I know this has already been established, my I am a nurturer. If I only had one word to describe myself... that's be the one I'd choose. And this week, I have done my fair share of it. Nathan has been sick. Nothing major, just a head/sinus cold. But with Nathan's coworker, John, in Haiti taking a sick day isn't really an option. And that sucks. Nathan has never taken a sick day. And the one time, he could really use one, he's out of luck. But... I have been enjoying the opportunity to take care of Nathan and nurture him. During IVF, Nathan did such a great job of taking care of me and nurturing me. It was kind of nice to be able to return the favor. Despite work days where he has both a morning assignment, and evening assignment, and lots to do in between... we've kept him rested, hydrated, medicated, and full of Vitamin C. I think the cold has peaked and he is on his way to feeling better. And PRAISE GOD I have maintained my health. Yesterday, Anya started showing some minor signs that maybe she was also fighting something. Today... she showed she is definitely fighting something... which was another opportunity to nurture. I certainly don't enjoy people I love being sick, but as I said I love to nurture.
OK... I just got off the phone with Nathan. Did I mention how desperately we need a change. I know its coming, but for Nathan's sake... I hope its soon. What do you say to your husband who is over worked, under paid, under appreciated, tired, and sick. I promise him it won't be much longer... because I pray God will back me up on that. I may or may not have gone into specifics before, but Nathan is trying very hard to get his foot in the door at Western Kentucky University for any full time position... for many reasons. {Bowling Green, finishing his last three classes, regular hours, time with family, benefits, time for freelancing, etc.} Please pray for our situation. I hate seeing my husband... well miserable and exhausted after being in the field only a year and a half. And we desperately want to be in the right situation when our baby is born, so that we can both focus on the miracle God has given us.
Anywho... enjoy your weekend!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Catelynn and Tyler
I know this blog is generally about us becoming parents, but I'd like to make a post about other people becoming parents...
Thanks to Tivo I don't usually flip channels, but every now and then I do. On a couple occassions I caught partial episodes of an MTV show called 16 and Pregnant. I saw just enough of this one couple to know their story. And I have caught, intentionally, the tail end of the season of Teen Mom which is kind of the post baby show to see where they are now six months after the birth of their daughter. {Both are documentary style... not realty tv style... they try to show teen pregnancy as it is for so many kids.}
First let me set up their situation. Catelynn and Tyler were 16 and pregnant, both coming from broken unstable homes. Together they decided they wanted a life for their daughter that they could not give her so they made an adoption plan. Catelynn's mom did not support her decision at all. They made this decision by themselves without support. They chose a couple to adopt their daughter and had agreed to an open adoption. While the decision was heart breaking for them, they made the selfless decision that was best for their daughter. The adoptive mother had bracelets made, one for her, one for Catelynn, and one for the baby girl as a reminder of the very special bond they shared. The baby girl is now about six months old. Catelynn and Tyler are still together and think of their daughter every single day. They are still healing and finding support.
Nathan also has enjoyed watching this show. But we noticed something, something kind of ironic. Of all the parents on Teen Mom, its the couple who would have made good parents that made the adoption plan. The other parents are mostly irresponsible, constantly fighting, complaining, and selfish. None of the couples with kids can stand to be around each other. One girl lives with her parents and is flat out a spoiled brat. Its hard to watch at times because your heart hurts for those babies. But then there is Catelynn and Tyler. Having a daughter together and facing such a big ordeal made them stronger. Tyler was so supportive of Catelynn. And they are determined to better themselves so that some day they can offer a child a good, stable home.
Why is it, the people who would make good parents are the ones choosing adoption? Do you know what I mean? Of all the couples, those that are less fit to be parents are the ones who should be choosing adoption. Its kind of hard to articulate.
As I watch Catelynn and Tyler, I wish I could hug them both and tell them how strong they are. I wish I could tell them they can make it together and in life. {Side note: Catelynn and Tyler are actually from Michigan.} Tyler is considering the military and Catelynn wants to go to college. I wish I had the money to pay for her college. I wish I had the money give them a break. Sometimes we all just need a break in life.
We just watched the season finale, and Tyler proposed to Catelynn. Yes, I cried, but so did Nathan. Rather he "teared up." I think we see ourselves in them in a sense. They are young. But you can see the love is real. Having a daughter, even though they chose adoption, made them grow up and grow closer... something the other moms have failed to do. We hope that Tyler and Catelynn make it... and they will be in my prayers.
Thanks to Tivo I don't usually flip channels, but every now and then I do. On a couple occassions I caught partial episodes of an MTV show called 16 and Pregnant. I saw just enough of this one couple to know their story. And I have caught, intentionally, the tail end of the season of Teen Mom which is kind of the post baby show to see where they are now six months after the birth of their daughter. {Both are documentary style... not realty tv style... they try to show teen pregnancy as it is for so many kids.}
First let me set up their situation. Catelynn and Tyler were 16 and pregnant, both coming from broken unstable homes. Together they decided they wanted a life for their daughter that they could not give her so they made an adoption plan. Catelynn's mom did not support her decision at all. They made this decision by themselves without support. They chose a couple to adopt their daughter and had agreed to an open adoption. While the decision was heart breaking for them, they made the selfless decision that was best for their daughter. The adoptive mother had bracelets made, one for her, one for Catelynn, and one for the baby girl as a reminder of the very special bond they shared. The baby girl is now about six months old. Catelynn and Tyler are still together and think of their daughter every single day. They are still healing and finding support.
Nathan also has enjoyed watching this show. But we noticed something, something kind of ironic. Of all the parents on Teen Mom, its the couple who would have made good parents that made the adoption plan. The other parents are mostly irresponsible, constantly fighting, complaining, and selfish. None of the couples with kids can stand to be around each other. One girl lives with her parents and is flat out a spoiled brat. Its hard to watch at times because your heart hurts for those babies. But then there is Catelynn and Tyler. Having a daughter together and facing such a big ordeal made them stronger. Tyler was so supportive of Catelynn. And they are determined to better themselves so that some day they can offer a child a good, stable home.
Why is it, the people who would make good parents are the ones choosing adoption? Do you know what I mean? Of all the couples, those that are less fit to be parents are the ones who should be choosing adoption. Its kind of hard to articulate.
As I watch Catelynn and Tyler, I wish I could hug them both and tell them how strong they are. I wish I could tell them they can make it together and in life. {Side note: Catelynn and Tyler are actually from Michigan.} Tyler is considering the military and Catelynn wants to go to college. I wish I had the money to pay for her college. I wish I had the money give them a break. Sometimes we all just need a break in life.
We just watched the season finale, and Tyler proposed to Catelynn. Yes, I cried, but so did Nathan. Rather he "teared up." I think we see ourselves in them in a sense. They are young. But you can see the love is real. Having a daughter, even though they chose adoption, made them grow up and grow closer... something the other moms have failed to do. We hope that Tyler and Catelynn make it... and they will be in my prayers.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Read
It's been a pretty normal week here. Anya and I are happily readjusting to our time together, and Nathan remains busy busy busy. We did have a really nice weekend. We had our friends Kendra and Billy (Kendra is expecting in 8 wks!) over on Saturday evening, and spent the evening chatting and playing Dominos. And Nathan got to clean this weekend, which made him very happy. Seriously. He loves to clean.
One thing that has changed over the past couple weeks is Nathan has begun reading... for fun! Nathan always enjoyed the books he was assigned to read in school, but never had any interest in picking up a book for fun. He thought he didn't like to read. The other day, he was telling me about a movie he wants to see called The Road. He mentioned it was based on a novel. And he kept talking about this movie, that I really did not want to see. So it dawned on me to check it out from the library. I wasn't expecting Nathan to read it, but I figured it was worth a shot. Sure enough, he gave it a chance and was hooked within the first two or three pages. Instead of watching TV in the evening, he'd pick up his book. Instead of bringing the ipod to bed, he'd bring his book. And he finished in no time. Nathan's response was, "I didn't know I liked to read." !!! As soon as I saw he was nearing the end, I ran back to the library to pick up another book.
This time, I picked up a David Sedaris book. I knew Nathan liked what he has heard of him on NPR, so I thought this would be a nice change of pace from The Road. He was skeptical. He wasn't sure whether or not he could get in to it. I pushed for him to give it a chance. Sure enough... by the second or third page, he was hooked again. Needless to say, I couldn't be happier! Its very important that this baby grows up seeing both of his parents reading. But not just reading, reading for fun. Of course we will read to our child, we have already started doing that, but we know that we need to lead by example. I have now made it my responsibility to be Nathan's personal book finder, keeping a book in his hands.
Last week, I read My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I was warned not to because of its emotional content. But I did anyway. I figured my emotions have been pretty stable during this pregnancy, I could not put the book down. And while it was very emotional, and caused you to do a lot of reflecting it wasn't until the end that I cried. As I read the book, I knew there was a sad ending... I was expecting the worst... but I was not expecting what actually happened. I feel like after I closed the book, it caused me to do a lot of thinking and reflecting. I like when a book kind of lingers in your mind for a while. I'd now like to see the movie even though I know I will likely cry more watching it... you know how movies are all about emphasizing the drama.
I'm not sure what I'll read next, but I'm happy to know that sparking an interest in books can still happen in people who for almost 25 years thought they didn't like to read.
One thing that has changed over the past couple weeks is Nathan has begun reading... for fun! Nathan always enjoyed the books he was assigned to read in school, but never had any interest in picking up a book for fun. He thought he didn't like to read. The other day, he was telling me about a movie he wants to see called The Road. He mentioned it was based on a novel. And he kept talking about this movie, that I really did not want to see. So it dawned on me to check it out from the library. I wasn't expecting Nathan to read it, but I figured it was worth a shot. Sure enough, he gave it a chance and was hooked within the first two or three pages. Instead of watching TV in the evening, he'd pick up his book. Instead of bringing the ipod to bed, he'd bring his book. And he finished in no time. Nathan's response was, "I didn't know I liked to read." !!! As soon as I saw he was nearing the end, I ran back to the library to pick up another book.
This time, I picked up a David Sedaris book. I knew Nathan liked what he has heard of him on NPR, so I thought this would be a nice change of pace from The Road. He was skeptical. He wasn't sure whether or not he could get in to it. I pushed for him to give it a chance. Sure enough... by the second or third page, he was hooked again. Needless to say, I couldn't be happier! Its very important that this baby grows up seeing both of his parents reading. But not just reading, reading for fun. Of course we will read to our child, we have already started doing that, but we know that we need to lead by example. I have now made it my responsibility to be Nathan's personal book finder, keeping a book in his hands.
Last week, I read My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I was warned not to because of its emotional content. But I did anyway. I figured my emotions have been pretty stable during this pregnancy, I could not put the book down. And while it was very emotional, and caused you to do a lot of reflecting it wasn't until the end that I cried. As I read the book, I knew there was a sad ending... I was expecting the worst... but I was not expecting what actually happened. I feel like after I closed the book, it caused me to do a lot of thinking and reflecting. I like when a book kind of lingers in your mind for a while. I'd now like to see the movie even though I know I will likely cry more watching it... you know how movies are all about emphasizing the drama.
I'm not sure what I'll read next, but I'm happy to know that sparking an interest in books can still happen in people who for almost 25 years thought they didn't like to read.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Back to work with Anya
Today was my first day taking care of Anya again on a regular basis, three days a week. We had a great day, and I am so grateful God worked this out for us. I thought back to taking care of Anya the first time as an infant, and now she is a walking, talking toddler! Instead of diapers, naps, and bottles... its diapers, play time, and more play time! :)
On a very different note, I have been trying to plan ahead a tiny little bit. We are still hoping for that move soon. When it will come... we still have no clue. But, I'm guessing it'll be one of those... you have two weeks to move kind of situations. In anticipation of this, especially being pregnant, I'm trying to anticipate some of the major things that will need to be figured out. For example, who will my medical care provider be if the move happens before June? So... I started doing some research. Right now, I am extremely happy with my midwife and the practice she is in. You have the benefits of standard medical care and hospital delivery, only with the wonderful support and care of a midwife. The problem was, I couldn't find anything comparable to that in BG. It was looking like standard OBGYN hospital birth or home birth with a midwife. I actually don't have a problem with either of those options. However, I really wanted to find that balances middle ground.
And I did. {This is all based on if's and but's, of course} In Nashville, which is an hour South of BG, there is a practice called Vanderbilt Nurse Midwives. It is exactly what I was looking for. And yes, I will be looking at an hours drive while in labor, but to me its worth it. And I asked if the distance consideration would be an issue, and I was told no. They regularly have patients who drive up to 3 or 4 hours! So... now when the move does happen... I'll be prepared and have no lapse in care by a nurse midwife. {And yes, we will have a back up plan in case a situation arises where we cannot or should not make it to Nashville.}
On a very different note, I have been trying to plan ahead a tiny little bit. We are still hoping for that move soon. When it will come... we still have no clue. But, I'm guessing it'll be one of those... you have two weeks to move kind of situations. In anticipation of this, especially being pregnant, I'm trying to anticipate some of the major things that will need to be figured out. For example, who will my medical care provider be if the move happens before June? So... I started doing some research. Right now, I am extremely happy with my midwife and the practice she is in. You have the benefits of standard medical care and hospital delivery, only with the wonderful support and care of a midwife. The problem was, I couldn't find anything comparable to that in BG. It was looking like standard OBGYN hospital birth or home birth with a midwife. I actually don't have a problem with either of those options. However, I really wanted to find that balances middle ground.
And I did. {This is all based on if's and but's, of course} In Nashville, which is an hour South of BG, there is a practice called Vanderbilt Nurse Midwives. It is exactly what I was looking for. And yes, I will be looking at an hours drive while in labor, but to me its worth it. And I asked if the distance consideration would be an issue, and I was told no. They regularly have patients who drive up to 3 or 4 hours! So... now when the move does happen... I'll be prepared and have no lapse in care by a nurse midwife. {And yes, we will have a back up plan in case a situation arises where we cannot or should not make it to Nashville.}
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Baby, I Love Being Pregnant
This afternoon I spent some time working on my Pregnancy Journal. The best thing about this journal, is that it forces me to stop and reflect (and write it down so I'll always remember this time.)
I think we have already established I love being pregnant. In the past couple weeks I've begun to have sharp low back pain. And its becoming more persistent, but while its uncomfortable... its a physical reminder of the miraculous thing happening in my body. I know its easy to say now because so far this pregnancy has been delightful. But I hope to maintain this attitude.
I knew I was born and created to be a mother, to love and nurture. That's part of why my infertility was so difficult. The one thing I was born to do, and I can't. But now that I am pregnant, I find myself hurting even more for women who have yet to experience this. Maybe that is also why I find every little good or bad aspect of pregnancy to be simply amazing. Every woman, if she desires, should feel this.
Not only did God create me, the person, to do this... but He created my body (all women's bodies of course) for this. I've never felt stronger, healthier, or more beautiful. I believe in my body. I know that probably sounds so silly. But its true. I have this wonderful new bond with my own physical self. I know I still have 20 weeks left, but I have made it through the first 20 weeks without so much as a cold. And no, I did not get the regular flu shot or the H1N1 flu shot. I'm trusting this body that God created so perfectly to protect me and my Baby. And I believe this is an attitude I will carry with my through the labor and birth of my Baby. Now I am realistic in knowing that things still happen, complications arise. But overall, I have a great trust and admiration for our bodies and their natural ability to do amazing things like create life.
I'm also finding that I prefer more fitted tops. I thought I'd prefer more loose and flowing tops... but I love the shirts that hug my belly. I was grocery shopping in the frozen vegetable section and caught a glimpse of my profile... and I saw this beautiful baby bump between myself and the cart... and it made me smile. And I love that every where I go... my Baby is right there with me... in the safest place it'll ever be.
I cannot wait to hold my baby, to kiss my baby, to see my baby's face. But for now... I love knowing it is safe and protected from the world. I wish Baby could stay safe and protected forever, but I know the day will eventually come (in about 20 weeks) when they will have to face the world.
And on a side note... I think we have finally landed on a name! My brain can finally stop the constant name game.
I think we have already established I love being pregnant. In the past couple weeks I've begun to have sharp low back pain. And its becoming more persistent, but while its uncomfortable... its a physical reminder of the miraculous thing happening in my body. I know its easy to say now because so far this pregnancy has been delightful. But I hope to maintain this attitude.
I knew I was born and created to be a mother, to love and nurture. That's part of why my infertility was so difficult. The one thing I was born to do, and I can't. But now that I am pregnant, I find myself hurting even more for women who have yet to experience this. Maybe that is also why I find every little good or bad aspect of pregnancy to be simply amazing. Every woman, if she desires, should feel this.
Not only did God create me, the person, to do this... but He created my body (all women's bodies of course) for this. I've never felt stronger, healthier, or more beautiful. I believe in my body. I know that probably sounds so silly. But its true. I have this wonderful new bond with my own physical self. I know I still have 20 weeks left, but I have made it through the first 20 weeks without so much as a cold. And no, I did not get the regular flu shot or the H1N1 flu shot. I'm trusting this body that God created so perfectly to protect me and my Baby. And I believe this is an attitude I will carry with my through the labor and birth of my Baby. Now I am realistic in knowing that things still happen, complications arise. But overall, I have a great trust and admiration for our bodies and their natural ability to do amazing things like create life.
I'm also finding that I prefer more fitted tops. I thought I'd prefer more loose and flowing tops... but I love the shirts that hug my belly. I was grocery shopping in the frozen vegetable section and caught a glimpse of my profile... and I saw this beautiful baby bump between myself and the cart... and it made me smile. And I love that every where I go... my Baby is right there with me... in the safest place it'll ever be.
I cannot wait to hold my baby, to kiss my baby, to see my baby's face. But for now... I love knowing it is safe and protected from the world. I wish Baby could stay safe and protected forever, but I know the day will eventually come (in about 20 weeks) when they will have to face the world.
And on a side note... I think we have finally landed on a name! My brain can finally stop the constant name game.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
20 Weeks
Today I went back to my midwife for my regular 20 week ultrasound and to get the official results of the ultrasound. First things first, everything looked at by the ultrasound looked and measured perfectly. Our little one is growing and developing beautifully. Praise God.
As for the routine appointment stuff like weight, blood pressure, heart beat, etc... again everything was perfect. My belly is also measuring right where it should be for 20 weeks. Heart rate was in the high 140's. And I'm saving the best for last, my weight gain. Now as of my last appointment four weeks ago, I had not gained any weight. But between then and now... was Christmas. When I saw Christmas I mean Linda Morgan's baking. I tried not to go nuts, but I definitely ate my fair share of fudge and cookies. After today's appointment I decided it must have been magic fudge this year, because I only gained three pounds {and that was with a very full bladder!}
One of my pregnancy books, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, breaks the weight down at 19 weeks. I'm going to go ahead and quote the entire paragraphs. "Your total weight gain at this point should be between 8 and 14 pounds. Of this weight, only about 7 ounces is your baby. The placenta weight about 6 ounces, the amniotic fluid weighs another 11 ounces. The uterus weighs 11 ounces. Your breasts have each increased in weight by 61/2 ounces. The rest of the weight you have gained is due to increased blood volume and other maternal stores."
Add all that up and you get 48 ounces, divided by 16 (ounces in a pound) and you get 3lbs. Knowing that my baby is growing and measuring on track, my weight gain so far is only what is required for the baby and what not. As you can probably tell, I am very pleased with a total weight gain of 3 pounds at 20 weeks.
And as a side note, you may have looked at the 3D ultrasound picture and thought you were seeing 'gender predicting parts.' I assure you... you are not. What looks like a male indicator, to put it politely, is not that. My understanding during the ultrasound is that its either the umbilical cord, or the upper thigh bone.
We are still so full of joy that our tiny little miracle is growing and that in another 20 weeks... we will holding holding our child.
*Oh and again we saw a bit of our baby's personality. Today, while my midwife took a listen for the heartbeat... he/she immediately, I'm talking two seconds after she placed the probe on my belly, started squirming and kicking. Apparently this one does not like to be disturbed. We'll see how that plays out.*
As for the routine appointment stuff like weight, blood pressure, heart beat, etc... again everything was perfect. My belly is also measuring right where it should be for 20 weeks. Heart rate was in the high 140's. And I'm saving the best for last, my weight gain. Now as of my last appointment four weeks ago, I had not gained any weight. But between then and now... was Christmas. When I saw Christmas I mean Linda Morgan's baking. I tried not to go nuts, but I definitely ate my fair share of fudge and cookies. After today's appointment I decided it must have been magic fudge this year, because I only gained three pounds {and that was with a very full bladder!}
One of my pregnancy books, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, breaks the weight down at 19 weeks. I'm going to go ahead and quote the entire paragraphs. "Your total weight gain at this point should be between 8 and 14 pounds. Of this weight, only about 7 ounces is your baby. The placenta weight about 6 ounces, the amniotic fluid weighs another 11 ounces. The uterus weighs 11 ounces. Your breasts have each increased in weight by 61/2 ounces. The rest of the weight you have gained is due to increased blood volume and other maternal stores."
Add all that up and you get 48 ounces, divided by 16 (ounces in a pound) and you get 3lbs. Knowing that my baby is growing and measuring on track, my weight gain so far is only what is required for the baby and what not. As you can probably tell, I am very pleased with a total weight gain of 3 pounds at 20 weeks.
And as a side note, you may have looked at the 3D ultrasound picture and thought you were seeing 'gender predicting parts.' I assure you... you are not. What looks like a male indicator, to put it politely, is not that. My understanding during the ultrasound is that its either the umbilical cord, or the upper thigh bone.
We are still so full of joy that our tiny little miracle is growing and that in another 20 weeks... we will holding holding our child.
*Oh and again we saw a bit of our baby's personality. Today, while my midwife took a listen for the heartbeat... he/she immediately, I'm talking two seconds after she placed the probe on my belly, started squirming and kicking. Apparently this one does not like to be disturbed. We'll see how that plays out.*
Monday, January 11, 2010
I still would rather not get into any detail about what the potential opportunities in KY are... but Nathan has received communication about two of them, meaning he will be considered for both positions. While I am super excited about the job opportunity up here... we are still praying to be near family. So knowing that Nathan will be considered for two positions, gives us great hope. Its hard not to get our hopes up, but we are trusting God fully. Please continue to pray.
Ultrasound
Today's ultrasound went very well!!! We enjoyed every single moment of the ultrasound... seeing the spine, brain, heart, kidneys, bladder, arms, legs, feet, etc. The ultrasound tech got all the pictures she needed for my midwife, but we didn't get any great ones of the face or profile. Apparently... Baby Morgan is shy and active!! He/she cooperated enough, but would take his/her hands away from its face. In the 3D pic, it looks like it is boxing. But despite not getting great pictures... it was still absolutely wonderful and amazing!!
My next appointment is on Wednesday. If anything abnormal shows up, my midwife will go over that with us then. But the heart beat was strong, the placenta is nice and high, and Baby was beautifully active. Thank you so much for your prayers!
FOOT
FOOT
Baby... hands up to his/her face!
Ready to box... or just shy!!!
We can kind of get a little peak at the face...
Again... hands up by the face!
My next appointment is on Wednesday. If anything abnormal shows up, my midwife will go over that with us then. But the heart beat was strong, the placenta is nice and high, and Baby was beautifully active. Thank you so much for your prayers!
FOOT
FOOT
Baby... hands up to his/her face!
Ready to box... or just shy!!!
We can kind of get a little peak at the face...
Again... hands up by the face!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Kicks
Yesterday was another first...
I've been feeling the baby move regularly, although it is still wonderful and exciting every single time. But last night, while I was laying on the couch, I felt an obvious kick, from the inside and outside. It definitely moved my hand! Of course, Nathan immediately came over and put his hands on my belly, hoping he too would get to feel a kick. But we didn't get another kick that hard, and Nathan wasn't sure what he was feeling for. So maybe over the next couple of weeks, Nathan will be able to feel the baby move.
And today is Sunday, which means... tomorrow's Monday... which means ULTRASOUND!!! Its almost here. I just can't wait to see my baby and see how he/she has grown, and to know how he/she is developing. I will probably blog tomorrow afternoon/evening... so be watching for the latest portrait of Baby Morgan!
I've been feeling the baby move regularly, although it is still wonderful and exciting every single time. But last night, while I was laying on the couch, I felt an obvious kick, from the inside and outside. It definitely moved my hand! Of course, Nathan immediately came over and put his hands on my belly, hoping he too would get to feel a kick. But we didn't get another kick that hard, and Nathan wasn't sure what he was feeling for. So maybe over the next couple of weeks, Nathan will be able to feel the baby move.
And today is Sunday, which means... tomorrow's Monday... which means ULTRASOUND!!! Its almost here. I just can't wait to see my baby and see how he/she has grown, and to know how he/she is developing. I will probably blog tomorrow afternoon/evening... so be watching for the latest portrait of Baby Morgan!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Answered Prayer
While my prayer to return to BG has not yet been answered... we did have another prayer answered. I have been unemployed for a while now. And while I did enjoy my time off to focus on IVF and relax during the first half of my pregnancy, it has still been a bit of a burden. I need to be working right now. And we have really been getting down to crunch time, still uncertain of so much. Today, I found out... that it looks like I will once again have a job. Some of the details are still being worked out, and I don't want to go into too much detail until everything is set in stone, but what a relief and answered prayer. Moving to BG is still our number one prayer. But in the meantime, we still need to be able to support ourselves, especially since we don't know if and when an opportunity in BG will come up. This job is kind of prayer number one and a half. It is the perfect situation with a family that I adore. Its not a job, its a joy {and I mean that.} And if our time to move doesn't come for another year, this situation will meet our needs in allowing me to keep Baby Morgan with me. Praise God.
Still super excited about my ultrasound on Monday! I did have some weird cramping last night. I woke up with moderately painful cramps that would last for 30 seconds to a minute, then they'd go away and I'd fall back asleep. That repeated several times throughout the early morning. Then they stopped after about 8 am. Weird. So I called my midwife, just to make sure it isn't something to be concerned about. She thought they were likely just round ligament pain from the ligaments being pulled. Obviously, if it happens again or stronger, I'll have to call back. I'm not worried, but I am glad that I'll be getting an update at the beginning of the week just for a bit of reassurance.
And.. I think we have settled on our top two boy's names AND our top two girl's names. One of the two girl's names is more of a favorite than the other, but we'd like to keep the options open. Nathan and I are definitely on the same page with names now. It has definitely been a challenge finding the right balance of uniqueness without being weird or completely unheard of.
I know everyone is probably dealing with the cold, maybe snowy weather, but I hope you are staying warm and cozy. {Its even cold in West Texas!}
Still super excited about my ultrasound on Monday! I did have some weird cramping last night. I woke up with moderately painful cramps that would last for 30 seconds to a minute, then they'd go away and I'd fall back asleep. That repeated several times throughout the early morning. Then they stopped after about 8 am. Weird. So I called my midwife, just to make sure it isn't something to be concerned about. She thought they were likely just round ligament pain from the ligaments being pulled. Obviously, if it happens again or stronger, I'll have to call back. I'm not worried, but I am glad that I'll be getting an update at the beginning of the week just for a bit of reassurance.
And.. I think we have settled on our top two boy's names AND our top two girl's names. One of the two girl's names is more of a favorite than the other, but we'd like to keep the options open. Nathan and I are definitely on the same page with names now. It has definitely been a challenge finding the right balance of uniqueness without being weird or completely unheard of.
I know everyone is probably dealing with the cold, maybe snowy weather, but I hope you are staying warm and cozy. {Its even cold in West Texas!}
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Open Door, Cold Weather
I started a really long post about something that is really deep in our heart right now, but I deleted it. Basically, the perfect or near perfect situation that we have been praying for is, hanging in the air in front of us. It is so close we can taste it. But its also scary, because how often does that happen. And what if my idea of the perfect situation is different than God's idea of the perfect situation for us. But it is a situation that would give us opportunity for personal growth, situational stability, financial growth and stability... Please pray for us. I feel like we are praying for another miracle... which after the miracle already growing inside me... it seems so selfish. But considering this would greatly impact our family and the ability to properly care and provide for our tiny little miracle, its almost more of an extension on the first miracle. Please pray that God opens a door soon for the change we need.
On a different note, I hope everyone is staying warm. I know we are all dealing with cold temperatures. My parents were up for New Year's and had the opportunity to experience a small taste of our Michigan winter... meaning negative temperatures. The kind of temperatures where frost bite can occur in less than thirty minutes of being outside. When they got back to Bowling Green, they called me while walking the dogs in the 20 something degree weather down there... and my Dad said he'd never again complain about the weather in BG! I was glad they got to experience a couple days of the North Country weather. Of course, now they're headed SW to Texas. One word. Jealous. (But also very happy for my Mom and Dad.)
Not much else to report up here. I have my next ultrasound a week from today!!! I cannot, cannot, cannot, wait. Then I'll see my midwife again the Wednesday after the ultrasound. Now that I'm feeling movements regularly, I know my little Honey Bunny is in there, but I love hearing the heart beat and seeing how much it has grown. And remember, the gender and final name choices will remain a surprise... so don't waste your breathe asking!!! ;)
On a different note, I hope everyone is staying warm. I know we are all dealing with cold temperatures. My parents were up for New Year's and had the opportunity to experience a small taste of our Michigan winter... meaning negative temperatures. The kind of temperatures where frost bite can occur in less than thirty minutes of being outside. When they got back to Bowling Green, they called me while walking the dogs in the 20 something degree weather down there... and my Dad said he'd never again complain about the weather in BG! I was glad they got to experience a couple days of the North Country weather. Of course, now they're headed SW to Texas. One word. Jealous. (But also very happy for my Mom and Dad.)
Not much else to report up here. I have my next ultrasound a week from today!!! I cannot, cannot, cannot, wait. Then I'll see my midwife again the Wednesday after the ultrasound. Now that I'm feeling movements regularly, I know my little Honey Bunny is in there, but I love hearing the heart beat and seeing how much it has grown. And remember, the gender and final name choices will remain a surprise... so don't waste your breathe asking!!! ;)
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Two Thousand Ten
Everyone else on TV or in the blogging world seems to be doing a yearly review... so I thought I'd join in on the fun! Since this blog is called MorgansRoadToParenthood, I thought my review should look back at the past year of our infertility journey.
January | ... still trying
February | I had my first divine appointment with Dr. Powell. Yes, divine. I believe whole heartedly that this appointment was one arranged by God. I had a battery of blood tests done, and Nathan had his first and only infertility test... checking in with "Grade A" goods.
March | I had my first infertility related test, an ultrasound, and another appointment with Dr. Powell, which I was advised to started charting my temperature at the same time every single morning.
April | ... more charting {Nathan turned 24}
May | I had another appointment with Dr. Powell where she started me on Metformin for suspected PCOS. Dr. Powell was unsure I had PCOS, but said I was more on the borderline of having it. I tolerated the Metformin well, and it actually seemed to give me an amazing energy boost in the first couple of weeks. Dr. Powell also schedule my Hysterosalpinogram, HSG, which was scheduled and done at the end of the month. You may remember how this procedure sent my to my absolute pain threshold. This month, I realized how solid of a rock Nathan would be throughout this journey. The HSG also was huge in finding the cause of our infertility, two blocked fallopian tubes. We were told IVF was our only option, treatment wise.
June | ... more Metformin and time to process our diagnosis.
July | I had my final appointment with Dr. Powell to discuss the HSG and the next steps we'd be taking. She told me a little bit about IVF, mostly scary stuff, and said it'd likely be 6-12 months before we'd be able to begin treatment. At the end of the month, I had my first appointment with Dr. Shamma at IVF Michigan where we were given great hope and chances of success... 60-80% chance of success. I also started birth control (funny, huh?!) {3 days later, we celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary!}
August | This month marked the beginning of our first IVF attempt with four appointments in two weeks. We also started the shots! And I had my first of three IVF surgeries, this one being called a 'test run.'
September | This was the most eventful month of IVF. Tons of shots, appointments, blood work, and ultrasounds. The first weekend of the month, while we were Up North with Ryan and Angie, I had my first bout of IVF related pain, which included an after hours call to the nurse on call. Then came the trigger shot, which I accidentally fell asleep for and ended up in a panic because I took it an hour late and I accidentally over diluted it! This incident included another call at midnight to the on call nurse. The trigger shot is the shot that signaled the eggs to mature in prep for travel! Two days later came the egg retrieval... 14 eggs retrieved, 7 mature enough for fertilization, 6 matured into embryos. Over the next six days, I began experiencing symptoms of hyperstimmulation which sent me to the ER and included a few more after hours calls to the nurse. This was a very scary time, but again I saw what a strong and supportive husband I have. The hyperstimming subsided enough for us to continue on with the transfer six days post retrieval. We decided to transfer one embryo instead of two as we had originally planned because of the hyperstimming and risk for further complications with the more embryos transferred.
Then came two weeks of blood tests and waiting. On Sept. 28th I went in to the office for my pregnancy blood test at 8:00 am. I waited all day, certain the results would be negative. I even wrote a letter to myself, consoling myself and encouraging myself to push on ahead if our first attempt was not a success. That afternoon, we received the call. Pregnant!
October | This was an exciting month as we first saw my hormone levels steadily climbing, then as we saw something so tiny via ultrasound begin to grow. We also got to see our baby's heartbeat!
November | This month was also very exciting as I graduated out of Dr. Shamma's care and into the care of my midwife, Lynda to continue my pregnancy as any other normal woman would. I also made it through the first trimester without an ounce of morning sickness! I also was very excited to have my first appointment with Lynda this month, which I couldn't have been more pleased with... especially since we finally got to hear our baby's heartbeat!
December | This was a wonderfully normal month. No worries or scares. I began feeling the baby's movements this month! And ended the year at 18 weeks pregnant on the very last day of the month.
In a matter of 12 months, we went from ... still trying through infertility diagnosis onto to IVF and ended the year 18 weeks into my pregnancy. While 2009 did hold some major ups and downs in other areas, we cannot deny that God has been so good to us. He made 2009 a year we would never, ever forget. A year in which he gave us a miracle. And I could never accurately express how truly thankful we are to God and to our Moms and Dads, family, and friends who supported us through such an uncertain and amazing time in our lives. We know this baby will be born into a family of people who will unconditionally love and support him or her.
As for our hopes and dreams for 2010. Our first hope is that we will welcome a beautiful, healthy spring baby into the world. Our second hope is that God will open a door back to Bowling Green, KY. Our third hope is God would continue to mold and shape us in to the Mommy and Daddy he needs ands wants us to be for our coming child.
***And we were so grateful to be able to celebrate the New Year with my Mom and Dad who ventured Up North to negative temperatures to be with us. Our time with our family is always cherished!***
January | ... still trying
February | I had my first divine appointment with Dr. Powell. Yes, divine. I believe whole heartedly that this appointment was one arranged by God. I had a battery of blood tests done, and Nathan had his first and only infertility test... checking in with "Grade A" goods.
March | I had my first infertility related test, an ultrasound, and another appointment with Dr. Powell, which I was advised to started charting my temperature at the same time every single morning.
April | ... more charting {Nathan turned 24}
May | I had another appointment with Dr. Powell where she started me on Metformin for suspected PCOS. Dr. Powell was unsure I had PCOS, but said I was more on the borderline of having it. I tolerated the Metformin well, and it actually seemed to give me an amazing energy boost in the first couple of weeks. Dr. Powell also schedule my Hysterosalpinogram, HSG, which was scheduled and done at the end of the month. You may remember how this procedure sent my to my absolute pain threshold. This month, I realized how solid of a rock Nathan would be throughout this journey. The HSG also was huge in finding the cause of our infertility, two blocked fallopian tubes. We were told IVF was our only option, treatment wise.
June | ... more Metformin and time to process our diagnosis.
July | I had my final appointment with Dr. Powell to discuss the HSG and the next steps we'd be taking. She told me a little bit about IVF, mostly scary stuff, and said it'd likely be 6-12 months before we'd be able to begin treatment. At the end of the month, I had my first appointment with Dr. Shamma at IVF Michigan where we were given great hope and chances of success... 60-80% chance of success. I also started birth control (funny, huh?!) {3 days later, we celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary!}
August | This month marked the beginning of our first IVF attempt with four appointments in two weeks. We also started the shots! And I had my first of three IVF surgeries, this one being called a 'test run.'
September | This was the most eventful month of IVF. Tons of shots, appointments, blood work, and ultrasounds. The first weekend of the month, while we were Up North with Ryan and Angie, I had my first bout of IVF related pain, which included an after hours call to the nurse on call. Then came the trigger shot, which I accidentally fell asleep for and ended up in a panic because I took it an hour late and I accidentally over diluted it! This incident included another call at midnight to the on call nurse. The trigger shot is the shot that signaled the eggs to mature in prep for travel! Two days later came the egg retrieval... 14 eggs retrieved, 7 mature enough for fertilization, 6 matured into embryos. Over the next six days, I began experiencing symptoms of hyperstimmulation which sent me to the ER and included a few more after hours calls to the nurse. This was a very scary time, but again I saw what a strong and supportive husband I have. The hyperstimming subsided enough for us to continue on with the transfer six days post retrieval. We decided to transfer one embryo instead of two as we had originally planned because of the hyperstimming and risk for further complications with the more embryos transferred.
Then came two weeks of blood tests and waiting. On Sept. 28th I went in to the office for my pregnancy blood test at 8:00 am. I waited all day, certain the results would be negative. I even wrote a letter to myself, consoling myself and encouraging myself to push on ahead if our first attempt was not a success. That afternoon, we received the call. Pregnant!
October | This was an exciting month as we first saw my hormone levels steadily climbing, then as we saw something so tiny via ultrasound begin to grow. We also got to see our baby's heartbeat!
November | This month was also very exciting as I graduated out of Dr. Shamma's care and into the care of my midwife, Lynda to continue my pregnancy as any other normal woman would. I also made it through the first trimester without an ounce of morning sickness! I also was very excited to have my first appointment with Lynda this month, which I couldn't have been more pleased with... especially since we finally got to hear our baby's heartbeat!
December | This was a wonderfully normal month. No worries or scares. I began feeling the baby's movements this month! And ended the year at 18 weeks pregnant on the very last day of the month.
In a matter of 12 months, we went from ... still trying through infertility diagnosis onto to IVF and ended the year 18 weeks into my pregnancy. While 2009 did hold some major ups and downs in other areas, we cannot deny that God has been so good to us. He made 2009 a year we would never, ever forget. A year in which he gave us a miracle. And I could never accurately express how truly thankful we are to God and to our Moms and Dads, family, and friends who supported us through such an uncertain and amazing time in our lives. We know this baby will be born into a family of people who will unconditionally love and support him or her.
As for our hopes and dreams for 2010. Our first hope is that we will welcome a beautiful, healthy spring baby into the world. Our second hope is that God will open a door back to Bowling Green, KY. Our third hope is God would continue to mold and shape us in to the Mommy and Daddy he needs ands wants us to be for our coming child.
***And we were so grateful to be able to celebrate the New Year with my Mom and Dad who ventured Up North to negative temperatures to be with us. Our time with our family is always cherished!***
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