I did make my way to Amazon after my 10 week OB appointment. I bought the Baby Bargains book like I wanted, and I also bought a home fetal heart detector. This is weird I know, but so many girls buy it, so I gave in. It was only $30 on Amazon, so I figured it would be a good buy even if it didn't work.
So, the device came yesterday. I followed the directions and poured some water on my stomach. I dragged the monitor across my abdomen for about 15 minutes. I did it nice and slow like my OB did, and focused on my left side because that is where she found Trouble's heartbeat on Tuesday. After 15 minutes, I found nothing. I wasn't disappointed though. The OB couldn't find it for 5 minutes, so nothing made me think that it was an easy job. I promised myself that I wouldn't get obsessive with my new toy, and I put it away.
Tonight Mr. Later Than Most left for volleyball. This was the perfect opportunity to try the monitor again. I didn't tell him about my new toy because I want to be successful with it first. Before I gave it a try, I logged into Amazon and read more ratings. Many buyers suggested to switch the headphones out with IPod ones. Well, I did that and found little Trouble's heartbeat in less than one minute! It was so cool. The funny part is that Trouble was on the right side instead of the left like on Tuesday! How fun! I can't wait to show Mr. Later Than Most my trick! He hasn't heard the heartbeat yet!
Well, all week I've been wondering how to tell my family about our news. There are a couple of issues though. First, I was very overwhelmed with Mr. Later Than Most's family and their excitement, so I figured telling in person wasn't going to work. It nearly gave me a panic attack last weekend. In this day and age, I think texting is very acceptable. Especially if you do it right! So, On Thursday morning, I sent my mom and two sisters a picture of Trouble on their cell phones. The text said, "Does this baby look like me or Mr. Later Than Most?" LOL Well, I had three phone calls within 10 minutes. They actually loved the way I told them. Also, my younger sister got all emotional, so I was glad that I was on the phone and not in person. As I said, I don't deal well with that. I'm a little weird!
So, now both families know! It's earlier than I wanted, but I have a friend's trip next weekend that will bring me out of state. I need to tell my friends before that, and family just had to know before friends.
Oh, one more detail. When Mr. Later Than Most told his family, at some point he told them that we had a boy's name all picked out. His mom replied, "Why would you put a boy's name on a girl?" I thought that was funny :)
Happy Friday!
September 10, 2010
September 7, 2010
Fab Doctor
I had my first OB appointment today. I requested the nurse practitioner because she was the one who sent me to the IVF clinic in January. I thought she would love to see me, and boy was I right! She was so excited and just wonderful. She said she had been following my paperwork and was so excited when the bleed free ultrasound came through. It was great to see her and to have someone who was almost as excited as me. . . almost!
So, we went over the regular stuff and she asked me how I am since the IVF. Pretty much I feel great, but she said my ovaries are still a little swollen. She said it takes up to 20 weeks for them to go back to normal if you get pregnant from IVF. Oh, my! I didn't even know that. Luckily, they are causing me no trouble at all. Then, I told her it was a little weird to go from weekly ultrasounds and so much one-on-one attention to being with the "masses" at a regular OB. She herself had come from working at an infertility clinic, so she is very familiar with the emotions that us IF girls go through. So, she offered me the best thing ever!!!!!!!!! I get to go in for fetal heart monitoring every two weeks!!!! I get to go in to hear the heartbeat while I'm waiting for my next appointment to come around. I can't believe that! It really was so nice of her to offer. You bet your ass that I scheduled my first appointment already! Hooray! So, in two weeks from today, I go to hear Trouble's heartbeat. And two weeks from that, I'll be at my 14 week appointment.
Speaking of Trouble, you know darn well the nurse had a hard time getting the heartbeat on the doppler today. I knew not to panic. I've read so much online about 10 weeks being a little early for a doppler for some people. This practitioner was determined though! She tried for about four minutes and kept saying, "Don't get worried, I'll find it." After another minute she said, "Okay, this is weird, but cough. Sometimes that could move them around." So I did, and thirty seconds later, BINGO! The cutest little heart beating in the 160's. Today is a great day!
So, I promised myself that I could buy the Baby Bargains book after my 10 week appointment. I'd love to write more, but I'm off to Amazon to treat myself.
Thanks for reading my blog and always cheering for me. It's great to have so much support!
So, we went over the regular stuff and she asked me how I am since the IVF. Pretty much I feel great, but she said my ovaries are still a little swollen. She said it takes up to 20 weeks for them to go back to normal if you get pregnant from IVF. Oh, my! I didn't even know that. Luckily, they are causing me no trouble at all. Then, I told her it was a little weird to go from weekly ultrasounds and so much one-on-one attention to being with the "masses" at a regular OB. She herself had come from working at an infertility clinic, so she is very familiar with the emotions that us IF girls go through. So, she offered me the best thing ever!!!!!!!!! I get to go in for fetal heart monitoring every two weeks!!!! I get to go in to hear the heartbeat while I'm waiting for my next appointment to come around. I can't believe that! It really was so nice of her to offer. You bet your ass that I scheduled my first appointment already! Hooray! So, in two weeks from today, I go to hear Trouble's heartbeat. And two weeks from that, I'll be at my 14 week appointment.
Speaking of Trouble, you know darn well the nurse had a hard time getting the heartbeat on the doppler today. I knew not to panic. I've read so much online about 10 weeks being a little early for a doppler for some people. This practitioner was determined though! She tried for about four minutes and kept saying, "Don't get worried, I'll find it." After another minute she said, "Okay, this is weird, but cough. Sometimes that could move them around." So I did, and thirty seconds later, BINGO! The cutest little heart beating in the 160's. Today is a great day!
So, I promised myself that I could buy the Baby Bargains book after my 10 week appointment. I'd love to write more, but I'm off to Amazon to treat myself.
Thanks for reading my blog and always cheering for me. It's great to have so much support!
September 5, 2010
We're Out
Mr. Later Than Most's family arrived on Saturday morning. We had huge plans to go to the Cubs game and have a good dinner. We don't see them but 4 or 5 times a year, so naturally I thought it would be a great idea for us to let them in on our secret. It was a good plan, but Mr. Later Than Most said he wasn't ready to tell people and that it was still kind of early. I agreed. I guess I feel further along because I've had so many ultrasounds and so many appointments. Plus, I got to hear that fab heartbeat this week!
So, I worked hard to make sure my clothes were baggy. This bloat does not help the situation. Right before we left, MLTM asked me if I hid the ultrasound pictures like he'd asked. I told him yes and that I put them in the drawer in the bedroom so no one would find them. Then, we all left for the game.
We arrived at the game, got our food, and settled in. As a couple of innings went by, I kept thinking about how cool it would have been to tell his family about Trouble. I daydreamed a little about it being shown on the announcement board. Then I started thinking about how cool it would have been if we brought the ultrasound picture and passed it down to them with beer money or something. After my daydream, I looked down at Mr. Later Than Most. He was on the end, then my MIL, FIL, SIL, grandmother in law, and finally me. When I looked down at him I noticed he handed something folded to his mom. "It couldn't be." I thought. Yep, he was handing his mother a folded ultrasound picture!!!! She opened it up and freaked out. The whole family started hugging and saying over and over, "Is this real? Are you guys joking?" My husband is quite the trickster, so I could easily see their concern.
I was shocked at that moment. I couldn't believe he did it and didn't tell me. It was like a surprise for me too. I'm glad he did, because it prepared me for how people react. There were tears and lots of questions. LOTS OF QUESTIONS. Everything from how I'm feeling to how long did we try. YIKES! As I had mentioned, Mr. Later Than Most is not up for telling others about the IVF. So, my response to questions was, "Oh, I'll let him answer the questions!"
It was quite an overwhelming experience! This morning I punched him in bed and told him he tricked me. We decided to get our act together and make sure that we had a story for when people ask about our TTC experience. I was glad to hear Mr. Later Than Most say that he wanted to tell people it took us two years, but he wasn't ready for the IVF part. I'm so glad he came around on how long it took us to try. I don't want to hide that from people. I want others to know that this doesn't happen right away for everyone. I'm proud of my struggles and IVF success, but the IVF part will wait a bit. I will be telling my family about it though :)
So, now we are partly out of the closet! It's weird, because now we can talk about it with them. Getting it out actually gave me more confidence for some reason. Hopefully that confidence doesn't take me to Carter's and their Labor Day sale!
P.S. Because of our company, I'm not editing my post today! I hope it all makes sense!
So, I worked hard to make sure my clothes were baggy. This bloat does not help the situation. Right before we left, MLTM asked me if I hid the ultrasound pictures like he'd asked. I told him yes and that I put them in the drawer in the bedroom so no one would find them. Then, we all left for the game.
We arrived at the game, got our food, and settled in. As a couple of innings went by, I kept thinking about how cool it would have been to tell his family about Trouble. I daydreamed a little about it being shown on the announcement board. Then I started thinking about how cool it would have been if we brought the ultrasound picture and passed it down to them with beer money or something. After my daydream, I looked down at Mr. Later Than Most. He was on the end, then my MIL, FIL, SIL, grandmother in law, and finally me. When I looked down at him I noticed he handed something folded to his mom. "It couldn't be." I thought. Yep, he was handing his mother a folded ultrasound picture!!!! She opened it up and freaked out. The whole family started hugging and saying over and over, "Is this real? Are you guys joking?" My husband is quite the trickster, so I could easily see their concern.
I was shocked at that moment. I couldn't believe he did it and didn't tell me. It was like a surprise for me too. I'm glad he did, because it prepared me for how people react. There were tears and lots of questions. LOTS OF QUESTIONS. Everything from how I'm feeling to how long did we try. YIKES! As I had mentioned, Mr. Later Than Most is not up for telling others about the IVF. So, my response to questions was, "Oh, I'll let him answer the questions!"
It was quite an overwhelming experience! This morning I punched him in bed and told him he tricked me. We decided to get our act together and make sure that we had a story for when people ask about our TTC experience. I was glad to hear Mr. Later Than Most say that he wanted to tell people it took us two years, but he wasn't ready for the IVF part. I'm so glad he came around on how long it took us to try. I don't want to hide that from people. I want others to know that this doesn't happen right away for everyone. I'm proud of my struggles and IVF success, but the IVF part will wait a bit. I will be telling my family about it though :)
So, now we are partly out of the closet! It's weird, because now we can talk about it with them. Getting it out actually gave me more confidence for some reason. Hopefully that confidence doesn't take me to Carter's and their Labor Day sale!
P.S. Because of our company, I'm not editing my post today! I hope it all makes sense!
September 1, 2010
U/S Update
Well, the nurse at my OB office called me back today. They left me a voicemail saying they did in fact want me to have an ultrasound before my first appointment. So, when I called to schedule, they only had 12:30pm! Yes! It was 11:30, in the middle of the school day, and they had nothing for the rest of the week. Are you kidding me? Luckily I have the best principal in the world, who allowed another teacher to cover my room, while I ran to my ultrasound. Mind you, she only had to cover it for 20 minutes, I had an hour plan period in there.
So, it was my first time back at the OB's office since the referred me to the IVF clinic. It was weird walking in there. The nice thing was that I actually felt like I fit in! The bad thing was that I was so nervous. For Pete's sake, I can present in front of a large group with about two minutes notice, and these damn doctor appointments scare the bejesus out of me!
The good news is that this little baby looks great! Now, if you remember, the IVF put my due date at April 6th. Since every ultrasound I've had, the baby was always a day ahead. So, the EDD changed to April 5th. Well, today it was measuring another day ahead! LOL- Of course we don't keep changing the due date!
So, Trouble is one inch long which is perfect for 9 weeks. I got to hear the heartbeat too!!! It was so cool. The hb was measuring 170bpm which is perfect. The tech also checked my ovaries to make sure they are doing well since the IVF. She said the right one is still swollen, but it isn't giving me any trouble at all. Oh, and the news. . . . she said the bleed is gone! Now, how fab is that? Well, the only thing is, I'm such a friggen negative Nelly that I keep thinking, "Well, maybe she missed it." Hello? Who does that? Mr. Later Than Most wanted to kick my ass when I told him that one. Hahahahaha. He has a lot of patience these days!
So, so far so good. It's so nice to get good news at those appointments. I will go back on Tuesday for my regular checkup. Don't worry, I'm asking if they can check that bleed one more time! I know, I'm too much! But I don't think they should check it next week. Just in the next three weeks or so. LOL
Here is Trouble: Measuring 9w2d (picture has been removed)
So, it was my first time back at the OB's office since the referred me to the IVF clinic. It was weird walking in there. The nice thing was that I actually felt like I fit in! The bad thing was that I was so nervous. For Pete's sake, I can present in front of a large group with about two minutes notice, and these damn doctor appointments scare the bejesus out of me!
The good news is that this little baby looks great! Now, if you remember, the IVF put my due date at April 6th. Since every ultrasound I've had, the baby was always a day ahead. So, the EDD changed to April 5th. Well, today it was measuring another day ahead! LOL- Of course we don't keep changing the due date!
So, so far so good. It's so nice to get good news at those appointments. I will go back on Tuesday for my regular checkup. Don't worry, I'm asking if they can check that bleed one more time! I know, I'm too much! But I don't think they should check it next week. Just in the next three weeks or so. LOL
Here is Trouble: Measuring 9w2d (picture has been removed)
August 31, 2010
Short and Sweet!
I went back to school today. Everything was great! Well, the kids were okay but I had no bleeding! Whoo hoo!
One of my online friends suggested that I call my OB and see if they planned on scanning an u/s on me next week because of the bleed. I called and. . . . NOPE! They weren't going to! So, a nurse just called me back and I told them my concern. She said she'll talk with the doctor tomorrow and see if they want me this week or next week for an u/s. News flash- no u/s at all equals me and baby getting a new doctor this week. Good thing I didn't pay for my IVF, I would have been all, "Listen, I paid $26,000 to get this baby. Give me my damn ultrasound." Now that's not very teacher-like is it? Um, yea it probably is!
Well, I'm off to a live fantasy football draft. Yea, my husband does it and I joined him a few years ago. I have won before, so I'm not quitting!
One of my online friends suggested that I call my OB and see if they planned on scanning an u/s on me next week because of the bleed. I called and. . . . NOPE! They weren't going to! So, a nurse just called me back and I told them my concern. She said she'll talk with the doctor tomorrow and see if they want me this week or next week for an u/s. News flash- no u/s at all equals me and baby getting a new doctor this week. Good thing I didn't pay for my IVF, I would have been all, "Listen, I paid $26,000 to get this baby. Give me my damn ultrasound." Now that's not very teacher-like is it? Um, yea it probably is!
Well, I'm off to a live fantasy football draft. Yea, my husband does it and I joined him a few years ago. I have won before, so I'm not quitting!
August 29, 2010
Damn Posts
Just when I post something positive. . . more bleeding today. And it comes at the most unexpected time and just when I'm getting confident. Yesterday I was feeling great. I hadn't had any bleeding in two full weeks. The doctor said the bleed is much smaller and all is good. Well, today I'm all good and running off to a bridal shower when, ta dah! Red blood. I was so surprised that I couldn't even think. I truly said aloud, "You've gotta be kidding me." I mean, really? Right when we are on top of the world. I know it doesn't necessarily mean anything but how could a person not spend a ton of time thinking about it?
Then, at this bridal shower today, my friend just goes on and on about how hard it is to be 38 weeks pregnant. Blah blah she has to pee all the time and eat all the time. You know, I realize that being 38 weeks pregnant must suck, but life can be so much worse. Don't think for two seconds I let her off the hook. Oh no, no, no. I will forever have the infertile mind. I made sure to tell her to be thankful she could walk. Be thankful she has a full term baby and I told her about girls who do over 100 days of bed rest just to keep their kids alive. I know, I know. . . what a downer. But it's reality, and it shut her negative ass up real quick. I hope I'm in her position some day.
So, tomorrow is the third full day of school and I won't be going. Luckily I have the best sub in the world and a very understanding principal. Taking time off already is very hard for me, but I know that resting is so important. My doctor had said 72 hours for every red bleed, but I'm not sure if I can do that this early in the year. That's one thing that teaching does to you. . . it gives you guilt.
Well, that's my update. I'll be in bed from now until at least Tuesday morning.
Then, at this bridal shower today, my friend just goes on and on about how hard it is to be 38 weeks pregnant. Blah blah she has to pee all the time and eat all the time. You know, I realize that being 38 weeks pregnant must suck, but life can be so much worse. Don't think for two seconds I let her off the hook. Oh no, no, no. I will forever have the infertile mind. I made sure to tell her to be thankful she could walk. Be thankful she has a full term baby and I told her about girls who do over 100 days of bed rest just to keep their kids alive. I know, I know. . . what a downer. But it's reality, and it shut her negative ass up real quick. I hope I'm in her position some day.
So, tomorrow is the third full day of school and I won't be going. Luckily I have the best sub in the world and a very understanding principal. Taking time off already is very hard for me, but I know that resting is so important. My doctor had said 72 hours for every red bleed, but I'm not sure if I can do that this early in the year. That's one thing that teaching does to you. . . it gives you guilt.
Well, that's my update. I'll be in bed from now until at least Tuesday morning.
August 28, 2010
Day by Day
School has truly taken over. This week has been so busy. Though it wasn't a full week, I've come home and been more than exhausted! It's always hard to get back into the groove of things.
Things have been going really well. I know the RE told me that my bleed was getting much smaller, but I'm dying to know where it is now. I'm hoping my OB will allow me a first scan to see where it is. Other than that, we are just taking it day by day. Mr. Later Than Most is rather out of control lately. Starting this week he's been "baby this" and "baby that." It's really weird considering he doesn't want to tell anyone until 16 weeks. He did say something funny last night though. He goes, "Man, we really have a lot to buy. We should start shopping at 13 weeks." This was music to my recreational shopping ears! You see, I know Mr. Later Than Most very well. I have not mentioned any shopping, purchasing, or other baby ideas (well, partly because I'm still a little scared). I know that if I don't mention any of it to him, he eventually will think of it on his own and he loves his "own ideas." I guess this is a tiny form of manipulation but it's totally harmless!
As I mentioned, four ultrasounds later and I'm still nervous. Each day I wake up and think "am I still pregnant?" It's so dumb, but it's the damn infertility Devil. She still hangs around a bit, but she is definitely on her way out the door. I'll show her ass. I'm going to add a pregnancy ticker to my blog today. Take that witch!
Things are coming full circle for me today. It's my nieces first birthday. On this day last year I truly hit rock bottom. My sister had her second baby in the time that I couldn't come up with one. I remember how hard this day was for me. Now, one year later, today is a totally different story.
Life is good!
Things have been going really well. I know the RE told me that my bleed was getting much smaller, but I'm dying to know where it is now. I'm hoping my OB will allow me a first scan to see where it is. Other than that, we are just taking it day by day. Mr. Later Than Most is rather out of control lately. Starting this week he's been "baby this" and "baby that." It's really weird considering he doesn't want to tell anyone until 16 weeks. He did say something funny last night though. He goes, "Man, we really have a lot to buy. We should start shopping at 13 weeks." This was music to my recreational shopping ears! You see, I know Mr. Later Than Most very well. I have not mentioned any shopping, purchasing, or other baby ideas (well, partly because I'm still a little scared). I know that if I don't mention any of it to him, he eventually will think of it on his own and he loves his "own ideas." I guess this is a tiny form of manipulation but it's totally harmless!
As I mentioned, four ultrasounds later and I'm still nervous. Each day I wake up and think "am I still pregnant?" It's so dumb, but it's the damn infertility Devil. She still hangs around a bit, but she is definitely on her way out the door. I'll show her ass. I'm going to add a pregnancy ticker to my blog today. Take that witch!
Things are coming full circle for me today. It's my nieces first birthday. On this day last year I truly hit rock bottom. My sister had her second baby in the time that I couldn't come up with one. I remember how hard this day was for me. Now, one year later, today is a totally different story.
Life is good!
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