thursday at my appointment.
Maternity Clothes: definately...there's no turning back now;)
Sleep: leg cramps have been waking me up
Best Moment of the Week buying bedding, putting up the furniture, etc
Movement- yes!! I love the feeling:)
Food Craving- lettuce wraps...we ate them last night and I want more!!
Food aversions- nothing...except mushrooms...yeah!!!
Morning sickness?- NO!!!
Gender- It's A GIRL!!! McKenzie Joy
Labor Signs- hopefully not for 18 more weeks...that worries me!!
Belly Button- in but getting shallow!
What I miss- not having to pee 5 times a night;)
What I'm looking forward to- baby showers
Weekly Wisdom- God has a plan for us...we just have to trust in that plan!! Enjoy every second of being pregnant!
Milestones- getting the nursery together

Here is our baby bed and bedding. I'm so proud...the baby bed was on sale at Babies R Us for 300 and we got the bedding at Target for $50!!

Here is my belly shot. It's definately GROWING!! I'm loving my belly and wearing maternity clothes!!

Horrible Blogger

2009-09-16T19:35:00.002-05:00

I've been a horrible blogger. I'm so tired after teaching that I just don't feel like blogging. I have been reading your blogs though. I haven't been very good at commenting. I'm going to give a BREIF recap of what's been happening. Brandon and I went to Babies R Us and ordered our baby furniture. We registerd while we were there!! The baby furniture came in last weekend and we put it together!! Made it feel much more real;) It also made me much more paranoid...damn IF!! Now I see that baby bed and I just keep praying that nothing happens.

I think I've been having braxton hicks contractions already. I feel them 4-5 times a day. I called the doctor and they said teachers tend to have them earlier because they are on their feet more often. They told me to rest more and drink plenty of water. I go next Thursday and will get more info.

I know that was short...but I'm tired;) Please say some prayers that our baby stays safe and keeps growing!! PS....I'm 21 weeks..more than half way there!!! YAY!!! I'll try to do my 21 week update soon!! ((HUGS))

19 weeks

2009-09-04T17:16:00.005-05:00

Here are my 19 week stats a little late. I've been really tired because of school so I haven't felt like posting;) I have been reading everyone's blogs though!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

How Far Along? 19weeks
Total Weight Gained/Loss? 10 pounds!!
Maternity Clothes: definately...they are so much more comfortable!!
Sleep: it's better since I made my sleep number bed firmer!!
Best Moment of the Week the best moment of last week was finding out the gender!! The best moment of this week was having one of my students come up to my stomach and tell the baby that she loved it;)
Movement- yes!! I love the feeling:) I am waiting for bigger kicks though!!
Food Craving- homade macaroni and cheese made by the lunchroom ladies at my school
Food aversions- nothing...except mushrooms...yeah!!!
Morning sickness?- it's been gone for a week and I'm sooo happy!!
Gender- It's A GIRL!!! McKenzie Joy
Labor Signs- hopefully not for 20 more weeks...that worries me!!
Belly Button- in but getting shallow!
What I miss- having energyand being able to run around more with my preschoolers
What I'm looking forward to- big kicks, baby furniture, and showers;)
Weekly Wisdom- God has a plan for us...we just have to trust in that plan!!
Milestones- finding out the gender!! The last few days people have told me that I've really POPPED!!

Here are my belly pics..I didn't realize that my face was looking so chunky!!

It's a.......

2009-08-29T13:43:00.009-05:00

It's a.......

GIRL!!!!!!
We had a great ultrasound. First we did the anatomy scan which took about 30 minutes. Everything looked perfect. The doctor came in to talk to us because he had to leave and go deliver a baby. He mainly wanted to tell us about swine flu and for us to call if we even thought we had been around someone who had it. Since he interrupted the ultrasound the tech forgot to make our video. She said that we could either do it when we came back or go to the nurse and then she would come get us after her next patient. We chose to wait so we could get the video. We went back in and got to see our baby for 15 more minutes. She is perfect!!!

When we left the Dr we went to pick up balloons. I got black balloons and pink confetti. On our way home I put confetti in the balloons and blew them up. We went to my parent's house first and let them pop their balloons. It was awesome when the confetti exploded everywhere. A perfect way to tell them. We then told my mom that we were giving the baby her middle name...I think it meant a lot to her!! Our baby girl is going to be called McKenzie Joy!! After that we watched the video;) Next we went to Brandon's sister's house and let her pop her balloon!! We then made our rounds to Brandon's dad's house. We had told his mom right after the Dr's appointment. She met us in the parking lot because she is in nursing school right now. All in all it went great. Everyone was really excited. I will post the pics of everyone popping their balloons when I can..I forgot the camera at my SIL's house.
We are so excited to know what we are having and can't wait to hold her in our arms!!!

The best feeling in the world!!

2009-08-24T17:06:00.002-05:00

I was just reading people's blogs and had to stop and post about the best feeling in the world. For the past week I have been feeling little twitches where the baby is...I know where CM is because of the doppler. Well I was reading the blogs and I felt those twitches so I said "I feel you CM" and right after I felt a KICK...I had placed my had on my belly after the twitch and could even feel it on my hand...AMAZING!! Definately the best feeling in the world. Keep making your presence known CM. On Thursday we will hopefully be able to find out the gender!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful evening;)

17 weeks

2009-08-19T17:20:00.002-05:00

As you can see I am definitely popping out!! I'm behind on posting because school has started and I'm back at work...uggh!! Here are my stats;)

How Far Along? 17weeks
Total Weight Gained/Loss? haven't weighed myself...will know next week at OB's visit
Maternity Clothes: BE band works on some pants but wearing some maternity now too;) Sleep: sleeping is getting worse
Best Moment of the Week having people tell me that I finally look pregnant
Movement- not sure...I feel stuff but question if it is the baby
Food Craving- potato soup and grilled cheese
Food aversions- I can finally eat meat again...haven't tried eggs yet
Morning sickness?- yes, usually 2 times a week
Gender- we will know in next week!!
Labor Signs- hopefully not for 23 more weeks...that worries me!!
Belly Button- in
What I miss- having energy, the occasional beer, blue cheese, and cold sandwiches;)
What I'm looking forward to- baby kicks and finding out the gender!!
Weekly Wisdom- God has a plan for us...we just have to trust in that plan!!
Milestones- being able to eat meat again

Great Day

2009-08-08T08:41:00.002-05:00

I had a great day yesterday!! I met 2 of my friends. One just had a baby and the other is 23 weeks pregnant. We went to lunch at a great restaurant and then we went to have massages. All I can say about the massage is that an hour isn't long enough;) I wish I could have taken the lady home with me!! To bad I can't afford to have one every week!! Last night Brandon and I met his sister and her two kids, his mom, and grandma for dinner at a new Mexican restaurant. It was lots of fun!! Today I am going to my parents to celebrate my dad's birthday!! My brother and his new girlfiend are in from Memphis so I get to see them too;) I hope everyone has a great day!!

One question

2009-08-04T10:03:00.003-05:00

Is lower back pain common around 15 weeks or should I check with the Dr? I'm also thinking about getting a prenatal massage...anyone recommend?? I felt so horrible yesterday that I have to do something. It was my worst day yet...threw-up ( I thought the 2nd trimester meant no more throwing up;), migraine, and backache!! I didn't even get out of my pj's. I hope you ladies have a wonderful day!

Odd and End

2009-07-31T15:13:00.004-05:00

Summer is coming to an end and I'm so sad;) This has been the perfect time to be pregnant. I was so sick that I was very happy not to have to be at work!! The baby loves to sleep late and take naps;) It was also perfect because Brandon had to have surgery. He had to lay around for 4 weeks so it made me feel even better to just lay around. It was really great spending so much time with him. All my friends asked if I got tired of being around him so much. Nope..I loved every minute of it. He's never one to sleep late because he's a farmer so he has to wake up early. Having him sleep late with me was like heaven. Our time is coming to an end. His foot is healing and school is near. Our first official teacher day is August 12th. The majority of the students come on the 14th. Since my students are 4 they don't start until August 26th. I will be 18 weeks when the start and I'm praying that I feel better!!
Speaking of feeling better, I felt pretty good for once last night while Brandon and I were watching a movie. This morning I also felt better. Well I decided to take a new vitamin that the OB gave me to try. It had a fish oil pill with it....big MISTAKE!! I was sitting on the couch drinking hot tea and talking to Brandon when all of a sudden I felt AWFUL. I barely made it to the bathroom before I threw up. I don't know if I've ever thrown up so much at one time. Brandon even came in to check on me. The baby does not like those vitamins...it was awful.
I also have a question for you ladies. How does it feel when your uterus is growing?? I know everyone is different and it is hard to explain but could you tell me? Every now and then I feel like this heavy sensation in my uterus kind of like when you are about to start AF...is that normal??? I have also been having really bad headaches...any advice for that? Thanks!! I hope everyone has a good weekend.

14 weeks

2009-07-29T20:27:00.004-05:00

Getting bigger!!!

How Far Along? 14 weeks
Total Weight Gained/Loss? well I gained some for IVF and then I lost four pounds..now I'm up that 4 pounds....so I guess +4

Maternity Clothes occassional BE band but that's all so far
Sleep I've been sleeping a lot since I haven't been feeling good!
Best Moment of the Week getting to see the baby moving all around!

Movement- not yet but can't wait!!
Food Craving- I've been craving apple pie a la mode...but I haven't had it yet
Food aversions- still meat and eggs
Morning sickness?- yes, I'm hoping I feel better soon!
Gender- we will know in 4 weeks!

Labor Signs- hopefully not for 26 more weeks
Belly Button- in
What I miss- having energy
What I'm looking forward to- feeling the baby move and finding out the gender..and for the hematoma to go away so I stop bleeding!!

Weekly Wisdom- God has a plan for us...we just have to trust in that plan!!
Milestones- 2nd trimester!!

13 weeks 6 days/ultrasound

2009-07-27T18:50:00.004-05:00

We had a doctor's appointment today to check on the hematoma. I sure don't like this hematoma but it has given me more chances to see our miracle;) We had our ultrasound first. The baby has changed so much in 2 weeks. He looks so "real" now;) Looking at the ultrasound you would never think that this baby is only 3 1/2 inches long!! The baby was showing off for us by moving all around and waving his arms and legs. Everything looked great with the baby. Unfortunately the hematoma is still there but very small. The said hopefully it will be gone by 20 weeks. I then had to do blood work and talked to the doctor. I asked him if it was crazy to be scared of an incompetent cervix. He said no it wasn't but I don't have an increased risk for it so I should try not to worry. My cervix was closed and long today!! I had been getting mixed reviews about eating blue cheese and cold ham so I asked him about that. He told me NOT TO EAT IT!! So sad because that's 2 of he only things I have been craving and ham is one of the only meats I can tolerate at this point! I will do anything for my baby though...SMALL sacrifice. He told me that I would have another ultrasound in 4 weeks to look at the hematoma and hopefully find out the gender!! I am so thankful that we had a good appointment and the baby looks good!! THANK YOU GOD!!! I hope everyone had a wonderful day;)

Our little "alien" baby

Prayers for fellow blogger friends...

2009-07-22T20:38:00.003-05:00

Hi guys! I have a couple of prayer request for two of my blogger friends. The first is for Stacey. She had her twins at 27 weeks. Her beautiful boys are named Connor and Colby. Tuesday Connor passed away. Please pray for Stacey, her husband, and for Colby's fast recovery.

My second request is for Sarah. Sarah got awful news on Monday when her doctor told her that her pregnancy was chemical. Please pray that Sarah and her husband find peace.

Wimberly WImberly Go Away

2009-07-18T16:51:00.002-05:00

Well yesterday and today, I have had dull sensations in my cervix, every now and then. The Wimberly in me started to worry (of course). I debated on if I should check my cervix. I washed my hands and checked it. I was surprised to find that it was soft and felt slightly open...the tip of my finger could fit in it. I was worried so I called the on call doctor. She told me that they don't like patients to check their own cervix..I didn't expect they did. She said what I was telling her seemed really normal and if I had really bad cramps or tons of bleeding then they would be worried. I asked her if it could be from the hematoma and she said yes. I forgot to ask her if it could be from the progesterone inserts. So my questions ladies is should I be worried about this??? My next appointment is on July 27th. What do you think???

12 weeks

2009-07-15T17:54:00.003-05:00

Well I decided to finally start documenting belly shots and information about the pregnancy. I think I was too nervous before...I'm trying my best not to be;)

How Far Along? 12 weeks

Total Weight Gained/Loss? down 4 pounds from starting IVF treatments

Maternity Clothes occassional BE band but that's all so far

Sleep was really good but for some reason the last two days my back has been hurting

Best Moment of the Week getting the doppler in the mail!!

Movement- not yet but can't wait!!

Food Craving- crackers with cheese with apple slices on the side

Food aversions- meat and eggs

Morning sickness?- yes!! I only throw-up when I wake up early though.

Gender- not sure!!

Labor Signs- hopefully not for 28 more weeks

Belly Button- in

What I miss- hot, hot baths and a cold beer

What I'm looking forward to- another ultrasound on the 27th, movement, and finding out the gender

Weekly Wisdom- the only person in control is God...trust in him!! (I'm trying;)

Milestones- When my OB said you have a 1% chance of something happening now!!

First OB visit/11w2d

2009-07-10T15:49:00.002-05:00

Well I had my first OB appointment today. My wonderful mom went with me since Brandon had surgery. The doctor made me feel much better! He was not at all worried about my hematoma. He said as the baby gets bigger it stretches out making it bleed more. He told me that mine is so small now (about the size of your thumbnail) that it shouldn't bleed much longer. It's so crazy that so much blood can come from something so small!! He said that I should get back to exercising 24 hours after it stops bleeding. I will be so happy to get back to doing that!! It's been about 9 weeks since I've exercised and that is NOT LIKE ME:) We are going to have an ultrasound in 2 weeks to check the hematoma out and make sure it's getting smaller.
He asked me if i had any questions and my only one was about the belly hair;) He laughed and said that was normal. He said that I could bleach or nair it off after 13 weeks. 2 more weeks and then I'll feel so much better;)
We then went to the procedure room and I had my routine pap..yay (eyes rolling)!! Then he pulled out the doppler. He felt my stomach first and said there's a small bump..I bet that's where the baby is! He put the Doppler on it and found the heartbeat right away!! He said that was a wonderful sign and it drops my miscarriage rate to 1%. My mom said I'm so glad you told her that!! Overall it was a great appointment and it made me feel much better. I wish we could have had the ultrasound today so my mom could have seen CM..but I guess I'm just spoiled from my weekly ultrasounds at RE's office!!
After the appointment my mom and I met my dad for lunch. My meatless lunch was great..I had Yaki Udon with no meat!! Overall it was a great day!! THanks MOM!!! i LOVE YOU;)
I also discovered that I throw up the mornings that I have to wake up early. My 9 week appointment was early and I threw up. This morning I woke up early and of course threw up. So now I'm even happier that I have been off for the majority of the 1st trimester or it would have been A LOT worse;)
Thanks to everyone who commented on my last post..you always make me feel better!! I did order a doppler by the way. I ordered it the day before my bleeding episode but it hasn't come in yet! Tonight is my monthly girls card night! I hope everyone has a great night!

Hospital Visit

2009-07-09T10:32:00.002-05:00

Warning..this may be a TMI post. Yesterday around 7:30 I felt blood. I checked my pantyliner and sure enough it had bright red blood on it. I got home and went to the bathroom and it was A LOT. It made the toilet water red again (like the first time 6 weeks ago). I had to wipe A LOT to not see anymore blood. I showed Brandon and he told me not to worry. I started crying anyway and called my friend to see if I could use her doppler. She brought it right over and was crying as she handed it to me (GREAT FRIEND). We found the heartbeat but I still felt anxious. A few minutes later I went to the bathroom again and it was the exact same thing. I called Brandon and for the first time in this pregnancy he looked a little worried. He called his stepmom who works at the Woman's hospital and she said it was probably the clot but we could go in if we wanted. Brandon said lets go because I know you will be a nervous wreck if we don't. We headed over there. It felt like the longest 45 minutes of my life!! She had called the center so they took us right back with out waiting!! The put me in a room and I changed into a gown. They told me to put my old pad in the garbage so the doctor could see it. They then gave me this huge pad to put between my legs..which is kind of hard when they tell you not to wear underwear!
I then got in the bed and the nurse came and checked all my vitals and asked me routine questions. She then left and came back saying the doctor wanted her to check and see if my cervix was closed. She checked and it was...huge sigh of relieve. The doctor then came in and talked about my subcorinic hematoma and said it was probably that. She said that she would have been worried also and she would have come in too. She said I'm a mama now and the worry will never stop. She told me not to feel bad about coming in because anyone else would have done the same thing. That made me feel really good.
A few minutes later someone came and got me for ultrasound. The ultrasound tech found the baby right away and said " I have a lot to look at but I want you to see the baby so that you have piece of mind." It was so fabulous seeing that beating heartbeat. I wanted to jump off the table and get on my knees and praise God. She then turned the screen and only she and Brandon could see. She was trying to measure the heartbeat but the baby was moving around too much. Brandon looked so excited. He said the legs and arms were moving up and down and then the head was moving. He must have gotten tired because he settled down enough for her to measure the heartbeat which was 163. The baby also measured 11w 1 day. She then took awhile to look at everything else..ovaries, cervix, etc.
I then went back to my room and waited for the doctor to come back. She came and explained that I did still have the hematoma. She said that I would definitely bleed more and it would be bright red so not to worry. She said she was worried about the fact that I'm still on baby aspirin and that could be making it worse. She told to ask my OB about it Friday when I go in. She told me that sometimes hematomas resolve themselves by 13 or 14 weeks and sometimes they last the whole pregnancy!! I sure hope not!! Brandon said if that's the case can we just keep some spare clothes at the hospital;) She then released us and gave me some papers for my OB on Friday.
That was the most frightened I've been the whole pregnancy! Everyone says "Don't worry"! They can say that because they aren't living with this all the time. They aren't scared every time they go to the bathroom. They haven't been through so much heartache to get pregnant. They don't have their WHOLE heart and all their dreams invested into something so precious. They haven't watched their baby grow every week on ultrasounds and have such a fear that they wouldn't see that baby again. I know you girls understand...you have lived that same worry. Thanks for listening..sorry this post was so long;)
'

worry worry go away

2009-07-07T17:14:00.002-05:00

Well Brandon and I have been stuck in the house since last Wednesday. We both needed to get out a little while today so we decided to go to my school. I could do some stuff and Brandon could still sit or lay on bean bag chairs. We stayed about 2 hours and then my patient was feeling bad so we went home. We took a nap. When I woke up from my nap there was more red spotting. Now I am worried that I did too much. Please pray that all is well with little CM.

A graduate that still needs help...

2009-07-03T10:13:00.002-05:00

Well even though I graduated from my RE's office, I had to call them this morning. When I got out of bed this morning I had dark reddish brown blood fill my pantyliner. I'm used to spotting and even a little more, the problem is that yesterday I didn't have any, so I didn't expect this. I called the office and the said they were almost positive it was the remaining clot. They said I could come in if I need reassurance but that they weren't worried. I told them that I was okay...if it wouldn't have cost me 225 and been an hour a way..I probably would have gone. Now I'm just praying that it is the clot and hopefully it is almost gone.
I forgot to mention in my last post that we are calling the baby CM. This is the initials for our boy name and our girl name. We will call the baby that until we know the gender. Someone also asked if I was still taking progesterone. Yes, I am down to one insert a day and will take it till I am 12 weeks. I am not taking estrace anymore but I am still on baby aspirin. I had my first pregnancy nosebleed last night. I was brushing my teeth and did not expect it!!
Well, I have to write a lesson plan for a computer class that I am helping to teach in a couple weeks, so I better go. I have been putting it off because it's based on the movie To Kill a Mockingbird. It is geared for high school English. I teach elementary school so this is stressing me out;) I hope everyone has a great day!!

Eventful Day

2009-07-02T13:24:00.004-05:00

Sorry it's taken me so long to post about yesterday!! Brandon and I woke up and got ready for our long day. We left the house about 9:15. Brandon got a ticket on the way to the RE's office..so we were about 15 minutes late;) For some reason I was SOOO nervous about this appointment. I don't know why...my Wimberly was kicking in a guess. I think as a IF girl you always expect the other shoe to drop and for something to take away your good fortune. I'm trying not to think like that though!! We went in to the ultrasound room and waited for the doctor. He walked in and got started. I was so thankful to see that beautiful baby on the screen with that flickering heartbeat. He said "he's looking more like a baby now"! The baby's legs and arms were clearly visible. He even moved one of his arms for us...probably wanted to say "mama quit worrying"! He showed us the umbilical cord and told me that the clot is getting much smaller. He said the spotting should stop soon...HOPEFULLY!! Then he told me I could get up. Before I was all the way up he said well it looks like graduation day!! I busted out crying!! He told me that it would be alright, that my doctor was right down the hall and I could stop in and visit whenever I wanted. This didn't help...I kept on crying and hugging him. I told him thank you for everything he had done. Then he left and I got dressed. I composed myself but that only lasted a minute. When I walked out the room all the nurses were standing there and they had tears in their eyes. I hugged them all and they told me to come visit so they could see my belly grow and bring in ultrasound pictures. Then we left. It was very emotional. I have been going there A LOT for a year now. It is a comforting, warm place where you don't feel like an outcast;) I also love that you never have to wait...I'm really going to miss that!! The only thing I won't miss is spending 225 every week for an ultrasound...though I will miss those weekly ultrasounds!! It's bittersweet..I'm so thankful to be progressing well and moving on to a "regular" pregnancy but I will miss their reassurance.

After the appointment we had to move on to Brandon's doctor for his surgery. He checked in at 11 and was taken to surgery around 12:20. The surgery went well. We left at around 3 and drove home. Brandon's foot was bleeding so we had to wrap more gauze around it. He was okay until the numbing medicine wore off..then he started to feel some pain. He has been sleeping all day on and off so hopefully everything will be okay.

I have felt really bad since last night. I have had a bad headache and been nauseous more than usual. I will take it though to make a healthy baby!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. I'm going check on my patient!!

It's that time again..

2009-06-30T17:26:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow we need lots of prayers. We have our 10 week ultrasound in the morning..please pray that all goes well. We also have Brandon's surgery. Please pray that all goes well with that. Thanks!!!

Today I had to go to my school. They told me that my classroom was filled with packages and I needed to come in. I'm the head pre k teacher so all our consumable stuff comes to me and I have to divide it up. It was UNBELIEVABLE how much stuff was in my room. There was PILES of boxes. When I walked in I almost walked right back out;) Thank goodness my friend was with me to do the heavy lifting. It took us 5 hours just to get the stuff divided up an into piles. My room is a mess. All the empty boxes are in the middle of the room and the piles of stuff is around the room. The janitor said he was going to transport the piles to the classrooms for me and take out the trash tomorrow. I hope that when I go back none of that is there. I am so exhausted now!! I hope everyone had a great day. :)

9 week ultrasound

2009-06-24T17:45:00.003-05:00

We had a busy day. At 8:50 we had to be at Brandon's foot surgeon's office. He is having surgery on his foot next Wednesday. We had to go in for instructions. Brandon has a bone spur and a bunion. They will be fixing that and putting pins in his foot. The doctor said he won't know how bad it is until he goes in. We are hoping for the easiest fix. If this is done then he will only have to be on "house arrest/bedrest" for 2 weeks without driving for 6 weeks. If they have to do a more advanced procedure than he has to be off his foot and in the house for 2 months!! My husband is a VERY outdoorsy man. He would go CRAZY if he had to be cooped up for 2 months. Please pray that it's the easier outcome;)

After that appointment we went to my doctor's appointment. It took a little longer than usual because they got a new ultrasound machine and the lady that sells them was in there with us explaining to the doctor how to use it. Since they finally got a new machine we got to HEAR the babies heartbeat!! I was sooo excited;) I had tears in my eyes when I heard that amazing sound. It is measuring 170. The baby looks good. It is measuring 9 weeks 1 day. The doctor did not "graduate" us because he doesn't want us to leave until the spotting stops. He looked at the clot and it seems to be getting smaller. He said it is not affecting the baby..which is what we care about!! Spotting seems almost normal now. I never thought I would say that. So our appointment went well...thanks for ALL of your PRAYERS!! We appreciate them more than you know. Please keep them coming;)

After the ultrasound we went to the movies and watched "Transformers". I really liked it. Brandon said it wasn't as good as the first one because they tried to out do themselves. Now we are back at home and I'm going watch my college alumni "LSU" play for the National Championship in baseball!! GEAUX TIGERS!!!

I hope yall had a wonderful day!!

Prayers

2009-06-23T17:00:00.003-05:00

We have our 9 week ultrasound tomorrow. I don't know about ya'll but I worry everytime we go in to do an ultrasound. If you could spare a few prayers please send some our way. Also please pray for Stacey. She went in for an ultrasound and found that her cervix is very short. She is on strict bedrest and goes back in Friday to see if she will be admitted to the hospital. Her twins are 23 weeks old. Please pray for her and her family.

Updates

2009-06-20T11:49:00.002-05:00

This whole week I have been busy with Vacation Bible School. I don't like to be in charge of a class since I have that to worry about all year long. Instead, I have the joy of working with a wonderful woman and her daughter in the crafts department. We set up craft projects for different grades and they alternate through at different times. It's laid back and fun. I really enjoyed it but it wore me out;) I don't know how people teach all day in their first trimester!! God must have known I'd be tired and that's why he waited so long to bless me with this pregnancy;) He knew I needed the beginning to be in the summer!!
Everyday at around 2:00 I am exhausted and have to take a nap. I haven't been feeling that nauseous except at night. For some reason meat really turns me off in the evening. I cook meat for Brandon to eat but I can only eat some of the sides. I have not thrown up though which I guess is good. So I'm just tired and feel a somewhat sick at night. Other than that I really don't have any symptoms. My boobs don't hurt. I wish they did so I would worry less! I am still spotting but it's still brown..hopefully nothing to worry about. I do have an EMBARRASSING question though. Has anyone had a problem with excessive body hair? I have a line of dark hair growing on my stomach and I DON"T like it!! If you had this what did you do to get rid of it that was safe?? I read that body hair bleach or Nair is okay to use but I'm a little afraid to use it. If you had this problem please let me know;) I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Praise God

2009-06-17T15:48:00.002-05:00

Well I believe that your prayer have helped me through again!!! Our ultrasound went good. The baby is growing...measuring exactly 8 weeks. The doctor said that the spotting is coming from some old blood that is pooled up in my uterus and cervix....probably from last weeks episode with the other sac. So I should probably expect the spotting to last awhile. It's nothing to worry about as long as it's brown or dark red and does not bring on any pain. He said he never likes to see it but only because it makes people worry;) Brandon said he was acting a little weird but I think it was because he and his nurse were dressed in surgical gear because they were late for a embryo retrieval!! It's IVF time again so the office is busy. He told us that next week he will take my blood levels to see if I need to continue the meds (SCARY;) and we will also talk about graduation. I will be happy and sad about graduation. As all you IF girls know...you are happy to have come so far but you will be sad to leave the comfort of the clinic and the weekly ultrasounds!!
Sorry it took me so long to post. I rode with Brandon to get 4 tons of feed for the cows. On the way back I was so nauseous and worried because the truck was sooo bumpy!! Then we took a 2 hour nap;) I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!! Thanks again for the prayers!! Keep them coming!!

PS. Kimberly, if you read this post please let me know how to read your blog!! I wanted to comment and thank you but your blog was blocked;)
Also, I haven't posted any pics because my RE's ultrasound machine does not take the best pics...I will have to wait until I go to the OB!!

Once again your prayers are needed!!

2009-06-16T08:29:00.001-05:00

When will this worry stop?? I'm guessing it never will. Everything had been going pretty good the last few days...no spotting. Then last night before bed when I went to the bathroom there was some really dark spotting. When I woke up this morning it was there again. Please pray for us. I really think your prayers have helped us thus far!! We go in tomorrow for an ultrasound. Please pray that our baby looks good. Thank you so much!

weekend/question

2009-06-14T16:58:00.003-05:00

This has been a pretty good weekend. Once a month 12 of my friends and I get together at someone's house (we alternate) and eat dinner, gossip, and play cards. It's REALLY fun. Sometimes we get so into talking to each other that we skip the card playing. Friday was our monthly get together. It was really fun to see everyone because I missed last month because of the transfer. One of my friends is also an IF girl. It was good to see her because I haven't seen her since she got a belly. She is 17 weeks pregnant and I'm so happy for her!! Everyone went "out" after and it felt so good to go home to my hubby because I'm pregnant and can't go out!!
Saturday we had our nieces 4th birthday party. She was so excited because she got her ears pierced. She looked sooo cute!! After the party Brandon and I went to dinner.
Today I got to see my brother for about 1 hour. He was home for a conference. Then my mom and I went to church. After church we came home and cooked lunch. Brandon and I came home after lunch and watched a movie "Felon". I love vegging out on Sunday's...so relaxing!!

I have one question for you girls...I had some "twitching" in my lower belly around lunch. It lasted for about 30 minutes. When Brandon and I came home it happen again for 10 minutes. It kind of freaked me out. Is that normal?? Since the baby is only the size of a small grape I know I can't feel it moving...what is happening?? If you know could you please leave a comment!! Thanks. I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

7 week ultrasound

2009-06-10T17:08:00.003-05:00

We had our 7 week ultrasound today. Heartbeat is still going strong. Thank you God!! Please keep praying that everything goes okay.
I have started to read Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy!! It is hilarious...you must read it. I hope you are having a great week. Thanks for all the prayers...keep um coming;)

PRAISE GOD!!!

2009-06-08T18:05:00.003-05:00

I'm so sorry that it took me so long to update. All I have to say is PRAISE GOD. I have never been so worried. I had A LOT of bleeding. I'm going to go in detail because I was looking for blogs that talked about this. I went to the bathroom last night and there was a lot of blood...think a little more than 2nd day of AF. It made the toilet water pink. I was terrified!! Brandon is so logical and levelheaded...he told me don't worry about it, the baby is fine. I tried not to and went to sleep. I woke up at 3 and went to the bathroom and it was the exact same thing again. I couldn't go back to sleep. I went to the bathroom around 3 more times and it was the same thing. (There was only a small clot the first time I went to the bathroom..the rest was bleeding ranging from bright pink to dark red). I left a message on the doctor's voicemail. They called me back at 7:15 and told me to come in. We got there about 9 (Brandon was at work and we live 50 min away). Brandon told me I had nothing to worry about the entire ride there. We went into the ultrasound room and the nurse asked me exactly how much bleeding there was. She said that it was probably vanishing twin syndrome since we had seen a two sacs last week but only 1 heartbeat.
The doctor came in and told me not to worry. As soon as he put the probe in he said that's a STRONG HEARTBEAT. That was music to my ears. He looked all around and didn't see another sac and said that my body was probably getting rid of that empty sac. When I sat up I told him to tell Brandon that it is normal to worry. As I said that I busted out crying. The doctor gave me a talk (most of it I don't remember). He said that if someone called about bleeding and then he did an ultrasound my result was textbook at what you would want to see. That he wouldn't "bullshit" me. That I needed to relax and let Brandon do more. (Brandon said he only told me that to make me laugh...that he didn't really mean it;) He told me to keep my appointment on Wednesday so that I could remain sane;) I'm so very thankful for everyone's prayers and for God's blessing today. I feel so blessed. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU GOD!!!
I wanted to go home and rest but we had an appointment with a tax lady and it was the ONLY day that she could see us so we went and it took like 5 hours!!! I'm finally on the couch, where I wanted to be all day long!
Thanks again for the prayers...it REALLY means a lot!

I've NEVER needed your prayers more...

2009-06-08T03:48:00.003-05:00

I've never needed your prayers more. Last night before bed I experienced bleeding. It was enough to make the water in the toilet red. It scared me to death. I was a little better before bed because both times that I went to the bathroom there was hardly anymore. I'm up at 3:00 am because I woke up to go to the bathroom and it was the same thing again. I'm so scared that I'm going to lose my baby. Please pray for us.

Thank you, thank you, thank you God!!

2009-06-03T11:53:00.002-05:00

We had our ultrasound this morning. I was SOOOO nervous...my heart was beating so fast!!! The doctor came in and told me that if they didn't see a heartbeat not to worry about it since you don't always see one at 6 weeks. He then started the ultrasound and immediately found one baby and told me to hold my breath to see if he could see a heartbeat. When I did there was a tiny tiny flicker and he told me that was the heartbeat!!! I was sooooo excited. He kept looking for awhile which I thought was unusual. Then he said I think I saw another sac and Brandon said "I saw that too and I was waiting for you to say something!" He then said that there was definately one and it could possibly be 2 but he wouldn't know until next week. Brandon and I hugged and kissed after I got dressed. Praise God...I'm so thankful right now!! We go back next Wednesday for another ultrasound!!

After the ultrasound we walked to the hospital next door to see my friend who had a baby yesterday. She was induced at 6:30 yesterday morning. By 8:30 last night I finally left the hospital because I was exhausted. At 9:30 they called and said that they were going to have to do a c-section because she hadn't progressed in a few hours. She finally had her beautiful baby girl at 11:24. I'm sooo happy for her!! I hope everyone has a wonderful day!!

Tomorrow

2009-06-02T21:41:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is our ultrasound!! Please say some prayers for us!!! LOVE YA

Asking for more prayers

2009-05-30T09:03:00.003-05:00

I'm asking for more prayers. Yesterday I had some brown spotting. I called the clinic but they were closed so I left a message. This morning when I wiped it was pinkish and a little brown followed. They called and told me to try not to worry because my numbers have been really good. They said that it could be from implantation bleeding or the progesterone inserts are hitting my cervix and making it bleed. They said the cervix is really delicate right now. I'm praying that nothing is wrong!! Please pray for us!

Babies,

Please grow healthy and strong. Your mommy and daddy want you so bad. Snuggle in tight and hang on...you only have 34 weeks to go.

love,
mama

Summer/Prayers

2009-05-29T19:45:00.002-05:00

Today was our LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!! I'm off for 10 weeks!!! YAY!!! I'm sooooo excited!! Please pray for my friend Amanda who is being induced on Tuesday. Also please keep praying for our ultrasound to go good on Wednesday!! We need all the prayers we can get;)

Please pray for Dana she is living her worst nightmare. Her ultrasound today showed that her baby hasn't been growing. That is my biggest fear and my heart is breaking for her! Please pray for T and Wanting Waiting and Praying for OUr Miracle they received negative betas after IVF. My heart breaks for them. Also pray for Kami who is waiting to see if her 2nd IVF worked.

3rd Beta 17dp5dt

2009-05-28T11:49:00.002-05:00

Well I went to the doctor this morning at 7:45. I was SOOO nervous. They said they would call with the results. The time ticked by so slowly. I was so nervous because they have been calling me by 9:00. At 11:00 I was eating lunch for the last time with my class. The phone rang and I went outside. They said your results were good. I said I was so worried watching the time tick by. They said my beta was 2,481 and that was good. She said that my RE wanted to see me at 6 weeks for my ultrasound which is June 3rd at 8:30. PRAISE GOD!!! Keep on praying girls...another milestone down...more to go!! I hope everyone has a great day!!gu

Pray;)

2009-05-27T17:07:00.002-05:00

Not much has been going on. It's the last week of school and I'm so happy because I'm sooo tired!! I've taken a nap everyday this week after work. Other than that I've just been very HUNGRY. Brandon has been making fun of me because I've been eating so much (not in a mean way;) I'm so ready to be SICK though so I know that nothing is wrong...isn't that crazy!! Tomorrow I have another blood test. Please send some prayers this way that it will be good!! I hope everyone is having a great week.

Worry, Worry, Worry

2009-05-24T07:44:00.002-05:00

I had always heard of people with IF worrying after they got pregnant. I told myself that I would worry a little but not much. Well IF has really done something to me. Since I found out I was pregnant...all I do is WORRY!! I really need to stay busy today because yesterday I didn't do much and I worried ALL day. I keep praying that everything go okay and for some of the worry to go away. For others who have been through this...what did you do to stop worrying so much??

2nd Beta

2009-05-22T10:10:00.003-05:00

My beta today was 191. They said that was good. I was a LITTLE worried because it was 14 away from doubling. I go back next Thursday to check it again. Please keep praying for us!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!!

BETA RESULTS

2009-05-20T21:19:00.002-05:00

Have I kept you in suspense long enough???? The nurse called my phone at around 8:30 this morning. I was out of the classroom so I didn't check it until around 9. When I did I thought she sounded kind of "down". I got so worried. I decided not to call since I was at work. Three hours later around 12 I texted Brandon and told him to call because I was too nervous. He texted me back and said the nurse was at lunch. I said okay. I then went to the office to talk to my principal. I hear Brandon asking the secretary for me. I was in SHOCK that he was at school. I told him to wait a minute while I finished talking to the principal. I then went outside to talk to him. He said "I have some bad news". I said "WHAT"!!! He said "It's going to be hard work being a MOM". All I kept saying was are you SERIOUS!!! I must have asked him about 30 times. We kissed and hugged and then we both had to go back to work. I think it's SOOO neat that he found out before me;) My beta results were 105. I go back tomorrow to see if they doubled. Please say some prayers.
I didn't blog about this earlier because my mom, MIL, and SIL all read this blog and I didn't want them to find out like that. Brandon and I have been running the roads telling all our family. WE ARE THRILLED. I'm very happy, I'm in AWE, I'm nervous, and I'm Thankful, and I'M GOING TO PRAISE GOD TILL I"M BLUE IN THE FACE:)
Thanks to everyone who kept my spirits up when I was spotting!!! I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!

Preparing for the worst...

2009-05-18T16:47:00.002-05:00

Well I am preparing for the worst. About 4 hours ago I had a some light pink blood on my pantyliner. I called my doctor and they told me not to worry about it until it got heavy...not to worry...how do they expect me to do that??? I am going in tomorrow after school to do my beta. They won't have the results until Wednesday because they lab will be closed by the time I get there. I hoping that it's no big deal....praying that it doesn't mean anything. If it does mean that it is a BFN I have already talked to God and asked him to make me strong. Please pray for me girls. Pray that if it can't be a BFP that I am strong and patient while I wait for God's plan.

God has a plan

2009-05-16T06:48:00.006-05:00

I've been up since 6:15 and its SATURDAY!! I was laying in bed not sleeping and talking to God. I asked him to please watch over my little embryos and help them to grow into healthy babies. I also asked him that if they do not....please give me the strength and the courage to get through this. I know God has a plan for me and I should not be afraid of what tomorrow holds. I love this verse "Glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we could ever dare to ask or even dream of." Ephesians 3:20
I've been waiting to tell ya'll a story about one of my wonderful friends. She followed a similar path as me. She is a faithful IF warrior;) She went to the same RE as I do. She had 3 IUI's and they were unsuccessful. These BFN's caused her so much disappointment and heartache that she decided not to do it anymore. She couldn't put herself through the stress of all the medicines, schedules, doctor's appointments, etc just to be disappointed again. She decided that it must not be in God's plan for her to have a baby. She decided that they would enjoy life together and be satisfied with the love they share. She means so much to me because I can go to her and she knows exactly what I'm going through. She has a heart of GOLD. A couple of weeks ago she came to me and asked how my IVF cycle was going and told me that God has a plan for all of us and we have to trust in him. She then told me that she was PREGNANT!! She had given up on that path in life and God had turned her back around;) She told me that she was still very worried because this was so unexpected. She is now 10 weeks and still doing well. Her story gives me so much hope and courage. It makes me truly believe that we don't have control over our life....GOD holds the reigns!!
I'm not feeling "pregnant" so I've been a little worried. I just have to keep reminding myself of my friend and believing that God knows the way that I need to travel. Please send some prayers my way and to my friend that she has a successful pregnancy.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday.

A little sad...

2009-05-12T09:13:00.002-05:00

Well 2 of my blogger friends: mary and carrie are always talking about how they feel like Wemberly Worried...it's a popular children's book. In the book Wemberly worries about EVERYTHING. I think i'm also starting to be a Wemberly. All night I was worried about how I was laying in bed and if it would hurt the embryos, etc. I'm even more worried now because my doctor's office called and said my remaining 2 embryos did not make it to freeze. That's so disappointing!!! Does that mean that the 2 they implanted wouldn't have made it either?? I keep telling myself that God is going to lead me through this and he has an ultimate plan for me that I don't know about just yet. PLease send some prayers my way...I don't want to have to go through all this again. ((HUGS))

Day 5 Transfer

2009-05-11T15:07:00.004-05:00

At 8:00 this morning we arrived at the doctor. The took us back and instructed me to take my Valium. Then we went into the consultation room and my RE and the embryologist came in to talk to us. They showed us what our embryos looked like on day 1 when they first fertilized. Then they showed us that they were almost all exactly the same on Day 3 at 8 cells. Then they showed us what they looked like this morning. One looked "awesome"...it was an overachiever. It was textbook quality. There were two more that were "almost" to that stage and would probably be there by tonight. Our final embryo was running a little behind but they said they wouldn't give up on it. The told us they would implant the best one and pick one of the other two that looked great. I asked if they were going to freeze the other two and they said they would know in the morning if they both made it or if just one did.

The nurse then took us to the recovery room and I put on my gown and Brandon put on his scrubs. They then covered me with warm blankets and we went to the surgical room. It was a little awkward since I was awake this time. The nurses strapped my legs in to these really high stirrups...much higher than the ones I'm used to. The washed me with soap...very COLD and got me all sterile;) Then the embryologist came in with the embryos in a "baby" incubator so that all the tools and embryos would remain sterile. Next came in the doctor. The embryologist asked if Brandon wanted to look at the embryos in the microscope..that got him excited. When he sat back down by my head I told him "Isn't this Romantic??"...I never thought this is how I would be making a baby;) The then put the embryos in and showed them to me on the ultrasound machine. The RE said he was going to drain my bladder so I didn't have to get up for awhile...I'm not sure how he did this because it didn't hurt. Next they wheeled me to recovery and told me I needed to lay down for 30 minutes. The nurse came in and explained my discharge information...take it easy for the rest of the day, no exercise for awhile etc. I asked her why they don't prescribe bed rest after today and she said that was an "old school" way of doing things and my doctor likes to keep up with the times. That is one reason he doesn't prescribe PIO injections and gives endometrian inserts instead.
I am taking it really easy today. I took a nap and now I'm laying on the couch. Since I don't have a "sit down" job I'm going to take tomorrow off too but I am going back Wednesday. Now comes the wait. All I can do is relax and pray. God has brought me this far...I have to believe he will carry me through no matter what the outcome. I hope everyone had a wonderful day;)

3 day report on embryos

2009-05-09T08:37:00.002-05:00

It's been so long since I cried tears of joy. When you are going through IF most tears are of sadness and disappointment. At 8:30 this morning I cried tears of joy when the clinic called me and told me my embryo report. They need to be between 6 and 8 cells to be "okay" at this stage. When they checked our four embabies they are all at state 8!!! Which is AWESOME!!! I was so nervous this morning that they were going to call me and none were going to be alive. I fell to my knees and praised God. He truly is WONDERFUL. We are now going to do a Day 5 transfer on Monday at 8:30. Please continue to pray for us!! We need all the prayers that we can get. Have a wonderful Saturday!!

Fertilization Report/100th Post

2009-05-07T16:28:00.004-05:00

Well this is my 100th post...I wish I had better news...but I guess it could be worse!! I got the fertilization report about 1:00 because they called when I was at work and I didn't hear the phone. She said that out of the 8 eggs they retrieved 6 were mature. They did ICSI on those 6 and 4 are now in petri dishes. I know it could be worse but those numbers are so frustrating. Now I know why IUI's weren't working if only half the eggs were viable. I'm so nervous that something is going to happen to those 4. I'm praying that they all make it and we can transfer 2 and freeze 2. Please say some prayers for us!! They will look at them on Saturday and let me know if I"m doing a 3 day or 5 day transfer. I"m hoping for a 5 day since the rates are supposedly better. If anyone could send some extra prayers my way I would appreciate it;)

I went to work today. It wasn't too bad. At first I was in slow motion...but 4 and 5 year olds will take care of that;) I started my edometrium inserts today and I do not like them!! They don't make me feel bad but the whole thing kind of grosses me out!! But I will use them for 9 months if it helps me have a baby!!
Please go give my friend at RES COGITATAE some love she got her fertilization report today. Also my friend at GOOD EGG HUNTING had her fertilization report yesterday.
I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A WONDERFUL DAY!!

Egg Retrieval

2009-05-06T15:21:00.003-05:00

Well I had my egg retrieval this morning. We got there at 7:30. The were really busy so it took them a minute to take me back. At about 7:45 they took me to the recovery room and I put on a hospital gown. They then put me in a surprisingly comfortable bed and gave me an IV with an antibiotic and water bag. The anesthesiologist came and introduced herself. She was so cute and petite!! I then layed their and talked to Brandon. At 8:20 they came in and said my RE was running a little late on the clinic side of the office. This has been a VERY busy IVF cycle because they have 32 women. It amazes me because they also have to perform IUI's, ultrasounds, etc on other patients. At 8:40 the anesthesiologist and my nurse wheeled me to the operating room. Brandon kissed me goodbye!! When I got in there I was transferred to another table and the anesthesiologist explained that she was inserting some medicine in my IVF that would put me to sleep. That's ALL I remember!! The next thing I remember was two nurses were waking me up. I was in a DEAD sleep. I felt so out of it!! I did have to go to the bathroom really badly though so Brandon and the nurse helped me to walk there. I felt so shaky and unstable. I got back and layed down. Brandon told me that the doctor had come to him and told him that they retrieved 8 great looking eggs. My RE wanted 8-10 so he achieved his goal. He doesn't like to get more than that because you have a great chance of OHSS and no great chance of pregnancy. He says smaller numbers are usually better quality. I hope he's right!! It took me around 20 minutes to feel more normal again. I had to use the bathroom again...that IVF really went through me. Brandon helped me that time and said I was walking much better. A few minutes later the nurse came and explained my discharge information. I have to take antibiotics and Medrol (suppresses inflammation) for 4 days. Tomorrow I go back to taking baby aspirin and start my progesterone inserts.
After we left the doctor's office we got something to eat because I was starving! We got home about 11:15 and layed down to watch a movie. We got through about 15 minutes of the movie and then fell asleep. We got up at 3. Brandon had to go do some work but my parents are going to come visit me about 5. I'm just laying on the couch relaxing. I hope everyone has a wonderful day!!

Retrieval Time Set

2009-05-04T15:59:00.003-05:00

I went to the doctor this morning and had another ultrasound and blood work done. My veins are so mad at me!! My ultrasound looked good and my estrogen level is 1,549. I have to take my novarel (trigger shot) at 10:30 tonight. Tomorrow I go in for more blood work to see if my body absorbed the shot. Then my retrieval is set for Wednesday at 8:30!!! I can't believe it is in 2 days!!! Please pray that we get good quality eggs and they fertilize well!! I'm going do pilates to relieve some of this stress. My body is worn out from all of this. The shots don't really bother me but the driving 45 minutes each way to get to the doctor is killing me!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Monday morning!!

Dr's Appointment/Tentative Egg Retrieval

2009-05-03T17:45:00.002-05:00

I had a doctor's appointment this morning at 8:00. It was sooo hard for me to wake up at 6:15 on a Sunday!! I had my ultrasound and my follicles were measuring around 17. My RE told me that I would probably take 2 more days of stims and go back Tuesday for another ultrasound and have egg retrieval on Thursday. I was suppose to have it on Tuesday but my little follies are taking longer to grow;) When I called to get my Estrogen level it was 1083 so they told me to come back in tomorrow morning for another ultrasound and estrogen check and my retrieval would probably be on Wednesday!! It keeps changing. No matter what my transfer won't be on Mother's Day since it has been pushed back. I was a little upset because I thought that was such a good sign...but I shouldn't worry about signs because after every IUI I thought it would be the perfect time and it didn't work so I'm leaving it in God's hands!! He knows the best time!! I hope that we have enough to freeze so that if it doesn't work we will be able to do a FET cycle. Please say some prayers!!
Yesterday I went to one of my best friends baby showers. There was a girl there that did IVF and is now carrying triplets. They put back 2 embryos and 1 split. There was also a girl there pregnant with twins...i'm not sure if she went through infertility or not. It was reassuring though!
Today after my appointment I went to my parents and ate breakfast. Then we went to church, came home, ate lunch, took naps;), ate cheesecake, and relaxed. Now I'm at home and I'm going spend some time with Brandon. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!

Dr's Appointment

2009-05-01T20:56:00.002-05:00

I had a doctor's appointment this morning. My ultrasound showed 10 follicles ranging from 8-14. I was expecting them to be a little bigger but my doctor said that was okay. My estrogen level was 520. I go back on Sunday for another checkup to see when I'm going to take the HCG shot and schedule retrieval. This is wearing me out!!! When I got to school I felt so EXHAUSTED:) I'm so glad it's Friday and I can sleep late tomorrow and not have to rush to get to the doctor. When I got home I took an hour nap and it felt so good. Brandon has drill this weekend so he left at 5:30. My brother came home for a week so I went to meet him and my parents for dinner. He lives in Memphis because he is going to optometry school there. He just finished and now has to complete his internships. He passed his boards so I'm soooo proud of him!! In a few months I will have a brother that is a doctor;) Since I was at my parents when it was time to do my shot, my brother wanted to mix it and give it to me. He did a great job. It hurt even less than when I do it myself. I wish he was here everyday!! Well I'm going take a bath and relax. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Worry Wart

2009-04-30T15:57:00.002-05:00

It was a normal day except I'm starting to be a worrier.
These are my worries for the day:
1. That I will catch swine flu and not be able to finish this IVF cycle....I know it's crazy!
2. That I will get some kind of other sickness and not be able to finish...I work around 4 year olds so it could happen...
3. I have had a small amount of brown spotting the last two days...is that okay??? If anyone knows please let me know!!
4. That when I go for retrieval there won't be any mature eggs.
5. That none of the eggs will fertilize.
6. That none of the eggs will make it to blastocyst.
7. That I won't finish everything at work before the end of the school year.

It feels a lot better to let it out!! Please say some prayers for us that this works out. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thursday.

Dr's Appointment

2009-04-29T16:42:00.003-05:00

I had a doctor's appointment at 7:45 this morning. Everything went well. I had 4 follicles on the right and 5 on the left. All measured between 10-13. He wanted between 8-10 follicles so it was perfect. My doctor doesn't like to have you produce more than 10 because he doesn't want to risk OHSS. Also there wasn't really a "lead" follicle so that is GREAT!! My estrogen level was 249. I have to add Ganirelix to my injection tonight to keep my body from ovulating to early. I will go back Friday to see how it looks and schedule my retrieval!! It's getting close. I'm so excited. I hope and pray that everything continues to go well!! Please say some prayers for us.
My principal wanted me to take a 1/2 day off and go in at 11 so I went and had a massage!! I didn't want it to end. I needed it SOOO bad. That hour flew too fast. I then went to the Gap and to whole foods to pick up some lunch for my aide and I. I hope everyone had a wonderful day:)

Estrogen check

2009-04-27T16:51:00.002-05:00

I had my estrogen checked at 7:30 this morning. It came back at 65. They said that is okay but they want to bump up my menopar to 150. So now I'm mixing 2 vials of Bravelle and 2 vials of Menopar. I'm hoping that's all I have to do because I really don't want to buy to much more medicine!! Everything else about today was pretty normal...just worked and now I'm home cooking supper. I'm about to go do Pilate's to distress!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Monday!

1st shot down...

2009-04-25T17:03:00.002-05:00

Well I had my first injection yesterday. I didn't even have time to be nervous because I had to go to a wedding and I was late getting ready. I hurried up and mixed up the 3 vials and injected the shot myself. It didn't hurt at all. Shots have never bothered me so I think this is going to be a breeze....I hope;)
We had a lot of fun at the wedding. We got to see a lot of old friends that we hadn't seen in awhile. Today has been a regular old Saturday...cleaning house, grocery shopping, washing clothes. Brandon and I did go pick blackberries..YUM!! I also made banana bread. I have a really healthy recipe and I have been eating that for breakfast on the go. I hope everyone else is having a great weekend!!

Dr's Appointment

2009-04-22T17:01:00.002-05:00

I had a doctor's appointment this morning. My doctor wasn't there but another Dr. was. I had an ultrasound to see if my ovaries were "silent" as she put it. They were basically making sure there were no cysts before I started taking shots. Everything looked good. I then had blood taken to test my estrogen level. It was less than 20 which is where it's suppose to be. Now I have to start taking shots on Friday (2 vials of bravelle and 1 of menopar). It's only 1 shot because I get to mix all the medicine so I'm very HAPPY about that!! I take them Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and then go back Monday morning to check estrogen levels. I will then know if I need to up the dosage. I also got to pay my fees today. They breakdown was....19,000 for the refund program, 1,250 for ICSI, and 450 for anesthesia on retrieval day!! I hope the first one works because I don't want to have to buy more medicine, pay for ICSI again, and another round of anesthesia. Everything is going good so far...I hope it continues!! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!

Last Birth Control Pill!!!

2009-04-19T17:40:00.002-05:00

I'm sooo excited!! I just took my LAST birth control pill;) The countdown is on! I start stims in 5 days!! I am starting off with 150 of bravelle and 75 of menopar. I go to the doctor Wednesday to check my E2 level and have an ultrasound. My doctor won't be there so I hope all goes well. I hope everything looks fine so I can get started. I'm soo excited!

Let me tell you how crazy this birth control makes me. Friday, Brandon and I were having a nice night. We had dinner and then layed on the couch together and watched a movie. All is right in the world....until we went in the bedroom. I had washed the sheets that morning. I LOVE fresh sheets. Brandon didn't know this...he got in the bed and was acting all excited and was rolling around in the covers telling me to get in the bed. If I wouldn't have been crazy at the time..that would have been cute and romantic. Well I shouted at him..."That's FRESH sheets" "I've been looking forward to that ALL week" Then I busted out crying!!! Yes that's right..the maniac was CRYING!! He asked me why in the world I was crying because he didn't do anything wrong. I started to cry more. He told me I was being stupid....wrong answer. I was hysterical crying by that point. I went in the other room and cried and cried. I then went to bed mad. He made me breakfast in the morning....after the way I had acted!! When I told my friend the story I realized how crazy I had acted and I felt so bad for my husband!! I went home and apologized to him!! He just gave me a hug and then cooked me supper! Do I have a great husband or what??? He did tell me that when I start taking shots he is going to move in his office;) I hope my emotions don't get worse!!

I hope everyone had a great week!!

Trial Transfer

2009-04-15T15:35:00.002-05:00

Well I had my trial transfer. It went GREAT!! It didn't hurt at all!! It felt kind of like a pap smear. The only thing that bothered me was my full bladder. When he pushed on my stomach I was so worried that I was going to pee all over him!! They also did a culture to make sure that my cervix/uterus was a good place for an embryo to live:) If it doesn't look good they prescribe antibiotics or whatever other medicine is needed. Sunday is my last day to take birth control!!! Then on Tuesday I go in for blood work and an ultrasound. Then next Friday I start stims!!! I'm sooo excited! We have a wedding to go to that day also.
After the doctor we went to Home Depot to get flowers and vegetables for our garden. Then I planted the flowers. After that I rode with Brandon to drop off a Hay Baler...that took around 2 hours. When I got home I cut the grass, watered the flowers, blew off the driveway, washed clothes, and I'm in the process of straightening up the house before my parents come for supper. I also have to cook supper...so I better get off the computer!!
I almost forget to tell ya'll what happen last night. Since I teach prek we are required to have at least 2 class pets. We have a hamster and a fish. I have to bring them home whenever we have a holiday. Well Brandon took the hamster out last night. At 5:00 this morning I had a really loud sound. I thought it was the hamster playing and I got really mad!! I got up to close the door to the room he was in...when I opened the door I heard that it was coming from the living room. I got really nervous but I didn't want to wake up Brandon. I put on my glasses and walked slowly to the living room. Then I turned around to go look in the hamster's cage. The door was open to his cage!! I stopped being nervous and went back to the living room. I turned on the light and saw the hamster under the couch. He was dragging a sticky mouse trap!!! We live close to a field so we leave out a mouse trap just in case one ever gets in. I was so scared for him! I ran to the bedroom and scared Brandon to death when I called his name. I thought for sure the hamster was going to die. I went in the bed and put the covers over my head;) Brandon went to him and saved his life!! He was only stuck on his back leg and hair so he was able to free him!! Can you believe that. That's why I don't have pets inside my house....too much drama:)

Answering some ??'s about my last post...

2009-04-14T16:55:00.003-05:00

I had a few questions about my last post...
1. A trial transfer or "mock" transfer is when the doctor "pretends" he is going to transfer the embryos. They do it because everyone's uterus/cervix measures differently and they want to make sure they put the embryos back in the right place. So basically they are just measuring you. It's just another thing they do to help ensure that they everything goes right.

2. Thanks for commenting about my "yummy food". I LOVE to cook. I wanted to be a chef but they work when everyone else is off having fun....so I cook for the people I love!! My husband really loves it!!

3. My tentative embryo transfer is May 5th. This depends on how my ovaries react to the medicine. My tentative day 5 transfer is May 10th (Mother's Day)...I really think that is a GOOD sign. Don't you?? :) I start stims next Friday (April 24th). The rest depends on how my ovaries treat me!! I'm hoping they react good and everything goes as planned!! Say some prayers for us please!!!

Well I'm off to....can you guess....yes, cook supper....beef stir fry and lo mien. I really love Chinese but I need to lose a few pounds so I'm cooking it myself so I can make it healthier:)

Trial Transfer Tomorrow

2009-04-14T14:47:00.002-05:00

I've been enjoying my week off for spring break...the joys of being a teacher;) Today we have been working in the yard; weeding flower beds so we can plant new flowers tomorrow. Tomorrow at 9:15 I am having my trial transfer. If anyone has had one...did it hurt?? I have had 4 IUI's but my cervix was always open. Since it won't be open tomorrow, I am worried that it is going to hurt!! After the appointment we are going buy flowers. Then coming home to plant them. That night I am going to make chicken Parmesan and my parents are coming over. I hope all is well and everyone is having a wonderful week:)