This Weekend and Last

I apparently didn't post about it, but my mom came down to visit last weekend to spend one last "solo" weekend together before the baby arrived and it was awesome! Dad was supposed to come down and hang with DH, but something came up and he couldn't come. :-(

But, I still had an awesome time just hanging with my mom! We hung out and chatted, went shopping, went for walks, out to eat, apple picking (complete with cider donuts - yum!), just everything! Yay!

And this weekend DH and I are spending together in case it's our last one as just the two of us. We've been trying to do things like that lately anyway, but the reality has set in that this may, in fact, truly be the last weekend! We're going to go to dinner, watch movies (not in the theater - I can't handle sitting there that long anymore), go for walks, just whatever we want to do, whenever we want to do it. I can't wait! (And yes, I know we can do many of those items with the baby, but it's still something special to do with just the two of us). ;-)

Here are some pics from apple picking (I like the ones better with my mom in them, but I don't want to post without her permission):

And Larissa - if you're reading this - we are so close! Wonder which little guy will come first!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

This Weekend

We have a lot going on this weekend!

Friday:
- Work shower (yummy cake!)
- Going to grab dinner and see The Informant with Matthew Damon. Looks good!

Saturday:
- Birthing class
- Finish up shopping for the baby (we got 3 of the same stroller, so thought we'd return 2 to finish things up).

Sunday:
- DH watch football and go fishing
- Me - finally turning in that pregnancy massage gift certificate DH got me for my birthday! Yaaaay!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

NST #1 and Baby Shower!

So - I had my first mini-freak out about the baby. Usually the little guy is very active at night and last night he just was not. I barely felt him move - even after all my usual tricks - poking my belly, putting my laptop on my belly, eating ice cream, etc... And still this morning. So I called my OB and they had me come in.

And wouldn't you know it, once I sit down in the waiting room the little guys starts moving like crazy and now won't stop! lol And I am NOT complaining!

But it was pretty cool to just be able to sit in there and listen to his heartbeat fluctuate for 10-15 minutes and see the contraction thing move. I don't know what it all relates to, but the contraction piece varied from 3% - 39% during the test and the heartbeat was all over the place - especially when he moved. So cool to see!

They said everything looked great, confirmed my regular appointment for next week and sent me on my way. They also made sure to tell me to call anytime - to not hesitate ever, that's what they're there for. That made me feel great!

And I learned one more thing - the NP who checked in said - Hmm, I wonder why you have a blue folder. Turns out, b/c I was at the RE, I have a special folder - that's kinda cool to know - I like knowing where I came from and why I may be paranoid sometimes. ;-)

So - other than that, DH is going fishing with a friend of his up by my parents' this weekend and tomorrow is my shower. I can't wait - to have everyone all in one place. Yay!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Horton Hears the Who

So DH has started a new book with the baby last night - Horton Hears a Who. We made it about 1/3 of the way through last night before we fell asleep. Here's what I found waiting for me in my Inbox this morning from DH:

Horton hears the Who. Tonight part 2 at 11pm. Horton takes a bus and goes to Buffalo to see the WHO in concert on their reunion tour.....he is faced with some tough choices and... oh wrong version. See ya tonight.

I love DH and I love that he makes me laugh - hope you all have a fantastic day!

35 Weeks Appt

So, I’m 35w3d today and we had our last bi-weekly appointment yesterday. From now on, we go every week – hello doctors! Haha

Yesterday’s appointment was a bit of a change-up from the standard – in and out appointment. They did the Group B Strep swab yesterday (will find out results at next week’s appointment) with some nice little swabs in the front and the back, followed by my first internal. Still holding long, hard and closed!

After the appointment we stopped off for my 3rd tri Thyroid draw and then to Walmart for an exercise ball. My back doesn’t really hurt (thank goodness!) but I figured it can’t really hurt to start using it. And this way I’ll have it for labor, as well.

Here are the stats:

LO's HB: upper 140's
My BP: 110/78
My Weight: +0, total +11
Position: still head down!

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How far along?: 35 weeks! (and 3 days ;-) )

Total Weight Gain: +0 since last appt, total +11

Stretch Marks?: still no new ones - still just the couple on the underside of my breasts, knock on wood!

Sleep?: pillows still helping, but still not sleeping all the way through. Sometimes feels like I do, though since I’ve been going to bed so much later lately. I think Nesting has kicked in – I keep working on projects and can’t stop!

Best Moment This Week: Finishing painting the nursery, we put the crib together last night (it’s beautiful!) and just seeing DH so excited about this little guy. Talking to my belly, kissing my belly, reading to my belly, everything. I love it and I love him even more!

Movement: Still lots of movement. Especially after I eat ice cream – he absolutely takes after mommy in this aspect! haha

Food Cravings: Still none yet.

Labor Signs: not really

Symptoms: heartburn periodically and the constipation has lessened (thank you Colace!). Other than that, just my lovely right rib and leg – although not constant, thankfully.

Belly Button In or Out?: Still in.

What I miss: still the same - sleeping all night on my back/stomach. Oh, how I miss thee.

What am I looking forward to: My shower is this Saturday!Weekly

Wisdom: nothing really. I’m so boring. haha

Milestones: Nursery is painted and crib is put together. Do those count?

31 Weeks!

How far along?: 31 weeks!

Total Weight Gain: +9 as of last appt. Next appt. is Wed - I'm sure I've gained more!

Stretch Marks?: no new ones - just a couple on the underside of my breasts, knock on wood!

Sleep?: still wake up a lot, but various positions throughout the night help.

Best Moment This Week: My nephew's 1st birthday party! Oh - and my mom and sister seeing my belly move!

Movement: Oh still going strong. Feeling more in my ribs now.

Food Cravings: Still none yet.

Labor Signs: just the basic BH's.

Symptoms: heartburn, some rib issues - mostly the right side. Have had it since early on. Not sure what causes it, but helps if I raise my right arm or lay on my side.

Belly Button In or Out?: Still in.

What I miss: my sister - brought her back to the airport to fly back to Australia yesterday. :-( PG related - sleeping all night on my back/stomach.

What am I looking forward to: Pregnancy related - seeing the little guy on our next ultrasound on Wednesday! Non-pregnancy related? finally a weekend home with nowhere to go and no visitors!

Weekly Wisdom: nothing really, but I did have to AW this text from DH: "I love you more each day. Me, you and bitty. Everything elseis just a side dish." I love you to, babe! Yay! ;-)

Milestones: final u/s on Wednesday - was told it's routine, so I'm assuming it's for growth and positioning?

We're Back!

The trip was awesome! The flights sucked. Hard. But I don't want to focus on those. The trip itself was just so relaxing. We went to Sandals Royal Caribbean and we pretty much did nothing but lounge at the pool, lounge at the beach, lounge IN the pool, eat, drink, and take evening strolls. Not a bad way to spend our anniversary/baby moon if you ask me! ;-)

We have been to Jamaica before, so we didn't bother with excursions this time - we really just wanted to relax and that we did. Our room got upgraded which was nice so we ended up with a bar right in our room (DH took much pleasure in that), besides the other bars on site, and there was a pool about 10 feet outside our back door/patio. Oh - and one awesome thing about a pool? You can lay on your stomach - on a floaty or whatever - and it doesn't hurt! lol

There were two resort cats that we saw just lounging around periodically (so cute) and during our night time strolls, we saw so many crabs just walking around. Big and small. It was pretty cool!

The weather was great, people were nice, and there were lots of choices of restaurants or even 24 hour room service (which we took full advantage of and had breakfast in bed/on our patio every morning!). I'll post pictures once I finally get them off my camera.

And the best part? DH finally FELT the baby move! He saw it for the first time on the 4th of July, but he's never been able to feel it. Everytime he put his hand on my belly, the little guy would stop moving. :-( But not this time - gave him a nice big kick!

Tough life, no?! lol

2 Days!

2 more days of work and then we're off to Jamaica. Aaaaaahhhhhh.....

The countdown has begun and the packing has commenced. DH is still dependent on crutches which makes me sad, but I'm thinking a few days laying at the pool/beach can help - we canNOT wait!!

Who knew...

...someone coud fit so much into such a small room! We cleaned out the guest room this weekend for the nursery. And wow. Just wow. There was sooo much stuff. In every single corner. it is now spread out in the rest of the house. But hey - at least the room is empty! lol

We only have the 2 bedrooms. And I honestly have no idea where we're going to put everything we had in there. We're going to have to get creative, I think. And DH and I are now going to have to share a closet. That is going to be scary. It's not that either of us have a TON of clothes, it's that neither of us keeps the neatest of closets. Especially DH. Our bedroom is small and I have a feeling it's going to get even smaller - especially once we have the baby in there, too.

So now we just have to paint and then get new carpeting. Then we can start filling it again!

Wish us luck!

OH! And today is the end of my 25h week - wow!

A Thump and a Book

So, I felt another "thump" today, so I am beginning to think it is the baby, although still not 100% sure. I don't think I'll be 100% sure until it happens more often and is a little harder. But yay for now if it is!

Outside of that, I've been feeling pretty good. Still sleeping like crap - that's probably the biggest thing right now. I am such a light sleeper right now - I wake up so easily - and it's not always to pee. I knew the not sleeping was going to happen, I just thought I had more time! lol

I also noticed I had my first skin tag - they're kind of freaky - yikes! It's tiny and I know they generally go away, just weird to see actually happen. I think I'll just not look for now. ;-)

On a different note, this past weekend, we went away to visit DH's family for Mother's Day. It was a nice trip. I hadn't been able to go out to visit since Christmas, so it was great. We catered to his mom and tried to not let her do anything (although not always successfully!). I wasn't expecting anything myself for Mother's Day since I don't technically have a baby in my arms, but his sister and nieces got me a card and a gift, it was pretty cute. And some friends sent well-wishes as well, it was kind of cool!

DH didn't do anything (and I agree) since we aren't technically there yet and didn't want to jump the gun, just in case, you know? I'm completely ok with that and can't wait for next year!

Besides the card/gift from his sister, she always gave us a box of the old books she and DH used to have as kids - it is so cool to look through them. And DH said he wanted to pull each of them out and read them to my belly - yay! Although not one of those books, DH took a book out of the elementary school library last week (his idea!) and read it to my belly last night:



It was actually a pretty good book - I've never read any of the Clifford books. DH thought it was pretty funny and now that I think about it, I wonder why, too - seems everyone did - maybe they were out after I was too old for them? Who knows!

Either way, it was so cute watching him read last night. He was so into it and it just made me fall in love with him even more!

OK, guess that's it - I hope everyone has a great day!

Lilacs and Tulips

We are going out of town this weekend to visit DH's family. If we stayed home, we'd get to go to Tulip Festival. Lots of vendors, yummy food, good bands (I think Third Eye Blind is headlining?) and, of course, lots of tulips. Parking sucks - hard - but I love to look at everything.

But, to make up for it, Rochester (where we're going), is having their Lilac Festival this weekend. It sounds pretty similar I think and hey - who doesn't love the smell of lilacs!

So maybe we'll check it out and maybe take some pictures. Tulips are a lot more colorful to photograph, but I'll most likely have my camera in hand just in case!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

One Year Ago

One year ago this past Saturday (4/25) we made our first RE appointment. Wow! And look at us now. When we first went it was depressing hearing the news that I knew I'd hear (if that even makes sense?). And then when we started our first IVF, we were pretty optimistic it would work. And then the crash when it didn't.

While I tried to remain pretty positive, there were plenty of times I wasn't sure this would ever work. And now, one year later, I have a little baby growing in my belly. It's unbelievable.

It still amazes me to this day that it worked. And that there is now a 5 inch long little being growing in my belly. And the fact that I can't feel something that big is sometimes even crazier to me!

I am 16 weeks 1 day today and officially in my 5th month. Wow. We have less than a month until our big ultrasound (5/18) and I can't wait. Hopefully by then I'll be "obviously" showing and not just look like I'm gaining weight. Part of me is in no rush, but there's another part of me that is excited for that moment - especially the feeling the movement. That just seems so surreal to me!

DH is absolutely in love and likes to touch my belly even though he knows he can't feel anything yet, but likes to do it. And will talk to the little one. He said he can't wait to buy the first book to read to my belly. lol

He sent me a text today and it said, "Next summer I will be sitting outside with my little baby. My kid! That's pretty awesome and I can't wait!". It's moments like these that just make my heart melt. Both in the fact that - wow, I'm really pregnant, and it hits me again. And also that I know my DH is going to be such a great daddy.

OK, I know this is just a bunch of rambling, but when I noticed the date on Saturday we were out to dinner celebrating my birthday and it just hit me. We were both so upset a year ago, at times thinking that we would never have a baby. And 3 IVF's later, here we are.

So now our fingers are just crossed that the rest of this pregnancy goes smoothly and we get to hold our little one in October. Wow. Just wow!

Happy (sort of) Anniversary!

DH and I met 5 years ago today! And engaged 3 years ago today, too!

So we are going to go to dinner at the restaurant/bar that we met and got engaged at. We like to do it every year - our own little tradition - I can't wait!

Happy Birthday, DH!

On a lighter, happier note, today is my DH's birthday!

Every year for his birthday, he gets to pick what he wants to do for dinner, dessert, etc... Basically, the whole day (and weekend since I make it a whole birthday weekend) is whatever he wants to do!

So we went out to a yummy steak house for dinner, he opened presents, watched a movie, and had ice cream cake - you can't beat that!

I even snuck home during my lunch break and decorated the house for him so he'd see it when he got home. He never used to care about birthdays, but I love them, so I try to make them as special for him every year. Hide presents in his car for the morning, when he wakes up, etc...

It made me so happy to see his face and hear him tell me that this was his best birthday yet and that he felt so special. Yay! I love him so much that I would do anything for that man!

Happy Birthday, DH!

Beta #2!

Happy Wednesday everyone! I just got the call -- and it's great news!

My hCG went from 16.2 to 35 - that's more than doubled in just 48 hours!

And my Progesterone went from 15 to 41 - so that looks like the meds are doing their trick!

I guess that explains the continued achy/crampy-ish uterus, feeling like I want to cry (although that could easily be the stress!) and why I'm so darn thirsty. ;-) And the 2nd HPT this morning with 2 lines. Such a beautiful sight! ;-)

My 3rd Beta will be Monday morning - I can't wait. My DH's birthday is tomorrow and it's all such an awesome birthday present for him. Yay! I wish I would have told him the appointment was tomorrow instead of today so I could have made it an even better surprise, but hey - I'll take this news today with NOOOOO complaints!

I called my mom yesterday asking her to call me back. She sounded so disappointed when all it was was to give her directions for my dad for Saturday - oops! She knows we're doing IVF#3 right now, but we're definitely not ready to tell anyone else yet.

so - it looks like we may just have a little procrastinator in there - just like it's mommy and daddy!

Thank you so much, to everyone - your support and positive thoughts mean so much to both of us!

IVF #3 - Beta

Some of you already know the results since I posted it on the boards. But, for the others, here goes.

So - as you probably guessed, I broke down and tested this weekend - Saturday, Sunday, and again this morning. And BFN's for all 3. As I mentioned before, I just had to know so I could prepare myself for when I get the news at work.

I went in this morning for the official blood draw and she asked me if I had a feeling and I told her - yup - it's going to be negative - and explained why and she said I cheated! LOL

I didn't really want to go in there and pay the lovely copay just to find out what I already knew. But I did anyway, just like other 2 times. And apparently my veins didn't want to either because my normal regular vein would not let her needle in - and let me tell you - she tried! And it's a HUGE vein! lol She then poked my other arm, told me not to count everything out and off I went.

So now - on to the news you waded through the above babble to get to. She called me just before my 1:00 meeting and told me the news - 16.2.

So, technically I am pregnant! I know it's not a huge number and everyone has graciously reminded me it's not the number that counts, it's that it doubles withing the 48-72 hours. And that there have been lots of low beta success stories. So back I go on Wednesday for Beta #2! =

One girl on my local also made a point I'd like to stick in my arsenal of positive thoughts (thank you, Melissa!). That since I have been getting only BFN's on my HPT's, my number has most likely at least been going up, and not down. It's not like I got 2 lines Sunday and today just one, right?!

And really, if you knew both of us, we have been known to procrastinate. So really, it would make sense that our little one would be a procrastinator as well and just be a late implanter, right? LOL ;-)

The nurse mentioned my progesterone was only at a 15. So kind of on the low side for a medicated cycle and depending on the outcome Wednesday will determine what they'll have me do. As of now, I am going to continue on my PIO and Lovenox and hope my number doubles for Wednesday!

As a side note, it would be even more awesome if it did double since DH's birthday is Thursday - it'd be a great birthday present, right?!

Thank you so much to everyone who has been so supportive and positive. It means so much!

That Hurt

They didn't even have the item in the damn store!

I have been to BRU before during this whole TTTC journey and it didn't really bother me. Not even when we spent hours there when my sister was registering.

But wow - it hit me HARD today. I don't know if it's because of who I was buying for or because I think this cycle is going to be a big hard BFFN.

I was ok when I first walked in. But toward the end of the trip, I was about ready to lose it. And to make it worse, the item I went there for they didn't have and I had to wait in line behind a complete idiot (I bought one small item), just prolonging my stay there.

I managed to hold it mostly together while I was in there, but I lost it on the way home. It was not pretty. I think DH noticed when I got home that I had been crying, but didn't say anything. Hopefully I wasn't too pissy to him. I'll have to apologize later just in case.

So now, I ordered the stupid bouncer seat and it'll arrive in a week or so. Yay me. Then I get to wrap it and and get it out of my damn house.

OK - sorry about the language and the complaining. I'm off to zone out and watching something that is as far from baby as I can get.

7dp 5dt & a Trip to Babies R Us

7dpt: More HCG is produced as fetus develops

Well, today is going to be spent with exciting trips to Babies R Us and the grocery store and cleaning the house. Now - don't be jealous -- not everyone can live the exciting life that I do! ;-)

Yeah, the trip to Babies R Us is for my 19 year old niece. Maybe she's 20 now? I don't know. Either way, she and her now husband are due next month - although we hear she's on bedrest now, so who knows. It makes me so mad sometimes when I think about it. Neither of them had a job when they got knocked up, neither had a high school degree and live with their uncle. Good times.

At least now he has a job and a GED. But she still has neither. So, yup - they of course found out they were pregnant and got married in November and is due next month. I can't make it to the shower, but my DH is going out there in a couple weeks so will bring my gift with him and have his mom bring it to the showe. Even if it were in town, I'm not sure I could make myself go to the shower. I don't know. I probably would since I wouldn't want to be rude, but I just don't know...

But, enough about that - moment over. The rest of the errands are for the SUPERBOWL!! Not sure what we're making yet, but will most likely involve making pizzas, wings, cheesy taco soup and who knows what else. And the house cleaning - the house isn't bad right now, but sometimes you just need a good excuse to get the house in top shape, you know?

So all the work today for a fun day tomorrow. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Tomorrow's the big day!

Aaaaaaah! Yay!

And tonight we are having date night with dinner and then going to go see Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino. We've heard it's pretty good. Anyone seen it?

OK - back to the nervous excitement - yaaaaaaay! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Stims - Day 13

Well, let's just say today I can really tell I've got some follies growing in there! I can feel them with every step I take. Every time I stand up or sit down. Ah, and the bloat. Oh - and lots more CM. Good stuff, no? ;-)

I sometimes find myself walking around with my hand (or both!) on each ovary without even realizing it -- oops! I must look pretty funny, haha.

I also sent DH out on a needle finding mission this afternoon. He is a teacher and is done with the day a lot sooner than I am, so off he went to Rite Aid to get needles. Apparently, in NYS, you can get up to 10 needles at a time without an Rx. Poor guy - I gave him the measurements of what I needed and they didn't have exactly that size, so the pharmacist kept asking questions to get the right subsitute. He must have called me 5 times before he got some needles. Not sure what I ended up with, but as long as it injects without too much pain, I'll be ok. LOL

So - definitely looking forward to tomorrow to see what's cooking in there and I'll keep you posted!