2012 wasn't a good year...

I'm guessing with all the awesomeness that happened in 2011 I should've expected that 2012 would suck. Or maybe I'm one of those people that do better with odd numbers as opposed to even? Maybe 13 will be a lucky number for me? I'm not sad to see 2012 go.

Only time will tell.

I finally had my follow up with my doctor for my D&C. She gave me progesterone and my marching orders. G and I still haven't decided what we're going to do. We're just not sure if we're strong enough. Maybe we need a few more cycles. We are a that dreaded year mark with no take home baby. Maybe we're not meant to be parents to humans. We just don't know. We're looking for answers that just don't exist right now.

Again, only time will tell.

My period has finally showed since my D&C. I never thought I'd ever be so happy to see that stupid thing. But for me it's a positive sign that my body reset itself. I feel like ass, but I have plenty of Advil and wine so that should take care of things nicely.

I still really haven't been interested in talking to people. I've been hiding out as much as possible. I dread the questions. I think I've been pretty clear where I stand on things. On how I have zero desire to talk about it. I feel like people call/text to "check in on me" and hope that I'll bring it up since they know better. I know this is also the farthest thing from the truth (with a few exceptions) but it doesn't change how I feel. I haven't figured out when I'll feel social again. I just don't. And I hate the pressure I feel from people to be social again. I'm just not interested at this time. (The girls from TB are fine. For whatever reason, y'all are the only ones I want to talk to - it makes no sense, I know.)

I think I mostly got knocked down by going to G's family Christmas party. I knew it was going to be tough, and I really had no desire to go, but I sucked it up anyway. As expected, his one uncle asked me when I was going to be pregnant since our cousin is expecting. Her and I are joint at the hip and do a lot together. So everyone assumed since she was pregnant, I would be too. Well, asshole, I was pregnant. He didn't know about my loss. My cousin knew, and G's parents knew. That was it. I wasn't interested in telling people. One of G's Aunt's also said something. As we were leaving she said "I expect to see a baby by next Christmas!!!" Man. Talk about kicking someone when they're down.

I know she meant well. They both did. But seriously, people need to think. You have no idea what people's stories are or the struggles they've been through. Saying shit like this really knocked me down when I was just starting to feel back to my old self. And I haven't recovered from it. I keep hearing everything that was said to me at the party in my head. It makes me want to stop trying, go back on BCP, and tell people "Go fuck yourself. We're never having children."

Let's move on to 2013...

We already have some good news to share. We're getting another puppy. Most of you know we have a six year old Airedale Terrier, Cira. Well now, we're going to get a little boy. Stay tuned for updates. We aren't sure of exactly when he's coming home. I'll update once I get a better idea. Here is a pic of what Airedale puppies look like (THIS IS NOT HIM!!! We don't have any pics of him yet!)

Seriously AH-DOR-AH-BLE!!! I can't wait to bring him home!

Hopefully this is a really good start to 2013 for us. Things will fall into place - we just have to have continued faith. Without faith we really have nothing...

 

 

Here's to 2013 - may it be blessed for you all...will update with pics of our adventure for NYE's on Jan 1!

 





hope

It's something that keeps us all going.

So let's help this family that is hoping for a Christmas miracle. They have had a long, difficult journey in trying to have a baby of their own. This contest is for a free IVF cycle. There is no logging in required. Just simply click here  and pick the Luke Family - Ryan and Zoe. I think you can only vote once - but I've shared it on FB and I voted from my home and work computers (win!). I also made my husband do the same. You can also watch their video - but it'll get you all teared up! Just a warning!

12.12.12

Yeah I don't get geeked up over that kind of stuff. But I tittled my post that just in case some of you do! So happy 12.12.12!

Okay so most of you that are FB friends with me saw this already but my husband was having fun at my expense last night while I was completely exhausted and sleeping. With my puppy. It's actually quite rare for my girl to sleep with me like this. She just doesn't normally do it. Only when it's really cold. I'm not sure last night qualified as REALLY cold to her; but it was like she knew that I needed to feel loved and she didn't move. Her unconditional love is the best.



My husband being creepy in this one:



I've been busy baking the past few days. Can't wait to share pics tomorrow of my Christmas cookie spread!

Happy Hump Day!

Chirstmas Spirit

I haven't had an opportunity to share. Here's a pic of our 9ft. Christmas tree in our family room. I think we did a good job - and yes we needed a ladder to put the angel on the top!

I have photos I've snapped of our outside lights but of course I forgot those - you'll have to wait until tomorrow!

I'm about 97% done with my Christmas shopping. I have two things left to get. The rest is either at my house or is en route to my house. Yay! I love that I only went to the mall ONCE This entire Christmas season. It's really a great feeling!

Here's your daily inspiration - sorry to get all biblical on you. I hope it doesn't offend anyone. I have no interest in offending any one's beliefs - just trying to stay positive, upbeat and move on. Please feel free to contact me off line if something offends you!

Happy Tuesday - hope your day is wonderful!

daily inspiration 12.10.12

the post I never wanted to make...

It's been a two weeks and two days since I found out that I was not pregnant, even though my body continued to think I was.

I will preface this by saying this will be my only post about this. I want this post to serve as my official "moving on." I'm not one of those people that like to continue to talk about something like this. I can't heal if it keeps coming up. I need to internally process it - which I'm not sure I've done yet - in order to move on. It might seem selfish; but we all handle these things differently.

I also want to say that the overwhelming amount of love and support I've received from everyone has been very over whelming for me. I'm not used to handling attention. I'm still trying to respond to everyone that reached out to me. That's how many people did, in fact, reach out to me. For the first few days I couldn't talk to anyone that wasn't my husband or my mom. That's why it's taking me so long. I apologize. I promise to write all of you back.

Okay. Where to start.

Well - most of you knew two weeks and two days ago I had my first ultrasound at 10w3d. I was nervous. I had bought a doppler. One of the best. I hadn't been able to find the heartbeat at home. I know it's not uncommon - but I just had a bad feeling in my heart. Most women had found it by 9 weeks at home with this doppler. I tried to ignore that I hadn't found it at home. But it was constantly nagging. I wanted to believe that I'm just a moron and couldn't find my uterus. Clearly my gut was right.

We went into the appointment very hopeful/excited/nervous. The ultrasound tech brought us back and got us set up. She put the gel in my lower abdomen - and pushed down with the scanner thing (I have no idea what it's called). Right away we couldn't see anything. I instantly knew. My husband tried to hold out hope. The tech said nothing. She took measurements of uterus and ovaries. Asked me to go to the bathroom since my bladder was full. I looked at my husband and told him "this is not good."

I went pee as instructed. Came back for her to use the dildo cam. She told me later she was hoping to find something that would show I'm not as far along as I thought I was. I'm not an idiot. I know when my last period was. I chart. I knew exactly how far along I should be. I was crying hysterically. I had to go see my OB right after. My husband started to cry. They took us to a separate waiting room where we cried and clung to one another until we were called back to see my OB. We were a mess. We were shocked. We were angry. A true basket case of emotions.

We were called back to the OB's office. The nurse took my vitals and told me she was sorry. I wanted to punch her in her fucking face. But I just kept crying. My husband came and held me. Cried with me more until my OB finally arrived.

My OB told me that my uterus was measuring 7w5d. But that was it. There was nothing else there. She apologized as well. I wanted to punch her too. But all I could do is cry. I didn't understand why my body wouldn't recognize that there wasn't anything in there. And explains why I couldn't find the heartbeat at home on the doppler. All my fears were instantly realized. She gave me three options: 1) let my body try and naturally miscarry on it's own; 2) take some pills to help induce the miscarriage (which may or may not work) or 3) have a D&C.

I chose option 3 - and to do it as soon as possible. I was ready to get it over with and move on. My doctor told me I could take my time to think about it - but I didn't need to. I just wanted to rip the band aid off and try to move on. That's just who I am. Many of you may be asking why did I need to have a D&C since there was nothing in there? Well there was some stuff. My lining was pretty built up. And there was some tissue. Again, my body thought I was pregnant. I took a HPT this past Thursday (6 days post op) to see if the hormones were out of my system. They weren't. I still got a positive digi HPT.

My doctor sent the order for the D&C and I awaited the phone call from the surgery center for my instructions. I was having surgery the very next day. I called my mom to give her the bad news. I cried the whole way home. Then I went numb. I didn't cry the rest of the day. My husband and I went to pool league that night like nothing ever happened. He said I was like a zombie. It hadn't fully hit me yet. I didn't want to sit home on Thursday night. I had done enough of that for one day.

I got my phone call from the surgery center. Got my instructions. 2pm surgery on Friday. No food/drinks after midnight. Take a shower using antibacterial soap. Be there by 1pm for surgery prep.

I woke up on Friday still feeling numb. I was numb all day as I went through the motions. I got to the surgery center to check in. I had the most amazing nurse check me in. She was fantastic going over my paperwork and the procedure with me. No tears as of this point. It's really something to look at your paperwork and see under diagnosis: missed abortion. I hate that the medical community still uses that term. I sat in the waiting room after getting checked in with my husband. Still no tears.

I was called back by my pre-op nurse. She asked me if I needed to go to bathroom before I got started. I said yes. That's when the tears started. While I was peeing. I can't explain this. I finished, washed my hands and headed back to my room.

She started to explain everything to me. I zoned out. I was crying. I couldn't stop. Thank God my husband was paying attention. She left the room. He helped me change per her instructions. I cried. She came back. I was still crying. She got my IV started. Still crying. I felt nothing. I just couldn't stop crying. She told me she was so sorry (fuck off). She handed me a couple of angel pins. She handed me two. For both my losses. I gave them to my husband to put in my purse. She left and I waited for the anesthesiologist. My husband finally broke down and cried with me. A good five minutes. We cried like our lives were ending. Because it felt like it. The emotional pain and the finality of the D&C is like no other. I wish it on no one.

My anesthesiologist came. Explained the whole deal. I cried through the whole thing. Her nurse came back right after. Shot my IV full of Valium. I still cried through that. Just not as hysterically. My doctor came back and explained the entire procedure to my husband and I. I cried. Then I cried more. By now, my husband had gained control again and had stopped. The operation nurses came back to get me - it was time to go. My husband gave me a kiss and told me he loved me. I kept on crying. I told him I loved him too.

I cried the whole way to the operating room. I got to the operating room and they told me slid off my roller bed on to the operating table. I was still crying. (Fuck now I'm crying typing this up.) The last thing I remember was the anesthesiologist telling me I was going to be asleep very soon. I think there was a mask put over my face. I just don't remember.

I wake up feeling drunk as hell - I'm in my recovery room already. My husband is there. I was talking to my nurse. I had to concentrate to talk. It was hard. But all drugs made me forget my emotional pain (temporarily of course). They twice gave me pain drugs through my IV. Then I got two percocet. Finally cleared to go home. My husband stopped at a fast food place on the way home. We were both starved. I got a cheeseburger. They told me to eat slow; I'd be nauseous from the anesthesia. I ate two bites of my burger and thought I was going to vomit. My husband was confused. He told me "I don't think you have to eat THAT slow." I told him I was about to vomit all over his car. I got home and fell asleep on the couch. I didn't have the strength to go up the stairs when I first got home.

My husband finally woke me up and helped me to bed around 11:30pm. I slept very soundly (thank you, drugs). I woke up Saturday without a hang over (win!). My husband had school all day. I spent the day with my mom. There were tears spread out throughout the day. If I couldn't be with my husband, she was the next best thing. She was awesome. The worst part was church Saturday evening. I cried from the start to finish. I couldn't control it. No matter what I did. (Damn it, I'm crying again.)

Sunday I spent the day with my husband. I had a breakdown in Target. Freaked out at him over Christmas lights. I was trying to force myself to do things. My doctor told me to get back into a routine as quickly as possible. Maybe being out on Sunday was too quick.

This past work week was difficult. Especially Monday - I didn't want to be there, see anyone or do anything. But I had to force myself to go. I had to wake up. I had to move on. I've cried every day this past week at some point. But everyday has gotten better too.

I have leaned on my faith to help me. I cried at the feast of the Immaculate Conception Friday night. I asked Mary to help me. Tonight at church I felt tears stinging at my eyes, but was able to keep it in. My husband said he almost cried too.

We're still healing. We probably will for a while. We haven't decided what we're going to do. We don't know what the future holds. We hope it includes a child.

Right now I'm still spotting/bleeding. It comes and goes in waves. In a way, until that stops I'm not sure I can move on. It's like a reminder of what happened when all I want to do is move on. I have one HPT left. I plan to use it next Friday in hopes that the HGC is out of my system by then. I don't have my follow up with my doctor until Dec 20th (stupid office couldn't get me in before then - even though she wanted to see me on Dec 14th). For the first time in a long time, I want a negative HPT.

This has drawn my husband and I incredibly close. I have leaned on him and he has been there for me. He's so incredibly strong. I am so fucking lucky. This experience has made us closer. That is a positive to take away. My doctor said we can start TTC as soon as period comes. We just aren't sure we're strong enough for another loss.

If you're still here - wow. This was a lot. I truly and sincerely hope you never have to go through something like this. It's awful. Let me just say: physically it's not painful. It's very quick and they give you a lot of drugs. It's the emotional toll that is exhausting. I've lost 7lbs in one week. Not the way I wanted to.

Thank you for allowing me to share this story. It's been rough and there's still a long journey ahead. I love you all. I will continue to blog but will probably be less about TTC for quite some time. I will continue the daily inspiration. I need it just as much as everyone else.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and blessed New Year.

home office furniture is here!

okay so some of you remember that we were working on our home office since G works from home. You can get to the original post here. Well after a few more months of waiting our office furniture is here! Some of you might notice from that original post we went a completely different direction with the furniture. When we went to purchase, my husband went a completely different direction than what we originally planned for. What else is new! He's so fickle! I'm so excited to share with you the next stage in this project!

Walking into the office:

Some closer shots of the desks:

One with our model Cira who refused to get out of the way so we just decided to include her:

Bookshelves:

Our diplomas from college:

My husband can measure. The open spot was on purpose. He measured out for his master's degree he's currently pursing from the University of Virginia. He finishes his program next July so he decided to just create the space for it now instead of having re-measure and re-hang everything next summer. I thought it was a good idea.

The final step is to unpack all our boxes for this space. We have a chair, ect. Everything is in our basement and has been for the past year. I hope to get a dent in the unpacking this weekend! I will share the complete finished room with you! So far, so good!

Okay - I'm pretty sure everyone knows my first appointment is today. I will update as soon as I can. I promise. The good, bad or whatever it happens to be. My appointment isn't until 11:30 and I have a second appointment at 12:30 with my OB. So don't freak out if it takes me a while. I love you all and thank you for your continued support! <3

happy hump day!

a little inspiration...

No words are really necessary today.

Love you all! Have a fantastic day! <3

10w0d

The week has finally arrived! Thursday will finally get my first u/s to see my baby. I also have my first prenatal appointment with my OB right after that so I'll hopefully get to hear it on the doppler with her. I'm starting stress that something might be wrong. I'm a nervous wreck. This week can't go fast enough. My MIL didn't help any over Thanksgiving. She's talking about planning a shower, ect. I asked her to just calm down and wait until after our appointments but she wouldn't let up. G saw the frustration on my face and tried to run interference as much as he could. It's a challenge sometimes. Next time I get KU I'm not telling anyone until I'm out of first tri (other than you ladies - obvi!) because it's been too overwhelming for me.

Any spare T&P's for Thursday is greatly appreciated. I'm sooo nervous. I'm afraid I'm going to get there and there will be no HB. These are the irrational things that are going on in my head.

Okay on to more positive things! I'm 10w0d today! yay!

How far along? 10w0d
Total weight gain/loss? the same (down 4lbs totally since I found I was pregnant)
Maternity clothes? not yet!
Stretch marks? nothing that I haven't come into this pregnancy with.
Sleep? Still exhausted. Going to bed between 8-8:30 every night without fail.
Best moment last week? Surviving Thanksgiving!
Movement? Not for a long time...
Food cravings? Food still scares me because of constipation. Of course I had a bad bout of constipation over Thanksgiving with all the carbs. I've been eating only fruits and veggies again since then.
Gender? I'm still having those strong girl vibes!
Belly button in/out? In for a long time.
What I miss: Carbs. I really want pizza.
What I am looking forward to: THURSDAY!!! My first u/s followed by first prenatal check up with my OB!
Milestones: Baby is now the size of a prune!

Obligatory blump pics:

Yes, I covered my bloat - it really sucks! I can never get G to take my pic once I'm finally dressed on Monday's so here is a pic of me "put together" at work:

Lord do I have a booty!

Oh! Other exciting news to share - so remember the room that we painted and have been working on that will be G's office? (I did a post about it a month or two ago.) Well - the furniture is FINALLY being delivered tomorrow! I can't wait to show you guys the finished room! Finally the last of the boxes that have been in our home for a year will be gone!!! YAY! I hate clutter and messes big time! I really can't wait to share the pics of the room with y'all! G has needed this badly!

Here are our positive thoughts for the day. I'm psyching myself out so much I need to re-read these like 100000000 times. I hope you ladies are having a wonderful day!

happy thanksgiving!

This is my official post to ya'll! Tomorrow is going to be hectic and I'm not sure how much time I'll have. I hope all of you have a VERY Happy Thanksgiving and

I hope that food will be nice to me and I"ll gobble till I wobble! :D

We're such cheaters - G and I are hosting Thanksgiving at our house. Since I have zero energy we got Wegman's. If you don't know about or have a Wegman's - I'm sorry. It is the Disney World of grocery stores. And gets you into trouble as far as spending money goes too.

Anywho, we have to pick up the turkey and stuff at 8am tomorrow morning. Then I will get home and sit on my butt from 9am to 12pm to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I love this parade. I've been watching it since I was a little girl every Thanksgiving. It's really nostalgic for me.

My in-laws are supposed to get to our house around 1pm - my parents will be here around 12pm to help me finish cooking. Thank GOD! We're eating our Thanksgiving "dinner" at 2ish since my Grandma says she can't eat later than that. I know, but it's my grandma really can't say much.

I plan on watching football the rest of the day until I pass out. Which will be early. As always these days.

That's a snapshot of my day - hopefully there will be NO drama to fill you in on. But who knows.

Okay here is your Thanksgiving inspiration - you'll notice a "thankful" theme since it's the holiday after all! Love you all! xoxoxoxoxo

9w0d

Okay. I'm sorry. I owe everyone an apology. My work schedule has been so hectic lately that I haven't been keeping up. I feel so bad ladies. I'm really sorry. I've been stalking when I can so I know what's going on with everyone. I just haven't been keeping up my end of the deal. Every single one of you is in my weekly prayers at Church. That I can 10000% say I'm keeping up with.

So yay Thanksgiving?!?! Yes I say it like that since my in-laws are coming to town. This should be interesting. I just don't have much in common with them so sometimes conversation drags. Thank GOD my parents are coming to help me keep my sanity!

So first - I want to wish you all a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING! YUM!

Okay so I'm technically 9w1d but this update would've happened yesterday if work hadn't gotten in the way!

How far along? 9w1d
Total weight gain/loss? down 1lb (down 4 total since the start of pregnancy)
Maternity clothes? not yet!
Stretch marks? nothing that I haven't come into this pregnancy with.
Sleep? I'm going to bed at 8pm almost every night. Some nights 8:30. I'm exhausted. All. The. Time.
Best moment last week? I had my first appointment - it was really uneventful but it felt good! I'm assuming all my blood work came back negative (cystic fibrosis carrier, HIV and some other stuff that I can't remember) the doctor said they would have them by Monday and they would call only if there was a problem. I'm assuming all is OK!
Movement? Not for a long time...
Food cravings? ugh food still scares me because of the constipation.
Gender? I'm still having those strong girl vibes!
Belly button in/out? In for a long time.
What I miss: Pooping on the regular. Seriously. I'm backed up all the time. I hate feeling this way.
What I am looking forward to: Nov 29th. My first u/s followed by first prenatal check up with my OB!
Milestones: Baby is now the size of a green olive!
Obligatory bump pic from yesterday:

Don't hate on my bloat bump. It's really bad - I warned you! Also, you might note that my boobs are getting ginormous too. I need new bras. Stat.

Here is your inspiration for the day. I admittedly need it too. I'm nervous. I'm worried I'll get to my appointment next week and something will be wrong. Like no heartbeat. I've been good the past couple of weeks but now that I'm actually in the home stretch - it's scary. I can't explain it. Any extra T&P's you can spare would be appreciated. I'm so nervous now.

Special shout out to Patty on her BFP! Very happy for you lady! Now to stalk everyones blogs to see what's going on with them! I'm thinking of you ladies often!

back from the mini vacay

Florida was amazing! G just uploaded pics on FB (for those of you that are friends with me). I'll grab them tonight and upload some on here tomorrow. South Florida is like it's own little paradise. Really had a fantastic time. The wedding was small (about 70 people) but just the way they wanted it!

Holy crap! I'm 8 weeks! Who would've thunk it?!?!? I finally have my first appointment on Thursday. This is for blood work and paper work. Still no u/s for two more weeks. But I'm finally getting there. And I have enough going on over those two weeks that I think time will move quickly.

How far along? 8w1d
Total weight gain/loss? down 3lbs
Maternity clothes? not yet!
Stretch marks? nothing that I haven't come into this pregnancy with.
Sleep? I'm going to bed at 8pm almost every night. Some nights 8:30. I'm exhausted. All. The. Time.
Best moment last week? I made it another week!
Movement? Not for a long time...
Food cravings? not really craving anything. I have REALLY bad constipation and most food scares me because of it. I've added Metamucil to my diet and if it's not a fruit or veggie, I won't eat it. Thus the 3lb weight loss.
Gender? I'm still having those strong girl vibes!
Belly button in/out? In for a long time.
What I miss: Pooping on the regular. Seriously. I'm backed up all the time. I hate feeling this way.
What I am looking forward to: My first appointment! Thursday is blood work and paper work with the LNP (yes, I'll post an update but don't expect much).
Milestones: Baby is now the size of a raspberry!

Here's my 8w0d bump pic. Although the only bumps that seem to be growing are my boobs. I'm going to have to get new bras soon. I'm having "gaping" at the bottom of my bra. My boobs are just getting too big. Don't judge I had already washed my face for the night and in my pj's. G insisted I take a pic even though I didn't want to.

For all my KU and TTGP lovelies - I seriously think of you all the time. I say prayers for you every week at church. I really want the best for all of you. Here is your inspiration (even though it's late) for the day:

going MIA again - but for fun!

Yes! But only for a little bit! G and I are headed to the West Palm Beach area of south Florida for a wedding. My best friends wedding!

But I won't be all psycho like Julia Roberts in this one. I'm happily married and him and I have NEVER been like that. I can't explain it. We've just always been friends. We went to college together and had our fair share of trouble but never crossed "that" line. He was also in my wedding last year - it's going to be a blast.

Here are a few images from the hotel we're staying at:

We we're staying at the Seagate Hotel in Delray Beach FL. You can also get to it from here.

We're really excited - as we're taking advantage and making a long weekend out of it for ourselves. We fly out tomorrow afternoon and fly back Sunday. Weather is supposed to be in the low 80's - which is prefect considering how cold it's been here! It also has it's own private beach which is going to be awesome!

Here's a pic of where the wedding and reception is taking place:

You can get more info about this wonderful location here.

I used to live in this area so I'm really excited to go back and also show G around. There are lots of shops, restaurants, ect right withing walking distance of the hotel - Atlantic Ave is pretty popular around Delray.

I promise to take lots of pics to share when I return! :D

Happy Hump Day! (For those of you that need to - get on it and hump it out already!!) Here is your inspiration for the day (I hope to have time to post some inspiration tomorrow - that'll be all I have time for!) <3 you all!

election day

I live in a swing state. I'm so over the ads, commercials, phone calls to my home & my mailbox being stuffed every.single.day.

So I REFUSE to post about the election. Just positive vibes for everyone - because our lives will go on no matter what happens with the election and our goals will all remain the same!

Thinking of you all - all the time! I'd be lying if I didn't say I miss my TTGP lovelies!