Sunday, November 30, 2008

Our Biggest Loser!


Doggie Daycare is paying off for our big furry baby, Kramer. He has not only fallen head over tail for a Golden Lab named "Lexi," but he has now lost a whopping 10 pounds in only 6 weeks. I am thinking of enrolling myself in Doggie Daycare....it might be the key to weight loss that I've been searching for all these years.
*I will give a shameless shout out for Me and My Master Canine Connection - they are great!* http://www.meandmymastercanine.com/
***
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them. ~Phil Pastoret



Saturday, November 29, 2008

Infertility And The City

Upon returning from a wonderful Thanksgiving with Patrick's family in Sioux Falls, I found several texts, emails and messages from friends and family members telling me that they've read my blog and thanked me for writing it. I, of course, love hearing that others are enjoying my entries - it is so nice to hear...so, thank you!

I initially started this blog as a way to update friends and family who are interested in our journey. I have no idea who reads these - or who is interested in knowing our story...but that is OK. I realize now that I am really writing this for me.

Writing this blog has become my nightly therapy session. Every night I put on my PJ's and sit in front of my computer with Kramer at my feet and the therapy begins. I can certainly say that I appreciate the fact that it is free of charge and that it can be done in my pjs. I certainly spend enough time and money in doctors' offices at this point in my life!

So, maybe I consider myself the Carrie Bradshaw of infertility, (sans cigarette and Manolo Blahniks, of course). While I know that infertility is FAR less glamorous than Carrie's subject of interest, I have become addicted to sharing the stories that enlighten me on this baby-making journey. This blog has opened my eyes to the highlights I experience each day instead of the darkness that can easily swallow a girl whole.

I want to share so others can understand what its like to struggle with infertility. I need to share so that I can see the miracle of this journey.

There are, of course, days when our journey (or my attitude!) is far from "blog worthy" but this is a record of the journey and an honest record it will be...

I only hope that if you choose to spend a few minutes reading this blog, that it will somehow make your day better. Maybe it will help you understand your friend or family member who is dealing with infertility, maybe you are dealing with this issue and find solace in someone whom with you can relate, maybe you currently have a houseful of babies of your own and this blog makes you appreciate those little blessings even more than you already do or, let's be honest...maybe you just like reading stories about my furry baby, Kramer... :)

Whatever the reason - thank you for reading -I appreciate having company on this journey, too.

***

“Maybe there are no right moments, right guys, right answers...maybe you just have to say whats in your heart!” - Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw on Sex And The City

Saturday, November 22, 2008

I Am Thankful



I love Thanksgiving. I actually imagined that I'd be eating for two by now and maybe even sharing our good news with family around the Thanksgiving table. While that is not in God's plan for us this year, I must admit, I am constantly reminded of how much I have to be thankful for.


Although, its not quite the life I imagined at this point, I am unbelievably blessed. I am thankful for many things...

1. My amazing husband who fills my life with love and laughter on a daily basis. Where would I be without you? I love you and I love having you in my life.

2. My furry baby. He defines unconditional love. (He is laying at my feet...or rather ON my feet right now as I type this).

3. My friends and family who are there when I need to laugh, cry, drink, shop or vent. From LA to Houston, Wabasso to Hastings, Mankato to North Mankato - you know who you are. :)

4. My job that keeps me pondering the BIG questions about how children learn and how we can help make the world of education even more effective.

5. My home...and my Dyson. If you know Kramer, you know why I'd be thankful for a vacuum.

6. Personal growth - you can't get this far on a journey like ours without learning a thing or two about yourself and your life.

7. Happy Hour.

8. Starbucks.

9. Our parents who support us and love us unconditionally. Patrick and I are blessed with parents that exemplify love and care in many ways. We know that when God blesses us with children, we will be better parents because of the examples set for us by our own parents.

10. Our new church - God has used this journey to bring us back home where we belong. We are thankful for the baby steps that have brought us to where we are today.


***
"You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you."~



Sarah Ban Breathnach ~Simple Abundance

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

True Happiness....

It seems as though everyday I have a friend, coworker or family member who announces her pregnancy. I am at the time in my life when all of my friends are having babies. I have four close friends that are currently expecting. I see them every day, I hear about their morning sickness, I ask about possible names, I watch their bellies grow and I wonder...will I get this chance? Do they know how lucky they are? Do they appreciate this experience...I mean fully appreciate it? Will I be able to share these experiences with them one day?

I know that each of my dear friends who are pregnant deserve their blessings and will make truly wonderful, amazing mommies. I know that I am happy beyond belief for their good fortune....but I also know that I ache for the chance to be in their shoes. I hurt when they talk about hearing the heartbeat of their baby for the first time. I cry when they find out they are having a girl. I melt when my husband says he hurts too.

I am learning that I can feel both ways. I can be wildly happy for my friends' fulfillment and devastated for my own emptiness. It doesn't mean I love my friends any less and it doesn't make me a bad person. It makes me human. It makes me honest. It makes me real.

Patrick and I have been working very hard to conceive a dream that comes very easily to most couples. This struggle has given us the chance to be happy for others. Not just happy when it is easy for us to be...but happy for them despite our own breaking hearts. I believe this is the truest, most sincere kind of happiness we can have for our friends...because, we know in our hearts, they deserve it.

***

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Expect Great Things...


This was an email devotion from Joel Osteen Ministries. I receive them everyday. I thought this was pretty amazing that this was the one I received today...pretty good timing, in my opinion...

Look for Opportunity

Today's Scripture

“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains” (Colossians 4:3, NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Paul was writing these words while he was in chains in prison. He was arrested for preaching the gospel. Everything in his surroundings shouted “limitations,” but instead of looking at his surroundings, Paul kept his eyes on the limitless God. He kept looking for the open door of opportunity that God would have for him next. No matter what “chains” you may feel like you are in today, remember, we serve a God who’s in the business of setting people free. Remember, He has equipped you with His power. He’s promised to walk with you all the days of your life. When doors look closed all around you, when your surroundings look limited, when you feel like you’re in chains, remember, God is still at work in your life. Like Paul, keep your hopes up. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Pray for those opportunities to be opened to you. If you fall, get right back up and press forward with even greater determination to accomplish the dream that God has planted in your heart. The prayer of the righteous avails much, so keep praying because He promises to break the chains and open doors of opportunity in your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I choose to take my eyes off my surroundings and focus on You. I choose to focus on the passion and dream You’ve planted in my heart. I trust that You are working behind the scenes, opening doors of opportunity. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Monday, November 17, 2008

More tests...

Today I received some news from my doctor that some of my tests have come back as "abnormal." I will head back in for a second round of tests in two weeks to clarify things. I will know more in a month or so.
***

“In our lives there is bound to come some pain, surely as there are storms and falling rain; just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun.”

***

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Puppy Love

Sometimes during this quest for a baby, I have to remind myself that we have already been blessed with a "baby" of our own. About 3 years ago we adopted the most adorable ball of fuzz you have ever seen. He quickly became the centerpiece of our home and now, three years and 100 pounds later, he is our pride and joy. ;)
*
I know many readers of this blog are dog lovers. We all know the joys of sharing a home with a furry baby (or two, or three...) of our own. Patrick and I often laugh at how much Kramer has filled the role of "baby" in our home quite well. :) He is a constant source of affection and humor in our home. If you share your home with a dog, you can certainly relate.
*
Kramer has recently started going to daycare two days a week. His doctor keeps telling us that he needs to lose 10 pounds (he and I both...sigh) - so, we're hoping the added socialization will help him shed the excess pounds. He loves playing with his "friends" and has even met a girlfriend named "Lexi" there. She is a Golden Lab that has developed a pretty sincere crush on Kramer. We are told by the daycare providers that she doesn't leave Kramer's side during the day. I got to meet Lexi yesterday when I picked up Kramer and found the two, side by side, waiting for their "moms" to pick them up from school. It certainly is the most comical thing ever!

We can't help but acknowledge that as far as dog owners go - we're a bit over-the-top, but Kramer is worth it. We love him dearly!
***
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

Thursday, November 13, 2008

It is What It Is....

As I type this I just read over some test results that came back today. We have not received the results we were hoping for but we realize things could be worse. This news only reiterates why we need a break from all of the ups and downs of this journey.

I am blessed with a husband who has supported me from day one on this journey. He has willingly, without complaint, subjected himself to some pretty uncomfortable situations for me and for our future. He has been diligent and optimistic and willing to do "what it takes" for us to conceive. I wish we could be rewarded for our hard work...but, sometimes life doesn't work that way. Sometimes...it is what it is. I accept that, and move forward with a happy heart. I know that it isn't fair that we struggle to conceive while there are over 100,000 abortions each day. I know that it isn't fair that some people suffer from terminal illnesses or lose loved ones or are physically disabled. No, it isn't fair...but...it is what it is.

Sometimes no matter how hard you work or how badly you want something - God has a reason why it just isn't in the plan. I know Patrick and I will look back one day and realize why we had to travel this down this path. Right now, we don't know. We know that we've seen many amazing things come out of this struggle...but, we don't know why this is happening to us. No one does.

But, I know it is for a reason and, that alone, gives me hope.


***
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass...
it is about learning to dance in the rain."
***






Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Acupuncture


I had my second acupuncture treatment today and am amazed at how that experience is changing my views on medicine. It is unlike any experience I have had with conventional medicine and while, I do not have results to prove this yet, I feel like this path might be more helpful for us right now.

The atmosphere in Dr. Hua's (our acupuncturist) office is calm and serene. Unlike the hustle and bustle at the clinic, it is quiet and peaceful. Dr. Hua spends time with us and is more attentive and observant than our doctors at the clinic who always seem to be too busy for words.


Dr. Hua is diligent and nurturing in our weekly treatments. When I enter her office, I take off my shoes and she has me lay down on a table. There is quiet music playing in the background and a heat lamp that keeps me warm as she checks my pressure points. As she inserts the fine needles into each point on my arms, legs, feet, stomach and neck, it is uncomfortable, but when she is done, I am immediately calm. It feels extremely peaceful.

I am not sure of the exact research behind acupuncture and infertility, however, I have read about how it has worked for many couples who are trying to conceive. I am excited to see if it helps and I am thankful that we are exploring other options.

I am very excited to be taking a break from our routine with doctors for awhile, but, I'm going to continue my acupuncture appointments. I don't know if it will "cure" Patrick and I, but I know there is something I really like about the way I feel afterwards.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Breathe

Take a deep breath.

***
When you're going through infertility treatments there is one word that is said more than any other, "RELAX!" Apparently, there is scientific research that shows that stress directly affects one's ability to conceive. While that may be very true, that advice can be very frustrating.
The process of infertility treatments are not very conducive to relaxation. In fact just keeping up with the monthly calendar of events is enough to make me crazy at times.

Here is a quick overview of one of my most recent calendars:

Day 1: Cry my eyes out. Get a blood test.
Day 3: 7:30 am ultrasound, 7:45 blood test and 8:00 doctor appointment
Day 5-8: Take pills at 7 pm
Day 8: 7:30 am ultrasound, 7:45 blood work and 8:00 doctor appointment
Day 9: Start injections. 7 pm sharp!
Day 10: 7:30 ultrasound, 7:45 blood work and 8:00 doctor appointment
Day 11: Continue injections. Call doctor to check estrogen levels. Start ovulation predictor kits.
Day 12: ultrasound, blood work and doctor appointment. Call doctor to check estrogen levels.
Day 13: Last injection.
Day 14: 7:30 appointment - back at 9:00 am for medical procedure
Day 14-28: Take progesterone each morning and each night
Day 28: Blood test
If negative, repeat cycle.
Oh...and by the way "RELAX!"

Needless to say, I've been working on relaxing. :) I know that it is a key ingredient in this recipe of treatments. Yet, it is quite difficult, indeed! So, I decided to take a Yoga class with a friend. I would highly recommend it. It really is relaxing. I actually learned to breathe. I learned to stop and simply take a long, deep, healing breath. It is amazing how just stopping in the middle of the chaos of life and taking a deep breath can calm you in an instant. I find myself stopping throughout the day and just taking a deep breath. The next time you feel stressed - try it.
I promise...it works!
***
Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. ~Oprah Winfrey

Monday, November 10, 2008

Patience is a Virtue



I'm finding that the reason I struggle so much in life is because I absolutely, positively lack one critical virtue...patience. I find that I am always thinking ahead to the next step instead of being patient and enjoying the time at hand. It is quite difficult to be blessed with a passionate desire to be a mom however, the pain of being unable to decide if and when that happens is almost unbearable at times. I accept that I am supposed to learn something throughout this journey. I guess God is teaching me patience.
The irony is...I'm a slow learner. :)

I found this poem to be inspirational. Maybe you'll be inspired, too.

"Desperately, helplessly, longingly I cried.
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate
And the Master so gently said,"Child you must wait."

"Wait? You say, wait!" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith, I have asked, and am claiming Your Word.

"My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and You tell me to WAIT?
I'm needing a 'Yes," a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'No' to which I can resign."

And Lord, You promised that if we believe
We need but to ask and we shall receive.
And, Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
'I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!'

"Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master replied once again, "you must wait.
"So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting...for what?"

He seemed, then, to kneelAnd His eyes wept with mine,
And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

"All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want--But, you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You'd not know the power I give to the faint;

"You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me;
When darkness and silence were all you could see.

"You'd never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;
You'd know that I give and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My Heart.

"The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that, 'My grace is sufficient for thee.
'Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss if I lost what I'm doing in you!

"So, be silent, My child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft' may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still,
'Wait.'"

-author unknown

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Some of the best parts of our journey:


1. We now know more about the human reproductive system than anyone should ever know. We fully appreciate the miracle of life!

2. We appreciate our time together...especially our Starbucks "therapy" every weekend.

3. I have learned that when times get tough, my husband is a "glass half full" kind of guy - and I love him for it!

4. We can see the hand of God in our lives more than ever before.

5. We are able to appreciate the small "baby steps" that are getting us closer to a family of our own.

6. We see how blessed we are with friends and family that love us and are praying for us every day.

7. We hold each other when we cry and laugh with each other when we need relief.

8. We are learning more about alternative medicine and its benefits.

9. We appreciate our furry, four-legged baby now, more than ever! :)

10. We are building a story about love, patience and hope that we will some day share with our children and they will know how much they were loved before they were even conceived.

The past year



Patrick and I have been happily married for over 3 years. We have truly enjoyed the newlywed phase of marriage, however, the past year has been filled with events that were never anticipated but we have come to appreciate for reasons beyond our comprehension.

Here is a quick re-cap:





April 2007: Big day! We've decided to start a family! I'm officially OFF THE PILL!


June 2007: Our first real attempt at baby-making. Of course we are timing it perfectly so that our due date correlates well to the school calendar.


July 2007: We get our first negative pregnancy test. My sister gets the positive (on accident, of course!). She is pregnant with her 5th baby.

August: Negative again. Sigh.


September 2007: Hmm, timing is no longer great when looking at the school calendar. Oh well...they say it takes some people awhile.


October 2007: Negative. We decide to start using ovulation predictor kits. This should work! (Little did we know our road ahead would require MUCH more!) :)


November 2007: I am starting to wonder....still negative.


December 2007: Time to see a doctor. We are both surprised when we are BOTH diagnosed with infertility issues. The waves of tests and results to follow put a damper on Christmas of 2007.


January 2008: More tests and appointments. It seems surreal. This month we tried with doctors and medicine. Here's hoping! I'm certain this is all we needed.



One week later in January 2008: I am too anxious! I take a pregnancy test early and...it is POSITIVE!!! Patrick and I are THRILLED! It is a faint line...so, I retest again in a few days. It turns out negative. Did I miscarry? Confused, I call the doctor...I guess my meds can cause a positive pregnancy test. Sigh. That was a blow.


February 2008: Negative. Devastated. I still can't believe this is happening to us...but we'll press on.



March 2008: We see a specialist in Minneapolis. We are put on meds and told we need to wait 4 months for results....4 MONTHS?!? I was finding it difficult to not be in control of this situation. We just had to sit tight with our fingers crossed for 4 months. Sigh.

*Our baby nephew Carter was born this month. Sweet baby boy! :) Hopefully we can get him a cousin soon!


July 2008: Good news. Things were looking better. It appears the meds are working! We tried again with medicine and doctors' help.


August 2008: Negative again. I'm struggling emotionally but finding out that this really is making me see Patrick in a whole new light. He is my eternal optimist! :) My doctor puts me back on birth control to prepare me for new meds in late August.


August 2008: I began taking injections this month. We have made big lifestyle changes and started seeing a chiropractor, nutritionist and doing acupuncture. I'm researching like mad.



September 2008: Negative. I break down when my doctor puts me back on the birth control pill for another month. This is an emotionally difficult time for us both. I start a new job in the school district. It is a welcome diversion which provides me with necessary flexibility so that I can continue to go to my doctor appointments.



October 2008: Finally - we can try again! I am certain this will be it! We have been seeing big improvements! Unfortunately, Patrick has been on some pretty heavy allergy meds that threw a wrench in things.



November 2008 (Today): Negative. We are not surprised. We need a break. We will take the holidays off and remember what its like to live without pills, injections, doctors appointments, researching, ovulation predictor kits, ultra-sounds, blood tests, estrogen levels, follicles, success rates, sperm counts, or pregnancy tests.


Looking Ahead:
So, there's your quick recap. It makes me smile when I condense this all into sentences. Going through it is a nightmare but looking back, I'm proud of us. It is a journey. One with thousands of ups and downs every month. We have learned to work together, support each other, communicate with each other and love each other in the midst of some pretty tough times. We acknowledge that God is in control and has certainly been guiding us and carrying us through this process. We now look forward to some much needed time off. We need to remember what our lives were like before infertility treatments took center stage at the Van Osdel house. :) We appreciate all of your prayers and concern.

***
“I haven't a clue as to how my story will end. But that's all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, you don't conclude the road has vanished. And how else could we discover the stars?”