Mommies to 3 Flowers

5x7 Folded Card

2012-01-30T20:09:00.001-05:00

Blurred Edge 5x7 folded card

Shutterfly's exclusive line of graduation announcements and invitations.

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Stationery card

2012-01-25T12:49:00.003-05:00

Sent With Love Valentine's Card

Modern shower invitations and holiday cards by Shutterfly.

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pics

2011-08-05T21:11:00.013-04:00

Flower cupcakes made by mommy and momma for our little flowers first birthday in Kentucky.

Gracie's ready to party in VA in Granny party dress.

And here's few pics from the past couple of weeks......

We're baaaaack!

2011-08-05T20:11:00.003-04:00

8 months since my last post? Really? Wow!

Needless to say ALOT has happened. I'll bore ya with some bullets and then round up some pics.

- Our sweet lil flower is 15 months old!

- She had 3 birthday parties! One with my family in Ky, another here in Va with M's fam and then with just the 3 of us on her actual birthday.

- She has 10 teeth

- She's running around all over the place

- She's decided not to talk at the moment but can sign please, more, thank you, drink, eat, dog, cat, book, potty, music, bye bye and help.

- She knows her head, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hands/fingers, feet/toes, belly, knees and can hold up one finger when asked.

- She'll eat anything

- No bottle or pacifier for 1 month

- Sleeps thru the night like a champ. Down at 6pm...Up at 630 am

- She been going potty on her little pink potty for 3 months. She's signed potty to us twice letting us know she had to go...other than that we just stick her on there when we change her and most of the time she'll go!

- She LOVES books, music, water and the whole Sesame Street gang

- She's just the greatest kid ever!

I may not have posted in FOREVER but we still check in on everyone all the time. Love seeing everyones smiling faces and hearing all about everything!

We've taken pics EVERYDAY of Gracie and posted them on flickr....so if you've got a flickr account look us up on there and follow along. :o) I'm pretty sure you can search us by name (Kim & M) or by my email (va911dispatcher at yahoo dot com). If you find us, just add us as a contact and we'll add you as well so you can see all the pics.

Here's a pic of the family from yesterday....Gracie's 15 month birthday. :o)

Let me see your grill!

2011-01-29T20:00:00.004-05:00

Guess who's first tooth popped thru today?!

Woowhoo! Gracie's got a tooth!

No pictures as of yet. It's teeny weeny but you can definately feel the sharp little booger.

Here's a few pics of Gracie enjoying some sun with her buddy Mundy and playing with the laundry basket.

Notice the tongue in all the pics? It wasn't long after these pics that we found the toofy.

2011-01-28T09:44:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all of you who gave us your carseat input. After some online reasearch and a visit to Babies R Us we decided on the Britax Marathon 70. Pink of course.

Several sites were having sales and even Babies R Us will be having their Great Trade In Sale starting this weekend. That's where you can take in your old carseats, playyards, ect and they will give you 25% off a new one. We were going to do the trade in deal which would in turn cost us $210 but I found a sale online here with the same sale price plus free shipping. We went with the online thing 1. because it would save us a trip out in the cold to the store and 2. because we could get the pink one. So for $210 we got the color we wanted delivered right to the front door.

Here's our little Tootie Pop in her new seat. I think she likes it.

And look what she got free with the purchase!

A lemonade stand!!

Pics, pics and more pics

2011-01-19T20:21:00.016-05:00

January pics....

8 months old

December pics....

Last family pic of 2010

Christmas Eve

Santa aka Gracie's Papaw

Watching it snow in her magic jammies.

7 months old

November pics....

6 months old

Baby and Mommy bling

First visit with Santa

Sweet totatoes, green beans & applesauce

Shopping carts are fun!

Like my hat? Mommy Kim made it for me!

Peas are NOT good!

Eating Thanksgiving dinner

Watching the Macy's parade

October pics...

. Our little flower

THE catch up post

2011-01-19T15:26:00.003-05:00

Get ready!

Set!

3 months in one post!

10/12 -Rolled over. We turned our back for one minute and missed the first time but got the second roll on video.

10/15 -Drank pear juice to help go #2. It worked. :o)

10/16 -Ate oatmeal for the first time at 5 1/2 months old. Liked it.

10/20 - Slept all night in her crib. We got up numerous times during the night to check on her but she was out like a light all night long. Mommies on the other hand didn't. :o)

10/22 - We made contact with another 1/2 sibling, a 3 year old brother in Canada.

10/31 - Dressed up as a FLOWER for Halloween.

11/2 -Sat up unassisted for almost a minute

11/3 - Ate peas for the first time. She did NOT like them. Gagged and spit them out!

11/4 -Weighed 15.2 lbs at her 6 month check up. Got 4 shots and a Donald Duck sticker for her baby book. Tried peas again. Still a no go.

11/6 - Tried lima beans. Another no go. Saw Santa for the first time...didn't cry. Sitting up on her own now.

11/7 - Mommys made applesauce, avocado and sweet potato with an awesome steamer/food processor. (Thanks to Teaberry and her baby food processor post). Tried lima beans again....still not feeling them.

11/8 - Had avocado for first time. She liked it! Loves to watch Mundy Dog. Laughed out loud when we tickled her hips and ribs.

11/9 - Laughed out loud on the phone with Granny. Ate oatmeal and avocado. Rode in the shopping cart seat like a big girl.

11/10 - Had her first big girl poop. :o) ( We keep records of everything!)

11/11 - Took her first and last 2 hour nap.

11/12 - Had carrots for the first time. Liked them. Pooped in Mommy M's hand at bath time. :o)

11/14 - Stayed overnight in hotel and rode in elevator with Mommys for first time.

11/15 - First night away from Mommy M. First night without the baby monitor on at night.

11/18 - Green beans for first time...made faces but atleast she didn't gag. Found another 1/2 brother in PA.

11/21 - Sweet potatoes for first time....liked them.

11/24 - Squash for first time...like them. Left for KY for Thanksgiving.

11/25 - First Thanksgiving. Ate a bite of mashed potatoes with gravy. Uncle Greg snuck her a bite of sweet potato pie....she like it. Watched Macys parade.

11/26 - Ate papaw's pears...liked them.

11/29 - Helped Mommys put up her first Christmas tree. Peed on Mommy M while getting ready for bath.

12/2 - Bought her first Christmas stocking and ornament. In #3 diapers now. "talking" alot, blowing spit bubbles, likes to stand, sitting really good. Everything goes in her mouth. Diapers were getting so stinky we had to move the diaper genie from her room to the laundry room. P-U!

12/3 - Got flu booster shot.

12/4 - 7 months old. Bought her Christmas dress and shoes. Dressed her in snowman jammies for the first time and it snowed!

12/5 - Woke up to her first snow. Had lunch with Santa at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Sat in Santa's lap and didn't cry. Mommy M said this was THE REAL Santa. :o) Very cold outside...in the 30s...she was bundled up like Ralphie's brother from A Christmas Story...didn't like that at all!

12/9 - Watched Baby Einstein Christmas video and didn't take her eyes off it! We call her Tootie-Pop, Garbonzo Bean and Pterodactyl ( I had no idea this started with a P) because she makes screeching dinosaur noises.

12/13 - Slept in her reindeer jammies and woke up to snow again. We call them her magic jammies now. Woke up during the night with snots....long night. Called the doc and she called in some cough meds.

12/14 - Still really snotty. Took her in for her first sick visit and the doc said she was fine...just had a cold. Told us she had "parent -itis"....over active parents.

12/17-12/22 - In KY for Christmas with Mommy Kim's family. She played with her cousins Caylee (2 YO) and Jax (1.5 YO). Made her first snowman and snow angel. Had her first sink bath. Lifts her arms up to us when we say "up".

12/24 - Christmas Eve. Had Christmas at M's parents. Got lots of toys. Mommy M put together her Santa present. Had cantaloupe....liked it.

12/25 - First Christmas! She slept til 0730!! Yay for Mommies since she's usually up at 0600-0630. We wore matching jammies, she got too many toys. Started snowing around 4 pm.

12/26 - Woke up to 5 inches of snow...almost 10 inches by late evening. We bundled her up and took her out to get pics in the snow.

12/27 - Ate chicken...mixed it with carrots and she ate it no problem.

12/28 - Drooling alot, chewing on her gums but still no teeth.

12/31 - New Years Eve. Peaches...liked them. Went to Christmas Town again. Watched fireworks...well we did..Gracie slept thru most of them.

1/1/11 - New Years Day. She had her bottle at 0630 and went back to bed until 0930! She really likes avocados with stuff mixed in them. Bald spot is finally filling in. We now call her our cute-a-potomus.

1/2 - Yogurt...liked it.

1/4 - 8 months old. Fell asleep in your highchair...if the kid would take naps this wouldn't happen. :o)

1/9 - Tried curly noodles...not filling them yet. She didn't like that they stuck to her fingers.

1/11 - Honeydew...liked it. She fed herself banana puffs. Blowing lots of raspberries. LOTS

1/12 - We took her back to the Jones Institute to meet the docs who helped make her. Laughed out loud watching Mommy M and Mundy play.

1/13 - Loves to play with out sweatshirt strings.

1/14 - Pinto beans....loved them. Laughed at the broom.

1/19 - Has eaten bananas, peaches, pears, honeydew, mango, rice cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, chicken, pinto beans, avocado, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, lima beans aka llama beans and carrots. We are happy to say that she likes it all and it's all mommy made stuff.

***

Lots of pics coming tomorrow!

Gracie's Nursery

2011-01-17T09:58:00.009-05:00

Many moons ago someone asked for pics of Gracie's nursery so in an attempt to somewhat catch up on blogging...here ya go!

It's nothing fancy but we love it and so far Gracie hasn't complained.

Here's a shot looking in from the doorway.

The crib is a hand me down from a friend. The flower pictures are all ones that I've taken. And the rug and curtains came from WalMart.

Here's another shot from the doorway.

The HUGE turtle is something I've had for ages. The lamp and baskets on the dresser came from Walmart. I think we got the mobile from Target. The glider/rocker was only $99 from Big Lots.

The butterfly/flower picture is a charcoal drawing by M's mom.

Here's another shot of the room.

The changing table is also a hand me down from M's sister. The quilt was hand made by M's grandma years ago and we got the quilt rack off ebay.

And another couple shots of Gracie's closet.

This shot was taken yesterday after adding the shoe/hat bag. We put the lower closet rod up a few weeks ago.

And this little bunny foo foo light was made for me when I was a little squirt.

I almost forgot! Here's where Gracie slept for her first 5 1/2 months. Right next to mommy Kim!

This is the cradle I slept in! My papaw made it for me almost 36 years ago.

Then the little stinker got too big and learned to roll over.

So we did a photo shoot with some of Mommy Kim's baby clothes and retired the cradle to the garage.

There ya have it! Gracie's flower nursery.

I'm SO behind!

2011-01-13T10:45:00.003-05:00

Almost 3 months behind?! I'm hoping, not promising, to get caught up soon but first I need some advice on a couple of things.

First, Gracie is just about ready for a big girl car seat. She's almost reached the weight limit (20lbs-25lbs I can't remember which) for her infant carrier/car seat. I looked around a bit online last night was just overwhelmed by all the choices.

What's next? A convertable car seat? A combination car seat? What brand is best? What should we look for? What should we stay away from? What do you all have?

Now for naptime. Oh my word what a battle! Well sometimes it is and other times she will take her bottle and go right down but that only lasts about 1/2 hour UNLESS you hold her and then I swear she'd sleep all day! She usually takes 2 naps. One around 9-10am and then again around 1 or so. She's a GREAT night sleeper tho. We put her to bed around 6pm and she's out until 6am-630am! It's just the naps that are a bit more work. Any suggestions?

HELP!

And as a thank you for your input, here's few pics of our little flower.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T20:05:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas Yall!!

Long time no blog.

All is well. As you can see, Gracie is growing like a weed! She's almost 8 months old! Holy cow!

I'll try to catch yall up a little later. I just wanted to pop in before the new year came around.

Coming Out Day

2010-10-11T11:49:00.003-04:00

I like to think that Gracie is pretty proud of her mommas for "coming out".

Thanks baby girl for showing us what real love is!

2010-09-22T17:44:00.005-04:00

I feel so behind in blogging!

I guess because I am.

Lets see if I can catch up.

Since my last blog....

Gracie has started laughing out loud. LOVE it!

I started taking fenugreek and I'm making a bit more milk.

Sadly tho we've had to add a little bit, 1 ounce, of formula to Gracie's bottles. Thankfully she doesn't seem to mind but boy does her poo stink now! Whew!

She doesn't like to be held like a baby...you know cradled in your arms so sweet and cuddly...oh no...she wants to sit up like a big girl! She's growing so dang fast!

We went to KY last week and spent some time with Granny and Papaw.

While there Gracie saw her first turtle. She seemed to like him. I loved him!

She wore camo for the first time. :o)

Saw Papaws roosters.

And she slept thru her pics with the BIGGEST pumpkin ever!

She's still drooling and stuffing anything in her mouth that she can. Still haven't spotted any toofies yet.

We got another bag of hand me downs from M's cousin. You can't beat good free clothes!

My part time "meter maid" job may possibly turn full time with benefits! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! Having someone else pay my insurance would be nice.

People really don't like getting parking tickets! It's only 10 bucks! I swear I thought some woman was gonna come thru the jeep window after me last week! I had her vehicle towed...for unpaid parking tickets...and she tracked me down and told me a thing or too. I was about 2 seconds away from calling for an officer. She was NOT happy. $300+ later she had her vehicle!

We're going to the State Fair this weekend. Fun!

We found a new consignment shop down the road. Once Upon A Child It's great! They buy your stuff up front...no waiting around for them to sell it before you get your cash. We took a bunch of Gracie's preemie stuff to them and walked out with $37....enough for a couple boxes of diapers and wipes. Their grand opening is tomorrow.....we're going!

We got Gracie a bookshelf for her many $1 Target books. It fits perfectly.

I know there's a bunch more that's happened but I'm drawing a blank.

And of course....here's a few more pics!

I love this one! And it's NOT photoshopped! It was beautiful out the other day so we just held up our little angel and started snapping!

4 months

2010-09-07T20:27:00.005-04:00

Gracie had her 4 month doctors visit today.

Mommy M got the hard job this time.

Gracie is right on track.

Weight - 12.12 lbs

Length - 23.5 inches (almost 2 feet tall :o) )

We are so thankfull!

Sleeping like a baby?

2010-08-29T19:43:00.004-04:00

Guess who slept the whole night thru like a big girl!?

GRACIE!

8 hours of uninterrupted sleep!

Well, for Mommy M. I got up at 3 to pump but still....Gracie slept for 8 hours!

****

When did you little one start teething? Gracie is drooling and chewing on anything she can get her hands on...including her hands. She's been a little fussy too. Could it be?

***

Ok, so I froze some breast milk a few weeks ago since we seemed to have more than enough and now we seem to be getting to the point of NOT having enough. I mean we do have enough but I'm having to use a bag everyday or so.

Suggestions?

And how long did you breastfeed?

****

Oh! And I almost forgot! I'm shedding like a dog! I don't have that much hair to start with and what little I do have is falling out. Is this a normal after pregnancy thing?

A day of firsts

2010-08-24T13:33:00.002-04:00

Gracie had her first picnic this weekend. We surprised Mommy M with Subway yummies after her run at the Yorktown battlefields.

Then we packed up and headed to Yorktown Beach where she had another first....

....first time getting her cute little toes in the water and sand.

What a great day!

Hail to the Gracie

2010-08-13T13:01:00.009-04:00

We followed along with Tara and sent the President and Mrs Obama one of Gracie's birth announcements last month.

Here's what she got in the mail yesterday.

She was very excited. Can't you tell?

Tuesday's child....

2010-08-10T14:52:00.002-04:00

Monday's child is fair of face,

Tuesday's child is full of grace,

Wednesday's child if full of woe,

Thursday's child has far to go,

Friday's child is loving and giving,

Saturday's child works hard for a living,

But the child who is born on the Sabbath Day

Is fair and wise and good and gay.

Am I the only one who has never heard this Mother Goose nursery rhyme?

I received an email from a friend today saying she just realized Gracie was born on a Tuesday and wondered if this was how she got her name.

No, it"s not but how ironic.

And what's even more ironic?

I was also born on a Tuesday.

I love things like this!

Who you calling cute?

2010-08-08T16:46:00.001-04:00

3 months

2010-08-05T13:57:00.004-04:00

Gracie turned 3 months old yesterday! Where did the time go!?

***

We bumped her feedings up to 4 ounces. How much did your little one eat at 3 months?

****

Anyone freeze breast milk? I put the first batch in the freezer today. Anything we should do or not do? Anything we should know?

****

Gracie's beautiful head full of hair has started to thin in the back. :o(

****

Work is going well. I'm really enjoying myself. 59 tickets yesterday.

Louise - No office job for me this time. I write parking tickets...outside (and my gosh it's been HOT lately). You know for overtime parking, no city decals, parking in handicap spots and fire lanes, etc....

****

Tara - Nope our # ends in 3.

****

I survived!

2010-07-29T15:08:00.005-04:00

Well, I've got 2 days of work now behind me and no one had a meltdown.

Leaving Gracie Monday morning wasn't the easiest thing but we were both strong and made it thru the day. :o) I came home at noon to pump and grab some lunch and was able to get a few hugs and kisses to help me thru the rest of the day.

Work went well. I was hoping to write 5-10 tickets and ended up with 30! Woowhoo!

****

M and I found Gracie's half siblings thru the Donor Sibling Registry. We just searched the donor number and a few matches popped up. We left them messages and heard back from 2 of them that same night. Pretty exciting.

Pics and stuff

2010-07-23T13:31:00.006-04:00

I'm feeling the need to blog but running short on time so this will have to work...

I am SO enjoying being a mommy
There just aren't enough words to describe the happiness
Leaving my 12 hour shift work job has been the BEST thing
Gracie is growing like a weed
She's already almost 3 months old
Time really does fly
Gracie smiles are the best
I got another job
At the police dept I used to work at
I now write parking tickets
8 hours a day
3 days a week
A good old fashioned "meter maid"
Only there are no meters
I start Monday
M and her mom will be watching Gracie
I'm kinda stressing about leaving her
I know she will be fine
But I might not
I get to come home at noon everyday to pump
Work is less than 10 mins from the house
I'll work a few more hours in October when M's mom retires
Gracie is now sleeping up to 5 hours straight at night
This makes for 2 very happy mommies
Aunt Flo returned yesterday
I didn't miss that at all
We found one of Gracie's half siblings
An adorable little girl 3 months older
She's in California
Still waiting to hear from a half brother in Australia
And another half sister in Nevada
I wonder how many more there are
Will we ever meet?
Gracie an I had meltdowns together today
I clipped her nail a little too close
She screamed
Her thumb bled
I bawled
Couldn't find a tiny band aid
Cut a Star Wars one in half
Bad mommy
M's in charge of nail trimming now
I'm fat
Miss my old clothes
Have exercise equipment in the garage
Too hot outside to use them
How will I survive being away from Gracie for 8 hours?
5 hours yesterday just about did me in
I swear she grew while I was gone
I don't want to miss anything
Will she even know I'm gone?

July 16 - A date I wish never existed

2010-07-16T02:26:00.002-04:00

Our first precious little flower left us to bloom in a much bigger garden 3 years ago today.

And one year ago today, my sweet nephew Derick took his own life and joined that garden.

I can't begin to find the words to tell you how much they are both missed.

Happy Hats

2010-07-15T17:41:00.008-04:00

Are these the cutest little hats or what!?

Want a happy hat (or 2) for your little one (or yourself)?

Check out this site and order one of your very own. They are handmade with lots of love by one of my bestest friends in the whole world. :o)

You wont be disappointed.

Happy 4th of July!!

2010-07-04T21:01:00.009-04:00

And happy 2 months to baby Gracie!

Gracie weighed in at 9.10 lbs and was given a clean bill of health at her 2 month check up. And can I just say that shots are NO fun! Oh my and to think we have to do this again and again and again. NO fun!

Here's the little trooper post shots sporting her color coordinated band aids.

We all had a great time in Kentucky at Granny and Papaws. They couldn't get over how much she'd grown since the last visit just a couple of weeks before.

Life is good!

Woowhoo! We found some UK clothes for Gracie!

Papaw just couldn't wait to get her on the tractor!

Look at our big girl!

Check out the bunny slippers!

Thanks for the outfit Tara! She loves it!

7 weeks old

2010-06-22T20:49:00.002-04:00

Gracie seems to be pretty happy to be 7 weeks old.

One of M's co-workers made this afghan for Gracie. We love it!

Gracie does too!

****

Mimi - I was offered the option to stay on as a part time employee but I decided against it. I despised working there. I loved my job as a dispatcher but our department merged with another a year ago and it's been down hill fast since then.

Q & A

2010-06-21T14:23:00.005-04:00

Since Gracie's birth we've received a couple of questions on here. I figured it was about time I answered them. Sorry for taking so long.

Welcome2OurWorld - You asked about maternity leave and who will be watching Gracie when I return to work. I'm super envious of the leave you can take in Germany. That would be terrific. As it stands with me, I was able to take one month off paid but I had to use up all my sick and vacation leave to do that and then this second month is all without pay....returning to 12 hour shift work on July 2. As far as a babysitter is concerned, M's mom is retiring in September and is just dying to watch her. She lives across the street and 2 houses down...talk about convenient! However I am SO happy to tell you all that M and I have decided that I will QUIT WORK and STAY HOME with Gracie! I turned in my resignation letter last Wednesday. Woowhoo! I'll be home for atleast for the next 2 months and then I'll return to work somewhere part time. Our biggest concern about me leaving work was insurance. M can't carry us on hers and we must have it. We called around and found out that it wasn't as expensive to pay out of pocket for coverage as we thought it would be. So now I get to have the greatest job ever....taking care of our little girl!

Laura - No questions but GO BIG BLUE!! A friend of ours in West Virginia sent Gracie a little onesie with WV on it. NOT funny! :o) So now we are on a mission to find some UK stuff. I can't believe we don't have any!

Michaela - Thanks for the sweet comments on Gracie's little onsies. We had a hard time when she was first born finding anything small enough to fit. We did however find some really cute ones at Target. Do you have Target is Austria? I'm sure you could order some from their website.

Who did I forget?

Now I have a couple of questions.

I noticed about a week ago that Gracie has a flat spot on the back on her head (left side). I, of course, googled it and it seems we are not alone. Did any of your little ones have a flat spot? What did you do? Just try to keep their head turned while lying down? Any other suggestions? Should be we concerned? We will ask the doc at our next appointment but I was wondering about your experiences.

And for those of you that breastfed, when did your little ones start sleeping for longer than 2-3 hours at a time at night? Don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining but it sure will be nice when that time comes for us. :o)

I know I had more questions but I'm blank now.

Suggestions, tips or any advice you guys have about anything? We'd love to hear it all.

We are all doing great. Gracie is growing like a crazy flower. M is continuing to be the best mommy ever and I'm doing great....well besides my poor, overworked boobs...all is well. :o)

We're heading back to Kentucky again this weekend for a few days. Granny and Papaw are having with drawls!

And as always, I'll leave with a few pics.

Stuff and few more pics...

2010-06-10T21:27:00.005-04:00

Our little flower had a scheduled doctors appointment today. Everythings fine and dandy.

Wanna take a guess at her weight?

She was 5.14 at birth, 5.6 when we brought her home and 6.10 2 weeks ago.

She weighed in at a whopping 8.3 pounds today! Way to go Gracie girl!

Here's Gracie girl with her first savings account book. :o)

and soaking up a little sun...

with Mommy M's glasses :o)

Due Date

2010-06-09T13:46:00.023-04:00

It's hard to believe that our little flower that we've been holding in our arms for the past 5 weeks wasn't even supposed to be here until today.

Crazy!

Our trip to Kentucky was great! Seeing my parents with Gracie was just what I needed. We're hoping to get back out there towards the end of the month. I go back to work July 2 and wont have any leave time available for quite some time.

Now for some pics....

3 weeks old already!

2010-05-26T14:02:00.016-04:00

My how time flies!

The doc has given us all a clean bill of health and the ok to travel. So we are hitting the road this weekend for Kentucky....gotta go see mamaw and papaw!

Gracie is doing great. She weighed in a whopping 6.04 lbs last Thursday. She's growing like a little flower!

There are no words...

2010-05-21T15:37:00.015-04:00

There are no words to describe the love I have for this new little human being. The emotions I have felt over the past 2.5 weeks are indescribable.

I've been excited. Scared to death. Embarrassed. Happy. Sad. Nervous. You name it and I've felt it. But I guess I could best sum it all by saying I am now COMPLETE.

I've waited my entire life...35 years...for this sweet little girl and she's here. Here in our house. In our living room. In our arms . In our lives. In our hearts.....right where she is supposed to be.

I wish I could write like you other new mothers and describe everything that M and have gone thru but my mind is mush and all that comes out is that all the hell we've been thru to get to this point has been worth it.

Maybe one of these days I'll get my emotions in check and be able to put it all down into words but until then if there's something you want to know, just ask and I'll do my best to recap it for ya.

And like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So here's a few thousands words for yall.

SURPRISE!!

2010-05-08T15:08:00.010-04:00

Gracen Leigh just couldn't wait any longer!

Water broke - 145 am May 3

Admitted and in bed - 4 am May 3

75% effaced, -3 station, 1 cm - 410 am May 3

Still 1 cm, 90% effaced - 1 pm May 3

Pitocin started - 130 pm May 3 (almost 12 after water broke)

Requested epidural - 4 pm May 3

Got epidural (which took forever to place - ouch!) and upped pitocin- 445 pm May 3

3-4 cm - 545 pm May 3

5-6 cm - 805 pm May 3

Foley catheter (OUCH)- 843 pm

6-7 cm, Foley removed per Drs orders (thank GOD) - 1030 pm

7 cm, baby had moved down SOME - 1250 am May 4

Not progressed enough, time for C-SECTION! - 345 am May 4

Wheeled out for C-section - 4 am May 4

Gracen Leigh entered our lives for us to love forever - 441 am May 4 ----- 5 weeks early

5.14 lbs, 19 inches long, lots of hair, cute as a button, came out peeing with an attitude

We all came home yesterday.

Much more to come!

33 weeks

2010-04-22T21:47:00.002-04:00

I can hardly believe that our little girl will be making her appearance in about 7 weeks! 7 weeks people! That's just around the corner!

We are SO SO excited!

Our 32 week appointment went fine and dandy. Of course the doc said I have gained more than she likes...oh well. Baby girl is healthy that's all that matters. I did however experience a "first" at this appointment. You ready for this?! I stepped on the scale and I weighed 200 pounds! A milestone huh? :o) Ive gained about 45 pounds SO far! Holy alot of weight.

M and I met with an attorney today and submitted our info for a will, living will and power of attorney. It should be ready for signing in about a week. It feels good to something legal in writing stating our wishes.

Baby girl has 2 new hiding places. My ribs and as high up under my boobs and she can get. OUCH!

NOT complaining. Just sayin'. :o)

I think the girls at work have planned a little shower for us this Sunday. I'll let ya know. M's sister is hosting one for us May 1. Fun!

My dad is doing great. He had his first follow up appointment today. The doc said everything was healing well, his bp and heart rate were right on track and they took him off a few meds as well. He's on the road to recovery.

Oh I almost forgot. We had our childbirth class this past Saturday. M is planning a payback. LOL Ok so maybe it was a little cheesey but you gotta go right? :o) We've also got breastfeeding and infant care classes scheduled for next month along with a hospital tour.

I think that about wraps it up.

We go Monday for our 34 week appt. Any guesses how much I'll weigh then? :o)

Getting back on track....

2010-04-13T20:49:00.008-04:00

Dad is home. Doing well. Thanks for the prayers.
We're back home in VA
Tired of traveling
Just plain tired
Back to midnight shift tomorrow. Yuck!
Itchies are gone
Got a new funky rash on my arm...doesn't itch...going away
32 weeks doctors appt tomorrow
Belly is GROWING
Nearly impossible to roll over in bed
Little girl is definatley a mover and a shaker
Love feeling her
Feet and legs started swelling last weekend. Ugly!
Family baby shower May 1

And to wrap up all these bullets....

Some cool pics of our little girl!

Oh and here's a few shots from Easter and me in my moms old maternity clothes! :o)

Dad

2010-04-06T08:13:00.002-04:00

Dad made it!

So far, so good.

He was in surgery about 5-6 hours.

They did a double bypass.

He was still out when we left last night.

Heading back to the hospital now.

He's still not out of the woods but its a start.

Thanks for all the prayers.

Keep them coming.

Happy Birthday my beautiful M

2010-04-06T08:08:00.002-04:00

38 years ago today the other half of my heart was born.

Today is M's birthday.

I can't even begin to tell you what a beautiful, wonderful, amazing person M is.

I am so blessed to have her as my wife, my friend, the mother of my child.

I love you M more than you'll ever know!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PUMPKIN!!!

Update on Dad

2010-04-02T20:54:00.002-04:00

We had a beautiful road trip to Kentucky today. The sunshine kept us company the entire 500 miles.

Dad is scheduled for triple bypass surgery Monday morning.

Needless to say, I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Please keep us all in your prayers.

I'll update when I can.

Just shy of 30 weeks

2010-03-29T14:11:00.002-04:00

30 weeks?! That means we are just 10 weeks away from holding our little miracle in our arms!

I passed the glucose test. They wanted numbers under 130 and mine was 110. Good to go there.

We had an appt this morning and guess what? I only gained 1 pound! Hard to believe huh. LOL The doc measured our little bump and said we were right were we needed to be. 30 cm = 30 weeks. Good to go there as well.

She also said my hemoglobin level was just tiny bit lower than what they wanted to see. Nothing major...just off by like .2 points. She suggested upping my high in iron foods and did another blood draw. Nothing to be overly concerned about at this point.

I started getting the itchies Thursday night and by Friday afternoon I felt like I was going to scratch hair, hide and all off. It's been awful. I broke out in little tiny bumps all over my chest and around my panty line. M has been lathering me up with Benadryl cream and that seems to work for a while. We checked with the doc today and she said I could take Benadryl pills if it continues and not to worry. We go back in 2 weeks...hopefully it'll be gone or much better by then.

We turned in our hospital pre-registration paperwork today along with the birth certificate info and all that jazz. This is really happening! The doc suggested we get all our legal paperwork in order as well. So M is talking to a lawyer friend today about drawing up a will, a living will, power of attorney and some HIPAA form. Gotta have all our ducks in a row.

On a different note I got some pretty rough news today. My dad went in for a scheduled heart cath today and they were unable to do the procedure due to so many blockages....even the stents he had were completely blocked. They are keeping him in the hospital the rest of the day, hopefully sending him home tomorrow and scheduling bypass surgery for next week. I can't begin to tell you how scared I am. I almost lost him a few years ago and this is just a horrible reminder of what he/we went thru then and what could happen.

We already had a trip home scheduled for this coming weekend but it looks like Ill be sticking around there for a bit longer.

PLEASE keep my dad in your thoughts and prayers and don't forget to toss my name in there too. I can't lose my dad...I just can't.

29 weeks

2010-03-24T14:15:00.005-04:00

Yay for Spring and big healthy bellies!

As you can see, things are moving right along.

We had our glucose test last Monday. It wasn't nearly as gross as I was expecting. I had the fruit punch and it really wasn't bad at all. We're still waiting for the results tho...that's the hard part.

We found a stroller last weekend. M can't wait to have a new jogging partner. :o)

I called the hospital today and scheduled our Lamaze/childbirth class. We'll be spending 7 hours in the floor a few Saturdays from now. How exciting! We're still waiting on a few return calls regarding breastfeeding, child development and infant care classes.

We're going back to Fun Fetal next month to get another peek at our little girl. I can't wait to see her filled out a little more.

We're heading back to Kentucky next weekend. I guess this will be our last trip home without a car seat and baby in tow.

Oh, and I think M's sister is hosting a shower for us May 1. Woowhoo!

Even with a big belly and all the kicking and punching going on in there, I still sometimes have a hard time believing this is really happening.

What a miracle!

25 weeks

2010-02-24T21:43:00.009-05:00

Things are moving right along.

I feel as big as a house.

We took a short trip home to Kentucky this past weekend and was semi-surprised (we figured it out...lol) with a family mini baby shower....more of a baby sprinkle. :0)

We got lots of pink stuff including the hand made cradle that my papaw made for me 36 years ago.

And of course there was food.

And my how maternity clothes have changed! This is my mom with a maternity dress she wore with me!

Mom even re-did my old room all in pink. I think she's a little excited.

Our next appointment is a couple of weeks away. The glucose test.

I'm feeling good and enjoying feeling our little girl moving all about.

23 weeks

2010-02-11T17:06:00.003-05:00

Our doctors appointment today was pretty short and sweet.

We heard our little girls heartbeat and it was right on track....in the 150s. She's been moving around like crazy so I wasn't so worried this time about not hearing it but it was still music to my ears.

However the numbers on the scale apparently weren't so on track. I found myself doing a second look to make sure I was seeing it correctly. I was. And so did the doctor. She all but called me fat. That hurt. She asked what I was eating and if I was exercising. I eat whatever. Nothing crazy. Sure its more than I did before I got pregnant because I was dieting and plus I'm hungrier now. Anyhow, she told me to walk and eat more veggies. Needless to say I sat in the parking lot and cried afterwards. No one likes to be told they're fat....especially those us who have dealt with weight issues their whole lives.

According to all the stuff I've read, I've already gained, in almost 6 months, what I should gain during the entire pregnancy. Now what? I can't stop eating and I certainly am not going to exercise myself to death.

I'm stressing. I don't like stress!

Other than being fat....I'm good to go!

We've pretty much got the nursery finished up. We just need to get a rocker of some kind and we'll be all set.

Any suggestions on a good rocker? Preferably one that swivels.

And what about breast pumps? Any we should stay away from? What should we look for?

And while we're at it...what about a good jogging stroller?

I'll leave you with a picture taken last week. Kind of a sneak peak of the nursery. :o)

Am I really that fat? Keep in mind I am almost 6 months pregnant! :o)

21 weeks

2010-01-27T16:10:00.011-05:00

Today was our big 21 week-you're- getting -old- and- need- a- genetic -screen -ultrasound.

They scared us with all the "this and that could happen or be wrong", BUT....

Everything showed up perfect. NO markers for anything. Our little girl is weighing in around 15 ounces, 5 days ahead and with a heartrate around 155.

We started on the nursery last weekend it's about finished. I'll post pics of that later on.

OH! And we picked a name! But that's a secret for now.

Keep the positive thoughts flowing.

ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Without any further ado....

2010-01-14T08:51:00.009-05:00

We introduce you to our baby GIRL!

She was being a bit modest.

PEACE!

And every little red blooded girl needs some camo right? :o)

And last but not least....

her first gun...

from Mommy M!

All is well. We have our 20 week appointment next Friday.

ONE DAY AT A TIME!

17 weeks

2009-12-30T20:39:00.008-05:00

Things are moving right along. We're 17 weeks today. We go in next Friday for a regular OB appt...no pics but we will get a doppler. The following week we're going here to see if we're having a pink or blue flower and then the following week we go in for our 20 weeks ultrasound.

Our trip to Kentucky was great. It's always so nice to get back home and see the folks.

Everyone was very excited to hear about the the new addition coming in June.

Mom and Dad gave us our first baby ornament. Too cute!

We got to spend a bunch of time with my new great niece Caylee (1 yr) and great nephew Jax (6 months). How cute are they?!

And we wrapped up Christmas at our house together.

Oh! And I think I maybe starting to feel the little flower moving around a bit. Im not sure. It feels kind of like a little tickle from the inside. FUN!

Have a great new year!

13 weeks 6 days

2009-12-08T21:52:00.002-05:00

and again, thankfully, all is well!!

No pictures today but we did hear a healthy heart beating at 150-160 beats a minute.

We celebrated with a trip to Target for a 3 pack of the cutest neutral sleepers, a couple pair of maternity jeans and a "Mommy to be" tee.

We go back in 2 weeks for some blood work and another doppler.

We're heading home to Kentucky this Friday for an early Christmas with my family. My parents already know about the flower but my brothers are in for a surprise!

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue ONE DAY AT TIME.

11 weeks 2 days

2009-11-24T15:05:00.003-05:00

We had our ultrasound last Friday...

...and all is well!!

2009-11-13T13:03:00.002-05:00

Well the lump in my arm pit is just a swollen lymph node. The doc said it looked like nothing to be worried about...just to keep an eye on it and it if gets bigger to have it checked again.

Works for me.

Oh and I got out of the mamo. They just did a scan of my arm pit. No smooshed boobs for me today!

And get this!

I have another sinus infection!

One more week til our next scan.

I'm feeling just fine. I still don't like food and my head feels like it's going to explode but other than that...all is good!

ONE DAY AT A TIME

First OB appointment

2009-11-09T13:37:00.002-05:00

Thanks for all the m/s remedies. I pretty much tried them all and I'm not so sure they worked but I'm happy to say I'm now feeling better and able to rejoin the world. I still feel a little crappy but the horrible sick feelings and extreme blahness has left. I now have energy to actually do more than just get up, shower and go to work. I can't do much before I get wiped out but it's more than I could accomplish in the first 6-8 weeks.

I noticed that I was feeling a bit better right around 8 weeks and by the next week I was up and about. It actually kind of scared me. I mean I had been so sick for almost 8 weeks and then "poof" I'm all better. It freaked me out but the OB reassured me that it was normal...that its ok for symptoms to ease off around the end of the first trimester. (She better be right)

So we had our first OB appt Friday. Everything went great. They weighed me, which I wasn't too thrilled about :o( but I guess I better used to rising numbers huh? They drew alot of blood, offered me the H1N1 shot, which I accepted, I peed in the cup and was sent to the room to wait for our new OB. (Dr K from the previous visits wasn't available so we had to pick a new one.) Dr P was great. We really liked her. She set our minds at ease and was totally ok with "us". We expressed our fears about another miscarriage and how scared we were due to my symptoms disappearing and guess what she did?! She gave us an unscheduled ultra sound!! We got to see our little flowers BEATING heart again!! Thank GOD! And again, she/he is still measuring a little bit a head of schedule....by one day. So far so good!

Dr P answered our list of questions including one about a swollen gland under my right arm pit. It did the same thing with the twins pregnancy but eventually went away but this one seems to be sticking around longer and it kind of hurts when I rub on deodorant or push on it. So I'll be having a mammogram and pit scan this coming Friday.

Our next ultrasound, the dating or formal scan as Dr P called it is scheduled for November 20. We'll be just over 11 weeks by then. We've never been able to make it past 10 weeks so Lord knows we're praying this scan shows all is well!

After that our next OB visit will be Dec 11...just past 14 weeks.

So far so good!

ONE DAY AT A TIME

Baby's first photo

2009-10-21T12:20:00.002-04:00

Well, thankfully, as you can see, there's something in there!

Our little flower measured in at 2 days ahead with a healthy heart rate of 159 bpm.

We've been released to our OB.

Our first OB appointment is November 6.

Thank you God!

Oh and if morning sickness is any indication of a healthy baby....then we've got a winner! I feel like crap morning, noon and night! Loving it of course but my word. Ginger ale is my new best friend. Any suggestions to help ease the queasiness would be greatly appreciated.

One day at a time.

A quick note...

2009-10-08T16:31:00.004-04:00

We had a third beta today. They wanted to see numbers between 3000-7000. It was 7201.

Our first ultrasound is scheduled for October 20. We'll be 6w6d.

I'm doing good. Hungry and tired alot. And trying my best not to read into every little feeling I have. It's hard tho. I've never had a full term pregnancy. I don't know what things are supposed to feel like. The unknown can drive one crazy!!

Oh and I'm sick. I broke down and went to the doc. I've got a sinus and ear infection. After confirming with 3 doctors that amoxicillin was safe to take...I'm now on the med.

One day at a time.

Yay for numbers!

2009-10-02T22:56:00.004-04:00

After waiting FOREVER (Blood was drawn at 8 am, the office closes at 5 pm) they finally called with the 2nd beta results (at 4:45 pm!)

They wanted to see numbers in the 700s.

We got 947!

WOOT!! WOOT!!

Grow Flower Grow!!

***

Our first ultra sound will be in 2 weeks. I call Monday to make that appointment.

***

I've heard hormones can make you want to eat crazy things. I can only assume that's why I just had to have this crazy big turkey leg from Busch Gardens?! :o)

One day at a time...

2009-09-28T14:50:00.002-04:00

That's our new motto.

It's all we can do.

The drs visit was short and sweet. I didn't even see the doc...just a super sweet nurse who took my blood for the beta and progesterone tests. She did her best to ease my mind about the spotting. She said some spotting and light cramping is normal and to try not to worry (easier said than done). She suggested if it continues or gets heavier to use a suppository in the morning as well as the one at night.

****

The nurse just called with the blood tests results.

It's official - WE'RE PREGNANT!

At 14dpo our beta is 179 and progesterone is 42. She told me this morning they wanted them to be atleast 50 and 10 so this is good.

I go back Friday at 8 am for a second test to make sure the numbers are rising as they should.

So until we hear otherwise....I'm over the moon happy! (And scared to death!)

****

Thank you all for being so supportive! It helps more than you know! Thank you!!

Why?

2009-09-27T19:55:00.002-04:00

I'm spotting.

Just noticed it about an hour ago. Little bit of very light pink on the tissue.

Going to the doc in the morning.

Pray.

WE'RE PREGNANT!!

2009-09-25T20:29:00.005-04:00

11DPO!!

It took 15 maybe 20 seconds for the PREGNANT to show up!

We're getting there...

2009-09-25T06:05:00.002-04:00

It's getting darker right?

This was at 5 am this morning...11DPO

Could it be?!?

2009-09-24T07:52:00.004-04:00

Could there be a super faint line there?

Today is just 10 DPO but I couldn't stand it any longer!!

Our other 2 positives were on 11 DPO so maybe, just maybe!?!?

Could it be? Or maybe just an evaporation line?

Here we go again!

2009-09-15T13:04:00.005-04:00

And this time it's back to the basics.

Original donor.

No pills.

No shots.

Just faith.

The latest news

2009-06-02T19:41:00.002-04:00

Here's the scoop on the IVF money issue.

They have a money back program which includes two rounds for about a bazillion dollars. Honestly I don't remember what the cost was because as soon as she told me I knew we wouldn't be able to swing that. It was basically pay so much...a whole bunch...up front and if neither round worked then you'd get back half or something like that.

Here's the breakdown for one single cycle of IVF:

$9,000 - 1 IVF cycle
$400 - Anesthesia
$1,000 - Cryopreservation of any leftover embyros
$60 - Monthly storage fee for cryo
$3000-$5000 - For meds
$500 - Swimmers

$14,000-$16,000 - TOTAL

Let me just say AGAIN we do NOT have this kind of money. And also AGAIN I know having a child isn't cheap but to come up with all this at once is kinda out of the question for us. Well actually we would have to come up with $4,500 of the IVF cycle costs plus the rest of the stuff and then they would allow us to make payments on the remaining $4,500. That's all fine and good but we're still looking at having to come up with $10,000-$12,000 up front.

So....

We're going to ask about doing an injectable round or so before we hit the bank up for a loan. I haven't had a chance to do much research on this so any info would be SO appreciated. I know it costs alot too but I'm praying it's no where near the IVF cost.

Friday was my hysteroscopy and I must say there wasn't much to it. No pain. Well, none other than my heart breaking all over again when they called it a hysteroscopy/D&C. The D&C I had back in November '07 was something I certainly prayed I would never have to go thru again. Sure they weren't scraping out our babies this time but just having to be on that gurney, having an IV (which took 3 chicks and 3 sticks to find a decent vein...I'm sporting a pretty good bruise on my forearm now), having to be knocked out, having to be wheeled in that cold OR and see those lights hanging over me again, waking up feeling all weird and crap, finding out that I had an oral airway put in (which totally irritated my hangy down tonsil thing) plus a catheter (also another irritate only in the lower region this time) . All that sucked! Plus, I went to sleep crying and woke up crying. What horrible memories! HORRIBLE!! I remember waking up saying over and over again "This feels so weird". Oh and the nurse said they had a bit of a time knocking me out. That's great...I wonder what I did or said during that no memory part.

But besides all that...everything went fine. They let me go after I went pee. Dr O said they did remove a little scar tissue but everything else looked fine. We've got a follow up appointment on June 24.

Whatever route we decide for this next round will begin no earlier than late August. I'm in the process of switching jobs....well, I'll still be dispatching but just with a new department and we have our awesome Canadian vacation planned for early August. I don't wanna try with the stress of the new job or be stressed out about every little feeling I have while on vacation.

That's where we're at now....

Quick update...

2009-05-18T10:47:00.004-04:00

Ok, so we are still waiting to hear about a payment plan for the IVF but I did just hang up the phone with the nurse in charge of scheduling surgery appointments.

I go this Thursday at 1015 for a quick pre-op appointment and then back next Friday at 0630 (good grief that's early - we'll have to leave the house at 0530!) for the hysteroscopy. I'm not looking forward to this but if it gets us closer to a baby...them I'm there!

***

I totally forgot to mention, in a previous post, that not only did I lose 20 pounds but M has lost 30!

She's skinny!

Way to go babes!

2009-05-13T19:25:00.002-04:00

Our doctors appointment today lasted a whopping 10 minutes.

Short and sweet.

Dr. O wants me to have a hysteroscopy just to make sure everything looks alright in my uterus and then, as we expected, he suggested we move onto IVF.

And can I just say for the record that this stuff isn't cheap?!

Having said that, we're waiting on a phone call from the office to see about a payment plan of some kind before we continue.

Unless we win the lottery, coming up with $8,000 - $10,000 UP FRONT isn't an option for us.

So cross your fingers that the phone call comes with good news.

I'm a loser x 2

2009-05-04T06:15:00.003-04:00

This has really gotten old.

We're negative again.

Am I broken?

What is the problem?

I'll call the RE tomorrow and schedule another consultation appointment. Only this time it'll be for IVF info. I have a feeling this will be our last hope. We certainly can't keep on like we have been.

But on a more positive note...

I lost 2 pounds this week. I have finally reached my 20 pound weight loss goal! It may have taken 4 months to do it but I DID IT!

Stay tuned....

10 DPO

2009-04-30T15:31:00.001-04:00

Big freakin' negative.

Look out 2WW! Here we come!

2009-04-20T19:29:00.004-04:00

Again!

Lucky try #8 went off without a hitch.

18 million little surfers are hanging 10 as we speak! (Not the highest numbers but it only takes one right?)

Ready! Set!

2009-04-18T20:00:00.002-04:00

It's almost time to go!

Today was follie scan day.

Not too much to report from the right side but the left had a 13 and two 16s along with a 28.

So I'll do the belly shot in the morning at 7 and we'll go in Monday at 3:30 for IUI #8.

Keep all available appendages crossed!

Happy Birthday to my Beautiful Wife!

2009-04-07T22:07:00.005-04:00

It is Kim's Birthday, today/tommorow(Wednesday)!!!! While I did not get her anything special, bad wife, I wanted to tell her and I guess ya'll how much I love her and how much she means to me and all that other mushy stuff........

When she came into my life in March 2004 it was what I needed (although I did not realize it at the time). I was overworked, stressed out, unnhealthy (I was sickly skinny and drank too much) and did not know anything, but work.

Enter Kim, and I now know how to love, laugh and live and I have a very beautiful wife to share in all of that. As ya'll all know, we have tried to start a family and have three wonderful angels in heaven waiting for us one day. We will soon try again for a family to love, laugh and live with here on earth. I am happy everyday of my life because Kim is IN my life. I can't imagine it without her and don't even want to try. It is like the first time we kissed or even held hands and I felt that love, that all knowing love deep in my heart (I had truely never felt that before). It hasn't gone away and I know it never will.

Babe, YOU make MY heart Smile! I can't wait to see you and hear from you everyday we are apart. You are my best friend and I never get tired of you around me. I have never needed a "break" from you. I want you by my side every minute of every day (except when I have to deal with bad guys and see blood and guts and shit- you don't like that), but YOU complete ME.

As we embark once again to have a family together, know this, you are my family and if GOD has other plans for us, which I hope he doesn't, I asked him not too, I told him we want a family, but either way, he ultimately wins.....but anyways, you are all I need in my life to make me smile and feel complete, a child is just icing on the cake. 34 candles on that cake too!

I got you a few knick knacks nothing special (only because we are always together and it is hard to be sneaky) I won't mention them here because you may read this before you get them, so HAPPY 34th BIRTHDAY SWEET P!!!!! And all that other mushy stuff!

Love you always,
M

CD1 - Take 8

2009-04-06T15:51:00.003-04:00

Here we go AGAIN!

Today is cycle day 1!

It looks like I'll be popping that first clomid pill on Friday.

Our follie scan is schedule for April 18.

And we'll most likely inseminate April 20.

Woowhoo!

And if all that wasn't exciting enough....

Today is M's birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Babe! I love you!!

Just a note...

2009-03-19T19:38:00.005-04:00

to let yall know we haven't totally fallen off the face of earth.

Actually we're getting ready to hop back on the TTC train!

Yep, that's right! We're gonna give it another try.

We purchased our surfers today for next months lucky try #8.

8 is REALLY lucky right? ;o)

We'll keep ya posted.

It's been a while...

2009-01-31T16:47:00.004-05:00

I almost let a month slip away without posting something! What was a I thinking!

I really don't have much to say. Or maybe I do.

We're still on a break. Probably til March or April.

We're dieting. Well, I like to call it changing our eating habits. But yes, we're dieting. We're on the Nutri-System wagon! Monday will be 3 weeks. It's going well. The food is good and you get to eat all day and even get desserts! I lost almost 5 pounds the first week, almost 2 the second week and I'll brave those scales again on Monday for week 3s results. I wanna lose 20 pounds.

We bought an elliptical machine. I love it! Great investment!

I've got drama at work and it just sucks. For the past 11.5 years I've worked as a 911 dispatcher at the same department. I have also, for those 11.5 years, been on a permanent shift. Dayshift. 7 am - 3 pm. 8 hours a day. The PERFECT shift! M works 8-4, so it all works out well. Well, all that's about to change. Our dispatch center is basically being sold out. We are "merging" with a neighboring jurisdiction to save the city some money. I am, we all are, so NOT happy. Not only do we have to work with new people(some of which I know and do not like at all!), learn a whole new city, a whole new computer system and for most of us drive further but we have to work rotating, 12 freaking hour shifts! 7am-7pm and 7pm-7am. How does one have a life working rotating 12 hour shifts!?

I will say that I am very thankful to still have a job but this sucks! And there's so many other sucky things about this move that you just wouldn't believe. Here's one. I have around 250 hours of sick leave. Not a whole lot but still more than most in my office. I had to use alot when my parents were sick but other than that, I don't waste my time. I've had and still do have plans for that time. But get this....when we "merge" I only get to take 80 hours of it and they will pay me for the rest! I don't want the freaking money! I want my time! I have plans for that time! Ugg! And what's 80 hours when you work 12 hour shifts!? Not even 7 days! Geesh!

As you can see, I'm not a happy camper.

Oh and since we're talking about work let me tell you some more exciting news. In the past week and a half I've heard of 3 different officers in my department who are expecting. All unplanned. Surprises. Nice huh? I mean, yes of course, I'm happy for them to be blessed with a child but 3 in a week and a half and all of them unplanned!? And one of them is tossing around the name Hunter. That's OUR name!

I'm not mad, I'm just hurt. I guess I feel like I've been slapped in the face.

Anyhow...moving on.

Thanks for the "thinking of you" messages. We're still around...just taking a little break.

Oh! I almost forgot! This new department that I'll be working for doesn't allow cell phones in the office and they have NO internet!

Shoot me now, please! :o)

Goodbye 2008

2008-12-31T16:27:00.006-05:00

Bring on the new year!

I feel lost.

I have so much I want to say yet I can't seem to find the words or the time to get them out.

We're kinda in a holding pattern right now. Not sure what to do or even how we can do it again.

We'll let you know when we know.

So, while I'm in this weird funk, I'll just post a few pics of my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary from last Friday.

Here's my mom and pops...

My non brother, me, and oldest bro...

M, Me (in a dress & heels!), Mom and Pops

(The spacing screwed up after I loaded the pics...sorry)

Negative again...

2008-12-07T10:09:00.001-05:00

#7 wasn't so lucky for us.

We did it again...

2008-12-06T21:16:00.005-05:00

Ordered new swimmers...well we call them surfers now...since they come from CA
Had 2 good follies at the scan on November 20

Shot myself in the belly that night

Went in for IUI #7 on November 22

Started the silver bullets November 24

Tested negative on 11 DPO

Tested negative again on 13 DPO

Didn't test today, 14 DPO, ran outta tests

Bought one more cheapie test tonight

Will test again in the morning

Sure it will be negative

Bits and Pieces

2008-11-27T20:44:00.003-05:00

**WARNING**

The following is totally a downer post. Read at your own risk!

I feel like venting and yall are my lucky sounding board.

It's official. I do NOT like Thanksgiving and I will not be "celebrating" it again. (Heidi/Jenn - Get a table for 4 next year. I love a good salad bar.)

Why you ask?

I had a really shitty Thanksgiving one year as a child and I've had a hard time looking forward to it and enjoying it since then.

I spent last Thanksgiving trying to deal with the fact that our twins were gone and had been officially taken from us the day before. Makes me sick thinking of it.

I tried to be in a "holiday mood" today but that all came to a screeching halt this evening. I made a call to mom and dad before heading to M's family for dinner and was slapped in the face not once, not twice but three times.

Slap #1 - My 26 year old nephew and his girlfriend are expecting. She's being induced on Dec 10. My moms birthday. Great.

Slap #2 - My 28 year old nephew and his wife are also expecting.

Slap #3 - My mom proceeds to ask about our baby making status. I tell her I'd rather not talk about it so she then tells me to RELAX and just let it happen. I hate that freaking word! RELAX! I know she means well and God do I love her but why can't people think before they speak?

Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful that my nephews are able to have a family and I wish them nothing but happiness and a healthy child but damn it....I want a family too.

Oh, how I wish I could say "oops! I'm pregnant" or to plan and actually conceive and give birth to a live child.

Maybe one day?

I guess until then I'll wallow in my own self pity and cancel Thanksgiving for next year.

Oh! And for those of you that have asked about IVF. That's a big no. We can't afford it.

And adoption? Not gonna happen in Virginia.

Surrogacy? Again, not happening in Virginia. Even tho we've had a wonderful, sweet, thoughtful and caring friend offer her uterus for the project. You know who you are and thank you!

I guess blogging while upset is kinda like drinking and driving. Not a good idea.

But I do feel a tad bit better having gotten that off my chest.

1 year ago today

2008-11-21T15:26:00.002-05:00

was one of the 2 most horrible days of my life.

They, whoever they are, say time heals all wounds but I beg to differ.

I hurt just as much today as I did this time last year.

Our sweet twin flowers have been gone 1 year.

Some days it feels like a million years ago and others as if it were just yesterday.

They may be gone but definitely never forgotten.

Hypothetically speaking....

2008-11-09T20:11:00.002-05:00

IF one were to consider switching from Fairfax Cryo to California Cyro would anyone have any info?

Good or bad?

Hypothetically of course. ;o)

The results are in and...

2008-11-05T13:39:00.004-05:00

We have a new President.

Virginia is a blue state for the first time in like 50 years.

We're not pregnant.

We never will be.

We're not trying anymore.

Apparently the man upstairs has different plans for us.

We'll let you know what they are when we know.

Thank you all for being so supportive.

We wish you all healthy babies and happy families.

13 days to go!

2008-10-23T11:43:00.004-04:00

The swimmers have been released and sent on their mission!

FIND THAT EGG!!

I wish I could say I had an ouchless day and everything went smoothly yesterday but I'd be lying. It hurt! Apparently, according the the 12 year old doc (of course she really wasn't but she certainly looked it. M said she probably wasn't even old enough to drink), my cervix was closed...more so than normal. ??? So needless to say, she had a bit of time getting the swimmers where they needed to be. It didn't really take a long time but it certainly wasn't comfortable and I had some major cramps afterwards. I woke up this morning feeling like I had been kicked in the gut. I keep telling myself that was because all those ripe follies decided to kick their eggs out all at once! HA! I guess we'll know in 13 days, huh?

Help me out and be honest. A closed cervix at insemination time isn't a good thing is it? I was too upset to ask Doogie Howser yesterday before we left.

I guess I should stop stressing. There's nothing I can do about it now.

Ouchless

2008-10-21T06:39:00.003-04:00

Whew! That didn't hurt a bit!

I never thought I'd be glad to have a spare tire. :o)

All systems are set to GO!

2008-10-20T15:13:00.004-04:00

Todays cd13 follicle scan showed 4 good ones on the right (12, 19, 19 and 21) and 1 on the left (17)! The doc likes to see them between 18-20, so right now we've got 3 good ones and a good chance of the 17 growing before insemination.

The doc up'd our 10% chance of twins (due to the clomid) to a 20% chance due to the fact that there were numerous follies there ready and waiting to do their thing. That's ok with me. One, two, whatever....as long as they are healthy.

So, I'll be poking myself in the belly...with a NEEDLE (ouch!)...tomorrow morning at 6 am and heading in for lucky try #6 at 3 pm on Wednesday (Dads 70th birthday).

I'm a tad bit nervous about this needle thing. It's a piece of cake...right? And what do you think about those follicle numbers? They sound ok to you?

Clean as a whistle!

2008-10-14T13:44:00.002-04:00

Well those weren't exactly the words Dr. O said today about my uterus but that's what I got from the conversation with him. Everything looked fine so we are still on track!

And for the record...the hydrosonogram didn't hurt a bit. The speculum is never fun but it was over in less than 5 minutes.

Today is day 3 of 100mg clomid and so far (I hope I don't jinx myself) I haven't had any side effects. Well I've had a couple of weird dizzy spells but that's about it.

We go back on Monday for a follicle scan and then a day or so later for lucky IUI #6!

We're turning over a new leaf....

2008-10-08T19:37:00.003-04:00

Starting a new chapter...

Taking a new path...

However you put it....we went to the doc and we have a new plan.

The clomid plan.

Step 1 - Start 100mg on Sunday...for 5 days. (It worked out well with today being CD1.)

Step 2 - Hydrosonogram on October 14. Having water shot in my uterus isn't exactly something I'm looking forward to but I guess it's gotta be done. They wanna check for polyps and make sure there wasn't any damage from the d&c.

Step 3 - Follicle scan on October 20. We'll finally get to see some follies! Hopefully some good ripe ones!

Step 4 - Trigger shot? I kinda forgot what the doc said about this....oopsy.

Step 5 - IUI #6 around October 22 (My dad's 70th birthday)

So there ya have it. Our plan.

And as they used to say on The A-Team, " I love it when a plan comes together!"

Happy October!

2008-10-03T13:34:00.009-04:00

I had a really good "Poor me", "I suck", "Life sucks", "All we want is a baby", "I'm stressed out", "Why is this so hard", "I'm fat", "We're running out of money", "I can't deal with all this" post all ready to go but then it hit me!

It's October! One of my most favorite months of the year and no way was the first post of October going to be a crappy one. (I'll save that for a rainy day.)

October means fall, cooler weather, beautiful colored leaves, pumpkins, mums, candy corn (I prefer the candy pumpkins), fall festivals, State Fair, sweatshirts, and last but not least....HALLOWEEN!

I love halloween!

The fun has already started around here....

Mini break

2008-09-18T16:07:00.002-04:00

M and I are taking a mini break. We'll be skipping this next month and seeing the doc on October 8. We're hoping he will have something that'll work for us in his bag of baby making tricks.

Oh and by the way....my IT guy at work has blocked blogger and flickr! So I'm having some serious with drawls! I can still read everything but just can't comment or create a new post. I still have total access at home but I just never seem to have the time to get online. So even tho I'm not commenting and posting, please know that I'm still reading and crossing my fingers for everyone!

No such luck

2008-09-09T07:08:00.002-04:00

We're negative again.

I kinda thought it would be easier to deal with as the negatives keep piling up but it's just the opposite. It sucks!

Again, I feel foolish, broken and completely down and out.

This was try #5 for us and I know many of you have tried MANY more times than that but I don't know how much more heartbreak we can take. We have one vial of swimmers left. They might be the last.

This is just too much for any one person to go thru and what makes it worse is that there are 2 going thru it! M has been my rock but it's hard on her too. Besides seeing the negative stick time after time, she has to deal with ME and that's a job in its self.

I'm done testing and have stopped the bullets. CD1 should be here any day.

We're going to speak with our doctor before using the last vial. Maybe he'll have some suggestions. Clomid maybe? I don't know.

Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers..

This sure is hard work.

11 DPO

2008-09-06T07:02:00.000-04:00

Negative.

10 DPO

2008-09-05T08:40:00.003-04:00

Without my notes, which are in the bathroom at home, here's what I can remember from the past few days....

7 DPO/I - (evening) - tired, hungry, "pinches", sick belly before bed (didn't throw up, just felt yucky), "tickles"

8DPO/I - tired, "pinches", few cramps, hungry, "tickles"

9 DPO/I - tired, not so many cramps, hungry, tingly boobs, more "tickles"

10 DPO/I - (morning) - tired, hungry, few cramps, "tickles"

Now let me fill ya in on a couple of things.

The night I had the sick belly just happened to be on the same day ( 7 DPO) as the first two positive times. I didn't notice this until I logged it into my notes and went back to check past symptoms.

Our last 2 negatives I didn't have the sick feeling at all.

Just saying....

And now for the "tickles". That's really the only way to describe it other than it feels like something is crawling on my abdomen. (I checked and there wasn't :o) ) I also had those the first 2 positive times but didn't know how to describe them. But it's defiantly the same feeling.

Again...just saying...

I was a fool the last 2 negative times by thinking it was positive...so why not go for it again this time?

So...on with my ramblings.

I had a hair appointment yesterday, which I almost cancelled because I was getting highlights and didn't want the fumes/chemicals ruining anything. I went. My hair is cute with blond highlights now but that's not the point. Heck, I don't really have a point, just a ramble.

So, in walks a lady carrying a teeny weeny little baby. How stinkin' cute was she? Wow! I want one! Then I over hear one of the ladies talking about her new triplet nephews. Triplets! Wow! She goes on to say how they are identical! Wow again! And then to say they used no fertility stuff. BIG wow! Then as if my head isn't already swimming enough with the first baby, all the fumes and the talk of triplets...when I finally concentrate on the magazine I've been flipping thru, I see an article about Kentucky. Of course I start reading it and it ends up talking a family with TRIPLETS!

A singleton with the first pregnancy.

Twins with the second.

Triplets with the third?

One can only hope! :o)

I think I need to turn up my hope meter.

I tested this morning.

BFN!

I know it's still early but no one in our shoes likes to see a single line.

I'll try again in the morning. 11 DPO has been good to us in the past.

7 DPO

2008-09-02T16:23:00.002-04:00

1 week down.

1 week to go.

Day of IUI - Some cramping, bloated
1 DPO/I - Little cramping, long CM with a red streak, pinching feeling in left abdomen area, 2 hour nap, bloated
2 DPO/I - Little cramping, sharp pain in lower back, dull back ache, headache, 2 hour nap
3 DPO/I - Few cramps, gassy, feel wet, "tingles" just below belly button, tired
4 DPO/I - Few cramps, bloated (felt big as a house), few sharp/stabbing pains in boobs, peeing a bit more, acne (Ugg!), weird dreams, tired
5 DPO/I - Few cramps, backache, peeing alot, "pinches" in ab area, weird dreams, tired
6 DPO/I - Backache, "tingly" boobs, more "pinches", tossed and turned all night, tired
7 DPO/I - Really "tingly" boobs, sharp back pain, more "pinches" and "twinges", tired

I'd love to believe that all these are symptoms but they are all listed as side effects of progesterone too.

I just don't know.

I guess we'll all know in another week.

Another long week.

3 DPO/I

2008-08-29T08:48:00.003-04:00

Well, I don't have much to report.

Day of IUI - Some cramping, bloated
1 DPO/I - Little cramping, long CM with a red streak, pinching feeling in left abdomen area, 2 hour nap, bloated
2DPO/I - Little cramping, sharp pain in lower back, dull back ache, headache, 2 hour nap

I'm sure the naps mean nothing because M was tired too. So unless she's having sympathy tiredness then I think we were just both tired. :o)

I tossed and turned all night last night but I also started the bullets last night too. I tend to not sleep the first couple of nights after starting them. I'm not sure why. I guess I'm just weird that way.

So as far as symptoms go....I'd say nothing really as of yet.

I've worn my socks for the past 3 days and would have today but I'm wearing sandals. But never fear! I brought them in my purse! If they're going to work then I'd hate to break the cycle by not having them on or at least with me! :o)

Go ahead...laugh. M does but I'm desperate! I'm up for trying most anything if it'll in any way give me a shot at a positive test!

And speaking of positives....keep those positive thoughts flowing!

3 HPI

2008-08-26T15:50:00.006-04:00

HPI? Hours past insemination people! It's never too early to start the countdown!

The deed is done. Finally! Talk about delays!!

I left the house at 10:15 this morning. My appointment was at 11:15. It's about a 45 minute drive so that should have been plenty of time right? WRONG! I cruise along for about 10 minutes and then STOP! I sat on the freaking interstate for 50 minutes! SAT! NOT moving! For 50 minutes! I finally got moving again at 11:05. That gave me 10 minutes to make a 35 minute drive.

Needless to say...I was late. I had several freak out moments! I called the doctors office ALOT! I said too many bad words. I blew up M's phone with text messages. I said alot of prayers. I thought of driving on the shoulder. I thought of flipping a u-turn. I got flipped the bird TWICE by drivers cutting ME off! I drove WAY too fast..once the traffic started moving.

But...

I made it.

And then had to wait for the doctor. For 45 minutes!! I walked in the clinic at 11:50. Just in time for everyone to take their lunch breaks! I found a vending machine, got some cheetos, a bottle of water, found a seat and tried my best to calm down and relax.

My name was called around 12:35 and shortly after the swimmers were on their way! The doc had a little bit of trouble getting the catheter into my cervix but she wiggled it around..ouch..and got it in position.

I laid there for 15 minutes with my legs crossed, praying for this one to work then I was gone.

I drove thru Chick-fil-a for lunch and then over to the pharmacy to pick up my bullets aka progesterone.

Now here I sit, crossed legged with my kokopelli socks on, watching the clock.

It's time!

2008-08-25T10:18:00.015-04:00

We got a +OPK this morning!

IUI #5 (5 is lucky...right?) is scheduled for 11:15 tomorrow morning.

Sadly, I'll be going alone but I'm thinking of printing a head shot of M and sticking it on a stick to bring along. :o)

***

We spent most of the day on the water yesterday kayaking and then toured an old plantation house. Fun times!

Here are a few pics.

Me getting some sun.

M with her "no hands" move.

Look closely...there's an eagle.

My how times have changed. Look at this old stroller....

and cradle.

(Sorry about the spacing. I can't ever seem to get it right after adding pics.)

Still waiting...

2008-08-24T19:24:00.001-04:00

Another -OPK this morning.

Looks like I'll be going alone.

It worked!

2008-08-23T07:33:00.002-04:00

All your negative thoughts worked!

We got a -OPK this morning!

Now remove all negative thoughts and think only +POSITIVE+ ones!

Concentrate really hard for a positive tomorrow morning...that way M will be able to be there with me on Monday. (Rememeber - she has class Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)

Thanks guys! I knew I could count on you! :o)

CD 11

2008-08-22T07:35:00.002-04:00

Let the craziness begin!

I peed on the first of many sticks this morning.

Today is just CD 11 but I had some "feelings" yesterday and I just couldn't help myself. (You know me and sticks!) Plus, things have a way of not going according to plan for us and I don't wanna miss it.

Needless to say, it was negative. So no baby making tomorrow.

Now I just hope it's negative again tomorrow because we don't want to do a same day insemination and they don't do them on Sundays.

So everyone cross your fingers, chant, pray or whatever you can do, that the OPK is negative tomorrow. Then TOTALLY change your way of thinking and hope for positives for here on out!!

I'm counting on yall!

You know I do it for you!

CD4

2008-08-15T08:39:00.004-04:00

It's almost THAT time again!

Our swimmers arrived at the doctors office on Wednesday and we should, hopefully, be getting our +OPK around the 25th or so and then head in for IUI #5!

M has class, that she can't get out of, the 26th-28th, so I might be going alone. We're none too thrilled about that but we've talked about and decided not to skip this one. We just don't want to wait any longer.

Bring on the positives!

***

I just got called in my supervisors office. They said I've seemed stressed and not myself lately.

Ya think?!

When was the last time they had to chart their cycles, count down the days, buy sperm (with money they don't have) and have them inserted via a plastic syringe just to TRY to have a child?

They think I'm stressed and not myself now!?

They haven't seen anything yet!

Wait 'til the 2 week wait rolls around!

Donor stuff

2008-08-05T08:56:00.003-04:00

M and I have decided to change donors again. This will be our 3rd.

We got pregnant the first 2 times with donor #1 and after the 2nd loss decided to switch. His goods may not have had anything to do with the losses but we just couldn't take that chance. He was CMV positive. The doc said that didn't matter but I can't help but think it might have.

We used donor #2 the last 2 times and got negatives. I guess we're a "2 strikes and you're out" kinda couple. :o) (He is CMV negative)

Our new donor, #3, is also CMV negative. His baby pic shows the same blond hair and blue eyes as M's. I know that doesn't mean our child will FOR SURE have blond hair and blue eyes but since we get the opportunity to pick....we're picking!

The consent form for #3 is in the mail. So as soon as they receive it, we'll be ordering the next round of swimmers. I guess we'll go with 2 vials again this time and have them shipped. (no more truck troubles for me!!)

Oh and for those of you "in the market" for swimmers....Fairf*x Cryob*nk has free baby pics and silhouettes on ALL donors this month!

We've gone pink

2008-08-03T09:04:00.013-04:00

I figured it was time for a little change. Besides...it's one of my favorite colors and maybe seeing all this pink will somehow bring on the 2 pink lines next month. :o)

***

We spent last evening at Busch Gardens. I love that place. I don't ride many rides but it's just fun to get out and the park is SO pretty. Flowers and stuff all over the place.

They are doing summer concerts this year. So we decided to join the crowd of rednecks and enjoy the good old Charlie Daniels Band. It was great! That man can SURE play a fiddle!

***

Oh and last but certainly not least!

My lost pictures?

Are lost no more!!!

The geeks found them! For FREE!!

They were there all along...just hidden somewhere I never would have found them.

Whew!

I think I'm going to puke!

2008-08-01T12:20:00.002-04:00

Oh how I wish it were morning sickness!

But NOOOOO!

You ready for this?

My pictures. All my precious pictures that were saved on my computer (and not backed up!!) are gone!!

My freakin' laptop crashed yesterday and once I finally got it to working again they were all gone!

I think I'm in the middle of a nervous breakdown right now as I type this! Lord help me!

I still have pics on flickr and a few that I've posted on here but that's just a drop in the bucket to the ones I HAD on my computer.

This is tragic people! TRAGIC!

I'm heading straight to Geek*Squad after work and praying they can work some magic. Some magic that wont cost me an arm and a leg!

So the lesson for today boys and girls is to BACK UP your work!!

***

I called our swimmers storage place today to renew for another year and we'll be forking over some cash next week for swimmers.

We're getting there.

Slowly.

Cruise pics

2008-07-27T09:47:00.001-04:00

I've got PCD!

2008-07-27T08:20:00.003-04:00

Post Cruise Disorder!

I still feel like I'm still on the boat! I'm not sure if I still feel wobbly because of the sinus and ear infections I came home with or if I'm really just hoping to still be on the big gay boat! We had a fabulous time!

It was great being back on that boat. There's just something about it. It's hard to explain.

We hiked, til I thought my feet would fall off, while in foggy St John Canada. What we could see thru the fog was beautiful.

We visited the Citadel and beautiful Peggy's Cove while in Halifax Canada. This was one of my most favorite stops. Peggy's Cove was just breath taking! I could have sat on the rocks and watched the waves crash all day long.

Bar Harbor Maine was our next stop. What a beautiful place! We took a trolley up to Cadilac Mountain...what a view! And stopped at Thunder Hole on the way back down. BEAUTIFUL!

Next was Provincetown Mass. LOVED this place. It was hot as all get out but what a great town! Pride flags everywhere. It was so welcoming. We kayaked a bit here and just enjoyed the "family" atmosphere.

Our final stop was Newport RI. We weren't too impressed with this stop so we spent most of the time on the boat.

The food, the people, the sun, the water, the fresh air and fun were just what we needed. We were missing it even before we left the boat.

I took about 800 pictures and have loaded about 400 to flickr! I'm going to try and figure out how to do a slide show on here so check back later for that.

***

Now for the baby making news.

AF graced me with her (longest ever) presence the week of the cruise. Dang her! Our IUI should have been yesterday but, yet again, we had to sit this one out. I came home sick. :o( And have ended up on antibiotics for a super dooper sinus infection and double ear infection. Plus we didn't have swimmers yet. Basically, life just got in the way.

So.....we'll cross our fingers and hope to give it another shot next month.

So much for being 33 when our flower(s) arrive. That's ok. It'll happen when it's time.

Right?

Our last baby-free vacation!

2008-07-11T10:07:00.002-04:00

Oh the power of positive thinking! :o) It can't hurt can it?
***

We leave tomorrow afternoon for the Big Apple! (27 hours away - not that I'm counting)

We sail away Sunday afternoon!

We will be spending a week, with "family", on the big gay boat!

We can't wait!

SO wish you ALL could be there!
***

My mom asked me the other day if M and I were still trying to have a baby. I couldn't help but smile and get a warm fuzzy feeling. It was so nice to hear her asking rather than me telling first.

Then a day or so later, a friend/co-worker, also asked.

It's nice to be thought of. :o)

Happy July!

2008-07-02T08:09:00.002-04:00

I wanna write but there's not much to say.

I just went back and read what was going on this time last year. (Why do I do this to myself?) Lots of ups and downs. We were pregnant. We painted the nursery. I spotted and was told by the doc it was ok. I saw the heartbeat. We had a wonderful time on our first cruise. We lost our flower.

Here's hoping this July has more ups than downs.

It's looking promising so far. We leave for our cruise in 10 days! I'm so excited, I can hardly stand it! AF should be here around the 14th. I'm not so excited about having a visitor while on vacation but that just means we can go for IUI #? (I've lost count already....I think it's #5?) shortly after we get home and hope and pray for a sticky positive! :o)

Hope and pray with us?