
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Our Biggest Loser!

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 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

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. Saturday, November 15, 2008
Puppy Love
*
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!
***
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.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
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.
Day 1: Cry my eyes out. Get a blood test.
Day 5-8: Take pills at 7 pm
If negative, repeat cycle.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Patience is a Virtue

Sunday, November 9, 2008
Some of the best parts of our journey:
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.
