Mr. and Mrs. Lemon

It's been a long time...

2012-01-13T05:19:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Date!

Baby J..The Thinker

I am going to attempt to begin posting again now that I am back in the working world with more than 5 minutes to hop on, check email and then attend to something in the house. I will NEVER sell a stay at home mom short. Staying home is hard, much harder than leaving your house in the morning and only thinking of yourself for 8 hours. I would give anything to be staying home right now but it is not in the cards for the time being. Anyway...I'm already rambling.

Quick updates:

Baby J is awesome. He is the sweetest, cuddliest, happiest baby in the world. Yes, I am biased but man am I in love. We have had our challenges but all has been worth it. I will write about the last three months, some of my thoughts on parenting/work/family life balance and our continued journey with IVF as we know we want more children and at my age...time is short to get that done.

I promise more regular updates and perhaps a organized thought if any of you are still out there.

He is here!

2011-10-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

Jacob Kavin is here! 7 pounds 2 ounces, 22 inches long! Will post pics when we get home as hospital wifi stinks! So happy and in love!

I didn't make it long in the working world

2011-10-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

I was exhausted and sore. I cried at night. I went to the doctor and they feel I need a c section on Tuesday! I am taking PTO until then. The 37 week post will have our sons picture included! Wow e wow! I am so excited!

9 Months Pregnant! 36 weeks.

2011-10-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

I returned to work yesterday as amazing as that sounds. I can't decide if it was a good plan or a bad plan. It was so nice to get all the hugs and you look wonderfuls but I really don't have a position here currently and with being back for such a short period of time (1-4 weeks) they won't give me one and I don't blame them. I was super tired and ridiculously sore last night. I'm not sure if this is normal pregnant or I haven't moved my butt in 5 months sore. Most of the pain is in my pelvis and my groin (upper thigh region). At any rate, super grateful to be here and can't wait to see if we get a firmed up plan tomorrow.

How far along: 36 weeks
Symptoms: Nothing I can't handle, reflux still there and gross but manageable. Pelvic pain, groin pain, really tired but overall better than lots of pregos I know at this point.
Baby Related Purchases: Lazy boy rocker/recliner. Mr. Lemon is a big fellow. He is 6'3 and we tried every glider out there and he just didn't seem to fit right. In addition we have decided to put this in our living room and I wasn't feeling the look of the glider with the rest of our furniture. My mom gave us a credit she had for $400 at a furniture store and we found a great chocolate brown microfiber rocking lazyboy. Picked it up last night and loving it.
Maternity clothes: Yes. All maternity all the time.
Sleep: eh, not so good but I figure it is getting me ready for the next 4 months or so.
Best Moment of the week: Making it to 9 months and feeling good about where we are.
Strangest Moment: Being back at work. So weird after 5 months.
Movement: Lots, and it kind of hurts!
Cravings: Not much, seem to be back on the pizza and red meat cravings of trimester 1/
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but a little outward ridge on the outside. If I go to 39 weeks I bet it pops.
What I miss: not much anymore except maybe being able to see my toes and shave my legs with some accuracy.
What I am looking forward to: Meeting Baby J! (Initials only- I promised not to tell)
Weekly Wisdom: One day at a time, no worries about what comes next it won't help!
Milestones: 36 weeks, no more previa, nursery progress, everything in the house that we need to survive with a newborn, all is washed,
folded and put away. 28 more days as a max count!
Sticky Bun is the size of some sort of melon, he is likely about 6 pounds and 21 inches now according to the growth scan!

35 weeks and an ironic turn of events

2011-09-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

Before I chart into my boring weekly post, I waited this week to blog so that I would have my high risk appointment from this morning under my belt. Long story short, I am incredibly lucky. We are now 1.8 cm distance between placenta and cervix. Cervix is holding strong at just under 4cm. What does this mean? We are still looking at a c section right now but probably a 39 week c section and while I am so ready to. Meet our miracle, the longer he cooks, the better. They are going to. Review my file on Tuesday at peer review and make some final decisions but there is even a chance that we could go full term and deliver vaginally. I am amazed and grateful! Baby boy is still right on track with average size and estimated at 5 pounds 11 ounces.

How far along: 35 weeks
Symptoms: things are pretty good, GI issues, reflux and constipation but overall feeling good and PT is working wonders
Baby Related Purchases: A little something here and there but mostly getting ready with what we have.
Maternity clothes: Yes. All maternity all the time.
Sleep: eh, waking up lots but doing okay and nervous that they are sending me back to work for the remainder of my pregnancy!
Best Moment of the week: see above and of course getting a view of him again today.
Strangest Moment: feeling big giant rolls and stretches, hiccups, and having people ask when I am due.
Movement: Lots, and it kind of hurts!
Cravings: Chocolate, also really ready for a glass of red wine and an order of tuna sashimi
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and some starburst like lines next to it like it is stretching. Hairy belly too, yuck!
What I miss: not much anymore except maybe being able to see my toes and shave my legs with some accuracy.
What I am looking forward to: October and getting this baby here safe and sound.
Weekly Wisdom: it will get done or it won't and it won't matter!
Milestones: 35 weeks, no more previa, nursery progress, everything in the house that we need to survive with a newborn, all is washed,
folded and put away. 33 more days as a max count!
Sticky Bun is the size of a crenshaw melon.

34 weeks

2011-09-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

How far along: 34 weeks
Symptoms: things are pretty good, GI issues, reflux and constipation but overall feeling good and PT is working wonders
Baby Related Purchases: A little something here and there but mostly getting ready with what we have.
Maternity clothes: Yes. All maternity all the time.
Sleep: eh, waking up lots but doing okay and grateful I am not going to work.
Best Moment of the week: Feeling big kicks and stretches, mr. Lemon is away on business all week. Can't wait to get him home tomorrow.
Strangest Moment: feeling big giant rolls and stretches, hiccups, and having people ask when I am due.
Movement: Lots, and it kind of hurts!
Cravings: Chocolate, also really ready for a glass of red wine and an order of tuna sashimi
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and some starburst like lines next to it like it is stretching. Hairy belly too, yuck!
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. I do miss being able to see what I am shaving and intimacy with my husband ( the physical kind).
What I am looking forward to: Big scan on 9/29 to get final decision on c section or vaginal birth and 37 week arrival or whenever he decides arrival.
Weekly Wisdom: it will get done or it won't and it won't matter!
Milestones: 34 weeks,we have a birthday! nursery progress, everything in the house that we need to survive with a newborn, all is washed, folded and put away. 19 more days!!
Sticky Bun is the size of a honeydew melon.

Help...

2011-09-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

As I sit here feeling ever so grateful for every stretch, kick and punch I feel in my growing belly my brother and sister in law have just found out they are suffering a second loss. The first was ectopic, this was just as the doctor said, not meant to be. What do I do? Though I realize I have had my share of heartache, mine is not the same. Any thoughts on how to comfort them? What to say? What to send? My heart breaks for them.

33 weeks 1 day

2011-09-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

How far along: 33 weeks
Symptoms: bedrest is taking it's toll, I am having some muskuloskelatal issues resulting in neck pain and bad headaches. I started pt and have some tips for making things better. Seems to be working!
Baby Related Purchases: I think we are done for now. Just picking up bibs and burp cloths etc.
Maternity clothes: Yes. All maternity all the time.
Sleep: really good the last few nights, hopefully a good trend that sticks around.
Best Moment of the week: Seeing the big boy again., 4 pounds 12 ounces and wiggling! He is head down but out however we are still looking at c section.
Strangest Moment: feeling big giant rolls and stretches, hiccups, and having people ask when I am due.
Movement: Lots, and it kind of hurts!
Cravings: Chocolate, also really ready for a glass of red wine and an order of tuna sashimi
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and some starburst like lines next to it like it is stretching. Hairy belly too, yuck!
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. I do miss being able to see what I am shaving and intimacy with my husband ( the physical kind).
What I am looking forward to: Big scan on 9/29 to get final decision on c section or vaginal birth and 37 week arrival or whenever he decides arrival.
Weekly Wisdom: it will get done or it won't and it won't matter!
Milestones: 33 weeks,we have a birthday! nursery progress, everything in the house that we need to survive with a newborn.
Sticky Bun is the size of a cantaloupe!

We have a birthday!

2011-09-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

The bad news, I still have previa....the good news, baby is measuring in the 55th percentile or 4 pounds 12 ounces and looks great! We are scheduled for a c section on 10/11/11 which is a nice birthday! So excited. 4 weeks including a business trip for Mr. Lemon to get everything done. Pressure is on!

32 weeks 2 days

2011-09-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

How far along: 32 amazing magical weeks
Symptoms: bedrest is taking it's toll, I am having some muskuloskelatal issues resulting in neck pain and bad headaches. I got a belly cradle this week and that seems to help but Ouch!
Baby Related Purchases: Lot's. I think we are in pretty good shape now. The video monitor arrived this morning, car seats, packnplay, stroller are all here and either assembled or in process. Mr. Lemon is a bit less feeling the sense of urgency that I am.
Maternity clothes: Yes. All maternity all the time.
Sleep: Sleep is welcome as fatigue is back but I am now up twice to pee and reflux occasionally not a good waking up experience.
Best Moment of the week: Just making it into 32 weeks, I really never thought we would get here.
Strangest Moment: feeling big giant rolls and stretches, hiccups, and having people ask when I am due.
Movement: Lots, we call it aliening out when we can see it from the outside.
Cravings: Chocolate, also really ready for a glass of red wine and an order of tuna sashimi
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and some starburst like lines next to it like it is stretching. Hairy belly too, yuck!
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. I do miss being able to see what I am shaving and intimacy with my husband ( the physical kind).
What I am looking forward to: Big scan on 9/12 to get final decision on c section or vaginal birth and 37 week arrival or whenever he decides arrival.
Weekly Wisdom: it will get done or it won't and it won't matter!
Milestones: 32 weeks, nursery progress, everything in the house that we need to survive with a newborn.
Sticky Bun is the size of a pineapple!

31 weeks

2011-08-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

How far along: 31 magical weeks
Symptoms: Partial previa with bedrest continues, bad reflux at night, overall though feeling good! Lots of peeing. Lots of headaches, some nausea back, pelvic pains all of a sudden.
Baby Related Purchases: still amazed at all we got for the shower. Reviewing the haul and figuring out what we have to have to be ready for baby boy!
Maternity clothes: Yes. All maternity all the time.
Sleep: Sleep is welcome as fatigue is back but I am now up twice to pee and reflux occasionally not a good waking up experience.
Best Moment of the week: Baby shower! It was lovely and deserves a post all it's own.
Strangest Moment: having a baby shower!
Movement: Lots, we call it aliening out when we can see it from the outside.
Cravings: Milk shakes, Ceaser salad, tuna sandwich....all stuff I should not want.
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and some starburst like lines next to it like it is stretching. Hairy belly too, yuck!
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: Big scan on 9/12 to get final decision on c section or vaginal birth and 37 week arrival or whenever he decides arrival.
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Don't worry about weight, your baby is growing.
Milestones: having a baby shower! Nursery almost done!
Sticky Bun is the size of a large jicama???

30 Weeks

2011-08-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

How far along: 30 weeks, I remember when other "infer tiles" would post about how they couldn't believe they were 30 something weeks, I get it now and I can't believe it.
Symptoms: Partial previa with bedrest continues, bad reflux at night, overall though feeling good! Lots of peeing. Lots of headaches, some nausea back.
Baby Related Purchases: baby shower is Saturday! Nothing until then shall be purchased!
Maternity clothes: Yes. Got a few more pairs of stretchy belly shorts because I feel like I am way more comfy in them than the under belly stuff that I loved in the second trimester.
Sleep: Sleep is welcome as fatigue is back but I am now up twice to pee and reflux occasionally not a good waking up experience.
Best Moment of the week: Nursery is coming together with window treatments up. I will do a nursery post in the next few weeks.
Strangest Moment: having people ask about when he arrives. I love it but so, so, weird!
Movement: Lots, we call it aliening out when we can see it from the outside.
Cravings: Milk shakes, Ceaser salad, tuna sandwich....all stuff I should not want.
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and some starburst like lines next to it like it is stretching. Hairy belly too, yuck!
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: baby shower on Saturday!
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Don't worry about weight, your baby is growing.
Milestones: getting ready for a baby shower, for Me!!
Sticky Bun is the size of 4 oranges.

I think I am a Sasquatch!

2011-08-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

Does anyone watch the big c? Well, she makes a comment about being a pregnant Sasquatch, and I firmly agree. I have extra hair growing everywhere. It's not attractive. Normally I need to shave my legs / bikini line twice a week, now everyday! I have a hairy belly, the hair on my head is growing at an alarming rate! It's me, The pregnant Sasquatch. Mr. Lemon thinks it is funny, I think gross but as he points out, who is looking? Most of my days are spent in bed and we have been on pelvic rest for 29 weeks with what a minimum of 15 more to go:). Ah, the funny side of pregnancy.

29 weeks

2011-08-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

How far along: 29 weeks
Symptoms: Partial previa with bedrest continues, bad reflux at night, overall though feeling good! Lots of peeing.
Baby Related Purchases: waiting for the shower now which is in three weeks! Yikes!
Maternity clothes: Yes. Got a few more pairs of stretchy belly shorts because I feel like I am way more comfy in them than the under belly stuff that I loved in the second trimester.
Sleep: Sleep is welcome as fatigue is back but I am now up twice to pee and reflux occasionally not a good waking up experience.
Best Moment of the week: Nursery is coming together with window treatments up. I will do a nursery post in the next few weeks.
Strangest Moment: having people ask about when he arrives. I love it but so, so, weirs!
Movement: Lots, we call it aliening out when we can see it from the outside.
Cravings: Iced tea, spicy food! Mexican food obsession continues.
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and some starburst like lines next to it like it is stretching. Hairy belly too, yuck!
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: baby shower in less than two weeks, finishing the nursery.
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Don't worry about weight, your baby is growing.
Milestones: viability at 90%
Sticky Bun is the size of: a butternut squash or head of cabbage

28 weeks

2011-08-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

How far along:28 weeks. Viability at 90%!!!!!!
Symptoms: Partial previa with bedrest continues, bad reflux at night, overall though feeling good! Lower abdominal aches or growing pains, sleeping with another pillow helps with the reflux, thanks Roccie!
Baby Related Purchases: waiting for the shower now which is in three weeks! Yikes!
Maternity clothes: Yes. Ordered two nursing type bras and two three piece outfits for the hospital. I have heard mixed reviews on what to wear, what to pack but I know I won't be comfortable in a gown or nightie when people come to visit.
Sleep: Sleep is welcome as fatigue is back but I am now up twice to pee and reflux occasionally not a good waking up experience.
Best Moment of the Week: Ultrasound yesterday and seeing our big boy... Well slightly big boy in the 65th percentile. Love hearing the heartbeat.
Strangest Moment: Somersault like movement can be felt and seen from outside. The shaking of the belly is weird. A stranger finally asked when I am due.
Movement: Lots, we call it aliening out when we can see it from the outside.
Cravings: Iced tea, spicy food! Mexican food obsession continues.
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and so weird lines next to it like it is stretching. Hairy belly too, yuck!
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: baby shower in three weeks, finishing the nursery.
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Don't worry about weight, your baby is growing.
Milestones: viability at 90%
Sticky Bun is the size of: an eggplant still or Chinese cabbage

28 week high risk appt.

2011-08-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

We saw the Perinatologist this morning as well as the regular OB complete with level two ultrasound. All is well. Baby boy is estimated at 2 pounds 12 ounces and in the 65th percentile. They were very happy with this and fetal development. I am still stuck with a previa, partial or marginal, they say it is symantics at this point. We go back again in three weeks to see if we have lower uterus shifting which would give us a shot at vaginal birth but for the most part we are looking at the scheduled c-section at 37 weeks. I am fine with either plan as long as baby continues to grow and kick his mama! We are over the too happy and love seeing him and his little profile. 9 more weeks baby boy! We can do it!

27 weeks - third trimester here we come!

2011-08-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

How far along:27 weeks. Viability at 85%.
Symptoms: Partial previa with bedrest continues, bad reflux at night, overall though feeling good!
Baby Related Purchases: nothing new except crib mattress. Nursery is coming together now.
Maternity clothes: Yes. Ordered some cute stuff for showers and a wedding I am hoping I. Will be allowed to attend.
Sleep: Sleeping pretty well except for I now seem to continue with the reflux so waking up with that awesome, I have puke in my mouth feeling. Tips or tricks welcome!
Best Moment of the Week: nursery is looking like a baby will sleep there. Third trimester has arrived.
Strangest Moment: Somersault like movement can be felt and seen from outside.
Movement: all the time
Cravings: Iced tea, spicy food! Mexican food obsession continues.
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and so weird lines next to it like it is stretching. Hairy belly too, yuck!
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: 90% viability at 28 weeks! Ultrasound on Monday for position and birth plan.
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Ignore unsolicited advice.
Milestones: viability at 85% . Third tri!
Sticky Bun is the size of: a Chinese cabbage

26 weeks

2011-07-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

How far along:26 weeks. So happy to watch the viability stats rise week by week now!
Symptoms: Partial previa back on full bed rest for remainder of pregnancy, lots of round ligament pain, veins popping out of my boobs, puke if something doesn't sit right, pee my pants when I sneeze.
Baby Related Purchases: furniture has arrived. Mr. Lemon has to build a crib. Wowsers!
Maternity clothes: Yes. Ordered some cute stuff for showers and a wedding I am hoping I. Will be allowed to attend.
Sleep: Sleepimg pretty well except for I now seem to. Have reflux so waking up with that awesome, I. Have puke in my mouth feeling. Tips or tricks welcome!
Best Moment of the Week: nursery is now a beautiful shade of blue, some furniture is in and ready to go!
Strangest Moment: Nothing too weird this week. Just getting bigger.
Movement: yup!!! Lots of it now with big thumping kicks on occasion! I think I feel hiccups now too!
Cravings: Iced tea, spicy food!
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and so weird lines next to it like it is stretching.
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: 90% viability at 28 weeks!
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Ignore unsolicited advice.
Milestones: viability at 70%
Sticky Bun is the size of: an egggplant or cauliflower

25 weeks ... That sounds like a big number

2011-07-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

How far along: 25 weeks. I remember counting 6 weeks 1 day, 6 weeks 2 days and never thought I would get here. It is amazing.
Symptoms: Partial previa back on full bed rest for remainder of pregnancy, lots of round ligament pain, veins popping out of my boobs, puke if something doesn't sit right, pee my pants when I sneeze.
Baby Related Purchases: Rug is here, paint going on walls on Sunday.
Maternity clothes: Yes. Feeling frumpy because I only wear shorts and t shirts. Feel like I don't look pregnant, just chunky.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee but I am feeling restless.
Best Moment of the Week: getting an invitation to. MY shower! How crazy is that?
Strangest Moment: I was buying clothes on an illegal jaunt to Kohls for a friend who is having a girl and getting asked if they were for us? At least I must look like I could possibly be pregnant. I was in a wheelchair, so no yelling.
Movement: yup!!! Lots of it now with big thumping kicks on occasion! It is awesome!
Cravings: All of a sudden, red meat, ice cream, iced tea!
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower every week and so weird lines next to it like it is stretching.
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: 90% viability at 28 weeks!
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Ignore unsolicited advice.
Milestones: viability at 60%
Sticky Bun is the size of: A hothouse cucumber

24 weeks- viability woo hoo!!

2011-07-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

How far along: 24 weeks
Symptoms: Partial previa back on full bed rest for remainder of pregnancy, lots of round ligament pain, veins popping out of my boobs, puke if something doesn't sit right.
Baby Related Purchases: Registry done! Ordering a rug sometime this week. A few little outfits when something jumps out at me.
Maternity clothes: Yes. Concerned a bit about looking small but OB said I am measuring right on track just not gaining weight which is a good thing.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee but I am feeling restless.
Best Moment of the Week: hearing the doctor say, bedrest is important, you have a viable baby in there now!
Strangest Moment: Still not a fan of the belly rub. Feeling sad about bedrest and while well intentioned not a fan of unsolicited comment advice etc from certain people in real life.
Movement: yup!!! Lots of it now with big thumping kicks on occasion! It is awesome!
Cravings: tomatoes and tacos specifically from chipotle and seafood enchiladas . Fruit too! Summer fruit is sooooo good!
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: 90% viability at 28 weeks!
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Ignore unsolicited advice.
Milestones: viability
Sticky Bun is the size of: A rutubaga

Ultrasound and care plan

2011-07-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

Well, today is my birthday! 36 and working on baby 1. So grateful but so mystified by what it took to get us here. We had an ultrasound and met with the regular ob today. The good news, the baby is doing great. Strong heartbeat in the 140's , measuring 23 weeks 4 days and one pound 7 ounces which they were very happy with. He was flipping and curling up in a ball with his knees up next to his face, truly awesome to see. The bad news, this tech classified me as still a partial previa. What this means: Likely bedrest for the duration of the pregnancy, scheduled c-section at 37 weeks, if I hemorrhage before then, I go to a big city hospital in order to continue with inpatient bedrest. As the doctor said, you think this is bad???? If we hemorrhage after 34 weeks, the baby will be taken then. She said we are doing great and far Bette than she thought so take things very easy and continue with house arrest. I hate to complain, I am so happy to be pregnant, to have a viable baby in my belly, to be decorating a nursery! I am just losing it a little not leaving the house. I feel isolated and alone despite lots of family support and the best husband I could ask for. He waits on me hand and foot, preps all my meals and my diabetic snacks every two hours. I am just feeling a little blue i don't get the normal pregnancy. Oh well, I do know it will be worth it and come October we will hold our son and forget any of the struggle it took to get there.

23 Weeks!

2011-07-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

How far along: 23 weeks!
Symptoms: Marginal pre via. Still on bed rest, lots of round ligament pain, veins popping out of my boobs, puke if something doesn't sit right.
Baby Related Purchases: The registering continues! Got a little John Deere onesie yesterday so little man can look just like Daddy!
Maternity clothes: yup! Got some cuter stuff online but overall pretty disappointed with the selection.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee but I am feeling restless.
Best Moment of the Week: Feeling movement. Registering for a baby shower that is actually our baby shower!
Strangest Moment: people touching my belly. I don't like it!
Movement: yup!!! Lots of it now with big thumping kicks on occasion! It is awesome!
Cravings: tomatoes and tacos specifically from chipotle and seafood enchiladas . Fruit too! Summer fruit is sooooo good!
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: July scan! Viability day!
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Ignore unsolicited advice.
Milestones: Shopping for baby stuff! Getting more of a belly.

Sticky Bun is the size of: An ear of corn or a bag of coffee beans!

22 weeks

2011-06-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

How far along: 22 weeks!
Symptoms: Marginal pre via. Still on bed rest, lots of round ligament pain, veins popping out of my boobs, restless at night
Baby Related Purchases: We went outlast weekend and began registering! In addition we purchased three outfits for the little man. We both sort of looked at each other in terror but we need to enjoy this! As it stands Mr. Lemon had to push me around in a wheelchair to shop so seize the moment!
Maternity clothes: Holding at Down about 11 pounds now. Doctor was happy but said to stay here for rest of pregnancy. No loss/ no gain. Wearing comfy stuff and some maternity sundresses. Hate most of the clothes. They are not made well and I need some cute dressy stuff for some events. Suggestions fir good quality online stored welcome.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee but I am feeling restless.
Best Moment of the Week: Feeling movement. Registering for a baby shower that is actually our baby shower!
Strangest Moment: people touching my belly. I don't like it!
Movement: yup!!!
Cravings: tomatoes and tacos specifically from chipotle and seafood enchiladas . Fruit too! Summer fruit is sooooo good!
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: July scan! Viability day!
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment! Ignore unsolicited advice.
Milestones: Shopping for baby stuff! Getting more of a belly.

Sticky Bun is the size of: A papaya or spaghetti squash

21....let the luck continue

2011-06-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

How far along: 21 weeks
Symptoms: Marginal pre via. Still on bed rest, lots of round ligament pain. And a new one this week, nightmares!
Baby Related Purchases: Baby bedding arrived and we love it! Also bought paint, will go on the walls in 3 weeks or so. Going with madras from pottery barn. Got two turtle prints off etsy too!
Maternity clothes: Holding at Down about 11 pounds now. Doctor was happy but said to stay here for rest of pregnancy. No loss/ no gain. Wearing comfy stuff and some maternity sundresses.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee
Best Moment of the Week: He is definitely moving. We got to see him on u/s yesterday and he looks good. Still lying on his belly but he did turn at one point and give us a thumbs up and the doc caught it on a photo!
Strangest Moment: people touching my belly. I don't like it!
Movement: yup!!!
Cravings: tomatoes and tacos specifically from chipotle and seafood enchiladas . Mr. Lemon is out getting tacos for paco now!
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In but shallower
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Driving, but overall no complaints. Still grateful for everyday.
What I am looking forward to: July scan! Mr. Lemon feeling the baby.
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to panick that something is going to go wrong and just breath and enjoy.
Milestones: Shopping for baby stuff! Feeling the baby!

Sticky Bun is the size of: A Banana!

20 weeks!

2011-06-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

How far along: 20 weeks
Symptoms: Marginal pre via. Still on bed rest, lots of round ligament pain.
Baby Related Purchases: Baby bedding ordered. Going with madras from pottery barn. Got two turtle prints off etsy too!
Maternity clothes: Holding at Down about 11 pounds now. Doctor was happy but said to stay here for rest of pregnancy. No loss/ no gain.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee
Best Moment of the Week: I think I am experiencing quickening. Not positive but I think so. Mostly after a bigger meal.
Strangest Moment: visitors can tell I am pregnant now with my little bump! Love looking pregnant!!!
Movement:I think so!
Cravings: tomatoes and tacos specifically from chipotle and seafood enchiladas . Mr. Le,on is calling the baby paco.
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Will do it for twenty weeks with little complaints for a healthy baby though!
What I am looking forward to: Next scan in one week! Being sure I am feeling movement.
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to panick that something is going to go wrong and just breath and enjoy.
Milestones: Shopping for baby stuff!
Sticky Bun is the size of: A small cant elope!

19 weeks

2011-06-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

How far along: 19 weeks
Symptoms: Well, pp still ruling the roost. Typing lying down is hard so sorry for typos. Still on modified bed rest but thinking we are now a partial previa as of yesterday's scan!
Baby Related Purchases: Ordered two swatch cards yesterday to make final decision on nursery bedding from Serena and lily
Maternity clothes: I dropped 9 pounds in the last week because of my diabetes /bed rest situation so I am just wearing comfy stuff but my bump is very tiny. Down about 11 pounds now. Doctor was happy but said to stay here for rest of pregnancy. No loss/ no gain.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee
Best Moment of the Week: grateful for seeing our baby boy yesterday! All looks good though he was stubborn and lying on his belly so heart wasn't clear. Go back in two weeks.
Strangest Moment: visitors can tell I am pregnant now with my little bump! Love looking pregnant!!!
Movement:Nope and it is bumming me out.
Cravings: tomatoes and tacos specifically from chipotle
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Will do it for twenty weeks with little complaints for a healthy baby though!
What I am looking forward to: Next scan in two weeks! Feeling movement in the next week or so.
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to panick that something is going to go wrong and just breath and enjoy.
Milestones: Shopping for baby stuff!
Sticky Bun is the size of: A mango

18 weeks

2011-06-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

How far along: 18 weeks
Symptoms: Well, pp still ruling the roost. Typing lying down is hard so sorry for typos.
Baby Related Purchases: Nothing else new here.
Maternity clothes: I dropped 9 pounds in the last week because of my diabetes /bed rest situation so I am just wearing comfy stuff but my bump is very tiny. Don't worry I can spare the pounds and they are looking for a zero weight gain.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee
Best Moment of the Week: making it through another week unscathed
Strangest Moment: I find I get angry a lot right now. I am on a week to week plan and horrified by question or advice about the baby moving etc. I am just not up to unsolicited advice or have you felt him yet questions.
Movement:Nope and it is humming me out.
Cravings: tomatoes and tacos specifically from chipotle
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Getting out of bed and being independent. Will do it for twenty weeks with little complaints for a healthy baby though!
What I am looking forward to: Anatomy scan on Monday! Please pray placenta is moving.
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to panick that something is going to go wrong and just breath and enjoy.
Milestones: Really planning the nursery with Mr. Lemon, going public!
Sticky Bun is the size of: A sweet potato

17 weeks

2011-05-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

How far along: 17 weeks
Symptoms: Well, placenta previa takes over. All else forgotten.
Baby Related Purchases: Nothing else new here.
Maternity clothes: I dropped 9 pounds in the last week because of my diabetes /bed rest situation so I am just wearing comfy stuff but my bump is very tiny. Don't worry I can spare the pounds and they are looking for a zero weight gain.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee
Best Moment of the Week: seeing our little survivor and finding out he is a boy!!
Strangest Moment: just scary moments this week . Trying to figure out bed rest
Movement:Nope
Cravings: Lemon, Salt, Tomatoes
Gender: boy
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Not much this week but giving up sugar and white food will be tough.
What I am looking forward to: Anatomy scan
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to panick that something is going to go wrong and just breath and enjoy.
Milestones: Really planning the nursery with Mr. Lemon, going public!
Sticky Bun is the size of: An onion

Disaster strikes

2011-05-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Well bloggers it has been a bad week. I woke on Thursday to a significant hemorrhage. Mr. Lemon called the ambulance and we were rushed to the hospital. We were convinced it was over. Shortly after we were able to see our healthy boy on ultrasound. It's a boy! Long story short however, we have a complete placenta pre via. I am on strict bedrest for likely the next 20 weeks unless we hemorrhage again (worst case) and they take our boy or we have a miracle and the placenta moves. Docs give us70% chance of success. So, success stories only please and tips for surviving 5 months of bed rest!

16 Weeks - The four month mark!

2011-05-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

How far along: 16 weeks
Symptoms: Well, we had out doctors appointment today and it deserves it's own post but the following were discovered: RLP is probably part of the pain but also may be attributed to endo scarring since I am stage IV, OUCH!, I failed my glucose test and I am diabetic, and I am anemic BUT Baby's heartbeat was nice and strong.
Baby Related Purchases: Nothing else new here.
Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants all the time, not so much on the tops
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee
Best Moment of the Week: Hearing the heartbeat!
Strangest Moment: Coming out at work and on facebook but it is time to relax a bit and try to enjoy!
Movement:Nope
Cravings: Lemon, Salt, IceCream (though most of this will need to stop immediately)
Gender: Don't know and wives tales say girl.
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Not much this week but giving up sugar and white food will be tough.
What I am looking forward to: Gender in two weeks!
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to panick that something is going to go wrong and just breath and enjoy.
Milestones: Really planning the nursery with Mr. Lemon, going public!
Sticky Bun is the size of: An avocado

15 weeks!

2011-05-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

How far along: 15 weeks
Symptoms: Round ligament pain killing me- I hope this is normal! Still really tired. Baby Related Purchases: I didn't actually do the purchasing but because of a promotion the crib and dresser have been purchased. They don't arrive for another 10weeks.
Maternity Clothes: Oh yes and I love them even though I just look lumpy and not pregnant though Mr. Lemon thinks I look prego, I don't think anyone else does
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee
Best Moment of the Week: Picking out the crib even though it scared me to death!
Strangest Moment: Going to my brothers birthday party and recieving congratulations.
Movement:Nope
Cravings: Lemon, Salt, IceCream
Gender: Don't know and wives tales say girl.
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Red Wine, Soft cheese (nope, based on last weeks suggestion, started asking about pasteurization and had some lovely brie), Raw tuna and salami, hot tubbing and fruity summer drinks.
What I am looking forward to: Going Public! And next weeks doctors appt. Can't decide when to come out at work.
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to panick that something is going to go wrong and just breath and enjoy.
Milestones: Shopping for baby furniture, planning the nursery with Mr. Lemon.
Sticky Bun is the size of: A naval orange :-)

14 Weeks - Officially Second Trimester by any standards!

2011-05-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

How far along: 14 weeks
Symptoms: Round ligament pain, boobs not as sore, however, new symptom- yesterday had to fly, got off the plane and had to pee badly, coughed on the way into ladies and guess what, yup! Pee'd myself a bit...what is going happen when we are a watermelon????
Baby Related Purchases: Still nothing for the baby. I looked but nothing has screamed buy me just yet!
Maternity Clothes: Yup, and so comfortable I don't know why I waited. Got two swimsuits for the babymoon too.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee
Best Moment of the Week: Got an award from Fran over at http://everyoneelsebutme.blogspot.com/ . She is the best and has been amazing support to me in this process.
Strangest Moment: Starting to tell people that we are pregnant. Still surreal and feels jinxy to say it aloud.
Movement:Nope
Cravings: Lemon, Salt, IceCream
Gender: Don't know and wives tales say girl.
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Red Wine, Soft cheese, Raw tuna and salami, hot tubbing and fruity summer drinks.
What I am looking forward to: Going Public! Can't decide when to come out at work.
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy feeling good and being with this baby 24 hours a day for the next 6 months or so.
Milestones: Second trimester according to every site out there!
Sticky Bun is the size of: A Lemon!

13 Weeks - end of the first trimester

2011-04-26T05:27:00.001-07:00

How far along: 13 weeks
Symptoms: Round ligament pain, gassiness, boobs sore at night
Baby Related Purchases: Still nothing for the baby. I looked but nothing has screamed buy me just yet!
Maternity Clothes: Yup, I got three pairs of pants, some underwear and a few t-shirts. I don't need the shirts yet, but the pants are like wearing jammies so I'm embracing it.
Sleep: Still love sleep, wake up at least once a night to pee
Best Moment of the Week: Seeing the baby and getting the results that the chromosome testing was NORMAL!!!
Strangest Moment: Nothing too weird just amazing hearing the heartbeat and seeing the profile (has Mr. Lemon's nose I think)
Movement:Nope
Cravings: Still love lemon! Also sweets!
Gender: Don't know and wives tales say girl.
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Red Wine, Soft cheese, Raw tuna and salami, hot tubbing and fruity summer drinks.
What I am looking forward to: Going Public! Can't decide when to come out at work.
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy feeling good and being with this baby 24 hours a day for the next 6 months or so.
Milestones: Second trimester according to baby bump!
Sticky Bun is the size of: A Peach!

12 weeks and two days... update!

2011-04-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

We saw the doctor today for our 12 week appointment and scan. It was very exciting. All is well with the baby, the SCH seems to be gone, the heartbeat was a strong 169 and we were able to hear it which brought tears to my eys. The nuchal fold measurments were good, we'll get the blood testing back in about a week and then I have to decide when to go public with all of this. Does anyone know when I'll beleive this is really happening to me????

On another note, we are finally cleared for nookie but both are petrified. Anyone just give up sex for 9 months?

12 Weeks (3 months in) Can you believe it?

2011-04-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

How far along: 12 weeks
Symptoms: Tired, Nausea pretty much totally gone unless there is a bad smell, Tired, sore boobs, still feeling weird stabbing pain on occasion down my left and right sides of my lower abdomen, poultry grosses me out.
Baby Related Purchases: Nope, but if thursday goes well, I'm going shopping!
Maternity Clothes: Nope but hopefully on Thursday if all goes well, same shopping spree will occure.
Sleep: Yup, love it. I now wake up around 5AM to pee and yes, I still check for bleeding(I am a freak).
Best Moment of the Week: Feeling good again, getting closer to seeing sticky bun again.
Strangest Moment: Thinking about how we will tell people if Thursday goes well.
Movement:Nope
Cravings: Still love lemon! Recently feeling the need for icecream!
Gender: Don't know but still feeling boy
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Red Wine, Soft cheese, Raw tuna and salami, hot tubbing and fruity summer drinks.
What I am looking forward to: 12 week ultrasound on 4/21!
Weekly Wisdom: Try to take it one day and a time and be greatful for every day I am pregnant.
Milestones: Making it to 12 weeks!
Sticky Bun is the size of: A large plum or an egg!

11 Weeks - WOW!

2011-04-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

How far along: 11 weeks
Symptoms: Tired, Nausea seems to have disappeared, Tired, sore boobs, gas, flat out breaking out like I did when I was 13, lower belly stretching on the right side that is positional, also sometimes a stab me pain when I sneeze.
Baby Related Purchases: Nope, nada...waiting for the scan on the 21st.
Maternity Clothes: I broke down and bought some prego underwear and a sleeping bra for the sore tatas. The lady in the store totally stressed me out and I was out of there in like 10 minutes flat.
Sleep: Yup, love it. I now wake up around 5AM to pee and yes, I still check for bleeding(I am a freak).
Best Moment of the Week: In laws talking about what we will do with the baby for a concert next February (scary but at the same time nice to be talking about it like it is a reality)
Strangest Moment: Stepping foot in a maternity store for ME.
Movement:Nope
Cravings: Still love lemon! Lots of interest in bread, I think I ate 4 rolls last night and cold icy, icy drinks.
Gender: Don't know but still feeling boy
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Red Wine, Soft cheese, Raw tuna and salami (Italian Grinder in general would be fabulous even though I have probably had 5 in my life).
What I am looking forward to: 12 week ultrasound on 4/21!
Weekly Wisdom: Try to take it one day and a time and be greatful for every day I am pregnant.
Milestones: Making it to 11 weeks!
Sticky Bun is the size of: A small plum

10 Weeks- AKA DOUBLE DIGITS!

2011-04-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

How far along: 10 weeks
Symptoms: Tired, Nausea that comes and goes (sometimes a full day without it), Tired, sore boobs, gas, a giant under the skin zit
Baby Related Purchases: Nope, nada...waiting for the scan on the 21st.
Maternity Clothes: Actually felt awful this week and lost a few pounds so I don't even feel like I look any different, my jeans are on again and of course, this freaks me out.
Sleep: Yup, love it. Still wake up around 4AM to pee and check for bleeding(I am a freak).
Best Moment of the Week: Best was also the worst, had a subchorionic hemorrhage but got to see the baby moving around and it's little gummy bear like shape.
Strangest Moment: Making it into the double digits.
Movement:Nope
Cravings: Still love lemon! And I seem to want McDonald's vanilla milkshakes but I'm not giving in too often.
Gender: Don't know but still feeling boy
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Red Wine, Soft cheese, Raw tuna and salami (Italian Grinder in general would be fabulous even though I have probably had 5 in my life).
What I am looking forward to: 12 week ultrasound on 4/21!
Weekly Wisdom: Try to take it one day and a time and be greatful for every day I am pregnant.
Milestones: Saw the heartbeat again last Friday at 176 BPM and the baby moving!
Sticky Bun is the size of: A kumquat or a fig.

The scariest day ever

2011-04-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

So, I traveled to NYC for work last week. I felt pretty crummy but pushed through. Got home and middle of the night weds into thursday morning started vomiting, bad. I went to work, continued to puke every 10 minutes or so. Called Mr. Lemon to come and get me. Went home, slept, held down some soup, felt a bit better. Weds was also the first day without progesterone. Woke up around 4AM Friday with bright red blood gushing out of me, horrified I was miscarrying. Went in for ultrasound at 10AM. You were all right, I have a subchorionic hematoma. It's not too big, the baby looks fine (hb of 176) etc. YOWSERS! Super scary and I don't want to see that much blood every again. I am still having some dark brown spotting, I know I have to be prepared that I may see red again. Ugh. Anyone who has been through this know what is normal. Doctor said, pelvic rest, hydration, no heavy lifting and it will likely resolve on its own. Any other tips? Should I be asking about going back on progesterone? Would that help?

9 Weeks Tomorrow

2011-03-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

How far along: 9 Weeks tomorrow.
Symptoms: Tired, Nausea that comes and goes (sometimes a full day without it), Tired, Sore Nipples, Bloated, Did I mention Tired?
Baby Related Purchases: No way, still too afraid of the Jinx however may have to invest in a bella band because of the bloat.
Maternity Clothes: Nope, but feeling the bloat so wearing my more "fat day" clothes and not wearing jeans- see above RE: bella band
Sleep: Yes please, still wake up once around 4AM to pee but other than that, pretty good. Not as stressed out and staying awake.
Best Moment of the Week: Reading What to expect and feeling like my fears are pretty normal. Also, seeing the baby with still the super strong heartbeat last tuesday.
Strangest Moment: Having work people start to question if I am pregnant
Movement:Nope
Cravings: Powdered chicken soup, lemony drinks, pizza
Gender: Don't know but still feeling boy
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Red Wine, Soft cheese, Raw tuna and salami
What I am looking forward to: 12 week ultrasound on 4/21!
Weekly Wisdom: Try to take it one day and a time and be greatful for every day I am pregnant.
Milestones: Saw the heartbeat again last tuesday
Sticky Bun is the size of: A green olive tomorrow!

First Regular Lady Appointment

2011-03-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

We had our first OB appointment yesterday and it was awesome! We love the doctor, he was so nice and we really felt like we connected right away. He is youngish too--- around 40 and I liked that. His practice doesn't cross cover so he will be our doctor all the way through and will be the one to deliver us which I also love. The best part however, he sent us for an ultrasound and we got to see the sticky bun again. He was beating away in there, measuring right on target. Such a huge relief.

The doctor said to focus on eating healthy, getting lots of sleep and getting moving. He is firm believer that exercise makes for easier delivery so I am going to sign up for a class he recommended that sounds cool, it is taught by a prenatal PT and it is specifically designed for mothers-to-be, this class teaches injury prevention, flexibility, postural strengthening and general conditioning. I am pretty excited about it. It is only once a week for an hour and a half. I will add walking as well.

Mr. Lemon and I are also in talks about finding a babymoon. Anyone go on a babymoon or plan a babymoon? I am looking for suggestions!

8 weeks tomorrow

2011-03-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

I am still super anxious. I am trying to take it one day at a time. I thought I would start doing the little survey thing that many of you that have crossed over to pregnancy land seem to do:

How far along: 8 Weeks tomorrow.
Symptoms: Tired, Nausea that comes and goes (sometimes a full day without it), Tired, Sore Nipples, Bloated, Did I mention Tired?
Baby Related Purchases: No way, too afraid of the Jinx
Maternity Clothes: Nope, but feeling the bloat so wearing my more "fat day" clothes and not wearing jeans
Sleep: Yes please, wake up once around 4AM to pee but other than that, pretty good. I am falling back to sleep easier instead of staying awake from 4-6 thinking about all that could go wrong.
Best Moment of the Week: Get to go to the OB tomorrow for the first time ever!
Strangest Moment: Having my sister in law ask me a bunch of pregnant lady questions, I am still in awe that it is me being asked the questions.
Movement:Nope
Cravings: I want weird things but the solid thing I can't get enough of especially in the morning s the shaken iced green tea lemonade from starbucks (unsweetened)
Gender: Don't know but dreaming of a boy for some reason
Belly Button: In
What I miss: Red Wine, Soft cheese, Raw tuna and salami
What I am looking forward to: Going to the OB tomorrow and begging for an ultrasound so I know we still have a little heart beating away.
Weekly Wisdom: Try to take it one day and a time and be greatful for every day I am pregnant.
Milestones: Haven't gotten far enough but hopefully tomorrow will see or hear a heartbeat again
Sticky Bun is the size of: A kidney bean tomorrow. Weird.

Anxiety Strikes Back

2011-03-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, I was ecstatic. I started to dream about nurseries and look up themes online. I looked at some maternity clothes thinking wow, I might be able to wear these. I went to the store on the way home and I bought a frame, a cute little frame that says some moments are meant to last a lifetime and I put the u/s pic in the frame and popped it on our window sill. I had been spot free for 48 hours, we saw a strong heartbeat and the infertility clinic sent us on our way. Today, I woke up spotting again, it's like I tempted fate. The god(s) are telling me to still tread with caution. I know this is probably just my super sensitive cervix yelling at me for an internal visit with the vag cam but all the same, it would really be nice to just be normal. I am keeping the picture up because either way, I want that moment of seeing our babies heartbeat captured forever, I also want this baby to know I believe in him. For now however, still treading carefully, still counting the days to the next ultrasound (next tuesday with the regular OB). Breath, just breath.

Graduation Day!

2011-03-14T10:05:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe it. We went in and were able to see a beautiful heartbeat of 127 beats per minute. The Dr. congratulated us and sent us on our way. So incredibly freaky. The whole thing is surreal.

Here's to the sticky bun! Next miles stone 4/20/11- the end of the first trimester!

Nervous Pervous!

2011-03-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

That is what I am. I just wish this damn spotting would stop. At the ultrasound yesterday they said they don't see any blood in my uterus (which is apparently a good thing) but seriously, where is it coming from. I have had some intermittent cramping as well(pretty much the whole time) but not anything crazy and not like period cramping. I just wish I knew what was normal and what was not! There are no rules. Any success stories with bleeding are much appreciated.

Freaked out...

2011-03-07T06:03:00.000-08:00

Ultrasound in 40 minutes. We'll know what we're working with then. Part of me can't wait, part of me wants it to never come because you know, right now, we're pregnant. I don't want to find out in 40 minutes that we're not. I will update after I return.

UPDATE:

We have a gestational sac and a yolk sac, doctor said he is happy with the progress and we are right where we should be. Next u/s in one week, we should see a heart beat at that point! Finger crossing, prayers etc needed!!!!

The wait

2011-03-04T07:39:00.000-08:00

So, I thought the two week wait was bad. Waiting for an ultrasound to tell you if you actually potentially have a baby growing in your or not is just plain scary. The spotting continues, again, all over the map. I have seen everything from watery red to brown to pink to beige and back again. Other than that, I don't feel pregnant, I have zero symptoms. This of course overwhelmes me with complete and total panic. Only 3 more nights to get through to see if this is the beginning or the end.

Post op gone blah

2011-03-02T11:15:00.001-08:00

I met with the RE this morning and he was less than excited for us. He said he didn't like that the number didn't exactly double and then spiked or that I am still spotting. He feels that this pregnancy could go either way. I am trying to focus on that it could stick but it was such a downer. I am hoping to beat the odds and have a little survivor in there. Ultrasound on Monday.

Beta #3 = 409!

2011-02-28T05:40:00.001-08:00

Blood was drawn at 6:45AM. I'm still spotting so I'm still a nervous wreck. Will update when I hear what is happening down there!

Beta is up to 409, and progesterone is 10.8. So far, so good. Internal u/s on Friday to see what we can see!

And the numbers are in...

2011-02-25T07:09:00.000-08:00

We are up to 134. The nurse said this is almost double and she remains cautiously optimistic. She said this is a healthy rise by their standards and I should not worry. She was going to just schedule me for my u/s at this point but said since I am so nervous I can come in on Monday to check my progesterone and beta. Deep Breath. We are through step #2! She said not to compare myself to everyone else that this is a good sign and I need to relax, there's a new piece of advice!

Scared

2011-02-25T04:56:00.000-08:00

Today is beta #2. I had my blood drawn at 7AM. I didn't sleep at all last night. Still spotting. Sometimes pink, sometimes brown, sometimes watery red. Who knows what to think. Literally everyone I know is pregnant right now and all of their first beta's came back around 150. I am hoping our number is okay, hoping that it was our frosty that stuck and he/she was just a little slow to rise. Urgh.

One more sleep ...

2011-02-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

Until I know what the deal is and if we are still moving forward. I am a wreck. I have no real symptoms except this backache and the spotting. My boobs are not sore, I don't feel pukey. I am feeling heavy in the lower abdomin and feeling tugging/pulling. I still have pain where I know my endometriomas are as well. Wow, who knew getting a positive is actually way more stressful that the negative. I'm trying to breath deep, I know this is pretty much beyond my control. As Mr. Lemon says.. at least we know we can get out of the gate, but man I want this to be the STICKY BUN in this here oven!

So day one...

2011-02-23T05:23:00.000-08:00

of this new journey. I hate that everything is now an unknown. Is it really normal that I am still spotting? What about the tightness in my lower abdomen? Is the REAL? I am so freaking paranoid. I am incredibly greatful to have gotten a positive beta for the first time ever but man, I am scared shitless. No other words.

I was thinking, maybe if I have a checklist of dates, that will help me so for now:

Beta #1 2/22: 76.2
Beta #2 2/25:
U/S #1: 3/4-3/7
U/S #2: (heartbeat check) 3/15
End of Trimester 1: May 9th
Due Date: 11/1

Who's counting though?

UPDATED

2011-02-22T08:32:00.001-08:00

BFPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nurse said a respectable beta of 76.2. I am in a complete state of shock!

Well... it's BETA day

2011-02-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

However, I have been bleeding/spotting off and on since saturday morning. I am braced for the we're sorry phone call. I did talk to my SIL this weekend. She has even gone so far as to go to her clinic and research being a surrogate and how it would all work. My brother is however, not 100% on board yet. He is just afraid of the what if something went wrong aspect. They have 3 beautiful little girls that need their mama! So, discussions are beginning. WTF appointment is on 3/2. I just want the doctor to say it's time to move on. The false hope is killing me.

POAS = BFN #1

2011-02-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

Okay so technically today is 7dp3dt. I POAS'd. It's negative, like big blank white laugh at me negative. I know things can change blah blah blah. Bottomline, I'm sick of this process. My sister in law has offered to be our surrogate, I'm starting to think we shoul move in that direction. I need to start mentally weighing the pros and cons. Anyone out there consider a surrogate? Is it better to know them or use a stranger? Thoughts?

Thanks so much!

2011-02-16T05:08:00.000-08:00

You ladies have all made me feel so much better!!! I went to the acupuncturist last night and she gave me some zen back and said okay, see me once a week through the second ultrasound. Then I went to my IF group and there are 4 of us in the 2WW. It was good to have the support. They said, you felt stuff before and were not pregnant so...different is good! I'm going with it and trying to keep the faith. I'm just so frustrated with this process. I feel like everytime it's fix one thing, break another. Only a week to go!

2WW Blues

2011-02-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

So, here I am in the 2ww with 1week left until beta and I feel sure it didn't work. I have zero symptoms. If I didn't know better it is like I wasn't even taking the progesterone. I have no pulling tugging sensations, no boob tenderness ...nothing, except a big zit on my face.

Did anyone normally feel the progesterone and end up pg on the cycle they felt nothing?

Transfer Complete

2011-02-13T10:09:00.001-08:00

Well, here I am two days past day 3 transfer. We did okay. We ended up with one perfect thawed embryo (8 cell highest grade), one 5 cell highest grade, and one 4 cell with some fragmentation (average grade). Here's hoping. Pregnancy test 2/22.

We have two survivors

2011-02-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Just got the call, one is looking excellent, one is looking average but they both made it through the night. Our other two will be thawed in the morning. Here's hoping we end up with a decent cycle after all this drama!

More bad news

2011-02-09T11:53:00.001-08:00

Out of the 7 eggs, only 3 were mature and 2 of those fertilized. I knew it was going to happen in my gut. I have never been able to stim for only 8 days - more like 12-15 days in order to get a good number of mature eggs. Ugh. I am waiting for Mr. Lemon to get home and then I am going to call to have our two frozen embryos thawed and hope for the best. This really, really stinks.

Retrieval complete

2011-02-09T06:07:00.000-08:00

We got 7 eggs. I'm definately disappointed. Yes, I know it only takes one and yes I know I need to be positive. I should remember that the only time I get pregnant-even though it was only chemical was when I was suppressed on the Lupron protocol and that in the cycles that yeilded 23 or 15 eggs I did not get pregnant.

I'm guessing we will transfer on Friday as there won't be enough to make it to day 5 especially since we don't qualify for ICSI.

Blah, I am really tired of this whole process.

Another crappy cycle

2011-02-07T05:51:00.000-08:00

So, all has gone array on this cycle. I am oozing brown which the docs say not to worry about, however, I ended up with a lead follicle that stimmed too fast and only have 8 measurable follicles. After much debate we are moving forward with retrieval tomorrow and transfer on Friday. Blah. Why doesn't this ever just work the way it is supposed to?

()&(*)! my dad says

2011-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

Did anyone watch this last night? I had never seen the show but really? Donor eggs on ice in an igloo cooler in a soup container that the dog opened and ate! Really? Ugh, I hate the way (in)fertility is represented on TV.

My ovaries are achy, I'm hoping this is a good sign! I will update after tomorrows monitoring appointment.

Stimming Day #6

2011-02-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

Today I went in for my first monitoring appointment. I had the bad U/S tech. She just moves that wand around and tells you that there is so much gas she can't see anything and no...I'm not gassy, she says it to all the girls! It's become a running joke. She measured three on the left at 14, that's all for now. I'm waiting for the nurse to call with further instruction.

Snow delay

2011-02-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

It won't be until Thursday now when I find out how my follies are developing. We are getting walloped by a double header snow storm and it is unlikely I will come in to work tomorrow (along with the majority of my doctors office) so Thursday morning is it!

My friend has to terminate one of the babies. So incredibly sad for her but the chances of the baby surviving are very low and the doctors fear pose a much greater risk on the healthy baby to try to carry to term. My heart is completely broken for her.

Last note: Anyone have weird side-effects with Menopur? I'm not sleeping well, crazy dreams and night sweats. Any advise on how to sleep through the night?

We are stimming...

2011-01-31T08:47:00.001-08:00

I started menopur and gonal-f on Saturday, continuing with 5 units of Lupron daily. So far, so good. The brown spotting has continued to dissapate and turn more cloudy beige so let's hope this will be a cycle without bleeding, with many high quality eggs and two day 5 perfect blasts...my dream cycle.

I woke to feel some twinging this morning so perhaps I will alread see something at my first scan on Wednesday morning. It feels like a dream to be heading back into this again. If you had asked me a year ago if I would still be doing IVF now I would have said, no way...thinking either I would be pregant or would have been told to move on to another way to create a family. Here's hoping it is finally our turn.

In addition, please send some prayers for one of my fellow infertiles, she made it to 12 weeks with twins but at the ultrasound was told something is terribly wrong with one of the babies. They are going to the doctor today, praying for a miracle for her.

A Confession

2011-01-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

So, I have a confession. I figure if I can share it with anyone, I can share it with the bloggies. Every time I approach a cycle, I start looking at nursery furniture. I feel like I am insane and setting myself up for a let down but every time I think...this has to be it so let's get some ideas. I don't go to a store or anything but I certainly look online at furniture and bedding (my favorite game is..what would I do for a boy/girl twin nursery). Am I the only one? What the heck is wrong with me?!?

Time feels like it is at a standstill....

2011-01-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

I don't start stimming until saturday. I hope these weeks and weeks of supression are worth it. I am trying to map out the plan. I hate not having hard and fast dates but now that we are finally approaching the actual cycle, if I respond as I have in the past, I will be going as follows: 2/13 retrieval, 2/16 3dt, 2/18 5dt 2/28 BETA. I'm both nervous and hopeful. Still oozing a bit of brown sludge (TMI) but seems to be better. I can't beleive I will have done this 4 times and I still don't have an actual baby. Hopefully this time, we get one or two on the way!

The Unthinkable...

2011-01-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

My brother and his wife lost the baby. It was tubal. I am devastated for them and feel so guilty for my bitter infertile thoughts.

Lupron is winning

2011-01-19T13:33:00.001-08:00

Okay, I'm one week into the two weeks of suppression therapy. My head is killing me, I'm exhausted, night sweats in full swing and I had a little spotting (not our goal here folks). I called the RE and he said spotting is fine as long as it doesn't go bright red or get heavier. Oye!

I did go to acupuncture during lunch and that did help and hopefully that will cure me of all that ails.

Start stims on 1/28. I did have a lovely chat with a woman I work with. She has 10 year old quads. I have wanted to ask her for a while for her story. She came over with pictures of her adorable kids and I finally got up the nerve. She was so inspirational, she had 7 fresh cycles and recieved her BFP on the last one when there were only 4 viable embies. They said what the heck transfer them all as it was to be their last IVF cycle. She then got her positive, then started bleeding, went in for the u/s and there were 4 heartbeats. The RE told her to abort all 4 because he deemed her too high risk, unlikely to even find an OB willing to take the case etc. Long story short, she refused, found a high risk OB and here she is, a mother of four! Take that INFERTILITY!

Ah...the dreaded announcement

2011-01-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

My little brother and his wife are pregnant. He is six years younger than me, She is however only one year younger. Pregnant on the first try no less. I want to be happy. I am happy for them. I am horrified for Mr. Lemon and I. I can only now hope that this cycle really is a success so that we can have a baby right behind them and I can be pregnant for her shower. I don't know how I'll survive this one if I am not. I know I sound selfish and horrible and I don't want to but it is what it is.

Shot one is done

2011-01-14T06:22:00.001-08:00

I did my first injection of Lupron last night and the headache is here already. Ugh. I did go to my first acupuncture of the cycle this morning and it was FABULOUS. I felt like I was floating and felt much better afterward, though I was so relaxed I was ready for bed not coming into the office :-)

Last night I made good on the chicken bruschetta bake with spinach , I did however have a brownie (it was the last one) and glass of milk before bed, baby steps.

This morning... Irish Rolled Oats (instant cooking) with blueberries, skim milk and cinnamon with a cup of hot cocoa also with cinnamon.

Looking forward to the weekend. Mr. Lemon and I are having some great new friends that we met in infertility class over for dinner. The menu is ... chicken roullade stuffed with prosciutto, spinach and sun dried tomatoes, molded individual eggplant tarts, and some sort of salad. Mr. Lemon is going to make his famous pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. Hopefully it all comes out great...I will try to take a photo and post.

Tonight is the first night...

2011-01-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

Of Lupron. I am looking forward to it. I also realized this morning I need to swear off sugar (after a donut and a coffee), caffeine and most alcohol. In order to do this, I am going to attempt to keep a little food diary on this blog to keep myself honest. Here's hoping.

Today thus far:

Chocolate Donut and Medium Coffee with Milk
Handful of popcorn
Two spring rolls (the fresh kind) and six pieces of shrimp California roll

the plan for the rest of the day is :

Pineapple and grapes this afternoon
Chicken Bruschetta Bake for dinner with some sort of green veg.

And so the plan....

2011-01-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

SO here we go... my new and exciting protocol with extreme suppression in hopes I don't bleed.

1/13- 1/27 inject 10 units Lupron at night
1/28 reduce to 5 units Lupron
1/29 two vials menopur in the AM, 450 units of Gonal F in PM , 5 units Lupron in PM
2/2 fist monitoring appointment
2/9 Estimated Retrieval Date
2/12 or 2/14 Estimated Transfer Date
2/23 ESTIMATED BETA

I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

The meds are in!

2011-01-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

Lupron has arrived from Freedom, Endometrin, Gonal -F, and Menopur have arrived from Village. WE are on our way again. Injections to begin 1/13.

In addition, our Karyotype test results are in and Mr. Lemon and I are both chromosomally normal so that is good news and yet another indicator that we can make a baby, my uterus just doesn't know how to get pregnant.

I will update more frequently as I hop into the cycle. Happy New Year!

New Years Resolutions - Top 10 goals of 2011

2010-12-30T05:50:00.000-08:00

That's right folks, it's time to get a resolution post going so here are my top 10 goals for 2011. I figure if perhaps I blog about them, I will stick to them.

1. Lost 30 pounds in 2011
2. Attend two exercise classes per week and walk on the treadmill 2x per week
3. Include one all vegetarian meal and two fish as protein meals in our diet per week and plan
said meals on a weekly basis
4. Plan trip to Paris for Mr. Lemon's 40th /our 10th anniversary in March 2012
5. Adhere to a financial budget and get back on track with saving money
6. Add sun porch to our home
7. Put laundry away right after it comes out of the dryer
8, Quit Dunkin Donuts
9. Run a 5K

AND ......

10. Of course, you knew it was here... either have a baby or determine how we are going to
start our family in some way, shape or form this year!

Happy New Year to you all! Thanks for reading and for all the support as we embark on IVF #4. You are all my rock!

All is quiet...

2010-12-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I survived Christmas. I only had one minor breakdown when I opened a wooden wall paddle my mom had made for me with one of my favorite expressions. I feel it sums up this infertility journey, "When the wind doesn't blow your way, Adjust your sails".

On the fertility front, tomorrow is my last day of birth control pills, as expected, I started spotting yesterday but the doctor says this is fine. I will begin Lupron 10 units per day on 1/13 (one month post lupron depot injection), and stay on it for 10 days at 10 units, then we will Begin stimming on 1/23 and reduce lupron to 5 units per day. ERD : 2/4/2011 ETD: Either 2/7/2011 or 2/9/2011. We are aiming for Day 5 again. We'll see. Let's hope I'm PUPO and stay that way for good by Valentines Day!

What I have done thus far....

2010-12-21T10:21:00.001-08:00

Hello Ladies,

I appreciate all the comments, suggestions and recommendations. I thought it would be good to list out all the testing I have done. In addition, I have suffered from abnormal bleeding since 2001.

I have had a full laporoscopy, an endometrial biopsy, a saline sonogram, two Hysterosalpinograms, a D&C with biopsy and countless ultrasounds. The end result of all of them is that all is normal. That is why this most recent diagnosis of Uterine Receptivity Deficiency. Here's hoping they have something figured out and there is monthly inflammation caused by the endometriosis and endometriomas and in addition the estrogen absorption issue which cause the bleeding and the failure to implant.

I have a phone consult tomorrow with the doctor. The good news is that I stopped bleeding on Sunday so maybe, just maybe this will work. Right now we are estimated to do a cycle again sometime end of January to end of February. I'll update as I have information but expect I won't be very exciting anytime soon.

The doctor says...

2010-12-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

Our meeting with the doctor was pretty interesting as well. Bottom line, it would appear that we have the following:

1) Great eggs
2) Great embryos
3) Great Sperm
4) Crappy Uterus

The Doctor said that there is only one reason he has ever seen someone in my situation fail to get pregnant and that it is most likely a uterine receptor problem for which there is no cure, nor anyway to formally diagnose it except for we know I bleed, we know I have a high tolerance for additional estrogen and we know I don't get pregnant. He wants to try putting me on depot lupron which is an injection and he did it right there in the office this morning. This will basically throw me into menopause for a month and make everything "quiet". We will then go into an "extra long" lupron cycle. The hope being that if the lupron keeps me suppressed, I won't bleed and my uterus will have a chance to absorb the estrogen required in order to get pregnant. We are basically looking at actually getting to retrieval/transfer sometime in February. The doctor said that there really is no "cure" for this, we just need to trick my body and if this doesn't work then he really doesn't have any more suggestions and we'll have to start discussing alternatives.

In addition, just to be sure, he is running a genetic chromosome test on Mr. Lemon and I to make sure that neither of us has some sort of chromosomal deficiency that is causing an embryo issue they can't see but he feels this is unlikely, just dotting the i's.

I'm not really sure how I feel at this point. Mr. Lemon and I left with different impressions, I feel that this is our last shot at using my uterus, the Mr. feels they will figure something else out.

Trying to pick up the pieces...

2010-12-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

I'm having a hard time with all of this failure combined with upcoming Christmas. Christmas seems to be a placeholder for me.. oh, well, I'll be pregnant by next Christmas and BAM here it is again and I am so not pregnant. Ugh. My mom did take me for a mani/pedi yesterday to brighten my spirits. It was fun and helped but still, we wandered the mall looking at all the little clusters of mom, grandmom and baby and I think we both felt a bit blue.

WTF appt is Thursday at 9. Any suggested questions after a 3rd failed fresh cycle :-(

BFN

2010-12-12T13:05:00.001-08:00

Bah humbug!

POAS

2010-12-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's still negative. I know, I shouldn't do it but I can't help myself. I won't do it again until Saturday, I promise. The only good news, still not bleeding.

I'm a crazy nut

2010-12-07T11:01:00.001-08:00

Yup, the official I'm a nut because of the 2WW is hitting me hard. Symptom watch includes the following:

Thirsty, dry mouth
heat rash type thing on upper chest
boob soreness that seems to come and go
Endometrin ooze (occasional pink/beige tinge)
Crampy yesterday , not so much today
TIRED
Visiting crazytown
No bleeding

Thoughts on when I should POAS? I am current 6dp3dt.

Prayers needed

2010-12-06T05:35:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning, boobs killing, light belly cramping. I did my endometrin and saw pink on the applicator. Please say prayers for me that things aren't coming to an end already. I'm praying for a Christmas miracle.

Support

2010-12-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

We all know that infertility is just plain hard. I have mentioned before that I joined a support group. This group has turned into more than that. They have turned into an amazing group of friends who continue to inspire me everyday. We have known each other for only 6 months and yet most of them I feel I have known for a lifetime. In the past 6 months we have helped each other through failed cycles, cancelled cycles, the decision to use a surrogate and recently diagnosis of premature ovarian failure and odds of less than 20% of ever conceiving and we have lifted each other up, held each other hands, prayed for each other, bought each other medications when needed etc. Today however, the tides have turned. We are finally sharing some successes. Today we have an announcement of a heartbeat through a successful IVF after going through a terrible ectopic and losing a tube, a normally rising BETA after two miscarriages and 4 failed IUI's, and a positive BETA after 5 failed IVF cycles. I hope this is a trend as every single woman in this group deserves to be and will be a wonderful mother. Please send good vibes to all of these women for successful outcomes.

Transfer Complete

2010-12-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

We went in yesterday and had a great transfer (so they tell me). We transferred two embryos both considered of the BEST quality. Our clinic grades using the HIP criteria. We had a 7-3(H) and a 8-3(H) , in addition we froze a 8-3(H) and a 8-3 that didn't meet HIP criteria. In addition they did use assisted hatching on the embryos. Here's hoping these little guys are the sticky ones. I waffle between hopeful and complete doubt this will ever work for us. Trying to stay positive. Will update with symptoms if I get any!

Beta is 12/12!

Nervous

2010-12-01T06:54:00.000-08:00

I am so nervous. I have so many thoughts going through my head. I am of course obsessing over embryo quality. Why didn't we have enough to make it to day 5? Do I have bad eggs after all? We didn't thaw well, maybe my eggs are wimpy and we need to move on to donor egg? What if I go in today and they say nothing made it for us to transfer? Ugh. I hate this anxiety. I can't wait for acupuncture so I can relax.

Transfer will be tomorrow

2010-11-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

I just got the call from the clinic and we won't make it to day 5. Basically, they have very strict criteria for a day 5 transfer that requires you to have 6 embryos that are grade 3 (perfect) and 4 cells at this point in order to do the transfer on Day 5. We currently still have 8 embryos growing, of which 3 are currently grade 3 and 4 cells. 6 are grade 3 but not yet having 4 cells. Here's hoping that a day 3 transfer of three babies with assisted hatching brings us our miracle.

Retrieval Complete

2010-11-29T06:07:00.000-08:00

We went in for retrieval yesterday and got 15 eggs. It was a difficult retrieval because I have two endometriomas on the right ovary so there was much pushing and shoving in order to retrieve and my cervix was quite febrile so I bled a lot during the procedure. I seem to be feeling okay today and am back at work, anxiously awaiting the fertilization report. If things are progressing well and more than 6 embryos are fertilized and growing, we will transfer two blasts on day 5 or Friday. If things aren't looking so good, we will be doing a day 3 transfer with assisted hatching and transferring 3 embryos.

I should know by 3PM. Fingers crossed for a Friday transfer with a nice weekend of rest! In reality, I'll be fine with either plan but Friday is much easier for work and I like the idea of know we are transferring strong little 5 day survivors.

Update: We have 9 embryos growing. Tentatively scheduled for wednesday transfer but on the day to day plan hoping to make it to Friday!

Retrieval tomorrow

2010-11-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

At last count we had 14 mature follicles on Thanksgiving day. Triggered last night and retrieval is set for tomorrow at 9:30 AM! Here we go again, both nervous, hopeful and somewhat doubtful though I am trying not to be.

So.. I was panicking

2010-11-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

Because, the bleeding is just starting to stop, I only have 5 measurable follicles on my left and nothing on my right except a big old cyst. I am 9 days into injections. I looked back at my response to the last time we did a fresh cycle and guess what, they checked me on day 8 and I had 5 measurable follicles on my left, I had just stopped bleeding and all they could see was a cyst on the right and I ended up with 23 eggs so I'm not going to panic, not yet. I did however, have to stim for another 5 days last time. We shall see what happens.

Update: E2 is at 863, 4 measurable on left, 1 on right, 5-10 more potentials on each ovary, continue meds as instructed, follow up b/w and u/s on weds AM.

Still bleeding but slightly less

2010-11-21T12:59:00.000-08:00

My dosage has been increased, I started cetrotide as my E2 is around 300 and I am responding and I am back on oral estrogen. I am still bleeding but it is certainly better than yesterday when I was about 1 step away from a "hemorrhage" according to the doctor. Taking it easy and hoping for the best.

U/S and B/W #2 and middle of the night crazy bleeding

2010-11-19T05:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, quick update and then I'll post after the doctor calls

Woke up in the middle of the night having bled through my jammies, passing lots of clots
Still no follicles to speak of
Left message for the nurse but certain that they need to increase my dose

Update

2010-11-18T06:05:00.001-08:00

I called the nurse back last night to question them not upping my dose because:

1) No real response yet
2) Still bleeding
3) Previous cycle increased meds

She reviewed with the doctor and today is only day 5.5 of the meds, all is normal and bleeding at thsi point is still okay and "normal". If no response on Friday, they will probably up me.

First Follicle Check

2010-11-17T11:48:00.001-08:00

E2 is up of 82.9, no measurable follicles yet. Staying on the same dose. I am shocked. Next U/S and B/W on Friday at 7:45AM.

Frozen sample

2010-11-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like Mr. Lemon's bad analysis really was a fluke. The doctor called about his "frozen" just in case sample and it was Excellent. Enough for 6 IVF cycles (god help me).

What I find fascinating though is this, I can get news about any of my various lady parts over the phone. I can speak to a nurse, a coordinator, etc. No biggie. When it comes to getting SA results, they must be delivered by the physician to the male. WTF? It seems a bit ridiculous.

First follicle check tomorrow. I expect they won't be seeing anything yet.

Injections have begun

2010-11-15T07:04:00.000-08:00

I started injecting saturday night. 225 Gonal in the AM and 225 Gonal in the PM. Grow follies Grow. First check, weds AM.

Interesting

2010-11-12T07:41:00.001-08:00

So, the last time we did a fresh cycle, it took me 15 days of stims to get to trigger, then day 17 retrieval, day 20 transfer. I am hoping that it was so slow because they started me at 150 gonal in the AM and 225 gonal at night. This time we are starting with 225 in the am and 225 in the pm. I hope this makes it faster because if not my schedule will be as follows:

11/27 Trigger
11/29 Retrieval
12/2 Day 3 transfer and also day of giant executive board presentation that I cannot miss and or reschedule.
12/4 Day 5 transfer (this would be okay)

I feel like there is always something that could go wrong with scheduling on these cycles. I also never "really" seem to know when is when. I'm trying to just roll with it. Stay calm, breath, don't stress.

The Plan is In!

2010-11-11T08:57:00.001-08:00

Today is Day 1: Plan is as follows:

Baseline u/s and b/w on Saturday 9/13
Inject 225 units of Gonal Saturday Evening
Inject 225 units of Gonal AM and PM, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
B/W and U/S Wednesday at 7:45AM to check progress

Estimated Retrieval Date 11/26 (Friday after Thanksgiving) which would be fabulous except I am taking my 4 year old niece to the Nutcracker that night but... I will figure it out. GREEN LIGHT, FULL STEAM AHEAD! I never go on estimated anyway so maybe I will go Saturday instead!

BRING IT ON!

Finally Approved

2010-11-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

The insurance company had my date of birth in the infertility file listed as 1965. Fascinating. At any rate, they have approved us for two more fresh cycles. May we only need one more, god, please! Off to the races again as soon as we achieve day 1, spotting has commenced so I imagine that will be tomorrow. Phew!