Michigan is going to be a happier place...

Well, this state is going to be a much happier place. I also love the fact that I am involved with this and work at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory where FRIB is coming!

Here are a few links:

http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/35963829.html

http://www.sc.doe.gov/News_Information/News_Room/2008/12%2011%2008%20FRIB%20FINAL%20PRESS%20RELEASE%20--%20Austin.pdf

Whoo hoo!!!!!!

It has been a while...

Well, as the title says....it has been over a month and there is really nothing new worth mentioning.

I am on my 1st actual cycle since the m/c. I am on cd36. FF was showing me as having ovulated on cd26, however, when I entered my temps for yesterday, it switched it to cd27 so I am apparently 9 dpo. Who really knows. Sex wasn't timed all that great as I was sick and even though I wanted to try, I was a little anxious about it.

If for some reason I am lucky enough to get pg this cycle, please stand behind me and get ready to catch me because I have a feeling that I will faint! I will be happy and scared all over again.

Anyway, it is time for me to get back to work.

I hope that everyone is doing good. I will try to catch up with blogs soon. I haven't even been doing that!

Take care.

Back in the game...

Well, it is CD1 and I am officially putting myself back in the game. My dr. had said that if I am ready to try again, then go right ahead and do it. So, I am!

I am giving myself somewhere between 6 months and a year. If I am not pg again by then, I am going to quit the monitor and the temping. I will just rest on the fact that I already have the best little girl that I could ever ask for. I am truly blessed with her and know that I am extremely lucky that I have her.

That being said, I am going to try to be positive and I know that everything happens for a reason. If I don't have another child, then there has to be a reason for that. I probably won't ever know what it is, but there ya go!

So, on other news. J is getting laid off the end of the month. We are pulling the little one out of day care to save that $112/week (for 3 days). I am sure that she will be happy as can be to get to stay home with her daddy! He has been looking for other jobs and we are hoping that we have a promising lead with a job for the state. As much as the state is hurting for money, they still pay good and have excellent benefits!

Well, I should probably get back to work now. I hope that everyone is doing well! Take care and I look forward to everyone's updates.

I had a great weekend until....

Cowboys 24 - Redskins 26

Are you kidding me?!?!?!?!?

So, nothing new to report. Hope that everyone is doing good!

Thank you for everyones concern. I am doing ok. I am thankful for what I do have in my life and I keep reminding myself that everything happens for a reason.

That being said...this still fucking sucks, but there is nothing I can do about it.

We had to cancel our trip to NC, so we went up to my mom and step-dad's cabin to get away for a couple of days. We came home to a basement with about 2-3 inches of standing water. So, I get to miss day #3 of work to deal with this. When it rains it pours. When we checked the rain gauge after getting home and finding our flooded basement, it was overflowing and it holds about 5". So, Jer dumped it. A few hours later....there was already 2" more in it. Thanks Ike!

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those that have been and are being affected by Ike.

Take care!

**UPDATED****AND AGAIN!!!!**

The bleeding has gotten a little heavier, redder, and has clots in it. I called the dr. office this morning. You know, the bleeding scares me, but it is the clots that scare the hell out of me!

They said that the u/s looked so good that the only thing we can do at this point is:
1. Start prometrium today 100 mg/ 2 times a day
2. When we get home from NC on Sunday, I have to go in for another blood draw. I didn't get my numbers from Monday while I was on the phone with her, but I should get a copy by mail before Sunday, so at least when I call in to get my results Sunday night, I will have something to compare.

I know that if something is going to happen, then it is going to happen and there isn't anything that I can do, but...if these clots keep on and the bleeding persists like it is, I may just make a trip to the ER this evening so I know. I hate NOT knowing!

That is about it. We leave for NC tomorrow afternoon. I am really looking forward to this trip. This will be a factor in how much our life is about to change....or not!

Please say a prayer that this baby sticks and is healthy and that we have a safe trip this weekend.

Thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes so far! Take care!!!!


Updated to add...

Got home from the ER about 11:15 last night. All I can say is.....


Fuck! Fuck! FUCK!!!!!

My numbers went from 5869 on Monday to 4488 last night. My cervix is still closed, but that is definitely where the blood is coming from. She grounded me....which means NO trip to NC today.

I have to call me dr. as soon as the office opens.

Take care and thanks again to everyone!

9/11 - 1:45 pm ultrasound - uterus empty! I just don't get it. See the h/b one day and miscarry the next. Sometimes life just fucking sucks! Thank God I have my baby girl!

Update...

Well, I had my u/s appt this morning and we saw a heart beat. The tech (I loved her!) let me hear it, which made me feel so much better. It was 128 bpm.



The baby is measuring at 6 weeks 5 days and the gestational sac is measuring 5 weeks 4 days, which overall puts me at a weeks difference (6 weeks 1 day). I know when I o'd, thanks to the monitor, but she said not to worry that everything looked great. She said that my endometrium is thick and looks extremely stong.



So, I guess I just need to keep praying and take it easy for a while.



Here are a few pics that she gave me this morning. Sorry that they suck so bad, I will try to get them looking a little better and replace them later.



Take care and thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers!





Love you all!

OB Appt.

Well, this will be short....

I went in for my ob appt The dr. was running late. I had to pee since I had been holding it knowing that I would have to pee in that damn cup. I couldn't hold it anymore, so I asked if they could get me a cup so I could take care of my business. They did.

So, I peed in the cup, wiped, and noticed a twinge of pink. I wiped again and there was some discharge.

Went in the room, had my exam, and sure as fire, there was spotting.

I have a u/s at 9 tomorrow morning.

If you read this tonight, please pray that I see a heartbeat.

I have my OB intake on 9/8 at 2:45 pm.



I was on the progesterone supplements when I was pg with S. I am hoping that I won't need to take them this time around, but anything for a healthy baby!



Sorry, this is so short...but I have some work to finish up before going home for the day.



Take care!

2nd blood draw

Ok, so my hCG went up from 66 on Monday to 323 today, but my progesterone went down from 28.81 to 25.39. I know that 25.39 is still fine, but am hoping it doesn't continue to go down.

Well, don't have much other than that to say right now.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Tests... *edited to add more pics...*

Here are 4 pics of the tests that I took on Monday (8/18/08) and today, Thursday (8/21/08). I am happy to see that the line is getting darker. I go tomorrow morning to have my 2nd blood draw, so I hope to have my results by lunch or at least before I leave work. I am scared to death that something is going to go wrong, but I keep telling myself that everything is going to be fine. I HAVE to be POSITIVE!!!!

I haven't told my mom yet. I plan on doing it tomorrow when I take her over there before work. I made a T-Shirt for the little one to wear to tell her. It is a white T-Shirt and in black letters the front says... "I've Got A Secret..." On the back it says "I'm Going To Be A BIG Sister!!!" I used iron on transfers so the font is in Papyrus (or however it is spelled). Then I used the iron on embroidered flowers on it.

I will take some pics tomorrow and put them on the other blog. **I added some pics of the shirt at the end. I will still post some tomorrow of the little one wearing it. **

Well, I hope that everyone is doing well! Take care!!!!

Here are pics of the shirt.....

Front (1st one has flash on and 2nd does not)

Back (same as above w/ flash)

**Updated**

Sara.....

I took a test just for you! Check my chart.

Went for my blood draw after work.

13 dpo:
hCG - 66
Progesterone - 28.81

I go back Friday!

Well....

Ok, so we just had our 5th anniversary and went on an "anniversary - moon". We didn't get a honeymoon, so we had it now.

Here are some pics:

Anniversary Moon

We went to a bed & breakfast in Mackinaw City, MI. Had a wonderful time.

TTC - I am on cd 21...I think. I really need to check. Jer has his appt to get the swimmers checked on 8/29. That is about all of the news I have on that front.

Ok, Jenn....you didn't have to be such a bitch, but I posted some pics of the little one on the other website. Just kidding. I know I have been such a slacker about posting, especially with pics of her. It isn't even like there is a shortage....I just suck!!!!!

Well, I hope everyone is doing well. My thoughts go out to the preggos (Ally, Les, and Melissa). I hope all is going smoothly for the two of you. Jenn - I hope all is well on the home front. The kids are adorable and getting so big! To Jamie - Best of luck and I hope that you are holding your little girl very soon! Sara - I hope that the new dr. gets everything going and underway and that you are getting that positive test before you know it!

... CD 1 ...

Temp dropped below the coverline today. I have the feeling that I will be getting a visit from my wonderful friend today. Since I am trying to be positive, I guess I can say at least I will not have her visiting me during my trip to the B&B with my wonderful husband for our anniversary weekend! (I am looking forward to this!!!!) We didn't get a honeymoon, so we are going to take advantage of this anniversary since it actually falls on the weekend.

I will update more soon....

Hope all is well and everyone is doing good.

Take care!

I am not feeling real optimistic about this month. My cross hairs do not correspond with the monitor, however, I missed 3 days of temping, so that could have something to do with it.

I guess we will wait and see....I really don't see why this month should be different than any of the others!

Have a great day!!!!

Updated TTC....

So, I did talk to J and he agreed to be tested. This took me some crying and carrying on, but he did agree. Once he agreed, I threw out the "I don't want you to agree just because I am crying. I want you to do this because you want S to have a brother or sister and you want it as bad as I do." Well, of course he said he does. So, I had to call and schedule the appt., I have to go pick up the kit, and I have to drop it off at the appt. I don't know why he is so embarrassed about it. They are scheduling a month out....it is a busy time for them....we are NOT the only ones doing this. I am trying to make him understand that there is nothing to be ashamed of....this is what ALL of the "cool kids" are doing!

Take care! Congrats again to Ally and Melissa!!!!

TTC Update...**Updated**

Well, I had my U/S on 7/3. The office called yesterday and my uterus, endometrium, and ovaries are all "normal" (whatever the hell that means!) So....no cysts and all is well there.

I got a peak this morning on the monitor, so I just got off of the phone with the doctors office and I have an appt. at 7:30 tomorrow morning for the post coital! Not really my ideal start to the day, but what can you do. Hopefully the monitor will let me test again tomorrow morning to check, but it is an older one and since I have been using it, once you get the first peak it doesn't have you test anymore, it just automatically gives you a second peak and then a high before going back to the low readings. I really can't complain I guess....it was nice of the girl that I work with to let me borrow it.

Well, that is about it....time for me to go back to work.

Hope all is well with everyone! Take care.

Not that anyone reads this damn thing any more, but I went to the doctor this morning for the post coital and there were very few sperm that my dr. could see. There could be a few reasons for this:
1. We had sex at 9:30 pm and the dr. wanted us to do it at about midnight. This is kind of hard when you get up at 4:30 am. But the dr. said he should have at least seen dead ones laying there and he didn't even see that.
2. There is a low sperm count.

So, J does not know that I went this morning. I am seriously debating whether or not I should tell him. I don't want him to feel bad if it is a low count.

I don't know what to do. Maybe I will talk to J tonight and see where it goes from there.

CD2.....Here we go again!

This month....
1. Temp
2. Monitor
3. Met
4. Mucinex/Robitussin
5. Sex
6. Sex
7. More Sex
8. Post coital
9. U/S on 7/2

Whoo hoo....what a fun filled month!

TTC Update

Well, today is CD25. I had a doctor appt. this morning. I have been off clomid and met for a couple of months now to give myself a break. My last cycle of clomid, I went for a progesterone test 7 dpo...the results of that were good. It was like 24.something. So, that made me happy. My thyroid seems to be under control.

Today at the appt., we decided that I will not take clomid this month, because I have been o'ing, however, I will start the met back, I will take my vitamins regularly, I will go in for an ultrasound on July 2 to check to see if I have any cysts, and we will do a post coital test this next cycle.

Ok, so that is all I have for now....

I hope this finds everyone doing well!

Miss ya and take care.

Very quick update....**updated**

Sorry, that it has been a while, but there really isn't much to tell. Work has been hectic. We had a 200 + person conference here, so I was busy with that and now I have to play catch up for everything I didn't get done last week.



TTC is still the same....



We had some horrible storms the last couple of days. Our power went out yesterday around 4 pm and as of 11:15 am today....it still isn't on. They are saying by Wednesday! I really hope that it much sooner.



Well, that is about it. Time for me to get back to work!



Take care and I hope everyone is doing great.

6-12-08 Update:

We got our power back last night around 10:30. It was so nice to get up and have a cup of coffee at home this morning. Please say a prayer for all of those that have had to face devistation with all of the recent storms. We were fortunate that we only lost power. It could have been so much worse.

Take care.

A few things....**UPDATED**

Updated to add....CD1 and yes, May is a good month. That is when I got pg with the little one. Thanks for the well wishes ladies. I do appreciate it!

Ok, first, let me start by saying... Jamie, I am sorry that you had to deal with unwanted verbal trash from someone that doesn't know you or your situation. I did not get to read any of her comments because she had deleted them before I got the chance to see them. BUT, based on the comments of other readers, I am sure it would have pissed me off!

Next, I know that it isn't over until AF shows, but I do believe that she will be making her appearance sometime today. The chart pretty much speaks for itself!



So, assuming AF does show today...no more meds for a couple months and I am debating on temping and the monitor. I could say that I am not going to TTC at all, but that would be pure bull shit!

On the good front....I got a new truck. It is an '08 Chevy Silverado extended cab. It is Deep Ruby Metallic. I love it. After it is all nice and shiny, I will take a pic and post it on here.

Well, I hope that this post finds everyone doing well. I hope to talk to you all soon. Sorry I have been a slacker lately both in posting and commenting. Take care!!!!

TTC Update..

Here is my chart. It pretty much speaks for itself.



My dr and I discussed what happens if this cycle is a no go, and we decided that I would lay off of the clomid for the next 2 cycles, then I will go in for a pelvic exam and an ultrasound to check everything out. The pain that I had during ovulation this cycle, is enough to make me realize that no hormones/meds is the right thing. I need a break. I will continue to temp and use the monitor, but that is it.

We will have to wait and see!

I hope everyone is doing well. I miss talking to all of you.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Round 3

Third time is a charm, right????

Well, today is cd5, and I started round 3 of the clomid this morning. A girl I work with just found out she was pg and brought her monitor in for me yesterday (perfect timing!). Maybe things are going to work out in my favor this month.

I hope everyone is doing good. I miss talking to all of you. Thanks for all of you support.....I really do appreciate it!

Jenn and Ally....we need to get together for a chat soon!
Les....AJ is adorable and getting so big. I have been thinkin about you.
Melissa....It's so good to see you back! Please post some pics of the girls soon.
Sara...Thanks for the encouragement. I need to go play catch up on your blog.

Take care!!!!!

CD1.

TTC Update...

Ok. Here is my quick update. I am on cd23, no clear sign of ovulation and I am not feeling optimistic at all.

I was taking my ovulation sticks to work, but I forgot to use them a couple days (work has been hectic. We had some layoffs, and I have taken on more responsibility). I am not sure if I just missed it (I think I did) or I didn't ovulate. One day I remembered (several hours late and I had peed not an hour before) but I had the faint line. The next time, there was no faint line at all.

So, I am trying to get a cheap monitor on ebay or craigslist because that way I can use it in the morning before going to work. I seemed to have much better luck with that.

My chart is below......let me know if you have any opinions on it. Last month I "o'd" on cd15...I am thinking cd13 this month....but who really knows!

Take care!!!! I hope that everyone is doing well. OH....if you are around MI and you have done IUI (not covered by insurance) please let me know what the cost was. Thanks!!!

Quick update...

I am on cd 15 and now down 18 lbs total. I think I may have missed "O". I have been so busy with work, I forgot to bring in my ovulation sticks on Monday and I did it when I got home. I had a faint line, so marked that as a negative. Yesterday and today...no faint line so definite negatives.



Will just have to wait and see.



Hope everyone is doing well and that you all have a wonderful Easter!



Take care.

Thank you....

Thank you Jenn for being the eternal optimist. Thank you Ally for the prayers. Thank you Jenna for the little bit of extra hope and thank you to everyone else who gave me their good lucks and best wishes.

Today is CD 1, so off to another cycle we go!!!!

I don't think I have said lately....with all of the working out and watching what I am eating...I have lost a total of 16 lbs now!!!! Whoo hoo. Only 8 more to hit my 1st weight goal and then 20 more to hit my 2nd goal weight!

Take care.

Not real hopeful....

I am not feeling real hopeful and I am thinking that cd1 will be here today or tomorrow. I guess I will wait to see what my temp shows in the morning. If it goes back up, then I will take another test....if it doesn't, then I will just wait for the bitch to make her appearance and make me miserable for yet another week.



I can't believe it, but today is the 4 year anniversary of my miscarriage. That saddens me, but I am thankful that I have my little one now! I love her more than life itself.

I hope that everyone is doing good. Take care!

We have ovulation...

We have confirmed ovulation. I am a little confused by the fact that I ovulated the day that I got the positive on the OPK. I can honestly say that I am not a big fan of the ovulation strips, but you do what you got to do. I think they could definitely be made easier to read. Whatever...it did it's job I guess.

Here is my chart as of today....all I can do is keep my fingers crossed and hope like hell that the clomid did it's job!



If the lovely AF hasn't paid me a visit by March 5, I will take a test. I am going to try my hardest not to until then.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Take care.

Day 5....aka CD9

Well, today was my last day of the clomid and I have no side effects to report. I can say that I am happy that I made it through the first round of it though!

Ok, so that is it on the TTC front.

Tonight, J and I are going out to dinner for Valentine's. We figure if we go out tonight, then we can miss the crowds that tomorrow will bring on. For Christmas, I got a $50 gift card to Dusty's Cellar, so that is where we are going. We will definitely go over that, but what the hell....we don't get out and go to expensive places unless it is a special occasion. I am really looking forward to it. There are a lot of people where I work that take candidates and seminar speakers over there to eat! They absolutely rave about the place, so we will have to see if it lives up to the hype.

Well, that is about it! Hope all is going well for everyone. Take care!!!!

Day 3....

Today is day 3 of the clomid and all seems to be going well. Not really any side effects worth mentioning, but then again how would I know it is from the clomid when I have the met and the synthroid that throws me out of whack too!



Anyway, not a lot to report.



I will say that it is freakin cold here. Yesterday with the windchill we hit -22. This morning on the way to work it was -4 with a windchill of -14!!!! I am so ready for summer!!!!!!!!! I seriously miss TEXAS right now!



Hope everyone is doing well. Take care!

Here we go.... * Updated*

Short and sweet....

1. Still working out
2. Lost 5 lbs so far
3. My dr appt is tomorrow (8th) and not on the 28th like I thought.
4. I am on cd3 today
5. Hopefully getting my script for Clomid tomorrow and will be able to start taking it this cycle, depends on whether or not he wants me to take the clomid days 3-7 or 5-9.
6. I am really hoping for 5-9.
7. I just ordered some ovulation dip sticks on e-bay!


Ok, that is it....for those of you still checking in, I hope that you are on your way to getting everything that you want, need, and desire out of life.

Hope to chat will you all very soon! Take care!!!!

February 8 - I had my dr. appt. this morning and ..... tomorrow is day 1 of Clomid. I will be taking 50 mg to start, I am on 1000 mg of the met, and I started a vitamin regimen today consisting of 4 Optivite/day and 800 mcg of folic acid a day. I will start temping in the morning and will use my new ovulation strips starting on day 10 (hopefully they will be here by then).

TTC...

Well, at the little one's 2 year appt. Monday (1-21) I asked my dr. for a script for Clomid. He told me that he would give it to me, but he wanted to check my thyroid and other levels first. I got a call last night and they are decreasing the dosage of my thyroid meds and according to the rest of the blood work he wants me to start back on the Glucophage XR (Met ER). He is starting me at 1000 mg/day. I have to go to the pharmacy after work to pick it up. I have an appt. on 2/28, so I assume he will give me the script for Clomid then.

We are on our way again! I am not looking forward to this portion of the journey, but unfortunately....I have to work for what I want.

Oh...and some good news....last week I started working out (again). I have stuck with it. I am doing M - F workouts. I get up at 4:30 am do my Tae Bo and then the elliptical for about 15 mins or so, then I get ready for work. So, I get about a 45 minute workout every morning. The weekends I am home with the little one...so all day workouts on Sat. and Sun. Anyway. I had to buy a new scale last week so I weighed on Thursday morning. I weighed again today (will only do once a week) and I have lost 4 lbs! I am excited about that. Now, I just need to keep that up...I will be happy with even 1-2 lbs/week, but I like the higher number.

Anyway, it is time for me to go back to work, so I hope that this quick note finds everyone doing well.

Take care!

CD2...

Ok, so I give up on not trying. I haven't used the monitor or temped in quite a while. I kind of figured it is meant to be, then it will be.

Well, this last cycle, I had sex on CD's 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, & 30! I had a 34 day cycle (after a 19 day and 2 28 day cycles). So, the little one has her 2 year appt. on 1/21, so I am asking for Clomid. I guess it is back to temping for me....

I really do hate having to try so hard, but what else can you do. I feel in a way as if I am being selfish by wanting another. I mean if I can't or don't have another, then that will be fine. I am so happy that I have the little one and I couldn't ask for a better little girl, but I want her to have a sibling. I grew up an only child and I don't want her to have to.

I hope that everyone had a VERY Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!