I got an award...

Amanda graciously nominated me for this blog award....

She just recently started following my blog. Thanks so much for the "props".

So, here are the rules:

1. Link back to and thank the person who gave you the award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 5 stylish blogs you read
4. Contact them and let them know you've given them the award!


Here are 7 totally random things about myself:

1. I love new crayons & markers. I find myself buying them from time to time and taking them to Sunday School (where I teach) so I can use them with the kids.

2. I took piano lessons when 3rd grade through 8 th grade. I still enjoy playing but I don't have a piano of my own. I also used my talents to play the xylophone, chimes, cymbals, etc. in High School & Community College bands.

3. I love Disney movies. I have a large collection and watch them often on weekends when I'm cleaning and working on other things so I can sing along. My favorite is Pete's Dragon.

4. I played golf on the high school golf team. At the time in IHSA rules girls were allowed to play on both the girl's and boy's teams. I loved it when I could beat the boys at their own game.

5. I am totally addicted to "reality" shows like Teen Mom's, Survivor, the Bachelor, Keeping up with the Kardashian's to name a few.

6. I love cooking & baking. But, I also like the nights where we get take out.

7. I'd love to be a stay at home domestic goddess who gardens, cooks & volunteers, but alas the budget does not allow for that.

Stay tuned for my nominations :)

9 week US...

We had our last visit at UW Madison Generations clinic today.

*in no way did UW- Hospital or clinics pay me for this mention. I just went there and received excellent care...

If you are looking for excellent reproductive care in the Greater Madison, WI area they are excellent.

On to our little "critter"... He/she was measuring at 2.04 cm or (8w, 4d) the heart rate was 168 bpm.

If I can get my scanner to work I'll post a picture. An intern was doing the US today and was not as proficient as Dr. Lebovic but He/she was really moving around.

I'll be moving on to the regular OB now for the rest of the pregnancy. My first appointment with them is May 2nd.

I can start doing the progesterone shots every other day May 10. I'll take the last shot May 17th.

Day before "Graduation"...

Tomorrow I'll be at 9 weeks. All in all I am feeling good. But, still cautiously optimistic. I know that things still have a chance of not working out at this point.

I hoping that after I "Graduate" for the Dr.'s office at Madison and move on to my regular Dr.'s office I'll feel a bit more secure. I have not had any spotting or anything and after seeing a heart beating 2 weeks ago I know that I have a better chance of everything being just fine...than not.

I'll update again after the ultrasound tomorrow.

Eight weeks...

So here I am at 8 weeks. Nothing new to report really.

I just keep praying that things are still growing as they should.

We go in for our final ultrasound at UW on Tuesday next week. Then they will release me to my regular Ob/Gyn. I will also be able to start weaning myself off of the progesterone shots then. I'm not sure how I feel about that I'll be glad because they really are starting to get irritating & painful, but also it was a good feeling taking them, because it was something I could "do" to help make sure things were Ok. I'm sure I'll be fine.

Honestly, this whole thing still feels like some sort of dream. I keep waiting till I wake up and this is not my reality. I'm not sure when this will change. I'm not even sure that it will. I kind of feel like why do I deserve this there are so many...(who have waited longer, might be better Mom's, have had so many losses...)

I feel so blessed to even have the opportunity to see a positive pregnancy test, and a heart beating on an ultrasound; that even if this does not turn out well I still will feel that all on this is a gift from God to Todd & I.

Thanks all for you prayers over these last couple of months I feel them every day.

***Good news. My new insurance carrier called and I was approved for continuation of care so my last two Ultrasounds will be considered in network as well. Awesome!***

First Ultrasound...

Today we had our first pregnancy ultrasound. Right away when he was checking things out I could see 2 sacs. one for sure had something in it & beating. There was another sac but is was void of anything. The Dr. said that this was likely the cause of the low rise in the beta. I measured at 6w 1d which is a bit behind (actually 6w 6d), but that is "normal" at this stage...I was told. The heart rate was 115 bpm. Which is within the "normal" range as well. They did not give me any pictures this time. They said I would have something at the next ultrasound.

So, for the next 2 weeks I'm just supposed to keep the sticky bun cookin' :)

5 years ago...

5 years ago we were in sunny Mexico at the ElDorado Royale for our wedding. It was a great day.

We had such a great time that week. The past several years our anniversary has been over shadowed by our infertility. And, while I sill have reservations about this pregnancy this year is by far better than it has been. My advise for the soon to be married. Don't try to have a Honeymoon baby...because, if it does not work out it kind of makes your anniversary a bummer.

Needless to say I am ready to make a trip back. Maybe for the 10th anniversary?

One thing is for certain. I married a person who's my best friend. I feel so blessed to have him as my family.

Ultrasound moved up...

So, the Dr.'s office called. My Ultrasound will be Monday the 11th.

I've been feeling more symptoms this week. Just a bit of nausea in the afternoons not a lot just a little. And the Bbs are much firmer and a bit sore. Hopefully this is a good sign that things are progressing.

I'll let you know how the ultrasound goes.