Thursday, December 3, 2009

Anxious

So I'm strugglin' a bit.

I know how blessed I am and how long I waited to be so blessed. I truly appreciate the gift of love that's growing inside me, and I'm grateful for every day I have with him.

But I'm soooo anxious.

I know many moms-to-be get antsy toward the end of their pregnancy. They pray for the end to come quickly so they can hold their babies in their arms and get on with the business of being a mom.

But I want it to be over now.

That sounds so terrible, I know. Again, it's not that I don't appreciate and savor the fact that I'm such an important part of this miracle of life. It's not that I don't thank God every night for being able to spend yet another day with my lil chip.

But pregnancy is hard.

It's not the joyfest I thought it was going to be. Sure I have a glow about me, but it's from not being able to breathe right, not from some light emanating from within. And yeah, there's that big, beautiful bump I have now. But I've also got bigger feet, a bigger backside and my thighs are now on a first-name basis. Trust me, they barely knew each other before.

And what about the reflux?

ACID REFLUX.

I literally woke up from a coma the other night because I was choking on bile that had surfaced while I slept.

LOVE. IT.

Seriously, I feel bad about not enjoying this pregnancy more. I wish I were having a better time of it, and I realize that I probably have it better than some. I will say that being able to feel my baby boy kick and roll over and hiccup keeps me from totally losing it because I can't bend over or walk fast or sleep laying down.

The truth is that I wouldn't trade any of this for the world. I'm going to have a baby.

I'M HAVING A BABY.

NOW I'm anxious.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Blessings

It seems somewhat passe to write about being thankful given the time of year. I mean, everyone's blogging about this particular notion at the moment and the goal is to be different from the rest, right?

But the fact is I am thankful.

For SO much.

At this time last year, I was recovering from the removal of the 'roids that plagued me. They were making my life a living hell but, most importantly, they were preventing me from getting pregnant.

But they're gone now.

I've complained quite a bit about how uncomfortable this pregnancy has been. I've opined about how those moms-to-be who simply love being pregnant are either not telling the truth, or have somehow been replaced by pod-people or androids or some other beings immune to the realities of this condition. Really, what's so great about having to sleep sitting up? What's better than having a hole burn right through your chest?

Hmmm? Anyone?

But I'm fortunate enough to be able to walk to the drugstore & purchase some relief.

I was watching I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant last night and a woman was talking about having taken 5 or 6 HPT's during the 9 months prior to finding out she was pregnant. They all came up negative.

Up until that point in the show, I was simply watching. I had no other reaction aside from the obvious, 'how could she not know'. But when she mentioned having had all those negative tests, it was like I traveled back through time and I could literally feel the despair rise up in me. The disappointment at yet one more negative HPT.

But now I'm carrying a blessing inside.

I'm saying all this to say that, even though everyone else is talking about how thankful they are, I'm happy to jump on this particular bandwagon. I wouldn't trade being pregnant for the world. I wouldn't trade the heartburn or the reflux or the cankles or any of it.

Because I know the result will be an even bigger blessing.

25 Weeks

How far along? 25 weeks
Stretch marks? Thank the Lord, not yet
Sleep: The reflux is back with a vengeance... no sleep for me!
Movement: He's either going to play ball like his Daddy or be a gymnast ... Or maybe I'm having an octopus!
Food cravings: None
Gender: A BOY!!
What I miss: Sleeping through the night
What I am looking forward to: His arrival!!

Milestones: Hubby finally got to feel him too!

Eggplant
Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Papaya "Punch"

So I'm 23 weeks today.

Exciting!!

I just can't believe how close I'm getting to holding my lil man in my arms. I feel him all the time now and it is the most wonderful sensation I've ever felt in my life. All the kicks are really evident now and it's beautiful.

But, are they kicks?

I went in to have a follow up NT Scan last week so I got a chance to see my baby again. Long story short, the tech took all of the measurements again and everything looks great. As I was looking at the screen I noticed the baby was throwing his fists around like crazy. Seeing this prompted me to ask the tech where exactly the baby was situated. He told me that he's head down and staying mostly on my left side. That's when I realized he hasn't been kicking me, he's been punching me!!

I couldn't believe it! All this time he's been punching me?! I couldn't help but laugh. It just goes to show you how little you know until you know it, you know?

In other news, nesting has become a way of life for me. Because hubby & I live in a loft, there's very little room for storage. So, I've been busy cleaning out cabinets and drawers, getting rid of things we don't need, to make room for baby. The process has turned into somewhat of a hobby but it's also been really cathartic.

"Out with the old, in with the new", as they say.

I'm cleaning out the closets and cabinets of all the old stuff that's become clutter in our lives and with every bag I fill for Goodwill, an actual weight is lifted off my shoulders. A certain lightness of being settles in and my mood lifts as well because I know I'm clearing the path for this next part of our journey. I'm getting closer to the horizon I spoke of very early on in my endeavor to become "mommy", and closer still to the realization that all of my struggles have been worth it. I appreciate this opportunity. I treasure this opportunity. I have earned this opportunity and I will not squander it.


xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox


Weekly Update

How far along? 23 weeks
Stretch marks? Nope, not yet
Sleep: Actually sleeping better but I'm still struggling a lil bit with acid reflux
Movement: I feel him all the time now!
Food cravings: Does FOOD count?Gender: A BOY!!
What I miss: Still missing my knees & ankles
What I am looking forward to: Having him!!

Milestones: I think I felt baby boy kick on the outside!

A Papaya

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I Say Ba-Nah-Nah

So I'm 21 weeks along. I can't believe how far I've come and yet how far I still have to go. The crazy thing is that, even though it seems like a long time to me, it's such a short time when I think about the fact that I'm creating a human life.

I mean,

WOW.

Right?!?

Something else to be wowed by - I finally felt my boy move! Up till now I'd only felt some bubbles here & there. And though I was aware that these bubbles were probably kicks, they didn't feel like kicks. But then Saturday night I felt what I knew were kicks.

3 in a row.

And just like that I fell in love.

(swoon)

Now I just sit around waiting for him to kick again. He has kicked a couple more times but there's no definite pattern or routine that I've been able to discern quite yet. I'm sure there'll come a time when I wish he'd let up a little but until then I'm just going to savor every poke, prod, kick and hiccup I can.

")
......................................................................................................


How far along? 21 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Is that a serious question?
Stretch marks? Nope, not yet
Sleep: Yeah, right
Movement: Definitely felt him Saturday night...YAY!!
Food cravings: Does FOOD count?
Gender: A BOY!!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Having knees, oh yeah, and ankles
What I am looking forward to: Finalizing his name

Milestones: I started my registry

A Banana
Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

You've asked. And asked. And asked again. So I've decided the time is right to unleash my bump upon the blogosphere.

Yes, I am posting my first bump pic.

But first, an explanation as to why I have yet to do so.

It's not that I'm not proud. It's not that I don't understand and appreciate what my bump represents. It's not even because I'm a little embarrassed at how big I've gotten, (well, maybe a tad). But, really, it's not any of these things.

I just haven't gotten around to it.

Plain & simple.

So last week I pulled out my trusty Sony, rummaged around for the cord so I'd be able to download my pics and went to work. I took several pics but the following one was the best representation of my bump so I'm rollin' with it.

Here goes ...


In other news we've decided to get down to business. Hubby and I have started working on a name for our chip. Nothing has stood out for us just yet but we've had fun trying out each option so far. We've cooed and ahhed the names, written the names out in long form to see how they looked, and even yelled the names out loud, just for good measure.

In honor of our name search, I'd be interested in knowing how each of you "auditioned" the name for your bean, peanut, lil one, etc. Let me know in the comments section. Also, if you have any suggestions, I'd be happy to audition them, too!

;)

My Melon!

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Really?!?
Stretch marks? Nope, not yet
Sleep: I wish!
Movement: A few more bubbles than before but no definitive kicks yet
Food cravings: Still no specific cravings... Am I weird?
Gender: A BOY!!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Being able to lean over without my last meal backing up into my mouth, EW!
What I am looking forward to: Starting our registry this weekend

Milestones: I'm halfway through my pregnancy!!

A Cantaloupe
Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

It's a ...

Ok, so I haven't really posted in quite some time. I've been posting weekly updates so I can look back on how my pregnancy progressed and to keep my readers in the know, but I haven't posted anything of real value.

I think part of me has been hesitant to post anything more than an update because I'm a worrier by nature, and I had vowed to maintain a more positive outlook on this blog. I can honestly say that by the time each new doctor's appointment comes around, I'm once again in a dither about whether or not things are ok. I don't know why I'm so anxious. It could be that I had a miscarriage or it could be that I'm concerned about my age. I'm sure those things factor into my anxiety. But I like to think my anxiety (for lack of a better word) is what proves I was meant to be a mom - I just really CARE.

That's not to say that others who aren't as highstrung as I am don't care about their babies. It's just that I've always been the person in my family to fix things, to check up and make sure everyone was ok. It's hard to turn that off now, especially now that I'm actually going to have a little one of my own to really watch out for.

I don't know. I can't explain it. I'm not even going to try anymore. I'm just going to embrace that this is who I am and that I'm going to do my best to be a loving, understanding and responsible mother.

Ok, so on to the most important news of the day - IT'S A BOY!!!

Hubby & I found out at our anatomy scan yesterday. The tech was measuring all the baby's parts and when she got to the baby's bottom, we asked if she could tell what we were having. The baby's legs were locked tight together and she said, "the baby's not really cooperating."

It was like the baby heard her and, on cue, spread those legs wide and there it was. The tech just turned to us and said, "I don't have to tell you what that is, do I?" I looked over at Hubby and he had the slyest grin I've ever seen. He didn't say a word, just grinned. I said our first purchase should be a trench coat cuz this kid's gonna be a flasher. LOL!!

I'm so excited that we're having a boy. I would have been happy with either but having a boy means that we'll have someone to carry on the family name. Hubby is the only boy so it would have ended with him if we didn't have a son. Exciting!

Now we just have to agree on a name. UGH!!

My Lil Mango

How far along? 19 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I've stopped weighing myself
Stretch marks? Nope, not yet
Sleep: I could sleep all day & it wouldn't be enough - I'm exhausted!Movement: A few more bubbles than before but no definitive kicks yet
Food cravings: I actually feel like I'm eating less
Gender: A BOY!!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Being able to touch my toes
What I am looking forward to: Shopping for my baby boy!

Milestones: I finally had to start sleeping with a pillow between my legs for support

A Mango

Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

Monday, October 12, 2009

You Say "Potato", I Say "Sweet"

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I've stopped weighing myself
Stretch marks? Not yet, thankfully
Sleep: Getting harder - the reflux is in full effect!
Movement: I've been feeling a few things but I'm not sure if they're kicks or not
Food cravings: Nothing in particular
Gender: I find out next week!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Laying down to sleep.
What I am looking forward to: The anatomy scan next week.

Milestones: Hubby finally admitted I'm getting big.

Sweet Potato

Baby's now the size of a sweet potato!
Baby's become amazingly mobile (compared to you, at least), passing the hours yawning, hiccupping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. And baby is finally big enough that you'll soon be able to feel her movements.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

My Onion...

How far along? 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 19 lbs. +
Stretch marks? Nope (fingers crossed).
Sleep: A commodity
Movement: Still waiting to feel consistent kicks
Food cravings: I've been under the weather so all I want is soup.
Gender: I find out in about 2 weeks!
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Being able to strap on my own shoes.
What I am looking forward to: Finding out what the lil chocolate chip is.

Milestones: Nothing special this week.

An Onion Baby's now the size of an onion!
Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. His umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes now feature one-of-a-kind prints.

Monday, September 28, 2009

16 weeks!

How far along? 16 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 19 lbs.
Stretch marks? Nope (fingers crossed).
Sleep: Not as tired as I have been
Movement: I felt a few bubbles!!
Food cravings: Nothing special this week.
Gender: Still convinced it's a boy (I should know in about 3 weeks!)
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Not having elephant feet.
What I am looking forward to: Finding out what the lil chocolate chip is.

Milestones: Breaking a shoe because my feet were so swollen.

An Avaocado
"Baby's now the size of an avocado!
Watch what you say...tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean she can now pick up your voice. A few more minuscule changes: Eyebrows, lashes, and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming."

Monday, September 21, 2009

15 Weeks!

How far along? 15 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I'm showing, 'nuff said.
Stretch marks? Thankfully, no.
Sleep: Need more of it - the reflux is kickin' my butt
Movement: None
Food cravings: Nothing in particular this week.
Gender: Still convinced it's a boy.
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Not having to sleep sitting up - really??
What I am looking forward to: Seeing the baby at my appointment on Wednesday.

Milestones: Having random people comment on my bump.

An Orange
Baby's now the size of a naval orange!
Continuing the march toward normal proportions, baby's legs now out-measure his arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably can't feel the movements just yet.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Busy, Busy, Busy

It's amazing how a lil thing like getting pregnant turns a girl into a super planner. Not that I haven't always been a planner but now it's like I'm in overdrive. I need to make sure everything is going to be ok by the time the baby gets here so I'll only have to worry about focusing on my precious chocolate chip.

What that means is that, not only must I get my house in order now (I thought nesting wasn't supposed to start until like month 9!?), but I also have to make sure every facet of my job responsibilities will be met by the person who'll be covering for me while I'm out on maternity leave. I don't want to leave any question unanswered or any procedure left unexplained. I need to make sure the temp has all necessary information at her fingertips.

Needless to say, all of this planning has kept me from updating this blog on a more timely basis. So, I humbly apologize and hope that you won't hold it against me and stop checking in on my progress.

So let's get to it. Here's this week's update for your reading pleasure:

How far along? 14 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: I'm showing, 'nuff said.
Stretch marks? Thankfully, no.
Sleep: Gotta have it!
Movement: None
Food cravings: This week it's been rice & veggies.
Gender: Still convinced it's a boy.
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Not having acid reflux, gross!
What I am looking forward to: Seeing the baby at my appointment next week.

Milestones: Agreeing with hubby on some preliminary names for the chip.

A Lemon
"Your adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over the body for warmth."

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Ciao!!

I'm baaack.

I've been back a lil over a week from visiting my Dad in Italy. I had a wonderful time and my dad and the rest of my family were overjoyed when they found out about the chip. As a matter of fact, my name was changed to "e incinta", which means "she's pregnant."

As in, Quest'e mia figlia, e incinta. (This is my daughter, she's pregnant.)

Nice.

Anyway, it was great to see my Dad. We spent some QT and went sightseeing in Rome, which is not something I normally get to do when I'm there. We went to the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Coliseum. The only place I didn't get to go inside was the Vatican but the lines were incredibly long and the weather, ridiculously hot. Needless to say, there was no way my prego behind was going to last so that was cut off the list. We did go by at night just to check out the square but that's about it.

All in all it was a good time and I can't wait to go back. Here're a cupla pics for you to check out.





13 weeks!!

Now that I'm back from my vacay in Italia, it's time for an update on my lil chocolate chip.

Here we go ...

How far along? 13 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Lots.
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: Love it!
Movement: None (but I've had a few u/s's now and the baby is very active)
Food cravings: Taco Bell and Cheese Hot Dogs (sparingly though)
Gender: I'm now convinced it's a boy.
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Not having heartburn, UGH!
What I am looking forward to: Finding out the baby's sex.

Milestones: Made it to 2nd tri y'all!!!

A Peach

Baby's now the size of a peach!
Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords...savor this, their nonfunctional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with his head now only one third the size of his body. And intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy -- much more convenient.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Just Dance!

I'm paranoid.

This, of course, is a normal state of being for any expectant mother, I'm sure. But sometimes I think I'm right there on the edge, you know? The edge of the cliff that falls right off into looney-land.

Every little thing freaks me out. Every little twinge is amazing and terrifying all at once. I question everything.

So it should come as no surprise that, after having had 24/7 morning sickness, I called my NP in a panic on Friday because I felt ...

FINE.

I know, I know. (You can shake your head now.)

In any case, she invited me to come on in first thing Saturday a.m. so off I went. Almost as soon as I walked in, I was called in to get weighed, etc. I explained that I really needed to know that everything was ok before I leave for Rome this Friday. She reassured me that it was no problem and we got started.

She whipped out her trusty portable u/s, put the wand against my stomach and there was my baby

doing backflips!!!

It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen! So graceful and fluid. Like a beautiful ballet. In that moment, I was forever and completely hooked. I knew everything was fine and I could go on my trip and not worry.

With every little milestone, I get a little more confident, a little more appreciative of this process. I believe it's going to happen just a little bit more. I'm so grateful for this precious little somebody who just seems to have happened into my life, and I can't wait to meet him/her.

Since I'll be gone on vacation, I'm posting my weekly status update now. Here we go ...


How far along? 10 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: A lot
Maternity clothes? Um, yes.
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: Can't get enough
Movement: None (unless you count seeing my baby dance this past weekend!)
Food cravings: Had to have some california rolls and some shrimp tempura rolls
Gender: Don't know yet but I'm feeling like it's a girl.
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: This week, sushi
What I am looking forward to: My Dad's face when I step off the plane and he realizes I'm pregnant. (Yes, I'm showing)

Milestones: Hitting double-digits!!

A Prune

"At just a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighing less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.

He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.

If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches."

Friday, August 14, 2009

A Pimento!

How far along? 9 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain/loss: A lot
Maternity clothes? Yes, but also rocking the famous elastic trick
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: Can't get enough
Movement: None
Food cravings: No cravings. I'd classify it as being closer to aversions. I'm hungry ALL the time but nothing ever sounds good to me.
Gender: Don't know yet.
Labor Signs: None
What I miss: Not being sick...UGH!
What I am looking forward to: Hearing the baby's hb again on the 27th, and actually having a bump!

Milestones: Having to use the aforementioned elastic trick.

"Your little embryo has now officially graduated to fetus-hood. Adding to the excitement, a Doppler ultrasound device might be able to pick up the beating heart. With basic physical structures in place and increasingly distinct facial features, baby is kind of starting to look like... well... a baby!"

Friday, August 7, 2009

Going Strong

Just a short update on my visit with the NP this morning.

As you may recall, I was lucky enough to get my appointment pushed up to today, instead of having to go through another whole week of waiting. Unfortunately, since it was a last minute appointment, it wasn't a lengthy timeslot, which meant I couldn't get into the ultrasound room.

The good thing is that the NP has a portable u/s machine.

Exciting!!

So, no, I didn't get to hear the heartbeat again, but I did get to see it. There it was, this little mass in the middle of the screen that you can't really even tell is a baby. But there was no mistaking that flutter. It was clear as day and such a beautiful sight to see. Just like a little butterfly.

Amazing.

The NP said everything looks great and the heartbeat is nice and strong.

Thanks for all the thoughts and well-wishes, ladies. It is so very appreciated!!

xoxo

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Heartbeat, Horoscope & Hunger

Good news...

The appointment I had scheduled to hear the baby's hb for next Friday, the 14th, has been moved up to... tomorrow!!

EXCITING!!!

I'm excited for a couple of different reasons.

First off, I was wondering how on earth I was going to make it through one more week without hearing my baby's heartbeat again. The anticipation has been killing me!

Secondly, I know I'm not actually "showing" yet but the bloat has made a fast and furious entrance and people are starting to stare. So, I was struggling with whether or not I should tell my boss. One half of me was saying, "tell him", while the other was saying, "you can wait one more week."


I actually hadn't planned on telling him until the first tri was over but then I figured I'd let him know right after my next appointment, just so I could be sure that everything was going well. What to do? What to do? So I did what every girl does when they find themselves in this kind of pickle -

I checked my horoscope.

Well, that didn't help because it advised me that today was not the day to share my secret, but, as I mentioned before, people are looking at me funny these days, and I'm thinking it might be best to tell my boss before the rumor mill does.

Then, as luck would have it, the doc's office called and said they needed to reschedule me. On a whim, I asked if they could add me to the schedule for tomorrow and there was an opening.

(and the choir sings) Hallelujah!!

So 2 problems solved - I get to hear my baby's hb and I get to tell my boss.

In other news, I am absolutely ravenous.

I'm hungry at least every 2 hours but it's like none of the food ever reaches my stomach. I swear the nausea is causing the food to get stopped up somewhere between my esophagus and my chest so I almost always feel empty, though my waistline says something entirely different.

Would you believe I actually had to wake up with a roll this morning? And I don't mean the "roll out of bed" kind of roll, (though that would have worked just as well in my current condition). I mean, the doughy, carb-filled, starchy kind that you pop in the oven until it's just warm enough to melt in your mouth kind of roll.


Ugh! As sick as I've been, carbs and lemonade are the only things that don't totally gross me out so I find myself constantly rummaging in the fridge for them.

Anyway, that's where I'm at for today. I'll post an update tomorrow after my appointment.

Until then, send one up for us, k?

xoxo

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Soooo Tiiiired!!!

This is how I feel today ...



UGH!

I hate to complain. Honestly. I'm so grateful to be "in the family way", as they say. But the fatigue is kickin my arse!!

Plus our new place is about to open this weekend and hubby is so preoccupied that he's not sleeping very well either.

Just to put it into perspective, we hit the hay about 11:30 pm last night. By 1:30 am I was up for the first of many trips to the loo. By 3:30 am, hubby was wide awake & fidgeting and, though I was exhausted and ready to nod off, I couldn't as long as he couldn't.

So, long story short, I got out of bed at 7:20 am (very late!) after really only having slept for about an hour or so.


Yes, my eyes really do look like this. I'm posting a closeup to drive the point home.

Anyway, to say I'm strugglin' to stay awake is an understatement. Seriously, I could lapse into a coma any second.

Ok, off to "do some work".

Hope the rest of you are having a better time of it today.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Claiming It!

We heard the heartbeat!!

It was a good strong 125 bpm and we're right on track, measuring at 6 weeks, 4 days as of last Friday. So that puts us at 7 weeks exactly today!

I think I must have truly been convinced that something was wrong because when we heard the heartbeat, I literally lost it. I was nervous to begin with but as soon as I heard it, I started bawling right there on the table. It was so incredible and completely overwhelming.

Hubby, on the other hand, was so calm and cool as the tech did her thing. He was just looking at the monitor, taking it all in. As soon as I heard the thump, thump, thump, I knew it was the baby's, but it wasn't until she said, "there's your baby," that hubby caught on. As I mentioned, I was bawling but I was able to see his eyes go wide through the tears, which, of course, only made me cry harder. It was magical.

Unfortunately I can't post the pics that the tech gave us since our scanner's busted, but I have added a baby widget to the blog so you folks at home can follow along. ")

Thanks so much for all the words of encouragement and good will. They mean so much and have really helped me keep things in perspective.

Today I am pregnant and I claim this baby!!

xoxo

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

If you don't have anything good to say ...

Well, you know the rest.

I just haven't had anything to post in the last week or so.

Actually, that's not entirely true. I did go in for a 3rd beta because I was fretting like a madwoman (of course) and got back a beautiful number -

10,092!

Whew!

What a relief it was to see that number. Now I'm just waiting to see Doc B on Friday. By then I'm estimating that I'll be around 6 1/2 weeks along and should (hopefully) be able to see a good, strong heartbeat. I'm excited, too, because hubby's coming with me.

He's been so sweet through this. He grilled some chicken last night and was like, "all your meat has to be really well done, you know." So I asked how he knew and he said he'd looked it up on one of the websites I left open.

Sooo sweet, huh? I heart him.

Anyway, until Friday I haven't much to report. Other than itchy bb's, heartburn & crazy fits of burping, I feel pretty good. I've also had periodic episodes of extreme fatigue during the day but not every day, thankfully.

Please continue to send up your prayers for hubby & me, k?

Thanks!!

xoxo

Monday, July 13, 2009

Testing - One, Two, Three...

I'm sure you've all been on pins & needles, wondering,

"Did she do it? Did she test yet?"

Before I answer that question, I must preface my response with a disclaimer of sorts.

When I changed the layout and look of this blog, I vowed to be more optimistic. I promised that I would truly try to look at the path in front of me through rose-colored glasses, and that, no matter what, I would keep my head up and my hopes high.

I knew if the test came out negative, I'd be able to maintain that rosy outlook and keep pushin'. If at first you don't succeed and all that.

But, if the test came back positive, I wondered how I'd post about it without having that overwhelming fear of disaster color the tone of what should be my happiest post to date. Would I be able to be happy about something so wonderful when I would also most certainly be worried about whether or not I'd be allowed to keep such a special gift?

Should I?

Or shouldn't I?

Should I?

I did.

And it turned out maintaining a rosy outlook was just as hard as I thought it would be.

Yes, I got a BFP.

Followed shortly thereafter with beta #1 (334) and beta #2 (830).

3 tests in 5 days.

(Not to mention the one I'm on the phone trying to schedule even as I type this.)

I'm ecstatic! I'm over the moon!

But I'm scared out of my mind, too.

I'm worried and distracted and can't seem to focus on anything other than the next checkpoint. I'm also mourning the loss of ignorance. I wish I had no knowledge of what it feels like to have a miscarriage. I wish I had no idea what it's like to know as much about the female reproductive system as I do. I wish I didn't know how it feels to be so high and fall so far.

But I do.

And because I do, I feel like I have to be frugal with my fervor. I'm happy. But I can't let myself be too happy. I'm hopeful. But I can't let myself be too hopeful.

I know this isn't a new sentiment. I know I'm not the first woman to find herself in this emotional limbo, and I know I won't be the last. But I'm new to the positivity game and I'm strugglin' a bit.

So, I'm not going to post a baby counter nor will I post about the prospective due date.

Not yet.

What I will do is pray that the Lord continues to rain this blessing down on hubby & me, and ask that each of you send one up to Him for us, too.

Thank you!!!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Traffic, Tests & Tags - Oh My!

I didn't have as much trouble getting to work this morning as I thought I'd have. I live close to the Staples Center and it seemed like all the streets in the entire neighborhood were blocked off to accommodate the Michael Jackson Memorial.

I'm not complaining ... per se.

But there were people everywhere.

Let me just say that no one would accuse me of being a lover of crowds. And at 7:30 in the morning, the last thing you want to be doing is getting a tongue-lashing from some cop on a bike whom you had just missed hitting with your car because you were trying to weave your way through the throng and forgot to look right before turning.

To top it off, I finally made it to the freeway, only to get caught up in the knot of traffic that had formed as a result of the other freeways having been closed off for the funeral procession.

All this got me thinking ...

I can't stand crowds, hate traffic. Could this be a

test?

But what exactly was I being tested on? Positivity? I've been trying to have a more positive outlook. One look at my new blog design proves that. :)

Or maybe it was patience. I didn't blow up or get upset at any of the drivers who held traffic up by trying to turn down streets that were blocked off (well, maybe one or two).

Wait a minute.

What if it wasn't a test but rather a sign to test?

Could that be it?

Maybe these are cues for me to follow. Maybe some inner untapped instinct is forcing these qualities forward so I'll start using them because maybe it's time to start using them.

A good mommy needs to be patient, right?

Should I test?

Should I?

It's been 28 days. One average cycle. Is that long enough? Is that enough time to make me a mommy?

I don't know. And I don't know when I'll test. But it is something to think about.

And now here's some other random stuff to think about ...

I've been tagged!

Amber over at Asbill Soup tagged me so here goes:

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:
Having a sugar baby
Making my hubby a daddy
Seeing my dad in Rome in August
The next 3 days because my boss will be out of town :)
Today at 5:30 pm
Friday at 5:30 pm
Decorating a nursery someday
The start of Big Brother 11

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
Went to work
Made dinner for my hubby
Watched Jillian dump Wes on the Bachelorette
Got caught up on a lot of blogs
Clipped some coupons
Cleaned up the kitchen
Ironed work clothes
Packed my gym bag

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
Have a sugarbaby
Publish a novel
Win the lotto
Have another sugarbaby
Lay by the pool all day, every day
Buy a house in a place where it rains a lot so I could have a "rain house" to retreat to
Change the world for the better
Be a good mommy

8 Shows I enjoy:
Lost
Desperate Housewives
True Blood
Nip/Tuck
Law & Order
48 Hours: Hard Evidence
Kings
Project Runway

I know, I know. Now I'm supposed to tag 8 friends to do this, too, but I'm tagging anyone who wants to share it with the group. Just let me know so I can drop by & read your lists, too, k?

Monday, June 29, 2009

Affect & Effect

What a week!

So much has happened in the last 7 days, I almost forgot I'm trying to make a baby!

It began with the death of poor Neda, a victim of the turmoil in Iran. It was followed by the news that the Governor of South Carolina was having an affair with a woman in Argentina - on the state's dime no less. The PrimeTime news special, "Family Secrets: Teen Pregnancy", was a highlight (getting pregnant with triplets at 18?!?!) and let's not forget the back-and-forth that continues between Jon & Kate. Then, to top it all off, there were no less than 5 celebrity deaths, 2 of whom were icons who taught me how to dance and fix my hair, respectively.

Whew!!

I don't have anything intelligent to say about any of it. I'm not writing this post to offer some profound insight on the state of the world today or to lament the passing of any of the icons who left us this week. I just simply wanted to acknowledge that these things happened. That I was

AFFECTED.

I was also affected by all of the amazing blogs I discovered during ICLW (and, SEGUE ...)

I'm really glad I found The Life of Liv and was particulary moved by how wonderful her relationship is with her husband, Marvy. Her story is equally inspiring.

I was introduced to the ABC's by All in God's Time. I love the lightness of her blog. She's got a great attitude.

I also really liked how raw and sarcastic Baby, Interrupted is about her journey toward mommydom.

Those are just a few. Of course, I am always enlightened, moved & inspired by my chicas over at Non-Elusive BFP and Life induces thoughts, mostly random.

It's been a great ICLW for me. Not an iron poster yet, (not even close), but I'm working on it. It's important to have goals, right?

Which brings me to the 'Effect' portion of this post (and, SEGUE again ...)

I'm no activist. Really far from it, actually. But I was inspired by a lot of the blog entries I read over the last week and I feel compelled to give back. I'm on a mission but I'm so passionate about so much that I'm not sure which path to take.

I want to

EFFECT

change.

I'm just not sure what I want to change yet.

So, aside from the obvious baby-makin', sugar-shakin'-down-on-ya goals you have, I'd really love to hear back from you on the things that you're passionate about.

What inspires you to effect change?

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Clarification on the Follie Scan

Hey there.

I think I may have glossed over the process a bit in my previous post so I decided to clarify the follie scan protocol Dr. B. had me follow.

Basically I wanted to do the most aggressive protocol possible without having to actually have Hubby come in and submit a sample. I just want to try and make this as natural a process as possible for him.

Anywho, Dr. B. said that the best course of action would be to take Clomid from CD 3 to CD 7, then go in for a follie scan on CD 14. If the follies were present and in full effect, she'd administer a trigger shot then I would go home and boogie down with Hubby.

As it turned out, I ovulated early so no follies showed up on the scan today. Hubby & I had boogied anyway over the last week so there's a chance that we took care of business on our own. However, he was out of town for a couple of the days I felt like I was ovulating so I can't be sure. In any case, if we move on to a 2nd cycle with Clomid I will be using OPK's to make sure that I'm aware of when I ovulate. I will still schedule a follie scan but I may schedule it for sooner rather than later.

I hope that clears it up for everyone just now hearing my story.

Lastly, because I forgot to say this in my last post, please do the ABC's on your own blog and let me know so I can come by and read all about you, k? I love this stuff!!


Happy ICLW!!

ABC's & Follies

So I'm back from the folly scan. As I suspected, the tech told me I had already o'd. I figured as much because all last week my ovaries felt like grapefruits and I was hyper aware of them. Since Sunday, though, the pangs have pretty much dissipated. And, even though I assume my cycle has changed somewhat since the m/c, I pretty much always o'd between CD9 and CD13. Today is CD14.

If this cycle turns out to be a wash, the doc will be calling in a new script for next month & we'll start this ride all over again. Next time - that is, if I'm not already KU ") - I'll also use OPK's. I didn't use them this time around since I just wanted to go in to the folly scan and be surprised at just how many follicles I had. It didn't dawn on me when I scheduled the appointment that I should maybe schedule for CD 10 or so. Anyway, live & learn, right?

So we wait.

(two-week wait)

In the meantime I'm totally stealing an idea I saw on All in God's Time.

It's the ABC's of me and I think a really great way to introduce myself to those who don't already know me.

Here goes...

A/ Artistic - I'm a writer, a singer, an actress, a creator and love any and everything that deals with the Arts.

B/ Brainy - What can I say? I loved school, learning, knowing stuff. I don't know everything about any one thing, but I know at least one thing about (almost) everything. ")

C/ Contagious - That's right, I'm a disease. What I mean is, to know me is to love me. ")

D/ Details - I try very hard to pay attention to the small things because they matter.

E/ Earthy - I love nature. I think there's very little that compares to the smell of the Earth and the whip of the wind. Amazing!

F/ Fertile - I refuse to believe I'm anything but. I name it and claim it daily.

G/ God - Without Him, Nothing is possible.

H/ Honest - I'm honest to a fault. So if you don't want my opinion, you shouldn't ask for it. I am, however, always tactful.

I/ Independent - I've been on my own essentially since I was 14 and I pride myself on being able to thrive in the face of adversity.

J/ Jazz - Love it. Jazz always makes me feel good.

K/ Knowledge - Knowledge is power. Period.

L/ Loyal - I believe loyalty is an enormously powerful trait to possess. A person's ability to be loyal says so much about their character. I don't want people who aren't loyal around me.

M/ Movies - I LOVE movies. Silent film, period pieces, psychological thrillers and foreign flicks are just a few of the genres that intrigue me. I also love sci fi and independent film. I will pretty much watch any movie you put in front of me.

N/ Neo - I'm into anything "Neo-insertwordhere" because I believe everything should be revisited & revamped at some point. Times change. People and circumstances change too so we need to always be able to look at things with fresh eyes.

O/ Open - I try really hard to be open to the fact that everyone is different. Not everyone is going to share my passions or goals or adhere to the ideals to which I adhere. Not everyone is the same and that fact must be respected.

P/ Pet Peeves - Being open notwithstanding, I do have my pet peeves. I have linguistic pet peeves. I have germy-don't-touch-that-without-washing-your-hands pet peeves. I even have pet peeves about closing doors and drawers. And the list goes on. Maybe I should change "N" to "Neurotic". hmmmm ...

Q/ Quirky - See "Pet Peeves".

R/ Reading - I absolutely love to read. I go through at least 2 paperbacks a week. I love getting lost in the imagination of the author.

S/ Sicilian - My culture is Sicilian and I love everything about it. It's a beautiful place that you should visit if you ever get a chance.

T/ Trouble - Yeah, that's me.

U/ Uninhibited - I'm not afraid to say what I think when I think it. That's not always a good thing but it's me. As I mentioned before, I do always try to be tactful.

V/ Voracious - I completely immerse myself in the things I love - marriage, family, work. Whatever it is, if I love it, I'm in it for reals!

W/ Worthy - I am worthy of being everything I deem successful. That means I am worthy of being an author. I'm worthy of being a wife, an artist, an actress. And most importantly, a mother.

X/ Xenophile - I am really intrigued by culture and how cultures can be so different yet so much the same.

Y/ Young-at-heart - I'm pretty much 12 all the time.

Z/ Zany - I mentioned that I'm uninhibited. Well I'm also really random at times. Or at least it comes off that way. Sometimes I've been carrying on the conversation in my head so I may be a few lines of dialogue ahead of whomever I'm speaking with. So my responses may come off completely random. I also just say random things that pop into my head, out loud, even if I'm not in a conversation. Zany, I tell ya!

WHEW!! That's a lot to take it in so let it marinate for a while then feel free to ask me any questions.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Monday, June 22, 2009

ICLW !!

It's that time again ... time to welcome this month's ICLWer's.

To those of you who follow this blog, Welcome back!

To those of you who have stumbled upon this blog for the first time, here's a quick recap of my story:

Hubby & I got engaged in February of 2006 and started TTC right away. By the time we got married in May 2007, still no luck. At that point I decided I needed to be a bit more proactive and started seeking out help from my gyno & others to see what, if any, problems I was facing. One S/A, an HSG, 1 MRI, 4 doctors & countless u/s's later, I discovered that I was burdened with a rather large fibroid, which was blocking my cervix, effectively keeping me from getting pregnant. In November of '08, I had the sucker removed and was elated to learn that I was KU in April of '09. However, my glee was shortlived - I found out I had miscarried. I was six weeks along.

It took me a little bit but I realized that, for me, it wasn't doing any good to be sad. I had to trust in God and know that my steps are ordered by Him and that He would never give me anything that I can't handle.

Now I'm back to TTC. I just finished my first cycle of Clomid and I'll be going in tomorrow for my first 14-day folly scan.

I'm interested in knowing if any of you have gone through the follicle scan process and what exactly it entails. I also have some questions you might be able to answer for me:

What if you have already ovulated? How does that affect the scan?
Can the doc tell if that's happened?
Does that mean this cycle is a wash or can you still be pregnant if you've been active?

Any answers or insights you have are welcome.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy ICLW!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Juneteenth

Well, it's Friday, and aside from it being the day my beloved was born,
(Happy Birthday, Hubby!), it is also Juneteenth.

For those unfamiliar with it, "Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States", (www.juneteenth.com), and is observed as Emancipation Day for millions of African Americans across the nation.

Exciting!!

Thinking about what beauty Juneteenth symbolizes made me think about the end of my struggle, my own emancipation from the chains of infertility.

Because it will end.

I am not hopeful.

I am certain.

Because I know in my heart that I was meant to be a mommy. Days like today remind me that all things are possible. That, though I'm struggling through this labyrinth of loss, I'm making progress. I endure. And I will emerge triumphant...

and free.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Day 4

UPDATE:

I was just reviewing the side effects of Clomid and realized that vision problems also sometimes occur. Since yesterday I've been saying how I can't see a dang thing. Hubby & I were at home watching a movie & I was like, I think I need to put my glasses on.

Um, hello! We have a 60 in tv!!

Good grief!
.....................................................................................

So here we are on Day 4 of Clomid and so far, so good.

Echloe mentioned that I would probably only experience the hot flashes versus some of the other extreme side effects and she was right.

Boy, I was strugglin' last night!! I had the A/C blasting and I was still sweating!

I've also had a slight headache for the past day and a half, but that could be due to the fact that I haven't had a latte in 3 days.

But I digress.

The point is that I'm almost done with the Clomid which means that, as I type this, my ovaries are working overtime to produce some big ole follies.

Woot!

Ok, let me float back down to reality for a sec.

I realize that the Clomid may not work this cycle or maybe even at all but it's doing its job at the moment - it's giving me hope. And though I don't want to get too worked up, it's important that I keep my head up and my hopes high (wow, I think that's turning into my own personal mantra). I really believe that a positive attitude is half the battle. At the very least, it can't hurt, right?

I'm very much interested in any info you ladies want to share on the whole Robitussin thing - how & when to use it, etc., so please chime in.

Before I forget, I also want to thank Wiseguy for taking notice of the new blog template. I may still tweak it a bit but I like this format a lot better. The text on the other one was driving me crazy! I'm glad you like it, too.

")

Friday, June 12, 2009

Waiting ...

I did it.

I popped that first pill.

50mg of possibility down the hatch.

Now the waiting begins.

Waiting for the headaches.

the nausea.

the mood swings.

the hot flashes.

Waiting for any sign that sugar will rain down on me someday soon.

Waiting to take pill #2.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

CD 1, Roma & Other Random Stuff

It's official. The start of my 1st Clomid-assisted cycle is underway.

Today is CD 1.

I have to say, I'm really excited but also a little disappointed. It's crazy but I swear I've had phantom KU symptoms for a week. I just felt - different. I would have sworn that my ute was stretching. I even (*cringe*) P'd OAS for good measure. I was really hoping it was true but, as luck would have it, the HPT was negative. Honestly, I doubted it for a sec. Well, maybe a bit more than a sec. I figured since I wasn't exactly sure how my cycle had changed after the M/C, I might have just tested too soon.

Well, obviously that's not the case. After a 31-day cycle, AF is back.

The good news is that I can get started on this Clomid protocol. (Exciting!!) So I called and scheduled my day 14 folly scan with Dr. B, (was able to get the exact date & time I requested - awesome!) and I've been instructed to start the Clomid on CD 3. I'll report back later on whether or not I succumb to any S/E's.

So my fellow bloggers. Chime in, please. If you've experienced any crazy S/E's while on Clomid, please feel free to share them in the comments section so I know what to expect, k?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Breaking news ... I've been busy researching hotels for my trip to Rome in August. Can't wait!! I actually spend quite a bit of time in Italy & Sicily because my dad lives there, but I don't typically stay in hotels. Since hubby will be coming along for this year's ride, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to find a place where we can retreat to and decompress. Unfortunately, he doesn't speak the language, though I have tried to teach him a few key words, and I think being able to regroup will be a good thing. My search has led me to the Dei Mellini Hotel, not far from Vatican City. (Check it out on tripadvisor.com.) Not too shabby, right?



In other random news, hubby got me a couple of gifts from V.S. on his weekend in Vegas. (So thoughtful, huh?) However, one of them wasn't really something I'd wear so I returned it and now have a big fat credit to use either at the store or online. LOVE V.S.!!




Hmmm, what else? Oh yeah. If you haven't already noticed from the widgets on my blog, I'm a lover of all things Vamp. I was wondering what I was gonna do once Big Love (not Vamp-related but still very good) ended and HBO was kind enough to deliver the new season of True Blood to me just in time. Thanks, HBO!




So that's it for today pretty much. We're going through 'June Gloom' here in "sunny So-Cal" but I'm hoping the sun will peek through and inspire me to write something simply fantastic. Not likely, but I'm supposed to be trying to have a more positive outlook so we'll just say the forecast calls for a 20% chance of sun but a 90% chance of sugar rain.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Honest Scrap Award


The lovely Echloe @ Non-Elusive BFP honored me with the Honest Scrap Award. Thanks, lady!!

(The crowd goes wild and there's confetti everywhere. No. Really.)

Having had this honor bestowed upon me, it is now my duty to share 10 honest things about myself. So, in no particular order, here they are:

1. I am a reality TV JUNKIE! I love it! Can’t get enough of it. (So glad I got that off my chest! hee hee!)

2. I only go to Vegas to lay around by the pool and read magazines. I hardly ever gamble.

3. My love for my husband borders on obsession, even after 10 years together.

4. I’m a vocabulary snob. I studied Latin for 6 years in school so I’m sort of like a walking dictionary. I get really peeved when someone misuses or misspells a word. However, typos are welcome. “)

5. I’m in the process of writing my first novel and could use all the nudging and support my pals in the blogosphere care to offer.

6. I LOVED high school.

7. I’m ambidextrous and can write backwards, too.

8. I have 8 brothers and sisters.

9. I’m totally afraid of success.

10. I wish I had abs like Mel B of the Spice Girls. (You’ll either have to take my word for it or check her out on TMZ today. Crazy!)

The rest of the Honest Scrap Award rules are to give this award to 7 other bloggers whose blogs are brilliant in design or content, show the 7 winners’ names on your blog and leave a comment informing them that they have been awarded Honest Scrap.

And the winners are: (drumroll, please)

Queenie @ Baby, Borneo or Bust

Chicklet @ Bloorb

Beautiful Mess @ Life Induces thoughts, mostly random

Wiseguy @ Woman Anyone?

Echloe @ Non-Elusive BFP

ajvann @ Making The Vann's

Barefoot @ Barefoot and Not Pregnant

But don't take my word for it. You be the judge. Check out these blogs and congratulate these fabulous bloggers yourself while you're there.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Lucky 7's

I've never been tagged but I love reading what everyone has to say so I decided to start my own lil game o' tag.

I'm calling this "Lucky 7's".

You know the drill:

Mention the person who tagged you
Answer the 7 questions with 7 answers each
Tag 7 bloggers & let them know you've tagged them

Here we go!!

....................................................................................

7 All-time Favorite books:

1. The Alienist
2. Shutter Island
3. The Thirteenth Tale
4. It
5. The Stand
6. The DaVinci Code
7. The Notebook

7 All-time Favorite movies:

1. Notorious
2. An Officer & a Gentleman
3. Urban Cowboy
4. To Sir with Love
5. Napoleon Dynamite
6. Malena (foreign)
7. The Thief (foreign)

7 Things you must have on your person at all times:

1. wallet
2. cell phone
3. chapstick
4. ponytail holder
5. wedding ring
6. smart water
7. aleve

7 Things that make you happy:

1. Hubby
2. great restaurants
3. Vegas
4. sunbathing
5. writing
6. reading
7. babies

7 Words that best describe you:

1. perky
2. intelligent
3. talented
4. practical
5. efficient
6. trustworthy
7. honest

7 Jobs you wish you could have:

1. award-winning novelist
2. actress
3. lottery-winner (is that a job?)
4. owner of a bookstore
5. full-time blogger
6. movie critic
7. stay-at-home-momma

7 All-time Favorite TV shows:

1. LOST!!!
2. nip/tuck
3. Smallville
4. Supernatural
5. Desperate Housewives
6. True Blood
7. All Law & Orders

7 Favorite baby names (male or female ok):

1. Harlow
2. Delilah
3. Oliver
4. Quinn
5. Astrid
6. Aidan
7. Rhiannon

7 Websites you check out every day, no matter what:

1. abcnews.go.com
2. cnn.com
3. gmail.com
4. yahoo.com
5. latimes.com
6. ova-ez.blogspot.com
7. stirrup-queens.blogspot.com

......................................................................................
Ok, I'm tagging ...


Beautiful Mess @ Life Induces thoughts, mostly random

Echloe @ Non-Elusive BFP

The Mrs. @ Fish Bait

Barb @ Fertility Challenged in Florida

S4S @ Searching for Serenity

Barefoot @ Barefoot and (Not) Pregnant

Wiseguy @ Woman Anyone


Thanks for playing!!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Napa Review

So I'm still kind of high from my anniversary weekend so I decided to review the Napa area for those of you who might be interested in visiting.

As I mentioned, Hubby took me up north to San Fran & Napa for a couple of days. It was really nice to get away from the office, if only for a little while. The weather in San Fran left something to be desired (windy & VERY cold) but Napa was gorgeous. We stayed at The Meritage Resort & Spa.

I highly recommend this place. It's only 3 years old and the rooms are gorgeous, as are the grounds. They have a Spa Cave and Winery right onsite, where you can partake in couples massages as well as wine tastings. We checked it out but opted to venture out to nearby Yountville and the wineries there since we really only had one day in town. So 3 stars for the resort but only because we really weren't able to utilize all of the services they had to offer.

Napa is also known for its restaurants and we were really looking forward to eating at the restaurant recommended by the concierge at the hotel. She suggested The Bayleaf since we mentioned we were interested in having a hearty meal with large portions. (Who doesn't like leftovers? Late night snack, anyone?)

Unfortunately, The Bayleaf was not everything we hoped it would be. The restaurant itself was really dated but quaint, considering. The atmosphere was just ok but unusually quiet for a Friday night. In fact, there were only 2 other couples in the whole restaurant while we were there and we never heard a peep out of them. We're a young couple and ambiance means a lot. We certainly like quiet little romantic spots but at the same time, we expect there to be some background noise. In any case, it was a bit too sedate for us.

Lastly, the food was particularly bland. Hubby ordered the steak and I ordered the lamb and neither was very flavorful. The waiter actually told us that the chef doesn't season the meat since they use such prime cuts. He'd rather let the meat's natural flavor shine through. Well, Chef, I have one word for you - Seasoning. Try it. (As you may have guessed, no leftovers.)

Overall, I give the Napa trip an A-, in part because the wineries were a treat - we visited The Hill Family Estate and The Domain Chandon, both in Yountville (check them out, both excellent)- and the resort was awesome, but mostly because anything I get to do with Hubby gets high marks, no matter what. (I know, I'm such a romantic.)

Feel free to offer your trip suggestions in the comments section.




The Meritage Resort & Spa

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

May 26, 2007

Happy Anniversary to Me! (singing aloud shamelessly ... hee hee!)

2 Years, baby!!

To celebrate, my wonderful Hubby took me away for a romantic getaway to Napa this weekend. Winetasting, good food, fabulous resort. We had a blast!

Marriage takes a lot of hard work and I'm glad I have a partner who's willing to go the distance.

In honor of our anniversary I decided to share some wedding pics...

Enjoy!

























Thursday, May 14, 2009

Back to Zero

So I had my final beta done yesterday and the results are in ... We're back to zero.

This verifies that AF is definitely back in town ... with a vengeance. Isn't it crazy how our bodies speak to us? I mean, I knew it was AF. Let's face it ladies, cramps don't lie. But everything I've read suggests that she wouldn't make an appearance for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

And since I now have a new attitude I'm able to say that I'm thankful that AF is back in my life. Hammer and all. ")

Seriously, though. What this means is that Hubby and I can get back to the business of making a sweet little sugar baby, just in time for our 2-year wedding anniversary.

I can't think of a better way to celebrate!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Haiku, Do You?

I love to write so I decided to share one of my haiku. Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry that, in a nutshell, is comprised of 3 lines of text - 5 syllables in the 1st line, 7 in the 2nd and 5 in the 3rd.

The haiku I write are infused with urban texture that gives them a certain ... flava. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Enjoy!


Friends

We tight, sticky, close
Ghetto fab sistahhood, locked
Phenomenally