sandy the slut

Yes, this is an actual satellite picture of the slut.

Most of you know now that we are in the path of this epic storm. As of noon today - it has grown to over 1000 miles wide. The storm has strengthened and now it's max winds are 90MPH. It's expected to make landfall early tomorrow morning somewhere between Ocean City, MD and Central Jersey. For us here in DC, they are expecting 8-10 inches of rain, 70MPH wind gusts and flooding. Awesome. I'll try to update as much as possible. Just not sure how long I'll have power/Internet at this point. The cool part is that we're home from work and just relaxing. We'll probably be home tomorrow too as almost everything in the DC Metro area is shut down.

I'm officially 6 weeks today. I'm so thankful. I wasn't sure I'd make it this far - even though I've been feeling really good. M/S has subsided (knock on wood) I haven't had any in a few days. I pee all the time. I can't make it through the night without getting up at least once. My boobs hurt like hell, I'm constantly exhausted, and the constipation sucks. Those are the biggest things I'm dealing with this week (I promise those aren't complaints).

How far along? 6w0d
Total weight gain/loss? the same as last week.
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? salty food. I want salt all the time for some reason.
Gender? I'm still having those strong girl vibes!
Belly button in/out? In for a long time.
What I miss: Booze. I flaked out on Halloween parties this past weekend because I knew I couldn't drink. I didn't want people to become suspicious so I said I was sick and left it at that. I'm a huge lush so people would know something was up if I wasn't drinking. I'm just not ready to tell people yet.
What I am looking forward to: My first appointment! It seems so far away STILL! (2 more weeks!)
Milestones: Baby is now the size of a sweet pea!

Don't judge. I have no reason to get dressed today or to put on makeup. I will work out later so that's something! My bloat is so terrible. I usually have flat abs. It sucks. I hate it right now.

Here is your inspiration for Monday. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do any tomorrow. The weather doesn't make it sound promising. Good luck to all my TTGP & KU ladies - I'm always thinking of you!

the weekend before all hallows eve....

LOL! Not gonna lie - I freaking LOVE this movie. Especially around Halloween! This movie came out when I was 12ish. I think I've watched every year since!

So tonight G and I are off to one of our favorite restaurants in downtown DC for dinner, Old Ebbitt Grill.

Food is soo good! We're going with a group of friends. After, we're headed to the DC Improve for a comedy show - we're seeing Jim Breuer. G is really excited - he loves this comedian. I have no idea what I'm in for.

Drum roll please! After much anticipation - here is a pic of my chalk board I got from Etsy! I love it! It's better in person than in the pictures! I can't wait to start using it this Monday!

I went with green - "gender neutral" since I clearly have a ton of time before I find out the sex of the baby. Also green is my most favorite color - I'm going to use this as my inspiration for the nursery too. We're going to hang it in there and use it as our "center piece." Send me a message if you would like the shop I purchased this from. They are awesome - very quick delivery and  have LOTS to choose from!

Everyone have a fantastic weekend! I <3 you all - here is your inspiration to stay positive!

so busy!

I'm sorry I haven't been around. I've been slammed at work. Since my boss had her baby 10 days early we have been SLAMMED. It's been pure insanity. I'm hoping after this week, things will calm down. Whew!

I got my chalk board from Etsy last night! It is soooo cute and G loves it too! He thinks it's a great idea! I was so tired last night that I didn't take any pics (fail I know). I will take some tonight and update tomorrow!

Here is your inspiration for today. I know some of you are more down than others. I'm thinking of you all! ALWAYS! <3

dream

Your inspiration today (it's mine too!):

Happy Tuesday! <3 you!

5w0d

Whew! I made it to another week! I'm am grateful for every day I continue on this journey. God giveth and God taketh. So I'm trying to be "in the moment" and enjoy today.

Nothing much to update. The m/s really reared it's ugly head yesterday. This past week it was on and off. Saturday it started kicking in full force. Luckily, it seems to pass by noon time for me so I'm at least getting some food in me! I've also been super gassy. I keep having sharp pains until the gas passes. I feel sorry for my office mate. Whatever. I fart rainbows.

How far along? 5w0d
Total weight gain/loss? down another pound.
Maternity clothes? not yet!
Stretch marks? nothing that I haven't come into this pregnancy with.
Sleep? I went to bed at 8pm last night. I could've slept till 10am this morning.
Best moment last week? I made it another week!
Movement? Not for a long time...
Food cravings? Ugh, food sucks right now. I also have that "gaggy" feeling most of the day.
Gender? I'm already getting strong girl vibes - I'm crazy I know. The Chinese gender chart says boy.
Belly button in/out? In for a long time.
What I miss: Food. I just want to eat normally again. I know this could last a while.
What I am looking forward to: My first appointment! It seems so far away STILL!
Milestones: I've upgraded fruit! I'm no longer a poppy seed! Baby is now the size of an apple seed!

Just because some of you were pestering me here is my 5w0d pic - which is hilarious because it's all bloat! Of course it's the obligatory work bathroom pic!

I'm really excited too!  I ordered an ADORABLE chalk board from Etsy last night so that I can put info on it and stand next to it when I'm doing my bump pics! I'm hoping it's here by next week! It's so cute! Once I have my baby - I'm planning to use it in the nursery! I can't wait to share it with you guys!

Here is your daily inspiration - no matter where you are on your journey, let's get this Monday started off right! Love you all! <3

 

hard week

This week has been hard to say the least. I've had two friends experience losses. This is not how I imagined things to go. I feel so awful for them. If you have a moment - please say an extra prayer for them. I haven't talked to either one as I'm allowing them their time and space - but I have sent them messages knowing I'm here for them and I love them very much.

Okay so I know this might be lame, but when I was thinking about these girls this morning on my way to work this song came on the radio

I'm totally not a Miley type person - but it made me think as I listened to the lyrics. It's so applicable to this journey. I found myself getting chills thinking of my two friends - all the ladies that are KU and the stress of that - and all my TTGP ladies who are still hoping and waiting for that BFP. It's a reminder that this journey isn't easy - it's emotionally draining and there is always obstacles to over come. Yet we all keep pushing on for a common goal. (Okay, sorry for the emo post - I really did get all gushy didn't I?)

As we head into the weekend I leave you with a couple of quotes to keep in mind. I am ALWAYS thinking about all of you - no matter where you are in this journey. Have a fantastic weekend ladies.

4w3d

Well, I'm officially farther than I was last time. Which makes me smile. I'm getting more optimistic with each passing day. Still cautious though.

Last night I got hit with a huge case of m/s. I seriously was so nauseated. I shouldn't complain, it's definitely a good sign that things are happening! I didn't think it would happen this soon! I managed to fall asleep and sleep soundly. As soon as I woke up this morning I felt sick again. I forced down my toast and my vitamin this morning. But I still feel like I'm going to run to the bathroom any moment!

As Chris Tuker told us in Friday:

LOL! At least I can make fun of myself through this. It helps me stay sane (if I was really sane to start with).

For my TTGP lovies (and of course my KU friends) here is your daily inspiration (because I still need it too!):

Happy Thursday! It's almost the weekend!

a rough day...

This is not how I intended today to go.

I'll keep this brief. One of my closest friends has been dealing with IF. She recently got pregnant with twins after her 4th clomid/IUI cycle. So exciting!

She went in today for her appointment and found out that she lost both of them. She was due in May. She had previously seen the heartbeats on both. She was 10 weeks.

I can not even begin to imagine the pain she is feeling. I don't even know what to say. I am at a total loss. I plan on sending her a text tomorrow letting her know that I'm thinking of her. I'll let her reach out to me after that when she's ready to talk.

I hope she finds strength in God as I believe he's the only person that will pull her through this. He will give her the strength.

If you have a moment, please say some prayers for her and her family. And of course, her angel babies that were taken far to early.

 

4 weeks...

Well today I'm exactly 4 weeks pregnant. I made it through the weekend. If I make till next week, I'll have made it farther than last time. I know by no means does that mean I'm safe, but it will make me feel tons better! Baby steps - pun intended.

Some of the "early" pregnancy symptoms have slowly crept in - only as of this morning. I woke up in the middle of night to really painful boobs. No matter how I laid. Time to start rocking the sports bra to bed! (Oh G will be so excited!) And the m/s has started to creep in. I wasn't sure if this is something I would get. Most women say that it doesn't start until about 6 weeks. But man this morning I'm trying to do all that I can from not throwing up. This is what I feel like today:

Yes, like I got KTFO! But I know I shouldn't complain. These are good things and today I am pregnant - so I will roll with it!

Totally stealing this from my girls Jessuh and Crammy. I really like this so I'm going to update this weekly as I get another week down!

How far along? 4w0d
Total weight gain/loss? I weighed myself today I'm down 5lbs from last week, but I believe that's the working out - not pregnancy. M/s just started today.
Maternity clothes? not yet!
Stretch marks? nothing that I haven't come into this pregnancy with.
Sleep? I'm going to bed between 8:30-9pm. I could sleep forever.
Best moment last week? Find out that I'm pregnant!
Movement? Not for a long time...
Food cravings? Ugh, food sucks! I'm forcing myself to eat. I just forced down my toast and I still feel crappy!
Gender? I'm already getting strong girl vibes - I'm crazy I know.
Belly button in/out? In for a long time.
What I miss: Alcohol. Everyone at my parents were enjoying pumpkin beers yesterday and I couldn't partake. One of my most favorite things about fall.
What I am looking forward to: My first appointment! It seems so far away!
Milestones: Nothing this week - here's hoping I make it to next week!

For my TTGP & KU ladies - I'm thinking of you. Always. Here is your inspiration for today:

It takes courage to continue down this road. Never. Give. Up! I <3 you and I'm always thinking of you!

Happy Monday everyone!

I.Am.Pregnant.

I can't believe it. I seriously wasn't expecting it this time. I can't believe I'm writing (typing) it.

I'm tempering my excitement some - I can't get my CP out of my head. If I make it through the weekend I might feel differently.

Obligatory things I've peed on:

This was 10DPO; FMU

This was this morning 11DPO; FMU

On my last pregnancy I never got a digital positive. I'm hoping that this is good juju. Also my temp went crazy high today. I broke 98 - which has never happened. I'm over whelmed right now.

For my TTGP ladies - I' m not going anywhere. I'll aways be here for you. Here is your inspiration - I know things are looking up for you!



it's almost the weekend!

Let's get some positive vibes going into this one....



Happy Hump Day!

Ran another 1.5 miles last night. I'm feeling fantastic!

For my TTGP ladies:

I ran or Iran?

Definitely

Not

But I probably looked like

But yes, I finished a 5K last night. I'm not as sore as I thought I would be. I took some Advil last night before bed, I was REALLY sore last night when I finished. I'm glad I'm feeling good - I didn't want to have to take tonight off. I was worried if I was too sore, I'd have to give myself a break. I'm happy I'm sticking with my goals I've set for myself. Plus, it's a fantastic distraction through all this crap!

I won't even tell you how long it took me to complete the 5K. I finished. That's all that matters at this point.

This really reflects how I feel today. I'm ready to move on; but I KNOW I'm closer! As are ALL of you! We will all get there!

who discovered America?

Well for shits and giggles we're going with Columbus. That's what most of us were taught in school so we're going to roll with that (and it's a federal holiday). Happy Columbus Day! If you're off work today, you suck.

This past weekend was crazy - sorry I've been MIA for a few days.

Friday I had to get my hair did.

Seriously - my color isn't natural - hasn't been for years. Every 8 weeks like clock work! Then H and I got drunk Friday night and I passed out around 10pm as I was sooo exhausted (I think it took like 3 beers).

Saturday we spent all day in the yard. My body is still super sore. We had to prep our lawn to be fertilized and seeded. I told H after we were done that next year we're paying someone to do this shit. I was exhausted. And hopefully I'll have an excuse like I'm pregnant or have a new baby so we CAN'T do it.

At least he admitted it was a bad idea and that next year; we'll just pay someone. THANK YOU JESUS!

Sunday I went to my book club. I always have a blast; and I always get drunk. Thank God it's in my neighborhood so I can stumble home. Our host this time did champagne and chocolate fondue. It was a fantastic time. We read Lone Wolf.

No one really liked it. It just seemed kind of "out there" - the concept of the book. But it is a really easy and quick read if you're looking for something different to read. Our next book is TBD. The holidays are coming so our book club isn't sure if we'll be able to get another book read before the new year or fit a meeting into our schedule.

Nothing much to report on the 2WW front. I'm not PMSing, and I don't feel pregnant. It's still to early. I'm 7DPO today.

Here's your daily inspiration; I identified with this as to how I feel the start of every cycle.

stay positive

Sometimes we all need a little encouragement...

you're stronger...

than you think you are. I believe in you all.



we've done all we can...

For cycle 9. I guess you could say "Cycle 9 is in the books." I O'd yesterday. I've been doing this for 9 cycles now - my body is so freaking predictable. I'm very lucky in that respect I know. G is so freaking excited about our prospects this month - we did have fantastic timing. But we've had 8 previous cycles of fantastic timing so my enthusiasm is tempered. I'll let him be hopeful; I'll be realistic.

I've been asked if I'm going to test. Probably not; but I am conflicted about this. My emotions are going in two different directions...

There's that part of me that wants to start testing around 8DPO like I used to. When I was excited about starting this journey and figured it wouldn't take us longer than 6 months to get pregnant. Now I just watch my temps do what they do. My normal LP is 12-13 days. If my temps are still up then, I might test. I'm still also terrified of another CP. Having a CP definitely changes your mentality towards testing. If they start to plummet then I'll just move on to cycle 10 (which deep down is what I expect to happen).

I can always hope that G's sperm finally have some direction ;-)

LOL...or not.

I'm working towards some things to keep me busy during the two week wait. Here are few things I have promised myself:

1) work out Sunday through Thursday. Friday & Saturday are my off days. Fridays I'm just usually too exhausted after work (and being at pool the night before) to work out. I generally go right to sleep until G gets home. Then I'm usually in bed by 9:30ish - Fridays are a day of catch up for me. Saturdays are usually reserved for house work (cleaning, yard work, ect) so I get plenty of exercise running around doing that stuff.

2) take my prenatal daily. I admittedly was very good about this when I first started this journey. I've become so dejected lately that I've totally slacked off. I want to make a better effort.

3) cut out all fast food. I usually give up fast food for Lent every year. I want to try and do this for the rest of the year - January is when the dreaded call to the RE should happen - so I want to do everything I can to be as healthy as possible.

4) read more. I love to read. I used to read like crazy when I started this journey. Now I don't read near as much as I used to. Having my kindle really makes it tough to not have an excuse. And it's really an inexpensive hobby.

5) take time out for MY mental health. I'm not good at putting myself first. But one thing I've learned through this journey is that I need to start making decisions for ME. I really need to stop worrying about others - especially those people that I don't think are reciprocating - and get my mind right. All signs point towards IF and I need to get my mind right to go down that road.

For my TTGP Ladies - always thinking of you - keep your chin up!