I'm home sick today. Yesterday afternoon I started to develop a headache. I hate headaches. I suffered through and went to the grocery store, but by 7:00 p.m. wanted nothing more than to lay on the couch. Either the headache or morning sickness made food very undesirable, but as not eating just kept making me more nauseous, I made some chicken noodle soup. I ate about a half a bowl. Later I also had a couple of bites of ice cream. Eric and were watching The Sixth Sense on ABC, but even with the only light in the room coming from TV hurting my eyes, I gave into my migraine and went to bed at about 9:30 p.m. Yesterday, I also found out we don't have any Tylenol as Eric took our bottle to work and that's the only thing on my "approved medication" list from the doctor.
I didn't sleep well and remember waking up at about 4:30 a.m. thinking, why won't this headache go away? When I got up at about 7, it had faded a bit, but was still lingering. I decided to call in for the first half of the day and try to sleep a couple more hours. I got up again at 10:00 a.m. and still felt bad. Mostly morning sickness this time. I decided to just make the whole day a sick day and stay home. I think I could handle either the headache or morning sickness, but having both was just too much to deal with.
Well, I should feel better in another 6 to 7 weeks. That seems like an incredibly long time to feel sick. I'm not really complaining that much though. This time I undeniably have pregnancy symptoms and that makes me less nervous about my appointment next week. I've been praying and asking God to help me not to worry. I didn't ask for Him to make me sick, but if being sick makes me worry less, than I'll take it. I've also read that people with morning sickness are less likely to miscarry, although there are exceptions on both sides of that issue.
I told my boss I was pregnant yesterday. For no real reason except that I felt sick and was tired and just felt like it, I cried twice at work yesterday morning. I thought, maybe I should clue my boss in, so he doesn't think I'm having a mental breakdown. He said congratulations. I'm not really hiding it, but I'm still not announcing it to everyone yet, I think I want to wait until I have that ultrasound picture in my hand.
Ok, well, I'm getting queasy again, I think I'll go take a nap. I just wish food sounded good. On the bright side, I've lost a little weight. I'm 2 1/2 pounds lighter than when I started BFL again on 3/22. I'm sure that will change quickly in the next couple of months, but I don't really want to gain more than the recommended 3-4 pounds in the first trimester. Looks like I'm going to be in good shape there.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Monday, April 26, 2004
Friday Five (On Monday)
1. What was the last TV show you watched?
Law & Order Criminal Intent last night.
2. What was the last thing you complained about?
Feeling sick. All the time.
3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say?
Eric. I told him I appreciate him and want to be sure he never doubts how I feel about him.
4. What was the last thing you threw away?
Empty saltine box.
5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited?
Erica's website.
Law & Order Criminal Intent last night.
2. What was the last thing you complained about?
Feeling sick. All the time.
3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say?
Eric. I told him I appreciate him and want to be sure he never doubts how I feel about him.
4. What was the last thing you threw away?
Empty saltine box.
5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited?
Erica's website.
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Six Weeks, Two Days - The Seventh Week
I figure while I'm online I'll do my developmental update. Here's the update on me. I think I have morning sickness. Still no real urge to vomit, but I feel nauseous almost constantly, or at least as soon as my stomach starts to get empty. It's a double edge sword. When I start to get hungry (about every 2 hours) I also start to feel nauseous and then lose any desire for food. The key is to eat as soon as I start to get hungry before I get nauseous. Today is the worst I've felt. I ate about a half a sleeve of crackers in the car on the way home. Crackers help too. It'll be interesting to see if this gets worse and how I'll feel when I have to go to work. Ok, on to the physical development stuff. Again from the three sources used last week plus About.com
The Baby
Your baby has an incredible growth spurt this week! At the beginning of the 7th week, the crown-to-rump length of your growing baby is 0.16 to 0.2 inch. This is about the size of the BB pellet. By the end of teh week, your baby has more than doubled in size, to 0.44 to .52 inch. Leg buds are beginning to appear as short fins. Arm buds have grown longer; they have divided into a hand segment and an arm-shoulder segment. The hand and foot have a digital plate where the fingers and toes will develo/ The heart bulges from the body. By this time, it has diveded into right and left heart chambers. The primary bronchi are present. The cerebral hemisphers, which make up the brain, are also growing. Eyes and notstrils are developing. Intestines are developing, an the appendix is present. The pancreas, which produces teh hormone insulin, is also present. Part of the intestine bulges into the umbilical cord. Later in your baby's development, it will return to the abdomen.
Technically your baby is still considered an embryo. That's because he has something of a small tail, which will disappear in the next few weeks. But that's the only thing getting smaller. The heart and brain are becoming more complicated, the eyelid folds are forming, and the tip of the nose is present.
Facial features are visible, including a mouth and tongue. The eyes have a retina and lens. The major muscle system is developed, and the unborn child practices moving. The child has its own blood type, distinct from the mother's. These blood cells are produced by the liver now instead of the yolk sac.
The hand plates become present this week, and the baby is about 7-9 mm CRL by the end of the week. The genital tubercle is present, but you can't distinguish girls from boys by sight at this point. Nasal pits are forming. Your baby will actually go through 3 sets of kidneys, very rapidly as they develop during this period. This week the second of such sets will form. With a transvaginal ultrasound, one study shows that 100% of the ultrasounds will be show a fetal pole with heart motion.
The Mom
Although you are probably quite anxious to show the world you're pregnant, there still may be little change. Changes will come soon, though. Changes are occurring gradually. You still probably wont' "show," and people won't be able to tell you're pregnant unless you tell them. You may be gaining weight throughout your body, but you should have gained only a couple of pounds this early in your pregnancy. If you haven't gained weight or if you have lost a couple of pounds, it isn't unusual. It will go the other direction in the weeks to come. You may still experience morning sickness and other symptoms of early pregnancy.
You're in the throes of the first trimester, when many women complain of common pregnancy aches and pains. Keeping food down may be next to impossible, thanks to morning sickness, caused in part by the pregnancy hormones in your body. You may also need to use the bathroom a lot more often than usual — your growing uterus is pressing on your bladder, and hormones are affecting the balance of fluid in your body. These symptoms should diminish as your pregnancy continues.
You may have symptoms ... nausea or queasiness, odd tastes in your mouth, bigger, more sensitive breasts, moodiness... or you may not. Some women have already gained weight, though others, due to morning sickness , may have actually lost weight. Both are common and normal.
Your face may break out due to the changes in hormones. So even though you may feel like a teenager again, you are not alone.
The Baby
Your baby has an incredible growth spurt this week! At the beginning of the 7th week, the crown-to-rump length of your growing baby is 0.16 to 0.2 inch. This is about the size of the BB pellet. By the end of teh week, your baby has more than doubled in size, to 0.44 to .52 inch. Leg buds are beginning to appear as short fins. Arm buds have grown longer; they have divided into a hand segment and an arm-shoulder segment. The hand and foot have a digital plate where the fingers and toes will develo/ The heart bulges from the body. By this time, it has diveded into right and left heart chambers. The primary bronchi are present. The cerebral hemisphers, which make up the brain, are also growing. Eyes and notstrils are developing. Intestines are developing, an the appendix is present. The pancreas, which produces teh hormone insulin, is also present. Part of the intestine bulges into the umbilical cord. Later in your baby's development, it will return to the abdomen.
Technically your baby is still considered an embryo. That's because he has something of a small tail, which will disappear in the next few weeks. But that's the only thing getting smaller. The heart and brain are becoming more complicated, the eyelid folds are forming, and the tip of the nose is present.
Facial features are visible, including a mouth and tongue. The eyes have a retina and lens. The major muscle system is developed, and the unborn child practices moving. The child has its own blood type, distinct from the mother's. These blood cells are produced by the liver now instead of the yolk sac.
The hand plates become present this week, and the baby is about 7-9 mm CRL by the end of the week. The genital tubercle is present, but you can't distinguish girls from boys by sight at this point. Nasal pits are forming. Your baby will actually go through 3 sets of kidneys, very rapidly as they develop during this period. This week the second of such sets will form. With a transvaginal ultrasound, one study shows that 100% of the ultrasounds will be show a fetal pole with heart motion.
The Mom
Although you are probably quite anxious to show the world you're pregnant, there still may be little change. Changes will come soon, though. Changes are occurring gradually. You still probably wont' "show," and people won't be able to tell you're pregnant unless you tell them. You may be gaining weight throughout your body, but you should have gained only a couple of pounds this early in your pregnancy. If you haven't gained weight or if you have lost a couple of pounds, it isn't unusual. It will go the other direction in the weeks to come. You may still experience morning sickness and other symptoms of early pregnancy.
You're in the throes of the first trimester, when many women complain of common pregnancy aches and pains. Keeping food down may be next to impossible, thanks to morning sickness, caused in part by the pregnancy hormones in your body. You may also need to use the bathroom a lot more often than usual — your growing uterus is pressing on your bladder, and hormones are affecting the balance of fluid in your body. These symptoms should diminish as your pregnancy continues.
You may have symptoms ... nausea or queasiness, odd tastes in your mouth, bigger, more sensitive breasts, moodiness... or you may not. Some women have already gained weight, though others, due to morning sickness , may have actually lost weight. Both are common and normal.
Your face may break out due to the changes in hormones. So even though you may feel like a teenager again, you are not alone.
GWO IV - Lafayette, IN
Well, the lastest GWO has come to a close and plans have been laid for the next visit in July. Here's a recap of the weekend.
Thursday
I headed out of work at 1:30 p.m for a 2:15 p.m. client meeting. One of the other two people involved in the meeting got tied up and wasn't able to get together, so at 3:00 p.m. we decided to postpone the meeting and I got to head out. By 3:30 I was fueled up and on the road. I was the first to arrive at Erica's at about 6:30 p.m. Indiana time. My pregnancy bladder kicked in though, and I had to make three bathroom stops on the way plus one stop for food. Danialle made it in just before 8:00 p.m. We watched Survivor and started gabbing away. Heather joined us around 9:00 p.m. Oh, there was much to discuss. I of couse had all my baby news and there were other stories shared, that should probably be kept off the public internet domain.
Friday
We got up at a reasonable time, ate some breakfast and headed to Christina's for our facial appointments. Erica and Danialle were at 10:00 a.m. and Heather and I were at 11:00 a.m. It was Hawaiian day and they had special prizes and a whole Hawaiian decorative theme. We were treated to a free parafin hand dip (it was ok, but I don't know that I would have paid for it) and I won 20% off of any products I bought. The facial was heaven again, like I remembered, but it seems like Heather and Danialle's facialist was not as good. They didn't get the neck and shoulder massage part of it. After facials, we grabbed lunch at Applebee's and headed to All Fired Up to paint pottery. We, somewhat naively, each chose two pieces to paint and spent the next four hours there. It was definately a good time though. After pottery, we went home, showered & changed and left for dinner at Mt. Fugi Japanese steakhouse. It was fun and good food. After dinner we stopped for ice cream and then by Pricilla's to peruse the lingerie. Then we headed home threw on the PJs and relaxed.
Saturday
We had breakfast at Nirvana's and then headed out for a day of shopping in Indianapolis. Our first stop was Half Price Books where I think we all walked away with a good sackful. Then we hit the mall in Castleton. Boy we can shop. I think we all made some great purchases. I bought a black pair of dress pants from The Limited that I've wanted since I bought my white one's in February. They fit so nicely, but should still give me a little room to grow before I have to switch to maternity pants. I also bought a very cute jean skirt at Motherhood Maternity. I love trying on clothes with the little belly pillow. Hopefully, there will be much more maternity shopping in July with Erica needed some too. After the mall we had dinner at Hooters. Then we headed back to Erica's. Heather ended up leaving to head home for a date with a new special someone and the rest of us went to the grocery store for some snacks we didn't end up eating. We played three games of Euchre with Danialle and I partnering against Erica and Eric. Erica and Eric won 2 of the 3 games. Maybe that's why boys shouldn't be allowed? Then we headed for bed. As always happens on the last night, Danialle and I didn't go right to sleep and stayed up for who knows how long talking. All I know is I had to pee twice during the conversation.
Sunday
Danialle left at about 8:00 a.m. in order to get her rental car back before noon. I slept another hour and left at 9:00 Indiana time. I got home just before 2:00 p.m. my time.
Our next visit is the weekend of July 23rd. I'm ready to start counting down the days.
Thursday
I headed out of work at 1:30 p.m for a 2:15 p.m. client meeting. One of the other two people involved in the meeting got tied up and wasn't able to get together, so at 3:00 p.m. we decided to postpone the meeting and I got to head out. By 3:30 I was fueled up and on the road. I was the first to arrive at Erica's at about 6:30 p.m. Indiana time. My pregnancy bladder kicked in though, and I had to make three bathroom stops on the way plus one stop for food. Danialle made it in just before 8:00 p.m. We watched Survivor and started gabbing away. Heather joined us around 9:00 p.m. Oh, there was much to discuss. I of couse had all my baby news and there were other stories shared, that should probably be kept off the public internet domain.
Friday
We got up at a reasonable time, ate some breakfast and headed to Christina's for our facial appointments. Erica and Danialle were at 10:00 a.m. and Heather and I were at 11:00 a.m. It was Hawaiian day and they had special prizes and a whole Hawaiian decorative theme. We were treated to a free parafin hand dip (it was ok, but I don't know that I would have paid for it) and I won 20% off of any products I bought. The facial was heaven again, like I remembered, but it seems like Heather and Danialle's facialist was not as good. They didn't get the neck and shoulder massage part of it. After facials, we grabbed lunch at Applebee's and headed to All Fired Up to paint pottery. We, somewhat naively, each chose two pieces to paint and spent the next four hours there. It was definately a good time though. After pottery, we went home, showered & changed and left for dinner at Mt. Fugi Japanese steakhouse. It was fun and good food. After dinner we stopped for ice cream and then by Pricilla's to peruse the lingerie. Then we headed home threw on the PJs and relaxed.
Saturday
We had breakfast at Nirvana's and then headed out for a day of shopping in Indianapolis. Our first stop was Half Price Books where I think we all walked away with a good sackful. Then we hit the mall in Castleton. Boy we can shop. I think we all made some great purchases. I bought a black pair of dress pants from The Limited that I've wanted since I bought my white one's in February. They fit so nicely, but should still give me a little room to grow before I have to switch to maternity pants. I also bought a very cute jean skirt at Motherhood Maternity. I love trying on clothes with the little belly pillow. Hopefully, there will be much more maternity shopping in July with Erica needed some too. After the mall we had dinner at Hooters. Then we headed back to Erica's. Heather ended up leaving to head home for a date with a new special someone and the rest of us went to the grocery store for some snacks we didn't end up eating. We played three games of Euchre with Danialle and I partnering against Erica and Eric. Erica and Eric won 2 of the 3 games. Maybe that's why boys shouldn't be allowed? Then we headed for bed. As always happens on the last night, Danialle and I didn't go right to sleep and stayed up for who knows how long talking. All I know is I had to pee twice during the conversation.
Sunday
Danialle left at about 8:00 a.m. in order to get her rental car back before noon. I slept another hour and left at 9:00 Indiana time. I got home just before 2:00 p.m. my time.
Our next visit is the weekend of July 23rd. I'm ready to start counting down the days.
Thursday, April 22, 2004
On the road
Only about 5 hours until I’m on the road for GWO. I actually get to leave the office in 1 ½, so that’s cool. I am so excited to catch up with my girls and just hang out. I’m a bit disappointed this morning, because I was so sure that this was it for Erica. What do I expect, I’m always wrong. I’m not giving up hope though. Except for her negative test, there’s no real reason to believe it’s over yet.
I just talked to my Dad. Today’s his birthday. Last year I forgot to send him a card or even call. This year I got his card in the mail early (although he said he hasn’t got it yet) and I made sure to call him at work. My Dad is the best and deserves to know I’m thinking of him.
A couple more people at work now know my news. Tammy accidentally spilled the beans to a couple people in the lunch room yesterday. I wasn’t even there. We’ll see how long it stays quiet. I haven’t even told my boss yet. Maybe I should say something, but I want to wait until my doctor’s appointment.
Ok, well that’s probably the last update until Sunday when I’ll give a full recap of my weekend with the girls. Also, stay tuned Monday for what is happening during week 7 of fetal development. Tomorrow is officially 6 weeks.
I just talked to my Dad. Today’s his birthday. Last year I forgot to send him a card or even call. This year I got his card in the mail early (although he said he hasn’t got it yet) and I made sure to call him at work. My Dad is the best and deserves to know I’m thinking of him.
A couple more people at work now know my news. Tammy accidentally spilled the beans to a couple people in the lunch room yesterday. I wasn’t even there. We’ll see how long it stays quiet. I haven’t even told my boss yet. Maybe I should say something, but I want to wait until my doctor’s appointment.
Ok, well that’s probably the last update until Sunday when I’ll give a full recap of my weekend with the girls. Also, stay tuned Monday for what is happening during week 7 of fetal development. Tomorrow is officially 6 weeks.
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Pet Peeve
Maybe it's just me, but don't some things seem like they should be pretty simple?
The white thing is the laundry hamper. We used to keep it in the bathroom, but I thought maybe it would help if I put it closer to the pile of clothes on the floor. Nope. Just wait until I start laundering only clothes that are "in" the hamper.
The white thing is the laundry hamper. We used to keep it in the bathroom, but I thought maybe it would help if I put it closer to the pile of clothes on the floor. Nope. Just wait until I start laundering only clothes that are "in" the hamper.
Nauseous?
You remember the other day when I said I felt nauseous? I was wrong. Yesterday I felt nauseous. It hit me right about 9:00 a.m. for maybe a half hour. I actually went into the restroom a couple of times, just in case. I never actually got sick, but I was not especially happy, when people in the office wanted to talk to me. You know when you don’t feel good and feel like carrying on a conversation is too much effort? I seriously considered going home and facing my first day of morning sickness from the comfort of my own bedroom, but by the time I figured out what work I was going to take home, I felt better. I also took a trip down to the convenience store in the lobby of the building to buy some saltines. They were out! Last night, I bought a box at the grocery store, that is now safely in my desk drawer. I haven’t felt sick since then, but can conceive that I may again sometime in the next 6 to 8 weeks.
I'm also doing some growing up top. I think tonight I may have Eric take pictures in my bikini top. I wonder if my “growth” is noticeable in pictures. I have my BFL before pictures from 5 weeks ago and would be interested to see the difference. Maybe it's all in my head.
I’m ready (mentally) for GWO this weekend. Only 2 more days of work. Also, by then we should know if Erica and Eric were successful this month. I’ve been saying a prayer for them. So far things look promising.
I'm also doing some growing up top. I think tonight I may have Eric take pictures in my bikini top. I wonder if my “growth” is noticeable in pictures. I have my BFL before pictures from 5 weeks ago and would be interested to see the difference. Maybe it's all in my head.
I’m ready (mentally) for GWO this weekend. Only 2 more days of work. Also, by then we should know if Erica and Eric were successful this month. I’ve been saying a prayer for them. So far things look promising.
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Five Weeks, Two Days - The Sixth Week
Ok, I lied. We're doing the developmental update tonight. Sources of information are "Your Pregnancy Week by Week", babycenter.com, and babyzone.com. All information is for Week 6.
The Baby
The crown-to-rump length of your growing baby is 0.08 to 0.16 inch (2 to 4 mm). Occasionally, with the proper equipment, a heartbeat can be seen on ultrasound by the 6th week. This is the beginning of the embryonic period (from week 6 to week 10 of pregnancy. It is a period of extremely important development in your baby! Around this time the neural groove closes and early brain chambers form. The eyes are also forming. Limb buds appear. The heart tubes fuse and heart contractions begin.
Cells are dividing furiously as your embryo takes shape. By week's end, it's about the size of a small lentil bean (4 to 5 millimeters across). If you could see through your uterine walls, you'd find an overlarge head and dark spots where the eyes and nostrils are beginning to form. The emerging ears are marked by pits and the arms and legs by protruding buds. The embryo's hands and feet are shaped like paddles, and fingers are beginning to form even now. The heart has divided into the right and left chambers and is beating between 100 and 130 times a minute. The pituitary gland is also forming.
This week your embryo is working very hard to begin growing its nervous system. There's a primitive heart now, and just wait until it can show you its love! Tiny buds have appeared -- if all goes well, these will someday be arms to hug you and legs to kick at you during temper tantrums. By now, your baby displays reflexes in response to a touch! This means his nervous system is communicating with his primitive muscle cells. This communication forms the foundation of all your baby's behavior even after birth.
The Mom
You may have gained a few pounds by now. If you have been nauseated and not eating well, you may have lost weight. You have been pregnant for 1 month, which is enough time to notice some changes in your body. If this is your first pregnancy, your abdomen may not have changed much. Or you may notice your clothes are getting a little tighter around the waist. You may be gaining weight in your legs or other places, such as your breasts. If you have a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider can usually feel your uterus and note some change in its size.
If you haven't already, you may soon find yourself riding pregnancy's emotional roller coaster, feeling moody one day and joyful the next. Disturbing as this is to some women who pride themselves on being in control, what you're going through is normal and will probably continue throughout your pregnancy. Up-and-down emotions are partly caused by fluctuating and (in many cases) very high levels of hormones.
Your uterus is the size of a plum, your breasts may be incredibly tender, and, ugh, you may start feeling some odd symptoms , though for some women the morning sickness doesn't kick in until later (if at all). Because this is a critical time in your baby's organ development, avoid alcohol, substances, drugs, and treatments that you don't really need. If you haven't done so already, find a doctor, and make that appointment.
The Baby
The crown-to-rump length of your growing baby is 0.08 to 0.16 inch (2 to 4 mm). Occasionally, with the proper equipment, a heartbeat can be seen on ultrasound by the 6th week. This is the beginning of the embryonic period (from week 6 to week 10 of pregnancy. It is a period of extremely important development in your baby! Around this time the neural groove closes and early brain chambers form. The eyes are also forming. Limb buds appear. The heart tubes fuse and heart contractions begin.
Cells are dividing furiously as your embryo takes shape. By week's end, it's about the size of a small lentil bean (4 to 5 millimeters across). If you could see through your uterine walls, you'd find an overlarge head and dark spots where the eyes and nostrils are beginning to form. The emerging ears are marked by pits and the arms and legs by protruding buds. The embryo's hands and feet are shaped like paddles, and fingers are beginning to form even now. The heart has divided into the right and left chambers and is beating between 100 and 130 times a minute. The pituitary gland is also forming.
This week your embryo is working very hard to begin growing its nervous system. There's a primitive heart now, and just wait until it can show you its love! Tiny buds have appeared -- if all goes well, these will someday be arms to hug you and legs to kick at you during temper tantrums. By now, your baby displays reflexes in response to a touch! This means his nervous system is communicating with his primitive muscle cells. This communication forms the foundation of all your baby's behavior even after birth.
The Mom
You may have gained a few pounds by now. If you have been nauseated and not eating well, you may have lost weight. You have been pregnant for 1 month, which is enough time to notice some changes in your body. If this is your first pregnancy, your abdomen may not have changed much. Or you may notice your clothes are getting a little tighter around the waist. You may be gaining weight in your legs or other places, such as your breasts. If you have a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider can usually feel your uterus and note some change in its size.
If you haven't already, you may soon find yourself riding pregnancy's emotional roller coaster, feeling moody one day and joyful the next. Disturbing as this is to some women who pride themselves on being in control, what you're going through is normal and will probably continue throughout your pregnancy. Up-and-down emotions are partly caused by fluctuating and (in many cases) very high levels of hormones.
Your uterus is the size of a plum, your breasts may be incredibly tender, and, ugh, you may start feeling some odd symptoms , though for some women the morning sickness doesn't kick in until later (if at all). Because this is a critical time in your baby's organ development, avoid alcohol, substances, drugs, and treatments that you don't really need. If you haven't done so already, find a doctor, and make that appointment.
The Weekend
I'm so sad this weekend is coming to an end. Here's my recap.
Friday
We went to dinner at Champps with Will and Samara. It was really nice because we haven't seen them in person in almost two months. We got to catch up a bit and just hang out.
Saturday
I spent the morning and afternoon cleaning the house. It was a beautiful day so Eric did yardwork and I had the windows open. It feels so good to know everything is clean and not be cooped up in a dirty house. In the early evening Will and Samara came over (with Chance) and we grilled some hamburgers, hot dogs and brats. April and Martin came over too and I think everybody had a good time. Zeus had so much fun playing with his doggy friends. (Jax and Peaches came over too). Samara also showed me a scrapbook page she made on the computer, which seems like a good way to go. It's the kind of thing you could use, if you like the idea of scrapbooking, but the actual work of cutting out paper and pictures and gluing isn't that exciting. Anyway, after dinner we took all the dogs to Brusters for some ice cream. Then Will and Samara took off (they are both taking classes and have homework to do). Then April and Martin came back to our house and we played Phase 10. I won.
Sunday
We went to church. It was a little weird. At the end of every service they read prayer requests that people write on these cards. Well, this morning. One of the requests was for "Megan and Chad who lost a baby this week." That was really hard for me to hear and I started to get a bit teary. (I don't know who Megan and Chad are, but my heart breaks for them). Then the next request was for "Jennifer Cruz who lost her fourth baby in a miscarriage." I just couldn't take it. I just cried. I wasn't loud or obnoxious, but I did need to dig the Kleenex out of my purse. By the time the service was over, I was under control and we had Sunday School. Lew, our teacher, saw me before class and asked how I was feeling (I told the class last week about our answer to prayer). I told him, "fine." Then he asked me how Eric was doing. I said he was doing good. Then we went up to class. At the end of Sunday School, we also do prayer requests before we pray and leave. A couple people had requests, and then Lew looked and me and said, "What about you guys?" I said, "Yes, the same as last week. We're a little nervous, but doing good." He then said he thought I lost the baby. When he heard the prayer request during church, he thought it was me. It wasn't. It was such a bizarre mix up though. I guess he even told the people in the class before we went up there. Everyone was all confused. We straightened it out though.
This afternoon we went to a Membership Class at the church. I think we are going to join. It's a little weird for me since it's a Methodist Church and I've always been in Baptist churches, but this is the first place that's really felt like home in 3 years. I love the paster and think he's really easy to understand and listen too. I love their "new" contemporary service with praise and worship. I love our Sunday school class. I'm excited about meeting more people and getting involved in service. This church really seems to be in the right direction about focus. The only thing I see different in the demoninations is some of the structure and organization of the administration. The core beliefs seem to be the same. I asked about baptism and while they do "baptize" babies. You don't have too. They leave that up to the parents and if we want to wait until our child has the chance to make the decision on his/her own, that's ok too. He will also do the person's choice of sprinkling, pouring, or dunking. I think I can live with that. We are planning on joining in two weeks. April will be our sponser.
Well, that's about it for now. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the baby development info for what happens in during week 6. It's sure to be exciting.
Friday
We went to dinner at Champps with Will and Samara. It was really nice because we haven't seen them in person in almost two months. We got to catch up a bit and just hang out.
Saturday
I spent the morning and afternoon cleaning the house. It was a beautiful day so Eric did yardwork and I had the windows open. It feels so good to know everything is clean and not be cooped up in a dirty house. In the early evening Will and Samara came over (with Chance) and we grilled some hamburgers, hot dogs and brats. April and Martin came over too and I think everybody had a good time. Zeus had so much fun playing with his doggy friends. (Jax and Peaches came over too). Samara also showed me a scrapbook page she made on the computer, which seems like a good way to go. It's the kind of thing you could use, if you like the idea of scrapbooking, but the actual work of cutting out paper and pictures and gluing isn't that exciting. Anyway, after dinner we took all the dogs to Brusters for some ice cream. Then Will and Samara took off (they are both taking classes and have homework to do). Then April and Martin came back to our house and we played Phase 10. I won.
Sunday
We went to church. It was a little weird. At the end of every service they read prayer requests that people write on these cards. Well, this morning. One of the requests was for "Megan and Chad who lost a baby this week." That was really hard for me to hear and I started to get a bit teary. (I don't know who Megan and Chad are, but my heart breaks for them). Then the next request was for "Jennifer Cruz who lost her fourth baby in a miscarriage." I just couldn't take it. I just cried. I wasn't loud or obnoxious, but I did need to dig the Kleenex out of my purse. By the time the service was over, I was under control and we had Sunday School. Lew, our teacher, saw me before class and asked how I was feeling (I told the class last week about our answer to prayer). I told him, "fine." Then he asked me how Eric was doing. I said he was doing good. Then we went up to class. At the end of Sunday School, we also do prayer requests before we pray and leave. A couple people had requests, and then Lew looked and me and said, "What about you guys?" I said, "Yes, the same as last week. We're a little nervous, but doing good." He then said he thought I lost the baby. When he heard the prayer request during church, he thought it was me. It wasn't. It was such a bizarre mix up though. I guess he even told the people in the class before we went up there. Everyone was all confused. We straightened it out though.
This afternoon we went to a Membership Class at the church. I think we are going to join. It's a little weird for me since it's a Methodist Church and I've always been in Baptist churches, but this is the first place that's really felt like home in 3 years. I love the paster and think he's really easy to understand and listen too. I love their "new" contemporary service with praise and worship. I love our Sunday school class. I'm excited about meeting more people and getting involved in service. This church really seems to be in the right direction about focus. The only thing I see different in the demoninations is some of the structure and organization of the administration. The core beliefs seem to be the same. I asked about baptism and while they do "baptize" babies. You don't have too. They leave that up to the parents and if we want to wait until our child has the chance to make the decision on his/her own, that's ok too. He will also do the person's choice of sprinkling, pouring, or dunking. I think I can live with that. We are planning on joining in two weeks. April will be our sponser.
Well, that's about it for now. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the baby development info for what happens in during week 6. It's sure to be exciting.
Saturday, April 17, 2004
My Due Date
Today is the due date from my first pregnancy.
I wasn't really sure how I would feel today. How do I feel? Pretty good actually. It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, I've got the windows open. I've been cleaning the house while Eric does yard work. It's spring. But I don't have a baby.
I think I'm ok with that for now. It really does help that I know I have one on the way that should be here in 8 months.
I almost feel bad that I'm not more emotional today. I suppose it's ok. I've certainly been emotional about it enough over the last 6 months. Right now I just want to focus on my new baby and my new due date. I'm so thankful that I have that to look forward to today.
So, Baby I never knew, I miss you today, but know that soon enough I'll have a baby to keep here with me forever.
I wasn't really sure how I would feel today. How do I feel? Pretty good actually. It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, I've got the windows open. I've been cleaning the house while Eric does yard work. It's spring. But I don't have a baby.
I think I'm ok with that for now. It really does help that I know I have one on the way that should be here in 8 months.
I almost feel bad that I'm not more emotional today. I suppose it's ok. I've certainly been emotional about it enough over the last 6 months. Right now I just want to focus on my new baby and my new due date. I'm so thankful that I have that to look forward to today.
So, Baby I never knew, I miss you today, but know that soon enough I'll have a baby to keep here with me forever.
Friday, April 16, 2004
Five Weeks
Well, we are officially five weeks today. It's still hard to comprehend.
I think I'll update with the next week of development info on Monday.
I have two new symptoms this week.
1. Yesterday I had my first wave of "official" nausea. It didn't send me to the restroom, but it was a definate feeling. We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.
2. My breast tenderness isn't as noticable as I remember it being last time I was pregnant (so of course, I am slightly concerned). However, last night I noticed that now my nipples have become sore and super sensitive. It's a change, so I'm taking that as a good sign.
Overall, I feel pretty good. I'm either starving or have no desire to eat. I've been super tired and irritable. Sounds like fun, right? It'll be worth it.
Only 6 more days until I find out if Erica's doing this with me and 6 more days until GWO. I'm very excited.
I think I'll update with the next week of development info on Monday.
I have two new symptoms this week.
1. Yesterday I had my first wave of "official" nausea. It didn't send me to the restroom, but it was a definate feeling. We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.
2. My breast tenderness isn't as noticable as I remember it being last time I was pregnant (so of course, I am slightly concerned). However, last night I noticed that now my nipples have become sore and super sensitive. It's a change, so I'm taking that as a good sign.
Overall, I feel pretty good. I'm either starving or have no desire to eat. I've been super tired and irritable. Sounds like fun, right? It'll be worth it.
Only 6 more days until I find out if Erica's doing this with me and 6 more days until GWO. I'm very excited.
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
A Comforting Statistic
A visible heartbeat could be seen and detectable by pulsed doppler ultrasound by about 6 weeks and is usually clearly depictable by 7 weeks. If this is observed, the probability of a continued pregnancy is greater than 83 percent.
I should be in good shape to see the heartbeat at my 8 week appointment and if we do, the chance of loss is dramatically reduced.
I should be in good shape to see the heartbeat at my 8 week appointment and if we do, the chance of loss is dramatically reduced.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Symptoms
I am so tired. I forgot how utterly exhausted this could make me. I still wonder with it being so early what symptoms are in my head and what's real, but I think this one is for real. It seems to really kick in after I eat, which I've been doing every 2 to 3 hours. Yesterday, I took a 45 minute nap when I got home from work. I'm a little concerned about next weekend when I have to drive to Indiana after work for GWO. Four hours in the car by myself after working all day. I better have some good tunes.
I've only been slightly nauseous, but for some reason feel like I'll be getting worse in the next couple of weeks. I can't explain why, I just feel like it.
I'm cranky. It's kind of like PMS in overdrive. I actually had a co-worker comment on it today. Then I apologized and about broke into tears. Yep, this could be a roller coaster ride. Yesterday I was ready to go off on a particular telemarketer that calls the house several times a day. We screen our calls, but if they would have called after 6 yesterday, I was going to answer. I told Eric I was angry when he got home and he was able to bring me out of my funk. Today, another co-worker made a negative comment about what I was wearing (this is the same co-worker that made the inappropriate comment after my miscarriage). Personally I liked what I was wearing. He tried to back peddle and later that afternoon as I walked by said, "You look nice today." I told the person in his doorway that he didn't like my shirt. Then the coworker held his tie above his head like he was hanging himself. The person in the doorway said, "He's hanging himself." I said, "He should." Ok, Jennifer, calm the hormones down. Now I'm the inappropriate one. I need to start thinking before I speak before I say something I can't take back.
There may be other symptoms, but I'm too tired to think about them right now.
I'm deleriously happy, regardless. Today we visited Kim to see the baby at home. He's two weeks old and still weighs less than 5 pounds. I wanted to take him home. This time it didn't ache so bad. I know soon enough, I will have one to take home.
I've only been slightly nauseous, but for some reason feel like I'll be getting worse in the next couple of weeks. I can't explain why, I just feel like it.
I'm cranky. It's kind of like PMS in overdrive. I actually had a co-worker comment on it today. Then I apologized and about broke into tears. Yep, this could be a roller coaster ride. Yesterday I was ready to go off on a particular telemarketer that calls the house several times a day. We screen our calls, but if they would have called after 6 yesterday, I was going to answer. I told Eric I was angry when he got home and he was able to bring me out of my funk. Today, another co-worker made a negative comment about what I was wearing (this is the same co-worker that made the inappropriate comment after my miscarriage). Personally I liked what I was wearing. He tried to back peddle and later that afternoon as I walked by said, "You look nice today." I told the person in his doorway that he didn't like my shirt. Then the coworker held his tie above his head like he was hanging himself. The person in the doorway said, "He's hanging himself." I said, "He should." Ok, Jennifer, calm the hormones down. Now I'm the inappropriate one. I need to start thinking before I speak before I say something I can't take back.
There may be other symptoms, but I'm too tired to think about them right now.
I'm deleriously happy, regardless. Today we visited Kim to see the baby at home. He's two weeks old and still weighs less than 5 pounds. I wanted to take him home. This time it didn't ache so bad. I know soon enough, I will have one to take home.
New Appointment
On Saturday, Eric received a summons for jury duty. It starts May 10 at 8:00 a.m. and he has to be available for 2 weeks. My doctor's appointment was scheduled for May 13th. So, since it is unlikely that he would be able to get out of jury duty, I called the doctor to see if they could move my appointment up.
The appointment desk had me leave a message on the nurse line, since any earlier would be out of their recommended 9-11 week time frame. In my voicemail I told her why I wanted to change it and why I preferred to make it earlier rather than move it back two weeks. When the nurse called back she was very nice and had no problem moving my appointment.
My appointment is now Friday, May 7th at 1:40 p.m. I'll be 8 weeks pregnant. I'm so happy they made it earlier. That's just over 3 weeks away now. That doesn't sound like that long to wait.
The appointment desk had me leave a message on the nurse line, since any earlier would be out of their recommended 9-11 week time frame. In my voicemail I told her why I wanted to change it and why I preferred to make it earlier rather than move it back two weeks. When the nurse called back she was very nice and had no problem moving my appointment.
My appointment is now Friday, May 7th at 1:40 p.m. I'll be 8 weeks pregnant. I'm so happy they made it earlier. That's just over 3 weeks away now. That doesn't sound like that long to wait.
Monday, April 12, 2004
The Fifth Week - 4 weeks, 3 days
Here is some info on development taken form BabyCenter and BabyZone.com.
Your Body
Your breasts may hurt, you may feel tired, queasy and hungry along with the dreaded morning sickness , perhaps you have an odd, metallic taste in your mouth, or you just may be running to the bathroom to pee all the time as your growing uterus presses your bladder. Or maybe it's just a feeling you have -- an intuition. Whatever your clues, you may not want to wait for your doctor's appointment and instead will decide to take a Home Pregnancy Test. Be careful! If you take it too soon you may get a false negative.
How your life is changing: The outside world won't see any sign of the dramatic developments taking place inside you — except maybe that you're suddenly eating better. Good nutrition is particularly important during these first critical weeks when your baby's vital organs are developing.
Pregnancy symptoms continue or start up this week. If you're like most women, you'll notice nausea (and not just in the morning), sore breasts, fatigue, and frequent urination. All are normal, all are annoying, but the upside is that they're all a part of being pregnant and won't last forever.
Your Baby
Your embryo is the size of a raisin (only 1/10 of an inch or 1.5-3 mm). By day twenty-one, the embryo's tiny heart has begun beating. The neural tube enlarges into three parts, soon to become a very complex brain. The placenta begins functioning. The spine and spinal cord grows faster than the rest of the body at this stage and give the appearance of a tail-- Don't worry Mom, This will disappear as the child continues to grow.
How your baby's growing: You may not look pregnant yet (you may not even have any symptoms), but your embryo is busy growing. At this point he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. But this week, the heart begins to beat, the cells for the major organs, including the kidneys and heart, begin to develop, and the neural tube, which connects the brain and spinal cord, closes.
This is an important week. I can't believe we may be growing a heart right now. Just a couple more weeks until I can see it. I'm thinking I may not escape pregnancy symptoms this time. I've lost my appetite (I even turned down ice cream yesterday). My sense of smell is especially keen. The only time I've felt nauseous is when I've smelled something strong. Like when I had to clean up Zeus' mess from eating too much people food out of the trash way too fast. Gross. I've also had "other" stomach issues. It's ok. I love every moment if it means I get to be a Mom soon.
Your Body
Your breasts may hurt, you may feel tired, queasy and hungry along with the dreaded morning sickness , perhaps you have an odd, metallic taste in your mouth, or you just may be running to the bathroom to pee all the time as your growing uterus presses your bladder. Or maybe it's just a feeling you have -- an intuition. Whatever your clues, you may not want to wait for your doctor's appointment and instead will decide to take a Home Pregnancy Test. Be careful! If you take it too soon you may get a false negative.
How your life is changing: The outside world won't see any sign of the dramatic developments taking place inside you — except maybe that you're suddenly eating better. Good nutrition is particularly important during these first critical weeks when your baby's vital organs are developing.
Pregnancy symptoms continue or start up this week. If you're like most women, you'll notice nausea (and not just in the morning), sore breasts, fatigue, and frequent urination. All are normal, all are annoying, but the upside is that they're all a part of being pregnant and won't last forever.
Your Baby
Your embryo is the size of a raisin (only 1/10 of an inch or 1.5-3 mm). By day twenty-one, the embryo's tiny heart has begun beating. The neural tube enlarges into three parts, soon to become a very complex brain. The placenta begins functioning. The spine and spinal cord grows faster than the rest of the body at this stage and give the appearance of a tail-- Don't worry Mom, This will disappear as the child continues to grow.
How your baby's growing: You may not look pregnant yet (you may not even have any symptoms), but your embryo is busy growing. At this point he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. But this week, the heart begins to beat, the cells for the major organs, including the kidneys and heart, begin to develop, and the neural tube, which connects the brain and spinal cord, closes.
This is an important week. I can't believe we may be growing a heart right now. Just a couple more weeks until I can see it. I'm thinking I may not escape pregnancy symptoms this time. I've lost my appetite (I even turned down ice cream yesterday). My sense of smell is especially keen. The only time I've felt nauseous is when I've smelled something strong. Like when I had to clean up Zeus' mess from eating too much people food out of the trash way too fast. Gross. I've also had "other" stomach issues. It's ok. I love every moment if it means I get to be a Mom soon.
Sunday, April 11, 2004
Another Test
Friday night, just for fun, I decided to use the other pregnancy test I had in the house. This may not have been a well thought out plan. After all, it was still the same day as my first positive, but later at night (10:30 p.m.) and I'd probably not had as concentrated hormone as I'd like to see. Regardless, I decided to take another test. It's more fun when you know the answer. It was the second of the cheap Target one's I bought. It was #2 in a pack I bought for $7. I got a second line on this one too and it was even darker and easier to read. I thought I'd post it here for all to see too.
I really am pregnant!
I really am pregnant!
Saturday, April 10, 2004
Faith
Last night we went to the Good Friday service at the church we've been attending and then went to dinner with our neighbors. April and I were talking about my news and I brought up what a miracle this has been. About three weeks ago, I shared my story of the miscarriage and trying again with the Sunday School class and asked for prayers this month to "let it go." I was serious when I said that I thought God wanted me to learn that He is in control.
April made a comment that it was like God was saying, "I have this wonderful gift for you, but I just need you to learn one thing first."
I hope I've learned.
I know alot of people pray for things they need or want. They turn to God in hard times, but I think the tendency is that when you get what you want, you say, "Well, thanks God. Good job. Now I think I can handle it from here." My prayer now is to realize that I'm still not in control. It's not time for me to take it back over. One thing I learned from my miscarriage was that it wasn't my "fault." I couldn't have done anything differently to get a different outcome. I think I need God even more right now. I want to say, "Thanks God. Good job. Now we've still got a lot of work to do. You can protect this baby more than I can. Keep it safe for me."
Letting God stay in control should be a real source of comfort for me. If He's in control, then I shouldn't even waste my time worrying. There's nothing I can do and by worrying, it's a sign that I can't complete trust that He's doing it right. Now I'm human, so I'm sure I'll worry, but I'll try not to take my burden back away from Him too often. I think this is something He can handle more than I can.
April made a comment that it was like God was saying, "I have this wonderful gift for you, but I just need you to learn one thing first."
I hope I've learned.
I know alot of people pray for things they need or want. They turn to God in hard times, but I think the tendency is that when you get what you want, you say, "Well, thanks God. Good job. Now I think I can handle it from here." My prayer now is to realize that I'm still not in control. It's not time for me to take it back over. One thing I learned from my miscarriage was that it wasn't my "fault." I couldn't have done anything differently to get a different outcome. I think I need God even more right now. I want to say, "Thanks God. Good job. Now we've still got a lot of work to do. You can protect this baby more than I can. Keep it safe for me."
Letting God stay in control should be a real source of comfort for me. If He's in control, then I shouldn't even waste my time worrying. There's nothing I can do and by worrying, it's a sign that I can't complete trust that He's doing it right. Now I'm human, so I'm sure I'll worry, but I'll try not to take my burden back away from Him too often. I think this is something He can handle more than I can.
Friday, April 09, 2004
Friday Five
1. What do you do for a living?
I work for a global insurance brokerage. I work on Casualty Placements (Auto Liability, General Liability, Workers Comp, Umbrella Liability) for Fortune 500 companies. My job consists of negotiations with insurance underwriters and day-to-day service for my clients.
2. What do you like most about your job?
It's challenging. I get to learn a lot about my clients operations and the insurance industry. It requires creativity and problem solving skills and I feel like I make a difference.
3. What do you like least about your job?
There are alot of professional standards to follow and it's a world of deadlines. It seems like there isn't enough time to do everything and have it done right.
4. When you have a bad day at work it's usually because _____...
Mostly internal conflicts. I work on a team and sometimes people delegate too much and I get the feeling they aren't pulling their weight. Or, I'm coming up on a deadline and the deal doesn't fall into place until the last possible moment.
5. What other career(s) are you interested in?
Right now nothing. I love my job. I would possibly consider switching to the client side in the future. Maybe work as a company's Risk Manager. That's still be in the same industry.
I work for a global insurance brokerage. I work on Casualty Placements (Auto Liability, General Liability, Workers Comp, Umbrella Liability) for Fortune 500 companies. My job consists of negotiations with insurance underwriters and day-to-day service for my clients.
2. What do you like most about your job?
It's challenging. I get to learn a lot about my clients operations and the insurance industry. It requires creativity and problem solving skills and I feel like I make a difference.
3. What do you like least about your job?
There are alot of professional standards to follow and it's a world of deadlines. It seems like there isn't enough time to do everything and have it done right.
4. When you have a bad day at work it's usually because _____...
Mostly internal conflicts. I work on a team and sometimes people delegate too much and I get the feeling they aren't pulling their weight. Or, I'm coming up on a deadline and the deal doesn't fall into place until the last possible moment.
5. What other career(s) are you interested in?
Right now nothing. I love my job. I would possibly consider switching to the client side in the future. Maybe work as a company's Risk Manager. That's still be in the same industry.
More Details
I called the doctor's office this morning. I told them that I had an appointment scheduled for April 29th, and then they cancelled it. She also told me that the doctor won't do my PAP at that visit, but will do it later in pregnancy. She told me that they normally like to see patients when they are between 9 and 11 weeks (I remember from last time). I told her if possible, I'd like to be on the shorter end of that scale since I had a miscarriage in September that was discovered at that appointment. The less time I have to wait, the less stress. So, she made my new appointment for May 13th. I'll be 9 weeks. She also told me she's going to call in a prescription for a pre-natal vitamin. I went and picked them up this afternoon.
I told Tammy at work this morning. Her husbands office is right next to mine, so when I saw he came in, I headed over to her cube. I took my purse with me and told her I had something to show her. She looked at me and I know she knew what it was, but I pulled out the test (pee stick, as she likes to call it). She screamed. I mean loud. She was then crying and hugging me, and Heidi, who sits on the back side of her cube, said, "Oh, my gosh," and came to investigate. Luckily, it was only about 8:15 a.m. and there were only two other people on that side of the office. (They are both men that I don't really work with or speak to, so I think my secret is still safe). I told them the story and we were all shaking and crying. It was very good. Besides Tammy and Heidi, I also e-mailed Kim K. (mostly because she was around for a discussion I had with Tammy yesterday and knew AF was late and I was testing today). Tammy also told Chris (with permission, but they're married, so what do you expect). I also probably shouldn't have, but told the intern. It was just too perfect of a set up. Yesterday, she was making all these jokes saying she was pregnant, and how she wasn't married, etc. but happened to be doing it right in front of the new girl (who I discovered yesterday is also pregnant). Today, I gave her a heads up that the new girl was pregnant and she was a bit embarrased for going on like that. Then she started saying how it was crazy that all these people in the office were pregnant. She said Tammy just had a baby, and Laurie is pregnant, and Pete's wife, and the new girl. Then she said, "Who else is pregnant?" I just kept my mouth shut, sort of shrugged with a smile on my face. Her eyes got really big and she said, "You!" I said yes, and she about ratted me out to the other side of the office. Her reaction wasn't quite as loud as Tammy's though. So 4 people. That's not so bad for me. I'll see if I can make it to my doctor's appointment without telling the rest of the office.
Ok enough for now, I'll have to save something to discuss later. I'm going to update my info now, I may also remove the Fertility Friend ticker, as I think you have to log into Fertility Friend for it to be updated.
I told Tammy at work this morning. Her husbands office is right next to mine, so when I saw he came in, I headed over to her cube. I took my purse with me and told her I had something to show her. She looked at me and I know she knew what it was, but I pulled out the test (pee stick, as she likes to call it). She screamed. I mean loud. She was then crying and hugging me, and Heidi, who sits on the back side of her cube, said, "Oh, my gosh," and came to investigate. Luckily, it was only about 8:15 a.m. and there were only two other people on that side of the office. (They are both men that I don't really work with or speak to, so I think my secret is still safe). I told them the story and we were all shaking and crying. It was very good. Besides Tammy and Heidi, I also e-mailed Kim K. (mostly because she was around for a discussion I had with Tammy yesterday and knew AF was late and I was testing today). Tammy also told Chris (with permission, but they're married, so what do you expect). I also probably shouldn't have, but told the intern. It was just too perfect of a set up. Yesterday, she was making all these jokes saying she was pregnant, and how she wasn't married, etc. but happened to be doing it right in front of the new girl (who I discovered yesterday is also pregnant). Today, I gave her a heads up that the new girl was pregnant and she was a bit embarrased for going on like that. Then she started saying how it was crazy that all these people in the office were pregnant. She said Tammy just had a baby, and Laurie is pregnant, and Pete's wife, and the new girl. Then she said, "Who else is pregnant?" I just kept my mouth shut, sort of shrugged with a smile on my face. Her eyes got really big and she said, "You!" I said yes, and she about ratted me out to the other side of the office. Her reaction wasn't quite as loud as Tammy's though. So 4 people. That's not so bad for me. I'll see if I can make it to my doctor's appointment without telling the rest of the office.
Ok enough for now, I'll have to save something to discuss later. I'm going to update my info now, I may also remove the Fertility Friend ticker, as I think you have to log into Fertility Friend for it to be updated.
Good Friday
Well, today was my test day. It was good.
Maybe it's hard to see on the picture, but in the bathroom, the line was definately there.
Edited to add: Grrrr. My online picture account is locked! E-mail me at work if you want to see the picture. I don't know how long the pictures will be locked.
I woke up this morning just before 6:00 a.m. I'd been having restless dreams about getting the thermometer in my mouth to take my temperature. When I woke up I decided to go ahead and temp. While I was waiting, I said a little prayer. It was still 98.3. I was so happy. I wanted to try to lay there until closer to time to get up, but decided I probably wasn't going back to sleep, so I might as well go start the test.
I went the bathroom, did the deed and went back to the bed to wait. I started thinking that even if I ovulated last Saturday, which was the latest I think it could have happened, then I'd still be 13 DPO and that was a mighty fine high temp. After about 2 minutes I went to check. I still couldn't really see either line, so I decided to go let the dog out.
After I came back, I went in took a deep breath, and...2 lines. I immediately started sobbing. I can hardly believe it's finally happened again.
I was still crying and went out to the bedroom, sat on the edge of the bed and hugged Eric. He woke up and asked me what was wrong, and I told him, "I'm pregnant." He hugged me and then asked if they were tears of joy. Of course they are. He did get up and peek at the test, but nows he's back in bed. It was only 6:00, so I'll let him sleep a little. He tried to figure out a due date and came up with January. My calculations put it at December 17th.
I'm sure there's much more to write about, but I want to make sure I put in here how much I believe God had to do with this. I know he doesn't cause bad things to happen, but I think he can help you learn a lesson from all events. I've always been a bit of a control freak and tried to do the same thing with my reproductive life. After I lost the baby, I immediately assumed I could get pregnant again immediately and set about to planning it. Some things you can't plan. I did everything "right" and it didn't work. But this month, I felt "led", if you will, to let go of all of it. I put away the thermometer (until this week) and didn't focus so much on doing it at the "right" time, and tried to focus on other areas of my life and just have faith that God would let me get pregnant again in his own time. Maybe just realizing I wasn't in control was enough of a lesson for me, that he didn't make me wait too long. Of course, I'm not saying this was miraculous conception, we still did our part, but I just realized that I wasn't in control. Now I just pray, that this baby will stay safe and inside me for the next 9 months.
I'm not sure who I'm telling yet. Of course you all know, so family and outside friends will know. I think I'm just telling Tammy at work though. I'll wait on the whole office thing. Now, to see what the doctor wants to do about my appointment for my annual in 3 weeks...
Maybe it's hard to see on the picture, but in the bathroom, the line was definately there.
Edited to add: Grrrr. My online picture account is locked! E-mail me at work if you want to see the picture. I don't know how long the pictures will be locked.
I woke up this morning just before 6:00 a.m. I'd been having restless dreams about getting the thermometer in my mouth to take my temperature. When I woke up I decided to go ahead and temp. While I was waiting, I said a little prayer. It was still 98.3. I was so happy. I wanted to try to lay there until closer to time to get up, but decided I probably wasn't going back to sleep, so I might as well go start the test.
I went the bathroom, did the deed and went back to the bed to wait. I started thinking that even if I ovulated last Saturday, which was the latest I think it could have happened, then I'd still be 13 DPO and that was a mighty fine high temp. After about 2 minutes I went to check. I still couldn't really see either line, so I decided to go let the dog out.
After I came back, I went in took a deep breath, and...2 lines. I immediately started sobbing. I can hardly believe it's finally happened again.
I was still crying and went out to the bedroom, sat on the edge of the bed and hugged Eric. He woke up and asked me what was wrong, and I told him, "I'm pregnant." He hugged me and then asked if they were tears of joy. Of course they are. He did get up and peek at the test, but nows he's back in bed. It was only 6:00, so I'll let him sleep a little. He tried to figure out a due date and came up with January. My calculations put it at December 17th.
I'm sure there's much more to write about, but I want to make sure I put in here how much I believe God had to do with this. I know he doesn't cause bad things to happen, but I think he can help you learn a lesson from all events. I've always been a bit of a control freak and tried to do the same thing with my reproductive life. After I lost the baby, I immediately assumed I could get pregnant again immediately and set about to planning it. Some things you can't plan. I did everything "right" and it didn't work. But this month, I felt "led", if you will, to let go of all of it. I put away the thermometer (until this week) and didn't focus so much on doing it at the "right" time, and tried to focus on other areas of my life and just have faith that God would let me get pregnant again in his own time. Maybe just realizing I wasn't in control was enough of a lesson for me, that he didn't make me wait too long. Of course, I'm not saying this was miraculous conception, we still did our part, but I just realized that I wasn't in control. Now I just pray, that this baby will stay safe and inside me for the next 9 months.
I'm not sure who I'm telling yet. Of course you all know, so family and outside friends will know. I think I'm just telling Tammy at work though. I'll wait on the whole office thing. Now, to see what the doctor wants to do about my appointment for my annual in 3 weeks...
Thursday, April 08, 2004
I'm so Angry!
I am so furious right now. This morning when I went out to my car, my gym bag was dumped out on my front seat and my Mini-disk player was gone. I immediately called Eric at work because I wondered if he had taken it to the office for some reason since his was inside and upstairs. No such luck. Someone stole things out of my car!
It was kind of crazy because they took the time to dump my bag and decide what they wanted. They didn't steal my tennis shoes (which were probably worth more than the mini-disk player) and all my other stuff was there. Just the player, arm band, and my awesome headphones (I had the kind that just attached to your ear, but still had the padded earpiece). They didn't find the compartment that had all the other disks I had made in it (they just got the one in the player) and they didn't take my extra batteries. It looked like they looked for stuff in the main console where my CD's are, but only figured out how to open the top part, so didn't find my CD's. They also thankfully left my sunglasses and pass for the parking garage.
Eric went out to check his car after my call, and found that they took his briefcase, which had his palm pilot and day planner inside. That sucks. Luckily, all of his CD's are currently in the house, as we are working on sorting them out right now.
The bad thing is I can think of three ways this could have been prevented. 1. Eric could have shut the garage door when he came home from work. It was open last night from about 6:00 p.m until 9:00 p.m. 2. I could have locked my car. Eric usually locks his, but I leave mine unlocked so I don't have to mess with unlocking it in the morning when my hand's are full. Of course that wouldn't have been an issue if the garage door was closed. 3. If I would have went to the gym last night, my clothes in the gym bag would have been dirty and I would have taken my bag in the house. I usually don't leave stuff in my car, but I figured I'd leave my bag out there so I wouldn't have to bring it the next day if I wanted to work out.
It's just stuff, but it makes me angry that people have the guts to walk right up into your home and take things. It's a little scary because I must have been home and the door to the house from the garage was unlocked too. Ok enough, I need to focus on more positive things now.
It was kind of crazy because they took the time to dump my bag and decide what they wanted. They didn't steal my tennis shoes (which were probably worth more than the mini-disk player) and all my other stuff was there. Just the player, arm band, and my awesome headphones (I had the kind that just attached to your ear, but still had the padded earpiece). They didn't find the compartment that had all the other disks I had made in it (they just got the one in the player) and they didn't take my extra batteries. It looked like they looked for stuff in the main console where my CD's are, but only figured out how to open the top part, so didn't find my CD's. They also thankfully left my sunglasses and pass for the parking garage.
Eric went out to check his car after my call, and found that they took his briefcase, which had his palm pilot and day planner inside. That sucks. Luckily, all of his CD's are currently in the house, as we are working on sorting them out right now.
The bad thing is I can think of three ways this could have been prevented. 1. Eric could have shut the garage door when he came home from work. It was open last night from about 6:00 p.m until 9:00 p.m. 2. I could have locked my car. Eric usually locks his, but I leave mine unlocked so I don't have to mess with unlocking it in the morning when my hand's are full. Of course that wouldn't have been an issue if the garage door was closed. 3. If I would have went to the gym last night, my clothes in the gym bag would have been dirty and I would have taken my bag in the house. I usually don't leave stuff in my car, but I figured I'd leave my bag out there so I wouldn't have to bring it the next day if I wanted to work out.
It's just stuff, but it makes me angry that people have the guts to walk right up into your home and take things. It's a little scary because I must have been home and the door to the house from the garage was unlocked too. Ok enough, I need to focus on more positive things now.
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Trouble Concentrating
Ok, so now this is getting harder. Thanks to my discussion with Erica this morning via e-mail, I've decided to temp Thursday and Friday. Mostly, so I'll know if AF is coming and not be surprised unexpectedly. Also, I only have 1 test left and if my temp is down Friday, I will wait to take it.
So now just 2 more days. I hope Erica's good feelings translate into good results. I don't know how I feel. Just ready to know about this one.
I've been neglecting my diet this week, and am ready to know if Monday I should be starting back full force. I probably should regardless, but it'd be easier if I knew I wasn't pregnant.
So now just 2 more days. I hope Erica's good feelings translate into good results. I don't know how I feel. Just ready to know about this one.
I've been neglecting my diet this week, and am ready to know if Monday I should be starting back full force. I probably should regardless, but it'd be easier if I knew I wasn't pregnant.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Waiting
I tried to post this earlier, but my computer shut down. I'll try to hit the highlights again.
Up until now I had been pretty sure that this wasn't going to be the month. I was of course hoping to be pleasantly surprised, but wasn't holding out much hope. It's been a pretty good month overall, not a lot time spent worry about my temps or hitting the window, etc. I also haven't had any of the crazy symptoms I had last month, so it's pretty easy to not obsess.
To give you a clue as to how much I really believe I'm probably not pregnant...Last night around 6:00 p.m. I took Imitrex for a headache I had developed. I figure it was probably related to stress as I spent most of the afternoon dreading a meeting that I had first thing this morning. Now I know taking my meds probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, but it was too much of a temptation considering my options. A. Suffer the entire evening, unable to eat, watch TV, read, play on the computer, etc. B. Go immediately to bed and hope the headache was gone by morning or C. Take one little pill, have the pain gone within an hour with the downside being that Imitrex is in the "unknown effects" category for pregnancy and I have no "real" reason to believe I'm pregnant. This time the headache won.
However, also since yesterday, I have a new reason to start obsessing. Yesterday evening post-headache, I suddenly noticed that my breast tenderness seemed to increase in severity. As you probably know, breast tenderness is one of my common symptoms during my lutal phase, and doesn't make me think I'm pregnant. I've had it as long as I can remember before my period. However, since I've been charting I've noticed that it tends to get better as I get closer to my period (presumably as my body slows down the progesterone production) and they are completely back to normal with a day or two after AF arrives. So this increase in tenderness has started me thinking.
Also, I took my temperature this morning. I wanted to wear my white pants to the meeting I had this morning and it seemed like an awfully big risk to where white so close to the expected arrival of AF. So, I decided to temp to be sure that she probably wouldn't be arriving a couple of days early. This morning my temp was 98.2. That seems pretty high to me. Again, I'm glad I haven't been temping because even that one temperature has me trying to start analyzing.
So now I have a couple of reasons to think it could be a possibiltiy (oh yeah, Erica says she has a good feeling too), however, I still have the reasons to believe AF could be here too. Some moodiness, the acne outbreak a couple of days ago (although that still may have been related to the facial, because it's cleared up), the desire for salt and sugar rather than chicken and veggies (who am I kidding, when have I ever desired chicken and veggies over a pint of Ben & Jerry's?). I guess only time will tell.
If I'm not pregnant, AF should arrive by the end of the week, possibly over the weekend if my lutal phase is on the long side and I'm off on my ovulation date. I'm testing Friday regardless. I hope I get 2 lines instead of one. If I'm not pregnant, I'd rather not make it to Friday to take the test. Negatives are so disappointing.
3 more days to wait.
Up until now I had been pretty sure that this wasn't going to be the month. I was of course hoping to be pleasantly surprised, but wasn't holding out much hope. It's been a pretty good month overall, not a lot time spent worry about my temps or hitting the window, etc. I also haven't had any of the crazy symptoms I had last month, so it's pretty easy to not obsess.
To give you a clue as to how much I really believe I'm probably not pregnant...Last night around 6:00 p.m. I took Imitrex for a headache I had developed. I figure it was probably related to stress as I spent most of the afternoon dreading a meeting that I had first thing this morning. Now I know taking my meds probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, but it was too much of a temptation considering my options. A. Suffer the entire evening, unable to eat, watch TV, read, play on the computer, etc. B. Go immediately to bed and hope the headache was gone by morning or C. Take one little pill, have the pain gone within an hour with the downside being that Imitrex is in the "unknown effects" category for pregnancy and I have no "real" reason to believe I'm pregnant. This time the headache won.
However, also since yesterday, I have a new reason to start obsessing. Yesterday evening post-headache, I suddenly noticed that my breast tenderness seemed to increase in severity. As you probably know, breast tenderness is one of my common symptoms during my lutal phase, and doesn't make me think I'm pregnant. I've had it as long as I can remember before my period. However, since I've been charting I've noticed that it tends to get better as I get closer to my period (presumably as my body slows down the progesterone production) and they are completely back to normal with a day or two after AF arrives. So this increase in tenderness has started me thinking.
Also, I took my temperature this morning. I wanted to wear my white pants to the meeting I had this morning and it seemed like an awfully big risk to where white so close to the expected arrival of AF. So, I decided to temp to be sure that she probably wouldn't be arriving a couple of days early. This morning my temp was 98.2. That seems pretty high to me. Again, I'm glad I haven't been temping because even that one temperature has me trying to start analyzing.
So now I have a couple of reasons to think it could be a possibiltiy (oh yeah, Erica says she has a good feeling too), however, I still have the reasons to believe AF could be here too. Some moodiness, the acne outbreak a couple of days ago (although that still may have been related to the facial, because it's cleared up), the desire for salt and sugar rather than chicken and veggies (who am I kidding, when have I ever desired chicken and veggies over a pint of Ben & Jerry's?). I guess only time will tell.
If I'm not pregnant, AF should arrive by the end of the week, possibly over the weekend if my lutal phase is on the long side and I'm off on my ovulation date. I'm testing Friday regardless. I hope I get 2 lines instead of one. If I'm not pregnant, I'd rather not make it to Friday to take the test. Negatives are so disappointing.
3 more days to wait.
Sunday, April 04, 2004
I'm Back!
I've been in Iowa since Thursday, below is the play-by-play. It was so good to spend time with family just because without the stress of holidays, etc. I hadn't seen Mom and Dad since Christmas, so it was about time for a visit. I think it was a really good visit and had a really nice time.
Thursday
I worked until noon and then came home, went to the gym for my cardio, came home and finished packing. Eric picked me up to go to the airport around 3:15 p.m. My flight left at 5:05 p.m. I got into DesMoines around 8:00 p.m. (Central) and Mom picked me up. We went back to the house and just hung out and caught up a little.
Friday
We got up bright and early to head for our day at the spa. It was good, but we were a little disappointed because they kept us separate all day. We kind of wanted to do our spa day "together", but hey, it was still a day at the spa. I started with an hour long facial which was so great (I'm leaning towards a facial at the girl's weekend). After my facial I had a pedicure and manicure and really had a great chat with the pedicure/manicurist. My feet felt so soft afterwards and my nails had really grown alot lately so now they look good. After my manicure they took me into a room with a recliner and TV to hang out until my next appointment. I was probably in there for about an hour, but they brought me lunch (had to even eat lunch without Mom). While I was waiting, Mom came in and had finished her body wrap and massage and it was time for her to eat lunch. They came and got me for my body wrap and massage. The body wrap was bizarre. I got to wear a "spa thong" and they took rubber ACE bandages (soaked in some kind of hot herbal blend) and wrap you from ankle to wrist to neck. They take measurements before and after and I lost about 5 inches (I'm sure it was just temporary). After being wrapped, they put you in a rubber suit and took me back to the recliner room to soak. I waited about an hour and then they took me back and unwrapped me. Then I had my massage. It wasn't as great as my previous massage, but getting rubbed for an hour, I'm not complaining. After my massage, I went out and my manicurist, washed and styled my hair. We were there until about 4:00 p.m.
After the spa we drove back to the house and picked up Dad to go to dinner. We ate at the Peppertree? It was yummy. Then we went back to the house and Mom and I watched Pirates of the Caribbean (well I watched and Mom dozed).
Saturday
Mom made Waffles, Bacon and eggs for breakfast and then we went to DesMoines to go shopping. We went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and I got a few things. Then to the mall and I got a new pair of jeans from New York and Company and three tops from Sears. The jeans were only $20 and the tops were on clearance for $3.97 each. That's quite a bargin. After shopping we headed home and took a nap. Saturday evening, I set my Mom up with her very own blog and did a basic html programming lesson. She caught on pretty quick and it was fun.
Sunday
We got up (seemed early with the time change) and went to their church. Then straight from church to the airport. I got home around 6:30 p.m. and Eric and I went for BW3's.
So that was my weekend. Now on to the TTC news...
TTC News
I've got mixed feelings. I am trying not to rule out the possibility that this month could have worked, but if I had to take bets, I'm probably about 85% convinced that this isn't the month.
Based on when I think I ovulated, I'm about 9 days post ovulation and am planning on testing on Friday if no AF. If negative, I'll wait until Monday to test again. If I'm right about when I ovulated, AF should be here on Thursday.
Here's why I think she may be right on time:
1. Friday evening, I developed some new blemishes. I've never had a facial before, so don't know if the fact that they cleaned everything out would make me more likely to have some new blemishes spring up, but by the time I got home, I developed three small ones above my left eyebrow and one on my chin. It seems more likely to me that I'm breaking out because my period is due next week.
2. I didn't stick to my diet as planned. It's tough while traveling anyway, but maybe I should have had some more willpower.
3. I've been kind of mean to Eric since I got home. Not really emotionally unstable mean, but just picking on him. Like I'll go to give him a kiss and then just feel like pinching him. It's weird really. Makes me think the irritability is just days away.
Last month I had so many "symptoms" I was convinced. I don't really have any this time. I don't have any reason to believe that this month could be it. I'm not really that concerned though. I still haven't decided on charting next month. I'm leaning more towards not charting. I can show the doctor my previous charts and tell her where I think I am in my cycle. I have a feeling she'll say there's nothing to worry about yet anyway.
I'm ok if this isn't the month. I'm not really counting on it. I think it's working to not worry about it. (At least it's better on my mind, if not my body). I haven't even been monopolizing the posts with TTC stuff during my 2ww. I didn't really want to have a baby that close to Christmas anyway, January or February would be better timing. Now I'll just wait this week out and hopefully not have to waste a test if she arrives Thursday as scheduled.
Thursday
I worked until noon and then came home, went to the gym for my cardio, came home and finished packing. Eric picked me up to go to the airport around 3:15 p.m. My flight left at 5:05 p.m. I got into DesMoines around 8:00 p.m. (Central) and Mom picked me up. We went back to the house and just hung out and caught up a little.
Friday
We got up bright and early to head for our day at the spa. It was good, but we were a little disappointed because they kept us separate all day. We kind of wanted to do our spa day "together", but hey, it was still a day at the spa. I started with an hour long facial which was so great (I'm leaning towards a facial at the girl's weekend). After my facial I had a pedicure and manicure and really had a great chat with the pedicure/manicurist. My feet felt so soft afterwards and my nails had really grown alot lately so now they look good. After my manicure they took me into a room with a recliner and TV to hang out until my next appointment. I was probably in there for about an hour, but they brought me lunch (had to even eat lunch without Mom). While I was waiting, Mom came in and had finished her body wrap and massage and it was time for her to eat lunch. They came and got me for my body wrap and massage. The body wrap was bizarre. I got to wear a "spa thong" and they took rubber ACE bandages (soaked in some kind of hot herbal blend) and wrap you from ankle to wrist to neck. They take measurements before and after and I lost about 5 inches (I'm sure it was just temporary). After being wrapped, they put you in a rubber suit and took me back to the recliner room to soak. I waited about an hour and then they took me back and unwrapped me. Then I had my massage. It wasn't as great as my previous massage, but getting rubbed for an hour, I'm not complaining. After my massage, I went out and my manicurist, washed and styled my hair. We were there until about 4:00 p.m.
After the spa we drove back to the house and picked up Dad to go to dinner. We ate at the Peppertree? It was yummy. Then we went back to the house and Mom and I watched Pirates of the Caribbean (well I watched and Mom dozed).
Saturday
Mom made Waffles, Bacon and eggs for breakfast and then we went to DesMoines to go shopping. We went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and I got a few things. Then to the mall and I got a new pair of jeans from New York and Company and three tops from Sears. The jeans were only $20 and the tops were on clearance for $3.97 each. That's quite a bargin. After shopping we headed home and took a nap. Saturday evening, I set my Mom up with her very own blog and did a basic html programming lesson. She caught on pretty quick and it was fun.
Sunday
We got up (seemed early with the time change) and went to their church. Then straight from church to the airport. I got home around 6:30 p.m. and Eric and I went for BW3's.
So that was my weekend. Now on to the TTC news...
TTC News
I've got mixed feelings. I am trying not to rule out the possibility that this month could have worked, but if I had to take bets, I'm probably about 85% convinced that this isn't the month.
Based on when I think I ovulated, I'm about 9 days post ovulation and am planning on testing on Friday if no AF. If negative, I'll wait until Monday to test again. If I'm right about when I ovulated, AF should be here on Thursday.
Here's why I think she may be right on time:
1. Friday evening, I developed some new blemishes. I've never had a facial before, so don't know if the fact that they cleaned everything out would make me more likely to have some new blemishes spring up, but by the time I got home, I developed three small ones above my left eyebrow and one on my chin. It seems more likely to me that I'm breaking out because my period is due next week.
2. I didn't stick to my diet as planned. It's tough while traveling anyway, but maybe I should have had some more willpower.
3. I've been kind of mean to Eric since I got home. Not really emotionally unstable mean, but just picking on him. Like I'll go to give him a kiss and then just feel like pinching him. It's weird really. Makes me think the irritability is just days away.
Last month I had so many "symptoms" I was convinced. I don't really have any this time. I don't have any reason to believe that this month could be it. I'm not really that concerned though. I still haven't decided on charting next month. I'm leaning more towards not charting. I can show the doctor my previous charts and tell her where I think I am in my cycle. I have a feeling she'll say there's nothing to worry about yet anyway.
I'm ok if this isn't the month. I'm not really counting on it. I think it's working to not worry about it. (At least it's better on my mind, if not my body). I haven't even been monopolizing the posts with TTC stuff during my 2ww. I didn't really want to have a baby that close to Christmas anyway, January or February would be better timing. Now I'll just wait this week out and hopefully not have to waste a test if she arrives Thursday as scheduled.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Do You Want To See Pictures?
I'm not using last names so I figure I can post the baby pictures. He's so cute and tiny. And I barely thought about the fact that my baby was supposed to be born first (really). I suppose it helps that my "due date" isn't for another 3 weeks. (Malachi was born 4 weeks early). Anyway, Kim looked great today and was up and about and Malachi was so perfect. He was in the NicU on an IV for low blood sugar, but they think they can both go home on Friday.
Ok, time for bed.
Ok, time for bed.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
It's A Boy!
Kim from my office had her baby today!
His name is Malachi and he was born at 4:00 p.m. via C-Section. He weighs 4 pounds and 7 ounces. I'll get to go visit tomorrow!
Kim wasn't scheduled for her C-Section until 4/21, but at her doctor's appointment today they thought that her amniotic fluid might be getting low, so they went ahead and did it. She was at about 36 weeks pregnant.
Congrats to Kim and baby Malachi!
His name is Malachi and he was born at 4:00 p.m. via C-Section. He weighs 4 pounds and 7 ounces. I'll get to go visit tomorrow!
Kim wasn't scheduled for her C-Section until 4/21, but at her doctor's appointment today they thought that her amniotic fluid might be getting low, so they went ahead and did it. She was at about 36 weeks pregnant.
Congrats to Kim and baby Malachi!
Personality Tests
Heather sent us a cool link for Personality Tests, so I thought I'd post my results. I think it's pretty accurate.
ACCOUNTANT
(Submissive Introvert Concrete Thinker )
Jennifer
Like just 7% of the population you are an ACCOUNTANT (SICT)--reserved, meticulous, and dependable. While being called an accountant isn't really that cool, neither are you. You aren't exactly the life of the party, but you do have fun, and the people close to you really do love you.
There are basically two kinds of accountants, and you most likely fit into one of the two categories:
male
female
Seriously: accountants are good at whatever they do. They can always be trusted, especially by their friends. They almost never cheat or steal. (Some real-life accountants do, however, they are probably Judges (DICT)). You probably have a wonderful relationship with your family.
ACCOUNTANT
(Submissive Introvert Concrete Thinker )
Jennifer
Like just 7% of the population you are an ACCOUNTANT (SICT)--reserved, meticulous, and dependable. While being called an accountant isn't really that cool, neither are you. You aren't exactly the life of the party, but you do have fun, and the people close to you really do love you.
There are basically two kinds of accountants, and you most likely fit into one of the two categories:
male
female
Seriously: accountants are good at whatever they do. They can always be trusted, especially by their friends. They almost never cheat or steal. (Some real-life accountants do, however, they are probably Judges (DICT)). You probably have a wonderful relationship with your family.
Sunday, March 28, 2004
Month 5, Day 20 & Weekend Recap
This was such a wonderful weekend. I think the Spring weather is really helping my mood, although I didn't spend much time outside.
Friday after work I had to go to the gym because I didn't get up early. Then I came home made dinner and pretty muched vegged out on the couch. I went to bed at about 11 p.m.
Saturday I got up at about 9:00 a.m. and did my domestic duties. I did all the laundry and cleaned the house. Saturday night we had plans to go out to dinner with a woman Eric works with and her husband (who he plays paintball with) for the husband's birthday. We went to dinner at 7 at House of Japan. It was my first experience at a Japanese steakhouse (although it is on the agenda for the upcoming GWO) and I'm looking forward to it with my girls. After dinner we went back to Mike and Brandy's house and they had a bit of a party going on. There were about 15 people and some people were playing cards, there was lots of good music and one girl even brought over her Karioke equimpent (don't worry, I didn't sing). At about 11:30 p.m. we all left and headed to Rackum's a sports bar that has a dance floor and plays hip hop/rap music. It was so much fun because I got to dance. I never thought I was much good at it, but I love to dance and as I've gotten older care a whole lot less about whether I "look good" doing it. Eric has some moves too, so it was fun. Bizarre as it was, another guy Eric plays paintball with got ditched by his wife earlier in the evening (she took off with some girl friends to go to some other bar). Anyway, this guy asked Eric if he could dance with me. I guess he was bored and just wanted to dance. So, I danced with him and while we were out there, some drunk guys were checking me out and this guy got all protective. It's kind of nice to be admired, but in the end I'm glad I'm there with Eric. He is so cool about it. He totally trusts me in any situation and doesn't get jealous when other guys think I'm attractive too. We stayed until about 1:30 a.m. and then headed home.
Sunday, we got up for church and enjoyed it as always. I think we may have found us a permanent place. We've even started tithing every week (still not the 10% rule, but we're giving something). After church, we came home, I made my meal plans for next week and watched a little Nascar with Eric. Then I took a nap with the windows open and the sping breeze. It was heavenly. The rest of the afternoon, I went grocery shopping and then get ready to fall out of your chairs... I worked on my GWO scrapbook. I just got the invitation for GWO IV and it said to bring, "completed" scrapbooks. I think that comment was aimed at me, so I'm going to have it done. I did the pages for the first 2 and now just have the most recent one to complete. I need to print off some pictures first.
I still have a lot to do this week, and I'm leaving Thursday afternoon for Iowa to visit my parents, but am hoping this will be a productive week. Oh yeah, I also managed to pull off a perfect week of dieting and missing no workouts (You can read more about that in My Fitness Blog.
So, here's where I'm at as far as ovulation goes. I'm 99% sure it's happened. Since I'm not temping, I'm not exactly sure when, but my guess is either Thursday, Friday or Saturday, most likely Friday. I've been watching my CM and Thursday was my last day of fertile CM (we took advantage too, so we'll see how that works). TCOYF says that ovulation usually occurs the day of or the day after your Peak Day (the last day of fertile quality cervical fluid). That would be either Thursday or Friday. Today is the first day I have sore breasts. Last month the BT (Breast Tenderness) started the day after I ovulated. The month before, it started the day of. It's possible they were a little sore yesterday, but I didn't know if I was imagining it, today there is no question. Using the 2 indicators, I estimate Friday. I suppose it isn't all that important, but that would put AF due between 4/7 and 4/9. I was planning on testing on 4/9, I think I'll still keep to that. It'll be Good Friday and that would be a Good Friday. Good thing I have a trip to a Day Spa and a visit to my parents to keep me busy until then.
Friday after work I had to go to the gym because I didn't get up early. Then I came home made dinner and pretty muched vegged out on the couch. I went to bed at about 11 p.m.
Saturday I got up at about 9:00 a.m. and did my domestic duties. I did all the laundry and cleaned the house. Saturday night we had plans to go out to dinner with a woman Eric works with and her husband (who he plays paintball with) for the husband's birthday. We went to dinner at 7 at House of Japan. It was my first experience at a Japanese steakhouse (although it is on the agenda for the upcoming GWO) and I'm looking forward to it with my girls. After dinner we went back to Mike and Brandy's house and they had a bit of a party going on. There were about 15 people and some people were playing cards, there was lots of good music and one girl even brought over her Karioke equimpent (don't worry, I didn't sing). At about 11:30 p.m. we all left and headed to Rackum's a sports bar that has a dance floor and plays hip hop/rap music. It was so much fun because I got to dance. I never thought I was much good at it, but I love to dance and as I've gotten older care a whole lot less about whether I "look good" doing it. Eric has some moves too, so it was fun. Bizarre as it was, another guy Eric plays paintball with got ditched by his wife earlier in the evening (she took off with some girl friends to go to some other bar). Anyway, this guy asked Eric if he could dance with me. I guess he was bored and just wanted to dance. So, I danced with him and while we were out there, some drunk guys were checking me out and this guy got all protective. It's kind of nice to be admired, but in the end I'm glad I'm there with Eric. He is so cool about it. He totally trusts me in any situation and doesn't get jealous when other guys think I'm attractive too. We stayed until about 1:30 a.m. and then headed home.
Sunday, we got up for church and enjoyed it as always. I think we may have found us a permanent place. We've even started tithing every week (still not the 10% rule, but we're giving something). After church, we came home, I made my meal plans for next week and watched a little Nascar with Eric. Then I took a nap with the windows open and the sping breeze. It was heavenly. The rest of the afternoon, I went grocery shopping and then get ready to fall out of your chairs... I worked on my GWO scrapbook. I just got the invitation for GWO IV and it said to bring, "completed" scrapbooks. I think that comment was aimed at me, so I'm going to have it done. I did the pages for the first 2 and now just have the most recent one to complete. I need to print off some pictures first.
I still have a lot to do this week, and I'm leaving Thursday afternoon for Iowa to visit my parents, but am hoping this will be a productive week. Oh yeah, I also managed to pull off a perfect week of dieting and missing no workouts (You can read more about that in My Fitness Blog.
So, here's where I'm at as far as ovulation goes. I'm 99% sure it's happened. Since I'm not temping, I'm not exactly sure when, but my guess is either Thursday, Friday or Saturday, most likely Friday. I've been watching my CM and Thursday was my last day of fertile CM (we took advantage too, so we'll see how that works). TCOYF says that ovulation usually occurs the day of or the day after your Peak Day (the last day of fertile quality cervical fluid). That would be either Thursday or Friday. Today is the first day I have sore breasts. Last month the BT (Breast Tenderness) started the day after I ovulated. The month before, it started the day of. It's possible they were a little sore yesterday, but I didn't know if I was imagining it, today there is no question. Using the 2 indicators, I estimate Friday. I suppose it isn't all that important, but that would put AF due between 4/7 and 4/9. I was planning on testing on 4/9, I think I'll still keep to that. It'll be Good Friday and that would be a Good Friday. Good thing I have a trip to a Day Spa and a visit to my parents to keep me busy until then.
Saturday, March 27, 2004
The Story of GWO
This is the story of the grand tradition between my best friends of a quarterly Girls Weekend Out (GWO). Here's how it came about....
Once upon a time, two little girls were born as cousins and grew up together in the same small town (although they went to different schools). We'll call them Erica and Danialle. They were as close as cousins can be. The younger of the cousins, Erica went to the same high school as a girl called Jennifer. Erica and Jennifer became friends through a series of common interests including playing on the high school softball team and having the same after-school job at Wal-Mart. Growing up in the same town and being friends with Erica, Jennifer on occasion had met Danialle, but didn't know her well enough to consider her a friend. After high school, as often happens, people go their separate ways and grow apart, although strangly enough Erica and Jennifer became closer friends and made a point to keep in touch through e-mail, phone calls, and the occasional get together, usually around their birthdays (Erica and Jennifer are only 9 days apart in age).
Jennifer went away to college and made some new friends. One of these friends was Heather. They were in the same major, in many of the same extra-curricular activities, and became very close. Heather was always there to listen when Jennifer had problems (and Jennifer would return the favor), and Heather even introduced Jennifer to the man she would eventually marry. As the college years were winding down, Jennifer decided to get married. Two of her bridesmaids were Erica, her highschool friend, and Heather, her college friend. Through the wedding Heather and Erica met and very quickly became friends with each other (independent of their joint friendship with Jennifer).
After college, Jennifer moved to a new state, however, still kept in touch with both Heather and Erica. About a year later, Erica met the man of her dreams and decided she would get married too. Two of her bridesmaids were Danialle, her favorite cousin, and Jennifer, her highschool friend. As bridesmaids, there are many important responsibilities including planning the bachelorette party. Through making these plans, Danialle and Jennifer spent many hours of e-mails and plan-making and became great friends independantly of their friendship with Erica. Then at the Bachelorette party, Heather was invited and met Danialle. They also instantly hit it off and there were these four girls who had an amazing time together and luckily realized how special this could be.
After the bachelorette party the girls wanted a way to be sure that this friendship would never be lost. Seeing each other in person is an important part of the equation. So they decided to get together every 3 months or so in a different host city to reconnect and have "girl time" a Girls Weekend Out. GWO would go on regardless of changes in marital status, children being born, etc.
The first of these GWO excursions was in Chicago, Danialle's city. It was a huge success and the next GWO was immediately planned. GWO II was in Terre Haute, Indiana and was equally as successful.
GWO III was in Columbus, OH, Jennifer's city and brought the newest addition to the GWO group. When Jennifer moved to Columbus, she was fortunate enough in the first 6 months or so, to meet a person who was to be her best friend. Being in a city away from your friends and family is difficult, but Samara made it ok, as she now had a person locally to laugh and cry with. Fortunately their husbands got along too, so it was perfect. Samara joined the group in Columbus, and Erica, Danialle, and Heather couldn't help but love her too.
So now our GWO group sits at 5 members (although, I don't think we'll ever permantently close the door to new members) and GWO IV is just a few very short weeks away, in Lafayette, Indiana, Erica's city.
What is so great about this group, this tradition, is unconditional love. I love when we get together and immensely look forward to every trip that is coming up. It isn't about shopping or partying, or being without guys, although we do all of those things. It's about being together. We can look past each other's imperfections and offer support and therapy for each other's souls. It doesn't matter to us if your thigh's jiggle (or look like a supermodel's). We don't care if you are "on" or "off" your diet. We don't care if you are PMSing or if everything is going perfect. We are there for each other.
This group has already been through a lot together. We met through a wedding. Four of us are married and one is single. Two of us are in the process of trying for children (although it's taking both longer than expected). One is in school working on a master's degree (while working a full time job, teaching). One of us has had plastic surgery (hence the supermodel leg reference). One of us has had a miscarriage. One of us had to watch her baby sister get pregnant and have a miscarriage while trying for a baby of her own. One of us has had to deal with her sister being addicted to Heroin and being in a rehab facility for a year. One of us had to watch her brother go to Iraq while he left a pregnant wife at home to give birth without him. One of us has lost several extended family members this year. But through it all, we've stayed friends and have always got each other.
I feel blessed and priviledged to know and be able to call each of them friends.
We're working on a motto, "Through rain or snow, married or single, near or far, children or lack of, tears or laughter, miscarriages, surgeries, depression, death of loved ones, births, new homes, and new careers...we will be friends. Forever, GWO will go on." Maybe it still needs some work, but the point is. I love my friends and hope we we all be friends forever.
Once upon a time, two little girls were born as cousins and grew up together in the same small town (although they went to different schools). We'll call them Erica and Danialle. They were as close as cousins can be. The younger of the cousins, Erica went to the same high school as a girl called Jennifer. Erica and Jennifer became friends through a series of common interests including playing on the high school softball team and having the same after-school job at Wal-Mart. Growing up in the same town and being friends with Erica, Jennifer on occasion had met Danialle, but didn't know her well enough to consider her a friend. After high school, as often happens, people go their separate ways and grow apart, although strangly enough Erica and Jennifer became closer friends and made a point to keep in touch through e-mail, phone calls, and the occasional get together, usually around their birthdays (Erica and Jennifer are only 9 days apart in age).
Jennifer went away to college and made some new friends. One of these friends was Heather. They were in the same major, in many of the same extra-curricular activities, and became very close. Heather was always there to listen when Jennifer had problems (and Jennifer would return the favor), and Heather even introduced Jennifer to the man she would eventually marry. As the college years were winding down, Jennifer decided to get married. Two of her bridesmaids were Erica, her highschool friend, and Heather, her college friend. Through the wedding Heather and Erica met and very quickly became friends with each other (independent of their joint friendship with Jennifer).
After college, Jennifer moved to a new state, however, still kept in touch with both Heather and Erica. About a year later, Erica met the man of her dreams and decided she would get married too. Two of her bridesmaids were Danialle, her favorite cousin, and Jennifer, her highschool friend. As bridesmaids, there are many important responsibilities including planning the bachelorette party. Through making these plans, Danialle and Jennifer spent many hours of e-mails and plan-making and became great friends independantly of their friendship with Erica. Then at the Bachelorette party, Heather was invited and met Danialle. They also instantly hit it off and there were these four girls who had an amazing time together and luckily realized how special this could be.
After the bachelorette party the girls wanted a way to be sure that this friendship would never be lost. Seeing each other in person is an important part of the equation. So they decided to get together every 3 months or so in a different host city to reconnect and have "girl time" a Girls Weekend Out. GWO would go on regardless of changes in marital status, children being born, etc.
The first of these GWO excursions was in Chicago, Danialle's city. It was a huge success and the next GWO was immediately planned. GWO II was in Terre Haute, Indiana and was equally as successful.
GWO III was in Columbus, OH, Jennifer's city and brought the newest addition to the GWO group. When Jennifer moved to Columbus, she was fortunate enough in the first 6 months or so, to meet a person who was to be her best friend. Being in a city away from your friends and family is difficult, but Samara made it ok, as she now had a person locally to laugh and cry with. Fortunately their husbands got along too, so it was perfect. Samara joined the group in Columbus, and Erica, Danialle, and Heather couldn't help but love her too.
So now our GWO group sits at 5 members (although, I don't think we'll ever permantently close the door to new members) and GWO IV is just a few very short weeks away, in Lafayette, Indiana, Erica's city.
What is so great about this group, this tradition, is unconditional love. I love when we get together and immensely look forward to every trip that is coming up. It isn't about shopping or partying, or being without guys, although we do all of those things. It's about being together. We can look past each other's imperfections and offer support and therapy for each other's souls. It doesn't matter to us if your thigh's jiggle (or look like a supermodel's). We don't care if you are "on" or "off" your diet. We don't care if you are PMSing or if everything is going perfect. We are there for each other.
This group has already been through a lot together. We met through a wedding. Four of us are married and one is single. Two of us are in the process of trying for children (although it's taking both longer than expected). One is in school working on a master's degree (while working a full time job, teaching). One of us has had plastic surgery (hence the supermodel leg reference). One of us has had a miscarriage. One of us had to watch her baby sister get pregnant and have a miscarriage while trying for a baby of her own. One of us has had to deal with her sister being addicted to Heroin and being in a rehab facility for a year. One of us had to watch her brother go to Iraq while he left a pregnant wife at home to give birth without him. One of us has lost several extended family members this year. But through it all, we've stayed friends and have always got each other.
I feel blessed and priviledged to know and be able to call each of them friends.
We're working on a motto, "Through rain or snow, married or single, near or far, children or lack of, tears or laughter, miscarriages, surgeries, depression, death of loved ones, births, new homes, and new careers...we will be friends. Forever, GWO will go on." Maybe it still needs some work, but the point is. I love my friends and hope we we all be friends forever.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Month 5, Day 17
Just did a sneak peek at my temperature (in the evening, after a workout). It was 97.5, so I'm pretty sure I haven't O'd yet. Don't know if that's good or bad, but at least I know.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
(Not my) Baby Update
Last Friday we had Kim's shower from work and Monday she was supposed to find out when her C-section would be scheduled. Well, apparently the doctor's think work is too stressful, so she's off work until the baby's born. Now I have to find a way to get my cross-stich back. Also, they scheduled her C-section for 4/21. I bet I'll get to go visit that afternoon or the next day. We're good about that around here.
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Month 5, Day 15
Did my renewal presentation today and think it went pretty well. I even got to do most of the talking and both Pete, my boss, and the Client Executive said I did a good job explaining all of the coverages. I'm hoping that I'll stop getting daily headaches now for a while. It's been a rough two weeks.
I know I said I'm not charting (and I haven't been temping), but now that I'm "educated" there are certain signals I notice about my body and one is CM. I have tons of the good kind today, so I think it may be getting close. Hopefully, we'll take advantage tonight. We were going to last night, but I had a killer migraine, and it's been a couple days, so tonight wouldn't be out of our ordinary schedule. Eric is working late though, so it'll just depend on his mood when he gets home. I don't want to push the issue.
I also feel like I'm doing pretty good on BFL, I am heading to my Fitness blog to update there for now.
I know I said I'm not charting (and I haven't been temping), but now that I'm "educated" there are certain signals I notice about my body and one is CM. I have tons of the good kind today, so I think it may be getting close. Hopefully, we'll take advantage tonight. We were going to last night, but I had a killer migraine, and it's been a couple days, so tonight wouldn't be out of our ordinary schedule. Eric is working late though, so it'll just depend on his mood when he gets home. I don't want to push the issue.
I also feel like I'm doing pretty good on BFL, I am heading to my Fitness blog to update there for now.
Monday, March 22, 2004
Month 5, Day 14
Thought I'd do a quick recap of the weekend before I leave for work.
Friday - Just hung out.
Saturday - Re-read Body for Life book, set some goals, printed out 84 days worth of food and exercise plans, planned my first week of meals
Sunday - Went to church in the AM, had lunch at Steak & Shake, bought a new Mini-disk player (so Eric and I don't fight over his), did the grocery shopping, recorded some tunes for workout onto the Mini-disks, took before pictures, dinner at April & Martins
Doesn't soundlike a lot, but I feel productive. I'm re-starting BFL and I mean it. I even went to the gym at 6:30 this morning.
I also wanted to say "I'm sorry" to Erica. Looks like Month 8 is a bust for her. Maybe you'll get some good info out of your tests last week and this week and I would maybe consider quitting charting for a month or two. It's been good for me.
About charting, I'm having an internal debate on what to do next month. The Pros of Charting: 1. I'll know exactly where I am in my cycle and have more data to take to the Doctor for my April 30th appointment. The Pros of Not Charting: 1. I'm made a spiritual decision to leave this in God's hands for his timing. It's much easier for me not to "obsess" and just wait if I'm not really tracking everything. 2. I think I can focus on BFL a whole lot better if I'm not taking up so much time analyzing my charts. I'm really leaning towards not charting, but just wonder if it's more valuable to have info for the doctor. Maybe I'll just chart next month and then see what she says and stop again? I don't know.
Ok, better leave for work or I'll be late.
Friday - Just hung out.
Saturday - Re-read Body for Life book, set some goals, printed out 84 days worth of food and exercise plans, planned my first week of meals
Sunday - Went to church in the AM, had lunch at Steak & Shake, bought a new Mini-disk player (so Eric and I don't fight over his), did the grocery shopping, recorded some tunes for workout onto the Mini-disks, took before pictures, dinner at April & Martins
Doesn't soundlike a lot, but I feel productive. I'm re-starting BFL and I mean it. I even went to the gym at 6:30 this morning.
I also wanted to say "I'm sorry" to Erica. Looks like Month 8 is a bust for her. Maybe you'll get some good info out of your tests last week and this week and I would maybe consider quitting charting for a month or two. It's been good for me.
About charting, I'm having an internal debate on what to do next month. The Pros of Charting: 1. I'll know exactly where I am in my cycle and have more data to take to the Doctor for my April 30th appointment. The Pros of Not Charting: 1. I'm made a spiritual decision to leave this in God's hands for his timing. It's much easier for me not to "obsess" and just wait if I'm not really tracking everything. 2. I think I can focus on BFL a whole lot better if I'm not taking up so much time analyzing my charts. I'm really leaning towards not charting, but just wonder if it's more valuable to have info for the doctor. Maybe I'll just chart next month and then see what she says and stop again? I don't know.
Ok, better leave for work or I'll be late.
Friday, March 19, 2004
The What If Game...
So I'm looking for something to pass the time at work (like I have nothing to do, but hey, it's Friday). Here's what I came up with.
What if Erica is pregnant?
- Her due date would be December 2, 2004
- She would be approximately 8 weeks pregnant at GWO IV
- Her first doctor's appointment would be around May 6, 2004
- She would be 20 weeks on July 17th. 20 weeks is about the time you learn the sex of the baby, so she could know before GWO V in July what the sex is.
- She would be 33 weeks on October 14th, 2004. Good thing October is in Indiana because at that stage you should start staying closer to home.
- The baby would be about 8 weeks old at the end of January. GWO VII in Columbus could be moved to February and we could discuss bringing baby along.
What if I get pregnant this month?
- Due date would be December 14, 2004 - based on LMP, but with my cycles probably more like 12/16-12/19 (can you say Christmas baby?)
- I would be approximately 6 weeks at GWO IV
- First doctor's appointment would be around May 18, 2004
- Would be 20 weeks on 7/27 - My doctor doesn't do ultrasounds around then, so I could possibly go and have one done at around 18 weeks in time to find out before GWO V
- Would be 31 weeks on October 12th. Still enough time to travel to Indiana for GWO VI !
- Baby would be 6 weeks at end of January. Jen still on maternity leave to host GWO VII?
What if I get pregnant next month?
- Assume AF arrives on 4/9/04.
- Due date would be approximately 1/14/05
- Would be ovulating immediately following GWO IV.
- First doctor's appoinment 6/18
- Approximately 14 weeks at July GWO V. That's enough to start showing!
- 20 weeks at 8/27/04.
- Late January/ Early February GWO would have very small baby 2-4 weeks. Erica could bring hers! GWO in early January could put me into labor!
What if Erica is pregnant?
- Her due date would be December 2, 2004
- She would be approximately 8 weeks pregnant at GWO IV
- Her first doctor's appointment would be around May 6, 2004
- She would be 20 weeks on July 17th. 20 weeks is about the time you learn the sex of the baby, so she could know before GWO V in July what the sex is.
- She would be 33 weeks on October 14th, 2004. Good thing October is in Indiana because at that stage you should start staying closer to home.
- The baby would be about 8 weeks old at the end of January. GWO VII in Columbus could be moved to February and we could discuss bringing baby along.
What if I get pregnant this month?
- Due date would be December 14, 2004 - based on LMP, but with my cycles probably more like 12/16-12/19 (can you say Christmas baby?)
- I would be approximately 6 weeks at GWO IV
- First doctor's appointment would be around May 18, 2004
- Would be 20 weeks on 7/27 - My doctor doesn't do ultrasounds around then, so I could possibly go and have one done at around 18 weeks in time to find out before GWO V
- Would be 31 weeks on October 12th. Still enough time to travel to Indiana for GWO VI !
- Baby would be 6 weeks at end of January. Jen still on maternity leave to host GWO VII?
What if I get pregnant next month?
- Assume AF arrives on 4/9/04.
- Due date would be approximately 1/14/05
- Would be ovulating immediately following GWO IV.
- First doctor's appoinment 6/18
- Approximately 14 weeks at July GWO V. That's enough to start showing!
- 20 weeks at 8/27/04.
- Late January/ Early February GWO would have very small baby 2-4 weeks. Erica could bring hers! GWO in early January could put me into labor!
Friday Five
If you...
1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve?
Probably an american bar & grill (something like Applebees, Friday's, Champps). Eric's always said he would like to own a pub in retirement years, but I'm not especially fond of pubs.
2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell?
I always wanted to do wedding planning, but that isn't really merchandise. Probably books.
3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be?
I could see me writing a romance novel or a kind of day in the life book (like print my blog)
4. ...ran a school, what would you teach?
Math. Algebra, Geometry, Accounting, Calculus, etc. Anything with numbers. I'm better at explaning certainties than more abstract subjects.
5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it?
That's a tough one. I'm not really musically inclined. It's probably be a "Worst of" album. I don't sing well. - Definately wouldn't be country.
1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve?
Probably an american bar & grill (something like Applebees, Friday's, Champps). Eric's always said he would like to own a pub in retirement years, but I'm not especially fond of pubs.
2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell?
I always wanted to do wedding planning, but that isn't really merchandise. Probably books.
3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be?
I could see me writing a romance novel or a kind of day in the life book (like print my blog)
4. ...ran a school, what would you teach?
Math. Algebra, Geometry, Accounting, Calculus, etc. Anything with numbers. I'm better at explaning certainties than more abstract subjects.
5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it?
That's a tough one. I'm not really musically inclined. It's probably be a "Worst of" album. I don't sing well. - Definately wouldn't be country.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Month 5 - Day 8
I don't really have much to update about, but felt like writing anyway. I just finished watching American Idol. It's weird, I watch every episode, but never vote. What else is going on? I've been having my headaches. One yesterday and today that needed my Imitrex. Over the last 5 months that I've been paying attention to my cycles I've learned a pattern to my headaches. I usually get about 2 that need medication the week after my period. Usually between CD5-9. Luckily, that is a "safe" time to medicate, since my regular doctor told me not to take Imitrex while trying to get pregnant as it's not in the "safe" category. I won't take it after ovulation. Here's my delima. My prescription is out of refills and I only have 1 more pill left. I saw my regular doctor in July and he didn't give me any more refills because I told him I was trying to get pregnant. I'm debating on whether I need to schedule another appointment and see if I can convince him to give me a refill if I promise not to take it when I could be pregnant. The downside to that is I already have my annual OB/GYN appointment at the end of April and I'm not sure if it will look weird to have 2 doctors appointments in a month (to work people). Also, I really despise my doctor. I guess this would be a good time to look into switching my primary physician, but wonder if that would be weird to go to a new doctor to try to get drugs. I will probably just suck it up and go see the doctor I hate, get my refill, and then switch doctors.
Not much else to say. Not charting seems to leave me with a lack of things to discuss babywise. I'm really looking at this as a month off of trying, although it will be interesting to see if Eric trys to time things. Kim from my office has her shower on Friday. I'm looking forward to that, although I still need to go by a frame for the baby thing I cross-stiched for her.
One more thing. I don't think I mentioned this before, but about two weeks ago, I found out another woman in my office is pregnant. I feel bad admitting it, but when I heard, I was insanely jealous. Here's the story. She didn't know she was pregnant at the time, but ended up going to the hospital and having emergency surgery for an etopic pregnancy the day I had my D&C. It was kind of strange that two pregnancies ended the same day in our office. I don't really know this woman, we just say hello in passing, etc. About two weeks ago I overheard her tell someone that she was 12 weeks along. She must have gotten pregnant again pretty quickly. I'm not sure why it made me feel so bad. She had a bad time of it too, and definately deserves a healthy happy pregnancy. Her getting pregnant in no way affects my ability to do the same, but I guess it just was hard to see someone who had a pregnancy end the same time as me get her happy ending (or beginning) first. It really made me feel horrible that my first feeling was a negative one. I certainly would want people to be happy for me when I get pregnant again. I am happy for her now, it just makes me feel a little sad at the same time. Today was the first day she wore maternity clothes. Why is that harder for me to deal with than planning the shower at work for the baby that is due a week after mine should have been? I guess the pain comes back in unexpected ways.
Another thing, an intern in my office stopped by my cube to chat today. She's really sweet. She's 22 a college senior, etc. She of course knew about the first pregnancy, etc. Today she asked me how everything was going in the baby department. I said no luck yet, and she asked if I was trying. I said yes. She asked why it was taking so long. Good question. (That's one way to know she's still just a kid, most people wouldn't think to ask someone they knew was trying to get pregnant why it's taking so long.) Obviously, we're trying, but I think I need to accept that the time must not be right. I wouldn't wish a loss on anyone, but the waiting this time is certainly helping me keep things in perspective. Being a parent is serious business, and honestly the idea still terrifies me at times. I thought I was ready again immediately, but every month that goes by makes me realize how special it really is. When the time is right, I will cherish every moment. I hope I don't have to wait that much longer, but have faith that God knows when the right time for me is. That's why all the charting and timing and planning haven't worked yet. I can't say when the time is right, I just have to have faith, that someday it will be.
Well, that's enough for now considering I had nothing to write about when I started. Whew. I'm getting a little mushy.
Not much else to say. Not charting seems to leave me with a lack of things to discuss babywise. I'm really looking at this as a month off of trying, although it will be interesting to see if Eric trys to time things. Kim from my office has her shower on Friday. I'm looking forward to that, although I still need to go by a frame for the baby thing I cross-stiched for her.
One more thing. I don't think I mentioned this before, but about two weeks ago, I found out another woman in my office is pregnant. I feel bad admitting it, but when I heard, I was insanely jealous. Here's the story. She didn't know she was pregnant at the time, but ended up going to the hospital and having emergency surgery for an etopic pregnancy the day I had my D&C. It was kind of strange that two pregnancies ended the same day in our office. I don't really know this woman, we just say hello in passing, etc. About two weeks ago I overheard her tell someone that she was 12 weeks along. She must have gotten pregnant again pretty quickly. I'm not sure why it made me feel so bad. She had a bad time of it too, and definately deserves a healthy happy pregnancy. Her getting pregnant in no way affects my ability to do the same, but I guess it just was hard to see someone who had a pregnancy end the same time as me get her happy ending (or beginning) first. It really made me feel horrible that my first feeling was a negative one. I certainly would want people to be happy for me when I get pregnant again. I am happy for her now, it just makes me feel a little sad at the same time. Today was the first day she wore maternity clothes. Why is that harder for me to deal with than planning the shower at work for the baby that is due a week after mine should have been? I guess the pain comes back in unexpected ways.
Another thing, an intern in my office stopped by my cube to chat today. She's really sweet. She's 22 a college senior, etc. She of course knew about the first pregnancy, etc. Today she asked me how everything was going in the baby department. I said no luck yet, and she asked if I was trying. I said yes. She asked why it was taking so long. Good question. (That's one way to know she's still just a kid, most people wouldn't think to ask someone they knew was trying to get pregnant why it's taking so long.) Obviously, we're trying, but I think I need to accept that the time must not be right. I wouldn't wish a loss on anyone, but the waiting this time is certainly helping me keep things in perspective. Being a parent is serious business, and honestly the idea still terrifies me at times. I thought I was ready again immediately, but every month that goes by makes me realize how special it really is. When the time is right, I will cherish every moment. I hope I don't have to wait that much longer, but have faith that God knows when the right time for me is. That's why all the charting and timing and planning haven't worked yet. I can't say when the time is right, I just have to have faith, that someday it will be.
Well, that's enough for now considering I had nothing to write about when I started. Whew. I'm getting a little mushy.
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Month 5 - Day 6
It's not been a very productive time off although I have almost conquered Tetris Worlds. I also read The Hobbit, cleaned my house, did laundry including the sheets, and listened to 2 new CDs. I was pretty caught up at work on Wednesday, so it will be interesting to see how far behind I am tomorrow. I have one of my clients renewals at the end of the month and I left a quote deadline of Friday, so hopefully I have some numbers waiting patiently in my inbox at work and can put together a proposal tomorrow.
Things to do this week on a personal level. Check in with my friend H. who was having surgery at the end of last week. Check in with Erica to see if they started the semen analysis and her tests start this Friday. Also, I need to check in with Samara since we didn't talk at all last week. My brother stayed this week and I kind of stayed holed up and oblivious to the outside world. I also need to seriously put some work into studying for my CPCU, that test will sneak up on me before I know it. I'd like to work on the GWO scrapbook. Tuesday night I get to go shopping for Kim's shower (work friend) with the office money contribution. Wednesday, we're moving Survivor night due to the NCAA tournament. This could be a busy week. Oh yes, must also conquer Tetris Worlds. I hear it calling me now... (At least I'm playing games rather than reading trying to conceive blogs. I actually had to look at a calendar to see what cycle day I'm on.)
Things to do this week on a personal level. Check in with my friend H. who was having surgery at the end of last week. Check in with Erica to see if they started the semen analysis and her tests start this Friday. Also, I need to check in with Samara since we didn't talk at all last week. My brother stayed this week and I kind of stayed holed up and oblivious to the outside world. I also need to seriously put some work into studying for my CPCU, that test will sneak up on me before I know it. I'd like to work on the GWO scrapbook. Tuesday night I get to go shopping for Kim's shower (work friend) with the office money contribution. Wednesday, we're moving Survivor night due to the NCAA tournament. This could be a busy week. Oh yes, must also conquer Tetris Worlds. I hear it calling me now... (At least I'm playing games rather than reading trying to conceive blogs. I actually had to look at a calendar to see what cycle day I'm on.)
Friday, March 12, 2004
Friday Five
1. What was the last song you heard? - Not sure, probably the Tetris background music.
2. What were the last two movies you saw? The Passion of the Christ (today), probably Out of Time a couple of weeks ago.
3. What were the last three things you purchased? Tetris Worlds, a new iron, Lord of the Rings books (Thanks Mom! - My B-Day gift certificate).
4. What four things do you need to do this weekend? Study for CPCU, wash the sheets, pay some bills, go to the Arena Football game
5. Who are the last five people you talked to? Eric, Jeremy (my brother), Guy at the Magic Shop, thinking.....Martin and April (last night)
2. What were the last two movies you saw? The Passion of the Christ (today), probably Out of Time a couple of weeks ago.
3. What were the last three things you purchased? Tetris Worlds, a new iron, Lord of the Rings books (Thanks Mom! - My B-Day gift certificate).
4. What four things do you need to do this weekend? Study for CPCU, wash the sheets, pay some bills, go to the Arena Football game
5. Who are the last five people you talked to? Eric, Jeremy (my brother), Guy at the Magic Shop, thinking.....Martin and April (last night)
Month 5 - CD 4
I've been on vacation for 2 days and it's been great. Been kind of lazy which is nice and did some shopping yesterday that's been keeping me busy. I bought Tetris Worlds for the computer and it's been taking up a lot of time. I also figured I might eventually need to read the Lord of the Rings books. I do enjoy reading and know that books are better than movies, so figure since I enjoyed the movies, I better get the real story and read the books. I bought The Hobbit for $10.50 and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy in one volume for $18.00 at Target. I'm about half way through The Hobbit. It's better than I remember. I remember trying to read it when I was about 10 and just got bored.
Today we went to the 12:45 p.m. showing of The Passion of the Christ. I'd read some reviews and heard from friends who'd seen it and honestly was a little disappointed. I think it was an excellent movie for showing the suffering of Christ and really gets to you to think of what a sacrifice dying for us really was, but I don't think that the movie will really touch many non-believers. Except for a few flashbacks of things that happened in his life (a couple of sermons, the last supper, etc.) most of the movie just focused on his arrest, trial, and death. I don't think the movie did a great job of showing "why" did he have to die for us. Also, there was only one seen of "ressurrection" which is really the biggest miracle of all. Anybody could die, but the fact that he rose again is the real miracle. Anyway, I'm glad I saw it and thought the part of the story that was told was good, but felt it would have been a better "message" if it ventured more into why he had to die, his teachings, and what happened after he rose from the dead.
On a completely different note, I've kind of enjoyed not taking my temperature the last few days. Partially because I've been sleeping in and don't have to wake up at 6:00 to take my temperature. I suppose it's also easier since I know it's too early for anything to happen. Not sure how I'll do in the next couple of weeks.
Today we went to the 12:45 p.m. showing of The Passion of the Christ. I'd read some reviews and heard from friends who'd seen it and honestly was a little disappointed. I think it was an excellent movie for showing the suffering of Christ and really gets to you to think of what a sacrifice dying for us really was, but I don't think that the movie will really touch many non-believers. Except for a few flashbacks of things that happened in his life (a couple of sermons, the last supper, etc.) most of the movie just focused on his arrest, trial, and death. I don't think the movie did a great job of showing "why" did he have to die for us. Also, there was only one seen of "ressurrection" which is really the biggest miracle of all. Anybody could die, but the fact that he rose again is the real miracle. Anyway, I'm glad I saw it and thought the part of the story that was told was good, but felt it would have been a better "message" if it ventured more into why he had to die, his teachings, and what happened after he rose from the dead.
On a completely different note, I've kind of enjoyed not taking my temperature the last few days. Partially because I've been sleeping in and don't have to wake up at 6:00 to take my temperature. I suppose it's also easier since I know it's too early for anything to happen. Not sure how I'll do in the next couple of weeks.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Month 5, Day 2 - Irritable
I'm not very fun to be around right now. I feel a little sorry for the guys in my house today (my brother's in town for his Spring Break). For no real reason, I got angry the moment I came home from work. The guys were on the couch watching a movie and I had to clean up the kitchen and make dinner. I think it was the fact that I had to work all day and then still do my normal household chores while they slept until noon and played video games and watched movies. I know it's irrational. Eric's on vacation and Jeremy's on Spring Break. I don't really like Eric to do the housework and it wasn't like they'd trashed the place. I just had to unload the dishwasher and put the rest of last night's dinner dishes in and get out the hamburger for dinner. What did I expect?
It's just frustrating when you completely know your being hormonal and irrational, but still just want to scream at someone for not knowing that you would want to order Pizza rather than make dinner when you asked what they wanted to eat. It's crazy that you know your being crazy, but are powerless to calm your emotions. Eric figured it out though when I started hitting on him. Apparently that's my other signal that AF is here.
Oh well, it'll pass and hopefully, sooner rather than later, I can get rid of these symptoms for a while. Although, I'm not sure that pregnancy hormones are any better. At least then you get something good out of it.
It's just frustrating when you completely know your being hormonal and irrational, but still just want to scream at someone for not knowing that you would want to order Pizza rather than make dinner when you asked what they wanted to eat. It's crazy that you know your being crazy, but are powerless to calm your emotions. Eric figured it out though when I started hitting on him. Apparently that's my other signal that AF is here.
Oh well, it'll pass and hopefully, sooner rather than later, I can get rid of these symptoms for a while. Although, I'm not sure that pregnancy hormones are any better. At least then you get something good out of it.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Monday, March 08, 2004
A Strategy is Born
I think I'm becoming a post-aholic. This is number 3 for today. Oh well, I enjoy reading my friends, so I'm assuming my readers prefer more updates to less.
AF has still not arrived, but I have been having minor cramps. Nothing worthy of any ibuprofin or other pain relief, but still enough to make me believe that there was a reason my temps dropped. Now if AF doesn't arrive over night or immediately upon awakening, I think I will use up one of my tests, just to erase the last shred of hope for this month.
Now, about my title. I've decided how to approach next month. Several people have mentioned to me that they think all of my charting, etc. has caused me stress, and maybe I should just "relax." My husband included. Personally, I still don't agree that I'm more stressed. I will say I'm more aware and educated about my body. Also, from everything I've read, the only role stress plays on your cycle is possibly delaying ovulation and by my charts I'm obviously ovulating, so I don't think not "relaxing" is the issue here. However, we weren't charting last time we got pregnant, and somehow hit the window. I'm going to take this month off from the obsessive need to monitor every signal and just see what happens. Of course, if this is the month that works, everyone will probably say "I told you so!" I guess I'll just have to remember that if there is a 20-25% chance of conceiving in any one cycle (assuming no fertility problems), we've got a decent shot at getting it done in 5 months, regardless of my charting or not. And if we get pregnant, we met the goal right? (At least the first part, the final goal is actually giving birth to a healthy baby). Who really cares what method got us there.
I was going to keep charting until I see my OB/GYN for my annual exam at the end of April, but figure, I've got 4 complete months already, if #5 doesn't work, I'll at least know how long the cycle was, and can start charting #6 before my appointment. 4 1/2 charts should be enough for her to work with or at least say, "Yep, your doing it right. Keep trying."
Here's the actual strategy. I will on my calendar, keep track of my LMP date (obviously if successful, the doc will want to know this). I will also keep track of the days we BD. If we have to help determine conception to get the date right, it'd be nice to know possibilities. I'm going to let Eric take the lead on the trying. We'll BD when he wants and I won't get crazy about hitting any possible windows, etc. Enough babies are made accidently, that with our "normal" activity, I'd think we've got a pretty good shot (although, it seems like we've had good timing the last 4 months too). Since I've had 3 cycles of 31 days (including the one after my D&C that we didn't try), 1 of 28 days, and 1 of 37?, I'll allow myself to start testing at 32 days. I won't really know if I'm late, but it seems reasonable.
It'll be interesting to see if this strategy has a shot. We've already tried the every other day thing, the every day thing, the 15 times in one month thing, why not just try the old fashioned, we'll see what happens approach. The key will be to see if I can actually remain stress free, when I don't have a clue what my body is doing. I'll just have to remember, it didn't exactly work when I did know what it was doing.
Here's to cycle #5! I'm ready whenever you are.
AF has still not arrived, but I have been having minor cramps. Nothing worthy of any ibuprofin or other pain relief, but still enough to make me believe that there was a reason my temps dropped. Now if AF doesn't arrive over night or immediately upon awakening, I think I will use up one of my tests, just to erase the last shred of hope for this month.
Now, about my title. I've decided how to approach next month. Several people have mentioned to me that they think all of my charting, etc. has caused me stress, and maybe I should just "relax." My husband included. Personally, I still don't agree that I'm more stressed. I will say I'm more aware and educated about my body. Also, from everything I've read, the only role stress plays on your cycle is possibly delaying ovulation and by my charts I'm obviously ovulating, so I don't think not "relaxing" is the issue here. However, we weren't charting last time we got pregnant, and somehow hit the window. I'm going to take this month off from the obsessive need to monitor every signal and just see what happens. Of course, if this is the month that works, everyone will probably say "I told you so!" I guess I'll just have to remember that if there is a 20-25% chance of conceiving in any one cycle (assuming no fertility problems), we've got a decent shot at getting it done in 5 months, regardless of my charting or not. And if we get pregnant, we met the goal right? (At least the first part, the final goal is actually giving birth to a healthy baby). Who really cares what method got us there.
I was going to keep charting until I see my OB/GYN for my annual exam at the end of April, but figure, I've got 4 complete months already, if #5 doesn't work, I'll at least know how long the cycle was, and can start charting #6 before my appointment. 4 1/2 charts should be enough for her to work with or at least say, "Yep, your doing it right. Keep trying."
Here's the actual strategy. I will on my calendar, keep track of my LMP date (obviously if successful, the doc will want to know this). I will also keep track of the days we BD. If we have to help determine conception to get the date right, it'd be nice to know possibilities. I'm going to let Eric take the lead on the trying. We'll BD when he wants and I won't get crazy about hitting any possible windows, etc. Enough babies are made accidently, that with our "normal" activity, I'd think we've got a pretty good shot (although, it seems like we've had good timing the last 4 months too). Since I've had 3 cycles of 31 days (including the one after my D&C that we didn't try), 1 of 28 days, and 1 of 37?, I'll allow myself to start testing at 32 days. I won't really know if I'm late, but it seems reasonable.
It'll be interesting to see if this strategy has a shot. We've already tried the every other day thing, the every day thing, the 15 times in one month thing, why not just try the old fashioned, we'll see what happens approach. The key will be to see if I can actually remain stress free, when I don't have a clue what my body is doing. I'll just have to remember, it didn't exactly work when I did know what it was doing.
Here's to cycle #5! I'm ready whenever you are.
Still Waiting
So still no AF. What are the chances that the temp was a fluke? Probably not good, but for some reason I can't seem to let go of the last thread of hope.
Still no AF symptoms. No cramps, still have a sore chest, not really hungry for junk, and obviously still missing the most critical indicator that AF is here.
I'll let you in on a little secret. I went a little crazy yesterday and went out and bought the absolute cheapest HPT I could find. I bought 2 for $7 and took one yesterday afternoon. I didn't see any lines, but went back and looked at it later and could almost convince myself I saw a VERY and I mean VERY faint line. I showed it to Eric and he saw it too. So I was really excited to wake up today and take another one with the first mornining urine and an EPT which is probably more sensitive.
Well, my temps plunged, so I didn't test this morning, but that glimmer of a possible line is making it really difficult to let go of the hope. I just wish things would get started already, so I could move along. If AF doesn't come tonight I may test again tomorrow morning just to seal the deal. Taking a test tends to encourage AF to show, so maybe that's a good thing.
Still no AF symptoms. No cramps, still have a sore chest, not really hungry for junk, and obviously still missing the most critical indicator that AF is here.
I'll let you in on a little secret. I went a little crazy yesterday and went out and bought the absolute cheapest HPT I could find. I bought 2 for $7 and took one yesterday afternoon. I didn't see any lines, but went back and looked at it later and could almost convince myself I saw a VERY and I mean VERY faint line. I showed it to Eric and he saw it too. So I was really excited to wake up today and take another one with the first mornining urine and an EPT which is probably more sensitive.
Well, my temps plunged, so I didn't test this morning, but that glimmer of a possible line is making it really difficult to let go of the hope. I just wish things would get started already, so I could move along. If AF doesn't come tonight I may test again tomorrow morning just to seal the deal. Taking a test tends to encourage AF to show, so maybe that's a good thing.
Moving On
I didn't test this morning. My temp was only 97.4. I took it again just in case, nope, still too low. I haven't seen AF yet. I know it's not over until the fat lady sings, but I'm pretty sure I've got front row tickets to her next performance. Sigh...
I guess we'll see what next month has to bring. I'm not sure what the strategy is. I'm really not in the mood right now. Oh well, I guess I better go to work. Life goes on, right?
I guess we'll see what next month has to bring. I'm not sure what the strategy is. I'm really not in the mood right now. Oh well, I guess I better go to work. Life goes on, right?
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Month 4, Day 36, 13 DPO
For now, I've removed my blog roll until I can figure out why it's causing problems.
Today, I feel very "not pregnant." I'm not sure what's different. My temperature was still 98.0, I went to the grocery store and had a strange craving for sweet pickles, my breasts still hurt, I still don't have any cramps or other impending AF symptoms. Yet, I feel like it's coming to an end. That's a bit sad. I'm not really in the mood to start another month. This one has just been so long.
Maybe I'm wrong. I'll take another test in the morning if my temps don't drop. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think so.
And by the way...I will start another month and we'll give it another try. I'm still doing 2 more cycles before taking a break. I'm pretty sure I'll be ready for one.
Today, I feel very "not pregnant." I'm not sure what's different. My temperature was still 98.0, I went to the grocery store and had a strange craving for sweet pickles, my breasts still hurt, I still don't have any cramps or other impending AF symptoms. Yet, I feel like it's coming to an end. That's a bit sad. I'm not really in the mood to start another month. This one has just been so long.
Maybe I'm wrong. I'll take another test in the morning if my temps don't drop. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think so.
And by the way...I will start another month and we'll give it another try. I'm still doing 2 more cycles before taking a break. I'm pretty sure I'll be ready for one.
More New Stuff
Ok, so I have now added the following in the last 12 hours.
1. Comments
2. A Hit Counter
3. A Blog Roll (automatic list of blogs I read)
4. An about me link
Problems it's caused. I now cannot scroll to the bottom of my page. I'm sure I messed up some code when I added all that stuff. I e-mailed blogger for help, but who knows how quickly they'll respond. Their site did say that paying customers get first priority, and I'm all about free, so you my readers, if you know anything about html programming, please view my source code and see if you can figure out what I screwed up. Thanks!
By the way, I love my hit counter. I have it set to view unique visitors. So, I'll probably have about 8 hits (the girls, myself, Mom, Jeremy, and Grandma), but maybe with my blogroll, I'll have more. I can also check on the stats and find out where others navigated from and if they found my site by doing a search. Very interesting. Anyway, please e-mail or leave a comment if you know how to fix my scrolling problem.
1. Comments
2. A Hit Counter
3. A Blog Roll (automatic list of blogs I read)
4. An about me link
Problems it's caused. I now cannot scroll to the bottom of my page. I'm sure I messed up some code when I added all that stuff. I e-mailed blogger for help, but who knows how quickly they'll respond. Their site did say that paying customers get first priority, and I'm all about free, so you my readers, if you know anything about html programming, please view my source code and see if you can figure out what I screwed up. Thanks!
By the way, I love my hit counter. I have it set to view unique visitors. So, I'll probably have about 8 hits (the girls, myself, Mom, Jeremy, and Grandma), but maybe with my blogroll, I'll have more. I can also check on the stats and find out where others navigated from and if they found my site by doing a search. Very interesting. Anyway, please e-mail or leave a comment if you know how to fix my scrolling problem.
Saturday, March 06, 2004
How Sweet!
Eric just got up (yes it's 1:30 p.m.) and he came to ask me if I took a test. I said yes, and then he showed me a "thumbs down" sign and I said yes. Then he said, "Well your temperature is still up." He looked at my chart! Normally he seems a bit disinterested by the daily process (although I know he does want the same end result). I think he does pay attention, but just doesn't want to show too much interest all the time, because he knows I'd never shut up.
I wish there was a different result. I wish I was still convinced I was pregnant. Maybe a little doubt is good. I won't be so crushed if this isn't the month. The good news is that we will know 100% for sure by Friday (18 DPO), probably sooner.
I wish there was a different result. I wish I was still convinced I was pregnant. Maybe a little doubt is good. I won't be so crushed if this isn't the month. The good news is that we will know 100% for sure by Friday (18 DPO), probably sooner.
Month 4, Day 35, 12 DPO
Yesterday was fun. We went to Will & Samara's for dinner. It was so yummy! Samara made Caribbean Jerk Chicken and we had Corn on the cob and Fetticini Alfredo. Then we played Yahtzee. Eric ended up winning, but I'm sure some time they'll be a rematch.
So this morning my temperature was only 98.0. I wish it would have been 98.3, but I don't exactly consider that a "dip." Also, being as obbsessive as I am, I took a pregnancy test. It was negative. I should have expected it, but it still brings me down a bit. I know, I know, that's why all my friends said to wait as long as possible. It's still early. Here are some stats from Fertility Friend:
The average HPT positive is at 13.6 DPO.
Percentage of pregnancy charts with a positive at 10 DPO = 10%.
Percentage of preganncy charts with a positive at 12 DPO = 27%
Percentage of pregnancy charts with a positive at 14 DPO = 60%
Percentage of pregnancy charts with a positive at 16 DPO = 86%
Percentage of pregnancy charts with a positive at 18 DPO = 100%
The meaning, waiting is better. Now, originally, I wasn't going to test until 16 DPO. I know I can't hold out that long. With my usual lutal phase length, AF should be due tomorrow. I'm going to make my next test day 14 DPO or Monday. We'll see how that works.
An interesting comparison. Today is CD 35. Now, I don't actually know when I ovulated in my cycle the last time I was pregnant, but I did get a negative at CD 35 that time and didn't test again until CD42. In this cycle, CD 42 would put me at 19 DPO. No wonder it was so clearly positive. I won't be waiting another week this time.
Ok, stuff to do. We've got a hockey game to go to tonight and Jeremy's coming in. I better clean the house and get some food.
So this morning my temperature was only 98.0. I wish it would have been 98.3, but I don't exactly consider that a "dip." Also, being as obbsessive as I am, I took a pregnancy test. It was negative. I should have expected it, but it still brings me down a bit. I know, I know, that's why all my friends said to wait as long as possible. It's still early. Here are some stats from Fertility Friend:
The average HPT positive is at 13.6 DPO.
Percentage of pregnancy charts with a positive at 10 DPO = 10%.
Percentage of preganncy charts with a positive at 12 DPO = 27%
Percentage of pregnancy charts with a positive at 14 DPO = 60%
Percentage of pregnancy charts with a positive at 16 DPO = 86%
Percentage of pregnancy charts with a positive at 18 DPO = 100%
The meaning, waiting is better. Now, originally, I wasn't going to test until 16 DPO. I know I can't hold out that long. With my usual lutal phase length, AF should be due tomorrow. I'm going to make my next test day 14 DPO or Monday. We'll see how that works.
An interesting comparison. Today is CD 35. Now, I don't actually know when I ovulated in my cycle the last time I was pregnant, but I did get a negative at CD 35 that time and didn't test again until CD42. In this cycle, CD 42 would put me at 19 DPO. No wonder it was so clearly positive. I won't be waiting another week this time.
Ok, stuff to do. We've got a hockey game to go to tonight and Jeremy's coming in. I better clean the house and get some food.
Friday, March 05, 2004
Month 4, Day 34, 11 DPO
So my temp is still at 98.3. That's good news right? Plus I'm still feeling nauseous almost constantly. I only ate about 3 bites of my Subway sandwich last night and then some crackers. I may test tomorrow. It's probably still early, but it's so hard to wait.
About the TV, there's really not much we can do apparently. Image burn isn't covered under our service plan from Best Buy or under the Manufacturer's Warrenty, so no one wants to pay to get this fixed. I guess all we can do is try to limit time on that channel and hope it doesn't get worse (or pay the $1000 ourselves when it does) or sue Fox for keeping their logo in one place on the screen the whole time. Last night we were watching NBC, and there logo doesn't stay on the whole time, or it moves. That would have helped.
Oh, Erica had good news yesterday. No endometriosis re-growth and they'll let them start the preliminary fertility tests to reassure them nothings wrong. They start trying again next week (how is it I'm still on this cycle?) and hopefully the doctor won't get a chance to do Erica's tests, because she'll be pregnant.
We're still waiting on news from our friends Will and Samara. He had an interview this week and waiting for the result is torture (more for them than me I suppose). We're going to thier place tonight for dinner and games.
Tomorrow we have tickets to go to a hockey game with our neighbors, so I'm looking forward to that. Also, my brother, Jeremy will be coming into town to stay for a week while he's on Spring Break. Hopefully, he won't think we're too boring.
Ok, I better leave for work.
About the TV, there's really not much we can do apparently. Image burn isn't covered under our service plan from Best Buy or under the Manufacturer's Warrenty, so no one wants to pay to get this fixed. I guess all we can do is try to limit time on that channel and hope it doesn't get worse (or pay the $1000 ourselves when it does) or sue Fox for keeping their logo in one place on the screen the whole time. Last night we were watching NBC, and there logo doesn't stay on the whole time, or it moves. That would have helped.
Oh, Erica had good news yesterday. No endometriosis re-growth and they'll let them start the preliminary fertility tests to reassure them nothings wrong. They start trying again next week (how is it I'm still on this cycle?) and hopefully the doctor won't get a chance to do Erica's tests, because she'll be pregnant.
We're still waiting on news from our friends Will and Samara. He had an interview this week and waiting for the result is torture (more for them than me I suppose). We're going to thier place tonight for dinner and games.
Tomorrow we have tickets to go to a hockey game with our neighbors, so I'm looking forward to that. Also, my brother, Jeremy will be coming into town to stay for a week while he's on Spring Break. Hopefully, he won't think we're too boring.
Ok, I better leave for work.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Today's Drama
So, there's an issue with our TV. Eric woke up this morning very angry. I guess last night he was flipping through the channels and on a mostly blank screen noticed something in the corner. "FOX 28" the station logo is being burned into our screen. It isn't bad yet. You can only notice it on a solid color screen and then you have to really look hard to make out what it says. You can see something's there, but it doesn't just pop out on every channel. Yet. It will only get worse. Now we knew the danger of having images burnt into our screen. It is a projection TV, but we don't really feel that we "abuse" our TV watching privileges. When we are home the TV is usually on, but we don't leave it on overnight or when we aren't home, etc. We do watch a variety of channels and shows, so I'm a little amazed that this happens. We watch Fox during the week for the 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. time block. Then occasionally another program, like American Idol. It isn't the only channel we watch and there are commercials, etc. so I'm really surprised that it's in there. We figure that we have the TV on from about 6-11p.m. on weekdays maybe 5 or 6 hours on Saturday and from about 12p.m.-11 p.m. on Sundays. That's a lot of time for the TV to be on for the 2 hours on weekdays to burn an image in the screen after 1 year. We're heading to Best Buy tonight to see what we can do. We do have the service plan, so they could replace the screen (costs about $1000), but I don't know that we'll want to do that every year. The point of having a TV is to watch it, so we don't want to worry that by watching the TV we're screwing it up. Or we may see if we can exchange our TV for a non-projection TV. This option makes me a little sad as I love our 55" Widescreen HDTV and can't imagine what we would replace it with. We would definitely have to get HD, but going smaller would be tough. Or we may just ask for our money back. How sad, I was going to send in the payoff this weekend. We'll see what they say tonight.
On another note. My temperature was 98.3 again today. Yahoo!
On another note. My temperature was 98.3 again today. Yahoo!
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Still 9 DPO
Have I mentioned that I think I'm pregnant? I've felt sick since about 3:00 p.m. (except for the 2 hours after I ate dinner). I also was really lightheaded when I was leaving work (made me a little nervous to drive actually). I just feel icky now so I'm going to head to bed and it's only 10:00 p.m. I sure am going to feel silly next week if AF shows up. If it's not pregnancy, I must be coming down with something. At least my head doesn't hurt today. Well, goodnight!
Month 4, Day 32, 9 DPO
I only have a minute, but I wanted to update. My temp went back to 98.0 today. It was a little disappointing, but it's still looking good, so I guess I'll just wait it out. I will now wait until Wednesday to test. I figure if I make it that far, there's a really good chance that it would be positive. I really want it to be. I wasn't able to pull off the "don't expect it to happen and it won't hurt as bad when it doesn't" thing this month. I'll just wait and see.
Symptoms?
I've had headaches the last 2 evenings which could be a hormonal surge or just me getting headaches. I've also felt a little nauseous in the AM and the evening yesterday and the AM today. Not bad enough to get sick, but I did decide against ice cream last night. I also went to bed at 9:30 p.m. yesterday, which very rarely happens. I've had breast tenderness, but it seems less pronounced today, so I'm not sure what that means. It still hurts when I walk and they jiggle (sorry too much info), but not as much if I poke them.
On another subject. I am planning a trip to see Mom & Dad in about 4 weeks. I'll probably book the flight tonight. I haven't been out there since Labor Day. It'll be good to see the progress on the house.
Oh yeah, I took a picute of my birthday flowers yesterday, but didn't get around to downloading them. I guess I'll do it when I get home tonight. Not much else going on. Well the pile of work on my desk is calling me. I better get to it.
Symptoms?
I've had headaches the last 2 evenings which could be a hormonal surge or just me getting headaches. I've also felt a little nauseous in the AM and the evening yesterday and the AM today. Not bad enough to get sick, but I did decide against ice cream last night. I also went to bed at 9:30 p.m. yesterday, which very rarely happens. I've had breast tenderness, but it seems less pronounced today, so I'm not sure what that means. It still hurts when I walk and they jiggle (sorry too much info), but not as much if I poke them.
On another subject. I am planning a trip to see Mom & Dad in about 4 weeks. I'll probably book the flight tonight. I haven't been out there since Labor Day. It'll be good to see the progress on the house.
Oh yeah, I took a picute of my birthday flowers yesterday, but didn't get around to downloading them. I guess I'll do it when I get home tonight. Not much else going on. Well the pile of work on my desk is calling me. I better get to it.
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Month 4 Day 31, 8 DPO
98.3
Although I did temp about an hour later than normal....
"Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow. Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow. Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow. Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow."
It's going to be a long 8 days.
Maybe I could test earlier than day 16 if my temps go triphasic? Oh yeah, "Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow."
Although I did temp about an hour later than normal....
"Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow. Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow. Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow. Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow."
It's going to be a long 8 days.
Maybe I could test earlier than day 16 if my temps go triphasic? Oh yeah, "Don't get too excited. Wait to see what it does tomorrow."
Monday, March 01, 2004
One More Thing
I have no idea why the previous Zeus picture was so small and the stuffed dog picture is so huge. I guess I still have some things to learn about blogging. Just so you know, it wasn't really intentional, and I'm too tired to try to fix it tonight. Goodnight all.
Birthday Recap - Jennifer Turns 25!
Today is my birthday. Considering I had to work I think it went pretty well. People important to me remembered and it was very nice, but low key. Here's I recap of what I scored.
Cards
Erica - sent me 2! I guess she couldn't decide which one she liked better!
Grandma & Grandpa
Donna (my Mother-In-Law)
Tammy - from work
Eric
Samara - via e-mail
Michelle - from work
Gifts
Manicure at Kenneth's - from Samara
Vanilla Candle (large) - from Kristin at work
Flowers - from the girls (Erica, Danialle, and Heather) - (picture tomorrow)
Stuffed Pug Dog - from Eric
Lighted Make Up Mirror and Stool for Use in Bathroom - from Eric
Gift Certificate from unknown location and unknown amount - Still in mail from Mom
Food
The Melting Pot - Dinner with friends last Saturday
BW3's - 12 free wings on your birthday - dinner today
Lunch Wednesday - with work friends
Also, my brother did call and leave me a message saying Happy Birthday. Nice to know he remembered.
I say overall that's a good birthday. No cake, but Mom did sing the first line of Happy Birthday on the phone to me.
I hope I didn't forget anyone or anything, so anyone who reads and made the list, I appreciate you thinking of me and thank you very much!
Good night all.
Cards
Erica - sent me 2! I guess she couldn't decide which one she liked better!
Grandma & Grandpa
Donna (my Mother-In-Law)
Tammy - from work
Eric
Samara - via e-mail
Michelle - from work
Gifts
Manicure at Kenneth's - from Samara
Vanilla Candle (large) - from Kristin at work
Flowers - from the girls (Erica, Danialle, and Heather) - (picture tomorrow)
Stuffed Pug Dog - from Eric
Lighted Make Up Mirror and Stool for Use in Bathroom - from Eric
Gift Certificate from unknown location and unknown amount - Still in mail from Mom
Food
The Melting Pot - Dinner with friends last Saturday
BW3's - 12 free wings on your birthday - dinner today
Lunch Wednesday - with work friends
Also, my brother did call and leave me a message saying Happy Birthday. Nice to know he remembered.
I say overall that's a good birthday. No cake, but Mom did sing the first line of Happy Birthday on the phone to me.
I hope I didn't forget anyone or anything, so anyone who reads and made the list, I appreciate you thinking of me and thank you very much!
Good night all.
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