It's a...

BOY!  We have the name picked out, but we won't be sharing it with everyone until birth.  His initials are SRS.  He's looking really good, and measuring 17 weeks, 2 day (I'm 16 weeks, 4 days).  His heartbeat is 160.  D was able to come to the appointment, which was great.  I'll post the alien face picture by next week some time.

Where to eat in Bethlehem, PA?

Anyone know of a good and not too expensive place for dinner in Bethlehem, PA?  TCIE and I are going to meet there for dinner on Friday and I need some suggestions.

My big u/s is tomorrow before lunch.  I'll post about it at least briefly tomorrow, but I probably won't be able to post u/s pics until early next week.

On being pregnant after IF

I know my posts have been pregnancy heavy and those who are still waiting might not want to read them.  I hope that my posts don't hurt anyone.  I've been quite limited in the amount of time I have to post and I haven't really talked about my feelings on being pregnancy after IF:

When I talk to someone who doesn't know about our IF struggles, I always try to mention that this pregnancy was not something that happened quickly, but that we struggled for a couple of years and had to have surgeries to get this point.  I hope that I'm being a witness about the fact that IF is out there.  I also mention Dr. H/PPVI/NaPro when appropriate.

I'm still dealing with occasional spotting and although it no longer causes me to completely breakdown (the first two times I broke down and was somewhat hysterical), I'm still very worried about Baby Blondie especially when I have the spotting.  I had spotting that lasted over a couple hours while visiting family this past weekend and it completely ruined my ability to enjoy spending time with my family.

Since I haven't been able to feel Baby Blondie move yet, I still worry about having an u/s and not seeing a heartbeat (even though I've seen the heartbeat on u/s 4 times now).  When the u/s starts, I almost assume no heartbeat until I hear it.  I know that pregnancy, even in the second and third trimester, does not guarantee that you'll get to take home and raise a baby on earth.  I watched a video on the October 15 Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day and it had a baby who died just after the 16 week u/s (I'll be 16 weeks on Saturday).  Although I'm not constantly focused on the fact that my baby could not make it, I definitely have that worry in the back of my mind.  I check the heartbeat with a Doppler on a regular basis.  D even asked me last night about "whether SC (our nickname for the baby) was going to stay in there" meaning whether we could stop holding our breath about the likelihood of having a live baby.  I doubt that he'd be quite as worried (and it's not a crazy high level of worry) about the possibility of loss if we hadn't dealt with IF.

In some ways, it doesn't seem real.  I mean I've seen the baby a few time on u/s sound and my body is changing, but I kind of think that part of the reason that I have worries about not seeing the heartbeat is that it doesn't seem like this is real.  I need to hear the heartbeat regularly and look at the bump to see that this isn't something that I'm imagining.  Even with the horrible nausea, it at least meant that there was a good chance that everything was going ok.

I am thrilled that we having this blessing and I know that it's not because we deserved it, prayed more, or really anything that we did.  I wish that there was something that I could do for those who are still waiting beyond just praying for you (which is important of course).  You are always in my prayers.

Annoyed at USPS

My blood seems to have gotten lost (well, my progesterone blood draw at least...the rest is safely inside my body).  I sent it Tuesday and it should have been up at PPVI by Friday.   Since it's now Tuesday again, I'm pretty sure that USPS lost it.  I had to get it drawn on my birthday and that makes me extra annoyed that they lost it.  I'm now waiting to hear if PPVI wants me to go on Thursday or if I should just wait until next Monday for my regular draw.  It would be lovely if it would turn up (any prayers to St. Anthony would be appreciated), but my hopes aren't very high on that.  

The good news is that my big u/s is in 8 days (next Wednesday, October 27) and we should officially find out boy or girl then.  

30

Monday was my 30th birthday.  Although I never would have chosen to be 30 when our first child is born, I'm so blessed to be only 30 and not have to wait any longer for our little one.  Three months ago, when we had our third anniversary, I never expected to actually be pregnant on my birthday.

I haven't really popped yet, but here are 6 weeks and 14 weeks to compare.

6 weeks

14 weeks

We got our first baby gift this weekend; a friend knitted a blanket in Aggie colors (maroon and white).  I love it.

  

Cold, Progesterone, etc.

I caught a cold last week from the little boy I nanny for.  I'm feeling mostly better, but I still have yucky congestion.  Thankfully my netipot seems to be helping.  The cold does seem to be aggravating the nausea and I'm having to take the medication.  However, I haven't had any vomiting in over a week, so that's good.  I'm able to eat much better in the last week or so.  I've even made a weekly meal plan with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks.   I'm still pretty fatigued, but I'm glad the nausea and eating are better.

I got my most recent progesterone level from 12 weeks, 2 days and it was only 26.6 ng/mL (zone 2), so I'm still on 100 mg PIO twice a week.  It's frustrating to me that after having perfect (actually on the higher side) P+7 levels every time they were tested and a great P+15, my levels seem to be getting worse over time.  I'm glad that my levels are being monitored, I just wish my body wasn't continuing to be annoying.  I am still having spotting every once in a while; it seems to happen more if I don't drink enough water.

I haven't popped yet (I'm 13 weeks, 5 days), but I definitely can see the bump.  I'll probably post a picture in the next few weeks once I do.

October is a really busy month, I'm busy and traveling every weekend this month.  My 30th birthday is on Monday (the 11th).  We are going to D's cousin's wedding the weekend of Halloween and her reception is a costume one.  I have no idea what to wear (I'll be exactly 17 weeks), and I don't want to spend a lot of money.  Any ideas would be appreciated.

Updates and finally 10 week u/s pic

I've been reading the blogs, but I've been a terrible commenter due to lack of time, feeling tired and nauseous, and not really having much too say.

I had my ob appt today at 12 weeks, 2 days.  Everything is looking good.  The heartbeat is 169 bpm.  The baby was stick its little bottom forward today so the pictures weren't that great.  The doctor has a suspicion as to the sex of the baby, but it's too early to be sure.  We hopefully will find out at my next appointment at 16 weeks, 4 days (October 27) which will be the big u/s with the u/s tech (the doctor does the u/s during the regular appointments).  Hopefully D will be able to go to the appointment, but it's the morning before we leave in the evening for his cousin's wedding in NJ.  

I finally got on some anti-nausea medication (generic Zofr.an) and I'm feeling so much better.  I have nausea still without the medication, but the nausea on it is only if I don't eat frequently enough.  I haven't had any vomiting since starting it and I was having quite a bit before starting.  I can also eating a bit more variety and can open my fridge without gagging.  

I still have a lot of fatigue and I'm trying to nap almost everyday (I nap when the little boys nap when I'm working if I can).  I was off today, but I couldn't get a nap due to timing of stuff.  

10 week ultrasound

10 Surprising (?) Things About Me

Wheelbarrow Rider tagged me for the 10 random things meme.

1.  I love to read historical fiction.  It's probably my favorite genre, especially when combined with mysteries.  I love the Ly.n Ha.milton archeological mysteries and I was sad to read that she passed away.  Any suggestions on good historical fiction are always appreciated.
2.  I graduated college in 3 1/2 years (just like TCIE).  None of my brothers, sisters-in-law or husband graduated in 4 years even either.  One of my brother graduated in 5 years, one in 3 1/2 years and the youngest will graduate in 3 years.  My husband graduated in 4 1/2 years, one of his sisters graduated in 3 1/2 years and the other in 4 1/2 years.
3.  I was in graduate school for 2 years for Developmental Psychology and studied language development.  I really hate writing papers and it was not going to be a good fit for me.
4.  I was a teacher for a little more than two years.  I taught second grade, jr. high science and then 5 grade math/science.  I really don't like the classroom management aspect.  I love tutoring and and I'm really hoping to homeschool.
5.  I make jewelry.  I haven't done it in a while since the local bead store closed and I haven't had much money to do it either.  I have a necklace and earrings to coordinate with most outfits that I own.  I haven't bought a premade necklace or earring in years since I learned to make my own.  I also make most of my mom's jewelry as well.
6. I generally where the same shoes everyday.  Black sandals in the summer and black Sketchers once it's cooler.
7.  I love science & history shows and many sci-fi series.  I loved Quantum Leap, Sliders, and Stargate and we watch Warehouse 13 and Eureka.
8.  I only were makeup for events, church, etc.  I wore makeup everyday when I was teaching, but I don't wear it now that I'm nannying.  I wear mascara a few times a year.
9. My family lived in England when I was really young.  We moved there when I was 18 months old and moved back when I was almost 6 years old.  I went to Kindergarten there and two of my brothers were born there.  I travel to many place in Europe as a young child, but I can't really remember it.
10.  I was about 15 feet from Pope John Paul II as he came into World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto.

(Baby) Likes to Move It, Move It

I had an OB appointment today, 10 weeks, 4 days.  It was really quick since I had the little boy I nanny for with me and he was awake, just blood pressure, weight, urine sample, and a quick ultrasound.  I had some spotting Friday and Sunday, but Baby Blondie is still looking good.  The heartbeat is 179 and I even got to see him or her moving which was really awesome.  You can actually see that it's a person in there now.  I could see the little arms and legs moving.  I'll scan the picture in a bit later.  The placenta is growing nicely and attached nice and high.  If I have spotting, I'll go back in two weeks on September 30, otherwise it'll be four weeks.

For your viewing, King Julian from Madagascar singing "I Like to Move It, Move It".  So funny.

Latest progesterone level (just a quick update)

I'm still in Zone 3, the level was 34.7 ng/dL at 8 weeks 2 days.  I'm still on 100 mg PIO twice a week.  It's odd to me that I'm still lower than I was at P+7 and P+15.

I'm dealing with vomiting most days now (almost always in the evening) and I'm eating constantly so I don't know that there's anything I can do.  I hope that I start feeling better in the the second trimester (about 2-3 weeks, I'll be 10 weeks Saturday).  There is so little that I can eat (and some stuff makes me gag just to think about it).  I'm also tired of losing my dinner; it's seems like such a waste when it's almost every night for the past 10 days or so.  I'm thinking I need to offer this up for all of you still waiting.

That wasn't ideal

I was at the baptism today for the little boy I nanny for and I started feeling really funny and a bit warm (and it's generally a bit cool in there).  Well, I almost blacked out as I was walking out of the sanctuary.  There were quite a few people around so they got me some water and crackers, and I got a ride home (D was working all day today).  I really hope that was a one time thing.  Other than that it was a great baptism, and they did a full immersion (he wasn't too happy about that).

A Spiritual Bouquet

For all our Sisters in Christ who are in the midst of their journey with infertility, loss, and adoption...please know you have our continued support, love, and prayers! 

The Turtle from Jenny

Jenny from All Things was my Lent prayer buddy.  She sent me a cute tiny turtle.  I decide to take a picture of it on my stomach since it's about the size Baby Blondie is right now.

First Appointment with New OB

I had my first appointment with my new ob yesterday afternoon at 8 weeks, 2 days.  The appointment went well.  I like the new doctor.  I was able to get an u/s.  It was abdominal so I couldn't see too much, but I heard the baby's heartbeat (176 bpm).  She also look at the SCH (the bleed) and said that I might have some spotting off and on but it'll likely be done by 14-16 weeks.   She actually does at least a quick u/s at every office visit.  My next appointment will be on Sept. 15 (10 weeks, 4 days); I had this past one extra due to the SCH.

I also got my every two week blood draw done for sending to PPVI for progesterone.  I tried to get it done before my appointment, but I had to leave after waiting 20 minutes and come back after the appointment.  Since the post office was already closed and I was hungry, I told them I'd just pick it up this morning.  I got over there (and I brought the little boy I nanny for) and someone had sent the blood up to one of the other hospitals in the system.  Now I'm waiting for them to send the blood back down and then we've got to go back and pick it up and take it to the post office.  I'm glad that they at least didn't run it; I would have been really angry since I had my PIO last night so I couldn't get the draw redone today.  I'm pretty sure the post office will be super busy when we go now.

Not a Fluke and More about Bras

I was hoping throwing up yesterday was just a fluke from gagging on my vitamins.  Nope, I have true "morning" sickness.  I threw up twice today and we were out at a restaurant, which was awesome. :(  Actually I feel pretty good in the morning, but I feel terrible in the late afternoon and evening.  I guess I was pretty lucky to make it to almost 8 weeks before actually throwing up, considering that I had nausea at 4 weeks, 2 days.  I think I'll have to try Unisom & B6; maybe I can get D do buy some Unisom tomorrow.

Well, it’s not quite as supportive as I would like (although I’m going to take the strap in some and it should be better, but I did find a camisole at Target that I could actually fit into and it’s on the longer side so it should help cover my tummy once I start showing.  It’s actually a low cut (well it looks a lot lower on me than the lady in the picture on the website) with a criss-cross and it’s not the tight sucking-in shelf bra.  It’s definitely more comfortable than the underwire that was digging in to me yesterday.  I didn't want to buy a nursing cami now and have it be too small once I'm actually nursing.  I would like to get a least one actual bra soon, so if anyone knows of a store/brand/style to look at for wirefree bras that are relatively inexpensive, not full coverage (hopefully closer to a demi cut) and come in larger cup sizes (it'll need to be D or DD).  I didn't see much when I went to Target yesterday, but I wasn't feeling up to searching every single rack.  

Bras, Part 2

I had to go buy a new "bra" (actually I bought two camisoles with built in bras).  I had bought a new bra (#1) about 12 hours before finding out I was pregnant, which only was comfortable about 4 days.  I bought a new bra (#2) about 3 weeks ago since bra #1 was uncomfortable.  Well, today bra #2 has become uncomfortable and I think I'm going to have to get another new bra (#3 and I'm not even and I'm not even 8 weeks yet). The main issue I'm having with the current bra is the underwire being quite painful.  I ended up get the camisoles since I'm not sure where to find a bra in my size (my current bra is 34 D and I'm not sure if I need to go up yet or not) that doesn't have underwire and isn't a full coverage bra. I hope I don't need to keep doing this every few weeks; that would be pretty ridiculous.  Hopefully the camisoles will give me a bit of time before I need something new.

I'd been having a lot of gagging the past few days, and I gagged on my evening pills and ended up throwing up.  I'm actually a bit surprised that it took me this long (7 weeks, 5 days).  We'll see if it's a one time thing or a trend.

Be Careful What You Wish For

I had one little spot on Saturday, but no more since then and I haven't had cramps at all.  PPVI said to stay at 100 mg PIO twice a week since I'm still in Zone 3.  I have an appointment with the new ob next Monday afternoon, but I don't know if I'll get an u/s or not then.

On Friday, when I was having the spotting, I was also less nauseated than I had been and the combination worried me (even after seeing Baby Blondie's lovely little heartbeat).  I wanted I had the reassurance of the nausea, and of course it returned with a vengeance.  I still haven't had any vomiting, which actually really surprises me since the nausea kicked in pretty early (4 weeks, 2 days) and I've felt pretty close quite a few times.  The fatigue has been pretty rough the last few days too, and last night we stayed up late and I slept horribly.

Since my parents live out of the country and have a crazy spring/summer next year (Baby Blondie's birth in April, youngest brother's graduation in May and oldest of my brother's wedding in Hawaii in June), I've started thinking about and getting information regarding Baby Blondie's baptism.  We are planning on getting Baby Blondie baptized in Houston at the parish where we met and got married since it'll be easier for more of my family to make it than if we did it here.  I've already got the information on what we need to get from our local parish, the times for the Baptismal Prep seminar, etc.  D and I haven't talked about godparents yet, but we need to do that pretty soon since they will live out of town and have to attend the Baptismal Prep at their local parish and have to get their Baptismal certificates and a letter from their current parish.

Red Spotting, please pray *updated *2nd update

I'm having red spotting.  No cramping or anything.  Please pray that Baby Blondie continues to be ok.

Update:
I have contacted my local ob and PPVI (both right after I saw the spotting) and I'm waiting for a call back.  My progesterone was drawn Monday and I had my PIO injection last night.

Follow Update:
I got an u/s.  The heartbeat is still looking good.  I do have a subchorionic hematoma.  PPVI said my progesterone is 28.4, which is still good, but it did drop from the 40 I had earlier.  They are going to talk to the drs since I told them about the spotting/subchorionic hematoma and see if I need to go back up, but they may not be able to let me know until Monday.

It's official

D posted on FB, so the pregnancy is now official.
Here's his status:
two surgeries: $6000
pills and vitamins: $1000
special diet: $500
Finally after three years getting double pink lines: Priceless
[Mrs. Blondie S] is pregnant and due in April so excited, my little tax break is on the way


He obviously used my real name though.  So cute.

First OB appt.

Baby Blondie's first picture

Baby Blondie's little heart is beating at 122 beats a minute and he/she is measuring at 6 weeks exactly (I'm 6 weeks, 2 days) although the baby was really close to my uterine wall which made it harder for the tech to measure.  D was there for the u/s but not the rest of the appointment because he had to get back to work.  I'm so glad D was able to be there even though it put him behind for the rest of the day.  He took the u/s picture with him back to work, but brought it home so we could scan it.  He's going to keep it on his wall at work.  I haven't had any more spotting since Saturday.  I had my progesterone draw for PPVI and I'll be getting my PIO injection this evening.

I did decide to switch obs since my ob basically said if I want to do a natural birth I'd be better off switching to a different ob and even gave some recommendations.  I made my appointment with the new ob and it'll be on September 15.  I've got to call and see if they are going to do an u/s with the appointment (and try to convince them if they aren't planning to).  

I'm feeling quite nauseous, but I still haven't had true morning sickness quite yet.  Last night and this morning were pretty close though.  I can't eat meat (or really talk much about it).  I'm pretty tired and I have get up a lot during the night to pee.  I don't really have any breast tenderness or anything.  I'm feeling bloated, but I don't think that I've actually really changed any yet.  I have still be having pressure mainly on my left side, but my corpus luteum is on my right ovary so I don't know what that's from.  It's really funny that the baby so much smaller still than the corpus luteum but already has a heartbeat.

D would like me to let everyone know that he's awesome (and a goofball).  D is awesome because he's in cleaning the kitchen and making my dinner while I sit on the couch and rest.

My brother took D's old car (D's now driving our truck and I still have my car) so he could drive back to school (here's Friday's post about the accident...he's fine).  My parents are talking about basically transfering that car into their name and then D and I would get a new car (new to us at least) once my parents get the check and they'd help us with the down payment or whatever.