2 noteable notes

#1 - I did it! I got my butt on the treadmill last night. I am going to try to start out every other day for 20-30 minutes and eventually (like in 3 weeks) work my way up to daily for 30 minutes. Just let me say how out of breath I was - sheez! Not that I really pushed myself, I just got my heart rate up.

#2 - I am officially addicted to this Aveda body wash. It smells so relaxing and I think I found the only body wash I'll use the rest of my life!

Off to by my TP, milk & bread in anticipation of the big snow to come tomorrow!

O Christmas Tree

How did we get to less than 2 weeks before Christmas? None the less, I think we're ready. Most of our gifts have been purchased, and all of those have been wrapped. On Monday we went to our traditional Christmas tree farm and picked out a Christmas tree. The smell is so wonderful that I wish we could have it up all the time. It's hard to get a good picture because the Christmas lights look like they are floating on the tree unless I have a background light on, and then the light is too bright in some shots. Sign me up for a photography class I guess! And now you know why we leave all the important pictures we can up to Cyndy & Paul!

On the pregnancy front, I'm 15 weeks along today and feeling well. Lots of stretching going on in there - the other day I sneezed and felt like I was going to break in half from the pain! Poor Dave - I startled the heck out of him when I screamed (well, it hurt!). I saw the doctor about the cysts and they are just going to keep an eye out for them, but there isn't much we can do right now and they aren't worried. I want to start exercising but am finding motivation just as tough as it was pre-pregnancy. I'm supposed to walk 30 minutes a day. Now, we have a treadmill in the basement, but when I get home, I'm typically so tired I start dinner and then lay down to rest. We'll see how that goes. But I have to tell you that I have big plans to exercise to lose weight after the baby is here! Shhh - don't ruin this for me with the truth about how I'll have no time, less energy, etc. Ignorance is bliss!

I'll see if I can get a semi-flattering belly shot to post this week. Have a good week everyone!

I'm HUGE

It is way too soon to start feeling this big, but holy crap I am a whale.

And sad now.

I'm only going to get larger - ugh

Untitled

Thanksgiving was great! We had a relaxing day having brunch with my dad & step mom, and then a nap in the afternoon. Dinner with my mom, brother, Kelly and her family later was wonderful as well. And we won both rounds of Scene It! so who can complain! It's amazing how fast the holidays are upon us. I feel like we have a good head start on things - 75% of our shopping is done, and I think I may start wrapping this weekend. We know what we're going to get for the other 25%, but just have to wait for payday to purchase it. We should be done fairly soon.

On the baby front - our observation visit with the daycare provider went well and we set things up to move forward next fall with the day care. It feels good to have this wrapped up, and honestly, Miss Donna (as the kids call her) is so wonderful with the kids that we don't have any doubts. I'm sure that it will be hard to leave Peanut initially, but for now, all is well. Now we just need to find a pediatrician. And register. And set up the nursery. And let time do its thing so Peanut can grow! One thing at a time....

We should be setting up the nursery in January after the holidays. We're having new carpet installed in February, so that gives us a good month to paint and so what we need to do to get ready. Here is our inspiration for the nursery. I love that it's fairly gender neutral, and it matches our baby bedding perfectly. I like that it matches, but am dead set against everything being all matchy-matchy. I do not need matching valances and a diaper stack in the same pattern. If anything, I think (and this is just my own personal taste) it looks nicer when things blend and there are a few "stand out" pieces that have the detail. So when we eventually do register, don't be surprised to see that I don't have a matching diaper pail. It just isn't me. I'm more about color coordination than a true "theme".

Wish we had more exciting news to post about! Dave is ultra excited about WVU's ranking and the upcoming game this weekend to seal the quest to play in the Sugar Bowl. We had a good laugh at the Muddy Night Football game by the Steelers last night.... how embarrassing. And at the risk of upsetting my mother in law, dare I admit it out loud, but I'm not as concerned with our season as I am with wanting the stupid Patriots to not go 16-0. Please someone, kick them off their high horse!!! What happened to the old saying "Cheaters never win?!?!?"

My how Peanut has grown!

On Friday I went to Magee hospital to have my 1st trimester screening for Down's Syndrome. (Often called an NT scan). Peanut was doing great - heartbeat was around 177 beats per minute, and though sleeping at first, Peanut them proceeded to move about while on camera. We got a ton of pictures and you could see fingers, feet, the baby's facial profile... just amazing!

The tech said the measurements were good and didn't seem to indicate Down's. The blood work will still need to be analyzed and I'll know for sure at my next OB appt on Dec 5th. But the test is 85% accurate, so we're happy with what we saw and were told.

The only "bad" news was that I have 2 large cysts on my left ovary and 3 on my right. These are from the IVF drugs, and then from the pregnancy hormones not letting my ovaries "rest". My ovaries were so close together, the tech thought I only had one. I didn't ask what I should do because it isn't really her job to say - I'll have to ask my OB that. But I'm feeling great and Peanut is good, so that is plenty to be thankful for!

Our visit to the in-home day-care provider on Sat went very well. We really like Miss Donna as well as her views on parenting and such. We are going to observe her in action with the kids on Wednesday, and if everything goes well (which we suspect it will) we'll give her our word that we'll be using her services next September. It will be nice to have day-care all tucked away!

Hope everyone has a blessed and safe Thanksgiving this week!

Forward Progress

I feel like we're making lots of forward progress. Last night we found the carpet we want for replacing the current carpet in the bedrooms and hall / steps. While the prices at Pr!zzant's were way too high, we found the pricing at Rusmer Flooring / Carpet One to be perfect. They had a lot more high end items, but worked with us on what we could afford as well as not wanting superior carpet since we'll be moving in <5 years. We settled on a great mossy green color; it'll look great with our buttery yellow walls in the hallway, and with all the wood trim in our house, it makes a nice contrast to show off the wood. We're looking to buy it this month, but wait to have it installed until February so I can paint the nursery and touch up some baseboards with varnish. And best of all, the place will remove and haul away our old carpet as well as move all the furniture, so we can just sit back and let them do their thing!

We're also closing in on a day care location for Peanut. Thanks to a recommendation from a friend, we discovered an in-home day care that is right around the block. It's so close, our backyards are only separated by the alley way behind our houses. (Heck, we could sled ride into her backyard if we wanted to!). She is licensed by the state, has all the certifications, and is very affordable. My friend takes her 18 month son there, and will be taking her infant (due in March) there as well. Because the day care can only watch up to 6 children, 2 of which are infants, we kind of want to make a decision soon, knowing that my girlfriend will be taking 1 of the 2 infant spots (both are open currently).

But the things my friend told me about this woman's willingness to work with your "rules" and the attention she gives the kids, I am really excited to meet with her this weekend. And since Dave often does in-home inspection for his social work job, he knows just what to look for when we're there. Once we observe her with the kids next week, we should be set. The woman has graciously said she would hold the infant spot for us to start next Sept. as long as we give her our word that we'll be using her. And if this falls through for some reason, I do have a few other places to check into as well; I've heard good things, and while they are a little more than this option, and not as close, I can still consider them as options!

Last night we outlined our budget for 08 as well. We should have the last credit card paid off by next year, which will make Dave over-joyed! We've put in funds for daycare, gutting our upstairs bathroom and re-doing it, and paying off the carpet in 6 months. Plus we'll have a good start again on some savings. I just need to talk to my HR rep about how I'll be getting paid through my maternity leave.

So forging ahead! I am still feeling awesome, and am 11 weeks today! Our 1st trimester screening (blood work & an ultrasound) is on Friday. They'll check to see that Peanut isn't showing signs of Down's Syndrome and calculate my odds to see if they are higher than average. It's all a big statistical formula based on the baby's age, my age, blood results, and ultra sound measurements. But we won't find out until early December at my next OB appt. With the lack of Down's in our family history, and my age being under 40, I **should** be okay. And heck, I'm just looking forward to getting another look at Peanut!

California Trip part 2

After the Women's Conference was done and I had my work meeting on Wednesday, I eagerly left the Queen Mary with my girlfriend Jen and we started driving towards Napa. We drove for a few hours Wed night and the finished the drive on Thursday morning.

We arrived in Napa mid afternoon and the weather was perfect! Sunny and low 70s. And fall was definitely in Napa. I'd previously only been to Napa in late spring / early summer, but fall was so different! The vines were turning red and yellow, and with the green of the hills and the blue of the sky, it was just amazing! We stopped at a few wineries and checked into our bed and breakfast in downtown Napa. I'd highly recommend the spot - The BlackBird Inn - as the price was really affordable, the rooms were great, and the location can't be beat!

Friday morning began with spa treatments at a great spa across the street. I had a 45 minute head, neck and face treatment. As some of my family knows, I am a sucker for touch, on my face and head especially! After that treatment, I had an hour long facial. Then I had a pregnancy massage for an hour. The morning was topped of with a spa pedicure (to which my polish is still perfect, weeks later! Hurray!).

We set out for lunch which was at a deli in Napa where you can grab delicacy items and then eat them at picnic tables outside in the vineyard. Lunch was large shrimp and capers in a special sauce, some great flat bread & hummus, and a great Thai noodle salad. We visited a few more wineries that afternoon and then headed to San Francisco for dinner in the evening. It was quite a full day, but we had an amazing time! The picture of the sunset was on our way to San Francisco, and the picture below is of Jen & I are the gate to Chinatown.

California Trip Part 1

I've not been able to update as often becuase when I got back from my trip to CA, work just kind of exploded! So on top of pregnancy appointments and work and trying to visit family and trying to keep our home orderly, the blog fell by the wayside.

Before I get started, just a quick PG update (that is pregnancy, not a rating system!)... I had my first visit with my regular OB this week, and she was very pleased with my progress. I got to hear Peanut's heartbeat on the doppler (which is like a high tech stethescope on my belly). It was amazing to say the least!! Totally reassuring, and a good stroke of luck to hear it this early. The majority of women don't hear it until their 11th or 12th week, and I was just under 10 weeks. I am glad Peanut is growing, but hope this doesn't mean I'll be giving birth to an 11lb baby!!

So the trip to California...... exhausting but really fun. Saw so much and experience a lot. I'm going to post more pictures than "stories", but have to talk about my run in with royalty. Or at least the closest thing to royalty that I'll ever experience! But the women's conference I attended the one day had former Prime Minister Tony Blair as one of the guest speakers. His talk was very empowering, and quite interesting. After his speech, we had a break. I went out to the car with a few of my co-workers; we were dropping off some things and walking back towards the auditorium. We saw a cluster of people walking in a group, all in suits. I instantly recognized the pink tie that Mr. Blair was wearing, and we all stopped in our tracks and whipped out the cell phone for pictures!

Well, one of my co-workers was brave enough to ask his secret-service men if we could snap a photo. The man looked at Tony Blair unsure, and Mr. Blair spoke up and said "Sure, but would you like to be in the picture with me?". Well, I think not even a full second elapsed before we all let out a well synchronized "YES!"

It was really cool to shake his hand, thank him for his inspiring words, and wish him good luck in his future endeavors. Personally, I was so tongue tied and star struck I think I didn't manage more than a few sentences, but it was still awesome!


This trip to Long Beach (where the conference is) we stayed not in a regular hotel, but in a floating one - upon the Queen Mary. And I have to admit, while the idea of this seemed cool, compounded by the fact that it one of the most haunted places and it was nearing Halloween, it was surprisingly disappointing. Call me a hotel snob, but traveling for work has gotten me used to free Internet, rooms that have been updated prior to 1950, and more importantly, a normal way to flush to toilet. Updated plumbing is not over-rated by this traveler!

See the white knob sticking out of the wall above the toilet - well, that is how you flush the toilet. Except that you have to push all your body weight onto the thing becuase it is so hard to move! I have no idea how these little people in the 1930's did this. Oh, and the 4 knobs in the bathoom shower - one is for hot fresh water, another for hot salt water, a third for cold fresh water, and the last for cold salt water. Can you say mix-your-own-shower? Weird...

Here's my room - people could totally see in through the windows from the outside parking lot, so I had to draw the curtains making it even darker in there!!

No ghostly encounters or even weird feelings upon being aboard. Though there are some really spooky parts of the ship! One of the things I found most unsettling was the maze to get from the main areas to the passenger rooms (pics below). Aside from the bad carpeting which was spotty and outdated, and the heavy wood paneling everywhere, I just kept expecting to round the corner and see a scene from the movie "The Shining" take place. It wasn't hard to envision those twin girls standing there saying "Red Rum!" or the little boy riding his tricycle through the halls. Just plain creepy!

Totally creepy hallways!!! RED RUM!

I did take a haunted tour of the ship; while I had hoped it would be a walking tour full of history and info about ghosts sitings, it was sadly just a haunted house on board the ship. So way more hokey than factual. But I did get to see some of the places that regular passengers do not get to see - being 36ft below sea level in the hull of the ship was downright creepy! It was dark and large and scary!


The first morning of my stay, I woke up early to shower and prep for the conference. I went into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Well, not even 3 seconds later a loud booming voice comes over the room (via speakers) "Emergency! Emergency! You must evacuate the ship!" My instant thought is "Good lord, what did I do?! I just wanted a shower!" So I grab my wedding rings, jewelry and purse and leave immediately. In the hall, I run into my coworker who is pretty much as panicked as I am. (Funny that we're acting like the ship is going down, but yet it is docked!) We have no idea what could be happening, and now the fire doors are shutting, trapping us in the maze. And oh, by the way, while my co-worker is in her work clothes, I am in my PJs!! That's not embarrassing....


So we all assembled at the registration desk, and there are only about 5 other people. I'm thinking that there HAS to be more than 7 of us on board, but where is everyone? Am I dreaming? Well, some had even gone outside to the parking lot! Turns out that the smoke from the CA wildfires south in San Diego had set off the smoke alarms, but the ship never issued an update that it was a false alarm.... Ugh.....


More on the CA trip later, with prettier pictures of Napa and the CA coast from my travels.

Here's Peanut!!!

Yesterday's ultrasound went very well - much to our relief and excitement. Peanut's heartbeat was 175 beats per minute, and s/he is measuring at 23mm, about the size of a kidney bean. The difference between the week 6 and week 9 ultrasound was just amazing to see! You could see 2 arms and 2 legs, as well as the umbilical cord attached to the baby and myself. And you could see the blood moving through the umbilical cord as well which was just wild!!

I could've stared at Peanut all day. S/he was moving about, and you could see the spine, and part of the hip bone that was forming. In the above picture, the "A" indicates an arm and the "L" indicates a leg - they aren't fully formed yet - they are just buds. But how cool?!?!

The nurse said that Peanut was "quite the chubber"! as s/he is measuring a few days ahead of schedule. But things really look great for where I'm at (9 weeks). Oh, and in case you're wondering, we won't be finding out Peanut's gender until s/he is born....

Yesterday also marked my graduation from my fertility specialist, which was bittersweet. I've really grown to love these ladies who care and nurture me so well. They never made me feel like a number, and they always were encouraging to us. I will now see my regular OB once a month; my next appointment is next Monday.

I still need to post pictures and stories from my CA trip last week. I'll get around to that I promise!

I'm it!

I've been tagged by Melissa so I had to reply.

Jobs I've had (in no particular order):

• Waitress (many places)
• Lottery clerk at Foodland
• Pharmacy clerk at a private family-owned pharmacy
• Project Manager
• Software trainer
• Sales clerk at women's clothing stores
• Shoe salesperson

Places I've lived:

• West Mifflin, PA
• Idaho Falls, ID
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Norwin, PA
• Bridgeville, PA
• North Oakland, PA

Foods I love:

• Sushi
• buffalo wings
• brie & goat cheese
• chocolate covered strawberries
• BBQ potato chips
• milk chocolate

Where I'd rather be:

• at the doctor's getting my ultrasound (so nervous)
• Aspen with 8" of snow
• coastal Maine in summertime

TV shows I watch:

• Lost
• The Office
• Grey's Anatomy
• Brothers & Sisters
• Scrubs
• The Dog Whisperer

Books I love:

• What Dreams May Come
• Conversations with God (the entire series)

I now tag Lisa and Kelly!

Just got back from CA tonight and will post tomorrow after the doctor's appointment. Considering I have no symptoms this past week, I am totally freaked out.

Leavin' on a jet plane...

Just got back this afternoon from a long weekend in Providence to see my brother-in-law Mark & his wife Kacey. We had a great time away! Though the weather was very rainy on Friday, we took a drive to Newport to see the area and mansions. Luckily the rain stayed away from the Newport area and we had a great drive along the sea cliff looking at the huge homes. We toured the Rosecliff mansion which was really interesting. It was beautiful but I can't honestly say I'd like to live there - nothing all that warm or inviting about 12ft high ceilings. But I'd sure love to have a big party there!





Our time with Mark & Kacey was just wonderful really - we don't get to see them too often and they've had so much going on with family health issues and moving and jobs this year. It was nice to just hang out and eat and chat and drive around.

We took a trip Friday night (in the pouring rain!) to an awesome fall event where there are over 5000 carved pumpkins on display. And when I say carved, it isn't your average 2 eyes, a nose and a mouth. These are intricate pumpkins that are themed! This year's theme was "Around the world" and they had pumpkins carved to represent a lot of the countries, ideas, etc. So at night, all these illuminated pumpkins are just awesome to see! Unfortunately due to the rain, about half of the pumpkins weren't lit so they gave free return tickets. But even what we did see was just so cool!

Lots of time spent in the airport this weekend - we got home this afternoon and I'm prepping to fly out tomorrow AM to CA for the week. Most of it vacation, but a few days of work too. I'll be attending the CA Women's Conference which always has amazing speakers. It's a single day event, and then after a day of work in the office on Wed, I'll be driving up the coast with a girlfriend. (I've always wanted to drive highway 1 along the CA coast). We'll be going to Napa Valley and some wineries and a spa. I'll be back Sunday night. Here's a picture of where we'll be staying...

The only "bad" part of this weekend was that #1 - I hit my head on Mark's door really, really hard. So hard, I spent 5 minutes crying (trying to hide it) on our way to breakfast. I felt dizzy and weird and my head was really hurting. Thank heavens Kacey gave me some Tylenol because I don't know if I'd have made it home okay. And #2, we got home to discover that our poor cat had been neglected all weekend! Our normally dependable neighbors just didn't come over to feed her while we were gone, so she went without food for almost 48 hrs. I felt awful that she was so distressed (and she really was). Poor baby!

Almost 8 weeks pregnant, and I've been feeling okay. Just morning sickness when I do not eat. So physically not too bad. Mentally I am a wreck recently. It was about this point of my previous pregnancy when I miscarried the twins. So I find myself constantly thinking "is everything okay?" and wondering if something has happened again unknown to me. I know that I just have to relax as much as I can and trust it will be okay, but easier said than done. Next week's ultrasound will help a lot. If you don't mind, please send up some prayers for our little one. Oddly enough, this is also my original "due date" week from the twin's pregnancy so maybe that is on my mind too. I think the travel will be good for me and a nice distraction this week. I just wish I knew everything was okay with our little peanut right now.

Well, off to finish packing and eat some Triscuits - that pesky morning sickness is back!

Baltimore Marathon

My husband has always been a winner to me, and this weekend he toughed it out for marathon #2. The weather was perfect and cool for running, and the participants were ready for the challenge. I'm happy to say that everyone survived without being too worse for the wear!

Dave was making **great** time (his half-marathon was under 2 hrs) and he was right on track to achieve his goal of finishing in under 4 hrs. Unfortunately, a severe pinched nerve kicked in around mile 17 and he had to walk for a few miles. This set him back and for the next 4 miles, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to finish at all. But he was able to start running again around mile 21 and completed the marathon in 4 hours 41 minutes.

It is really amazing to see these runners going the course - some were juggling, some skipping rope, some were running for a cause and in memory of a loved one, and some were just running to achieve a personal goal. They were all amazing, and I don't know if I could ever train, or push myself, for something so tough. (Pregnancy is tough enough for now!)

I wanted to post some pictures:

Dave at mile 7

Dave at mile 13

Dave heading towards the finish line

Club marathon

We had a great time with the family in Baltimore, though I am happy to be home since I'm not feeling 100%. Plus, I am just a home-body at heart! Next weekend we're off to Providence to see Mark & Kacey and Dave's step-siblings. Looking forward to that as well!

How I know I'm pregnant......

Hi - my name is Beth. I'm 6 weeks pregnant and cranky as all get out! That's how I know am pregnant.... I'm really really cranky. So I apologize in advance if I'm short or curt or snappy with you, because I'm seriously hormonal. Sometimes I feel like I am crawling out of my skin and just need to be by myself. (Not to mention work has me completely stressed out and I'm still slightly worried about progressing in this pregnancy.)

On Monday we had our ultrasound. Things are measuring very well. One baby, who is currently about 3mm long right now. That' s like half a grain of rice. But we were treated to seeing the baby's heartbeat, which was totally unexpected. The heartbeat was this flickering of light - too small to measure in beats per minute, but totally there. Honestly, to me, the moment was more surreal than exciting.

Which leads me to comment on the word excitement.... I think that's a fairly strong word to use and a little too strong for how I am feeling. Happy? Yes! Relived? Definitely! I honestly don't think I am going to exhale until I'm out of my 1st trimester. I honestly intend to enjoy this pregnancy as much as I can, and to think positive, but there is still that part of me that is still keeping my guard up just in case I'm hurt again somehow. I think that's somewhat normal and to be expected.

This weekend we're going to Baltimore as Dave is running in the marathon on Saturday. Wish him luck, just not to "break a leg"!

Happy Anniversary

2 years - time just flies by! 2 wonderful years, and many more to come! We celebrated by being ourselves today. Well, on Friday Dave sent me some beautiful flowers. I've been enjoying them all weekend (and so has Zoe, who has an affinity for chewing on fresh flowers).

But this morning Dave and I exchanged gifts (boudoir shots for him, which he loved, and a wonderful spa package for me, which I can't wait to use!). We went to breakfast at his favorite place (Pamela's in Shadyside). And then I told Dave we were going somewhere special to watch the game. It was kind of obvious when we were on the north side and I paid $20 for parking. I gave him a gift bag and he opened it to find personalized Steeler jerseys with "Sprague" on the back and 07 (our wedding date). He loved them!

So we put on the jerseys and I told Dave we were going to the Jerome Bettis restaurant to watch the game. We walked over towards the stadium through the crowd (wow was it hot outside!) and talked about getting on the waiting list for season tickets one day. But as we approached the restaurant, Dave noticed we were walking past it. And then I told him we were actually going to the game. He was pretty excited!!

And what a game it was! The first shut-out at Heinz field ever; I credit our Sprague jerseys! The game was awesome and we even saw Steely McBeam. Dave refused to get his picture taken, so I volunteered. (One day when this horrible mascot is gone, I can tell our kids how I had my picture taken with him.)

We went to dinner for sushi / hibachi and then came home and ate some pumpkin pie. Mmmmm! A great day filled with things we love!

Happy Anniversary tomorrow to my friends Jessica & Robert, and coming up soon to Michelle & Hank, Suzie & Greg and Tobi and her husband (whose name escapes me - sorry!) Tomorrow is our first ultrasound, and then a trip to Trax farms to pick pumpkins with my niece & nephew.

Light the Night

Last night was the 9th Annual Light the Night walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma - it was my first year walking. I walked as part of a team of ladies (and some husbands and children) I know from online. We walked in memory of Joe Lin - my friend Karen's husband. Karen and Joe's parents showed up as well, and it was very nice. We did GREAT with our fundraising goal and exceeded the $1000 goal we set. (total values aren't available yet). When we watched the fireworks at the end, all I could think about was what a view Joe had from heaven....

Our Team A great skyline view

In Memory of Joe

As we walked: And no event in Pittsburgh is complete without fireworks!Just a small pregnancy update - I'm feeling okay, just a little tired. Our first ultrasound is on Monday and I'll feel much better after I get confirmation that everything is okay!

Our second wedding anniversary is on Sunday (can you believe it's been 2 years??) and I have something planned for Dave, but it is a surprise.

148

Got my second beta result today - #148, so slightly more than doubled which is very good. That means things are progressing nicely. It also solidifies in my mind that we're most likely only having one baby. Which is okay - we just want a healthy baby. I'm feeling okay aside from tired and a headache from the rain.

Last plea - if you would like to donate and support me for walking next week in the Leukemia & Lymphoma's "Light the Night" please contact me about sending a check or click here to donate online. Also, Dave is running in the Baltimore marathon on Oct 13th, and he is running in memory of Joe as well. The Leukemia & Lymphoma society is also sponsoring this run so we're looking for donations for this as well. I'm using the checks I've received and letting Dave "claim" them for his run. It all goes to the same place - literally - and I am fortunate enough to have surpassed my fund-raising goal. But if you'd like to donate, we welcome any amount with much gratitude.

Not much else is new - looking forward to new episodes of Grey's Anatomy tonight as well as The Office. I just hope I can stay awake that late!

We're Pregnant!

It's official! We're expecting our bundle of joy on June 4, 2008!

I took a home pregnancy test yesterday and it was positive, and then today's blood work confirmed it. The beta number (which measures the amount of hCG / pregnancy hormone) was 67. The doctor is very pleased; they want it to be above 20. Last time it was 157 with the twins, so this is leading me to believe we have a singleton in there. But time will tell (sometime in mid-October we'll have an ultrasound to confirm everything is okay).



I go back in on Thursday for repeat blood work to make sure my hCG has doubled as it should. I'm feeling okay - tired which is surprising this early. I didn't feel that way last time so maybe that is a good thing? But each pregnancy is different, even if it is with the same mother!



Thank you for your prayers and well wishes! Please, if you don't mind, keep them coming that s/he / they are growing normally and doing okay in there! we'll keep you posted!

Tick Tock....Tick Tock

Just passing the time.
I feel fine.

Aside from work which is stressing the crap out of me! Why is it that no matter what you try to do for people, it is never appreciated???

The past 2 days I've gotten nothing but gripes from coworkers about how something I've published or sent out didn't address this, or wasn't fair to this person, or do they have to do this, or why are we doing this now and not prior??? UGH! I give up people! Screw all of you! No training for anyone! No informational newsletters! How do you like that? Thanks for the appreciation of all the Oracle crap I dealt with for months and continue to do so, on top of doing my "regular" job! Jerk-store!!!

I feel better now.... until I get another email on my blackberry with some sort of complaint.

Reasons I think I am pregnant:

1. Cramping in the right place at the right time in this cycle
2. I am cranky as all get out, just like I was when I was pregnant before
3. Weird food cravings already. This time it is peanut butter and hot dogs. Thank God not together! What can I say - hormones do weird things.
4. I am embarrassingly flatulent, just like I was when I was pregnant before. My poor husband!
5. I'm in the mood to knit baby blankets.
6. I am very, very emotional. Cry at the drop of a hat.
7. I can't seem to catch my breath, just like I was when I was pregnant before. I am sucking wind walking up steps!

There are probably "logical" explainations for these things, but I am going to not dwell on them and say it is just becuase I am pregnant. After all, I AM pregnant, until the blood test next week says otherwise.

Reasons I think I may not be pregnant:

1. Sometimes it's easier to not think positively and not get your hopes up

((sigh)) tick tock.....

Embryo transfer update

Yesterday morning, about 10 AM, I became pregnant. =) The doctor placed two of the three embryos in - the 2 best she said. Our clinic grades embryos from A-F (just like school). They placed in an "A" and a "B". The A had 7 cells, and the B had 6 cells. Both completely normal for this point in time.

I am resting and sending them love & positive thoughts to grow. What is really funky is that our cat seems to sense something is up. She is not a lap cat in the least but she keeps wanting to jump up and lay next to my belly or between my legs near my hips while I rest or sleep. I'm not sure if she is sensing my energy or what.

My pregnancy blood test is at the end of the month. So far the worst has been the shots of progesterone in the buttocks (a la Forrest Gump). It takes a few hours, but the muscle just aches!!! I am hoping it will go away. In light of all that Joe went through with his leukemia, this is nothing. And in the end, I know our little one(s) will be worth all of this!

Walk to Light the Night

I'm participating in the 9th annual Light the Night walk at Heinz Field this year. I'm walking in memory of my dear friend's husband Dr. Joseph Lin. The walk is in support of those battling blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.

Joe passed away last Friday after fighting leukemia for 14 months. He was 33 - the same age as me. Actually a few months younger. He was married to my friend Karen for a short 2 years. The number of treatments he underwent (12+ bone marrow biopsies, a bone marrow transplant, numerous rounds of chemotherapy....) was just more than any single person should have to endure. But Joe never complained. Every single picture I've ever seen of him, he has a HUGE smile on his face. Even the pictures where he was in the hospital.

If you're able to sponsor me in the walk, I'd be most appreciative. I'm walking as part of a team, and we're walking in Joe's memory. Our team goal is $1000. I understand if you cannot donate - really I do. But if you can donate any amount, please click here. Your support is much appreciated!!

And a special thank you to the very special person who donated such a HUGE amount. You know who you are - I know who you are- and I love you!!

"Beautifully!!"

Just a quick update - found out that our 3 little embryos are doing "beautifully"!!!!!! I am beyond excited and relieved and thankful! Tomorrow at 9 AM I will become pregnant! They will place 2 of the embryos in me and freeze the other one for future use.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers as I truly believe they have kept us calm and made all the difference in the world!

Did you know a white lotus is a symbol of fertility?

From 11 to 7 to 5 to 3

Well, got the news from the fertility clinic. We have 3 embryos. I am really, really trying hard to stay positive, but to be honest, I am scared. I am really worried that they won't make it to Saturday.

We saw 11 follicles on Monday. They were able to retrieve 7 yesterday. 5 of the 7 were mature. 3 of the 5 able to be fertilized.

Remember I said that it is a numbers game, and it can only go down. This point right here is the most emotionally draining for me. For some reason, waiting to find out if I am pregnant isn't as bad. I feel like my body knows what to do once there are embryos in it. But the waiting to find out how many survive and if they are of good quality - that is just nerve wracking!!

I am trying to stay positive for our little warriors - trying to send them my love and positive energy. Trying to tell them how much they are loved and wanted. Please continue to send your good vibes / juju / love to them!!

On a good note - I survived my first progesterone shot in the butt today. We've not been looking forward to this. It is a HUGE needle that has to go 1.5 inches deep into my hip / butt muscle. Last time we didn't do these shots but instead did vaginal inserts. But they are expensive as well as, well, messy. So we decided to try this route instead. Dave has to administer these shots to me each morning at 6:30 AM until I'm 12 weeks pregnant.

And on an even happier note, happy birthday to my beautiful, wonderful, amazing sister-in-law-to-be Kelly. She is more "sister" than anything. I hope your year is wonderful and I hope you know how very much we love you!

Here We Go!!!

Got the official call from the doctor's office. We are all set for egg retrieval on Wednesday morning. Things are looking very good in there!

Estrogen = 1650, lining = 12mm and I have 11 follicles (wow - what a comeback!) and hopefully all will be mature and not over or under mature! Typically follicles need to be about 16mm for the IVF process. The "trigger" shot I take tonight (to tell the follicles to mature and be prepared to be released) will hopefully make the stragglers grow just a bit more.

Right: 1 @ 28mm, 1 @ 18mm, 1 @ 16mm , 1 @ 13mm and 1 @ 12 mm

Left = 1 @ 25mm, 1 @ 21mm, 1 @ 19mm, 1 @ 18mm, 1 @ 14mm and 1 @ 11mm

What does this mean? What happens next you may be wondering? Well, I get to have a needle stuck in me 11 times to suck out the eggs. This is done with the guidance of an ultrasound wand to guide the needle. Luckily, I am sedated so I can't feel the pain (until I wake up, and then can't take any pain reliever). Here is a fun picture that shows what happens.

After that, the eggs are assessed and the ones that are properly mature are taken to the embryology lab. Here, they will be placed with Dave's sperm from that morning (why does he get to do all the fun things and I get needled???). The embryologist will suction up a single sperm to inject into the egg and Lord willing, the egg will start the fertilization process and start dividing. Here is a picture of that too for you - it is just amazing what happens!

I'm feeling okay physically, and very good mentally. I'm thinking positively, and banking as much karma as I can, so I can turn it all in this week (ha ha). Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers as I know they are a big difference as to how well this has progressed!

The weekend was very nice - watched some football (love the new TV -sigh) and had dinner with Dave's dad & step mom. While Dave ran 16 miles on Saturday, I ran some errands and cleaned. It felt good to get some things under the belt. Oh, and my car battery died unexpectedly Friday night, so we had to take care of that this weekend. But overall, no complaints at all!

Ray of Light

Today I am a mixture of hope and sadness. A virtual friend whom I've known for 3 years, and had the pleasure of meeting a few times, lost her husband Joe to leukemia. They were married a little over 2 years, and had been fighting the leukemia battle for about 15 months. My heart breaks for Karen and their families.

Joe was a doctor in the Pittsburgh area, and while I knew Karen better, I got to meet Joe a few quick times as well. He was 33. Following Joe & Karen's journey against the leukemia these many months has shown me what strength people can possess; it's shown me faith in action, and a boundless love.

Today on the way to my doctor's appointment this morning, after having learned this sad news, I saw a single thick ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, reaching down to the ground. I continued along the highway just staring at this beautiful sight up ahead. I just know that was the Lord calling Joe back home. Thank you for your prayers for them, and I humbly ask that you continue to keep them in your intentions. They are good people - beautiful people - and even though Joe is at home with the Lord, I know Karen's heart and soul long for her husband to be with her just one more day.

The good news of today is that the doctor said I am coming along still.

• Estrogen = 1065
• Uterine lining is a nice cushy 11mm
• I have 8 follicles / eggs - 1@ 21mm, 1 @ 18mm, 1 @16mm, 2 @ 12mm, 1 @ 11mm, and 2 @10mm

The doctor would like me to go one more day with the stimulation meds so the smaller ones can catch up. I hope I can hang in there - it is getting so crowded in there I can't sleep on my belly or side. Too much pressure!

That means that egg retrieval will be Wednesday and embryo transfer will be Saturday. I'll be on bed rest Sat & Sun.

Thanks for the continued thoughts for us. They are working!!

Oh, and GO STEELERS!!

IVF update

I am trying to stay positive, but this whole IVF thing can be so hard!! I am doing "fine" by my doctor, but I can't help but compare myself to where I was last time. I've been stimming for 6 days now. My estrogen is at 439 and I have five measurable follicles.

• 2 at 15mm
• 1 at 12mm
• 2 at 10mm

At this point in my last cycle, my estrogen was almost double and I had 10 follicles. Now, I know each time is different, but maybe it is the scientist in me that screams "WHY ISN'T MY BODY REACTING BETTER"??

I can't continue to stimulate my ovaries because the doctor has to stop me when I have follicles reach 16mm or I will lose them. So with any luck, I will have one or two more little follicles step up to the place and have about 7 follicles during next week's egg retrieval.

I know it only takes one, but what most people don't realize is that your numbers can only go down. If they get 7 follicles, and they fertilize as expected, we'll have hopefully 4 or 5 embryos. It is very rare to have 100% fertilization. And then not all fertilized embryos survive. (Last time we lost 2 along the way) So in essence we started out with 12 follicles and ended up with 4 embryos. So with only starting out with 5 follicles - we're not going to have a lot to work with, so we may not even get one. Ugh - it is so frustrating and scary and nerve racking and uncertain. Quite the challenge for someone who doesn't like the unknown and is a bit of a control freak. Oh, and have I mentioned this is my life-long dream - to have a baby and be a mom?? No pressure there!

I go back in for monitoring on Saturday morning, and it looks like I'll trigger Sunday night for egg retrieval on Tuesday morning. Please, please continue to send good vibes our way.

September - wow!

I can't believe that it is September already! It was a wonderful labor day weekend for me - beautiful weather and time with lots of family and friends.



Friday night Dave & I had a date night at the movies to see the Borne Ultimatum which rocked!!



Saturday I got to see Jen & Carl and their sweet daughter Carli - she is such an angel! They live out in the country (so-to-speak) and it is such a treat to spend the day relaxing with them. My mom went with us, and we had such an enjoyable day! I'm posting some pics because they are too cute to not share!!


Sat evening we visited Dave's dad and step mom and some family, and then went to the BKF (Big Knob Fair, which to Dave, is the official sign that fall is on the way). Even more wonderful was that we got to see Mark & Kacey who drove in on a whim that weekend since they were already in PA.



Sunday we helped move Mike & Molly into their new place - which is so nice and full of charm! Then we just relaxed and did some things around the house. Monday I did some gardening and home stuff (and logged into work for about 5 hours, but it needed to be done).



On the IVF front - things are going well. I had an ultrasound and blood work this morning. The stims seem to be doing their job because even as I type this, I can feel some cramping and twinging in my right ovary (freaky huh!?!) I am looking forward to hearing how things are "officially" progressing. I expect to have a lot of office visits this week as they monitor me to see how close they are to egg retrieval. If this cycle is like last time, I expect to go in for the egg retrieval next Tuesday and then we'll probably have the embryo transfer next Friday.

***UPDATE*** I just got the call from the doctor - my estrogen is only at 155 and I only have 3 measurable follicles. Crap! what the heck body???? They want me to come back on Thursday for a re-check; granted I have time, but still. With all the pain I'm feeling already, I really thought the results would be better. I may be stimming longer, so next week's timeline above is out the window!

Thanks for all the kind words, prayers, and emails sent my way. You don't know how much it means to me - your support and love for us!


On a slightly selfish note, I just want to say "I love you" to my Grandmother in heaven. Today would have been her 86th b-day and it's also exactly 5 yrs since she passed away. I can't believe how quickly time goes by.

Prayer please

Just a small post with huge intentions. Please pray for my friend Karen's husband Joe. They received some devastating news this weekend, and after a long long year fighting leukemia, they really deserve some healing. Please hold them in prayer and in healing light.

little update

Just a quick update to say hello. Today I met Angie for lunch and got to see how much Josh has grown - my goodness! I guess breast milk every 2 hrs will do that to you! But he is as handsome as ever. I think at times he looks like Matt, but then at times he looks like Angie.

Other small updates are that work continues to kick my a$$ and Oracle 11i continues to stress me out. Blah! And I had a doctor appt today and things look good and just as they should. I have the green light to start stimulation meds tomorrow (whoo hoo for estrogen!!)

Have a great weekend everyone! Be safe and enjoy!

XO
B.