So, how's that for a title? Did I grab your attention?
Let me begin by saying that I am going to state some opinions in this post on a particular situation, but I do not believe nor assume that all Palestinians, Arabs or Muslims feel the same way.
Last night, I watched an HBO documentary called Precious Life. It was filmed in 2008 (the summer when the Palestinians and Israels were hurling bombs at one another) and made by an Israeli war correspondent who had contacts in Palestine.
Through his contacts, he heard about a Palestinian couple who had given birth to a baby boy with no immune system. They had previously given birth to two girls who died from similar genetic complications.
Their Palestinian doctor believed a bone marrow transplant could save the boy's life. The Palestinian couple appealed to their own people and the government, but no one would help. Consequently, their Palestinian doctor contacted this doctor in Israel and they were able to get this couple and their four month old son into Israel for treatment.
Since the couple had no money, the Israeli reporter began to publicize the story to raise the $55k required for treatment. Before he could get too far, an anonymous Israeli gentleman who had recently lost his son in the conflict donated the entire sum. The couple was overcome with joy.
Without going into all the details, the reporter called in favor-after-favor to move blood samples and family members across the border to save this little boy's life (remember, they're fighting, so security is extra tight).
At one point, the boy's mother said that it's been her lifetime dream to visit the mosque in Jerusalem, so the reporter pulls some strings again and takes her there. Even though she's not allowed in the mosque because she had given birth recently, you can tell this is a significant experience for her.
They eventually get onto the subject on a Palestinian homeland and the reporter says what if we were to split Jerusalem? She says, without hesitation, nope - Jerusalem should be 100% Palestinian. Palestinians are not afraid of death and she is going to encourage all of her children (including this son) to fight for the cause and even sacrifice his life as a suicide bomber if that's what it takes!!!
Her son made a recovery and they returned to Palestine with a taxi filled with gifts - new stroller, a layette, etc. This couple has three other children - two sons and a daughter.
When the baby was about ten months old, he had complications - so they return to Israel and guess what?!!! The wife is eight months pregnant again!!!! The Israelis convince her to stay in the country long enough to give birth so that if this baby is born without an autoimmune system, maybe they can save this baby's life too. The reporter is bold enough to ask "why did you get pregnant again if you knew this was a possibility?" The wife replied, "Well, I have no control-the husband makes all the decisions." Then the husband admits, "Yeah. That probably wasn't a good idea."
So, why can this (fill in the blank) couple have children so easily and not think twice about raising them to kill the very people who saved them, while so many of us have to fight the horrible, heartbreaking battle of infertility?!
This is just another example of why the US needs to continue to support Israel.
PS - The older baby made a recovery and the newborn was born in Israel and was found to have an immuine system.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Spilling the Beans & When Will My Energy Return?
The final results of my 1st trimester nuchal scan came back normal - which means both kiddos have only a 1 in 10,000 chance of what they tested for. I like those odds!
Now that we are past the 12 week mark, I told three more people...
I sent an e-mail to my good friend's Mom (who took the pictures for our adoption book and said she couldn't wait to be a "surrogate" grandma). I told a woman at work who I know will keep the secret because I spoke to her extensively about the adoption process (she has a little girl from China), and I spoke to another good friend over the phone. Both the woman from my office and my friend I spoke to over the phone broke out in tears of happiness. It was so much fun!!!
Tonight I am going to try to reschedule a massage appointment and make it to book club. If I can adjust my schedule, I'll share my secret there too!
Believe it or not, my husband still hasn't told his family yet! I don't understand how he could keep it a secret from them, but I respect his decision. He says he'll tell them in June (but didn't tell me if that means early June or late June).
I haven't told any of my extended family, but it appears Mom took care of that already on her side. An extended family member called me today with other news, and he mentioned he talked to my Mom and wished me "Mazel Tov" on the twins. So much for me getting to have the fun of sharing the news...oh well.
Didn't think I did too much on Saturday - ran a couple errands in the morning, had lunch with my DH, got my nails done in the afternoon and attended a benefit dinner in the evening (but was home by 9:30). On Sunday, I could hardly get out of bed - so after going to brunch, I treated myself staying there with long naps, surfing the Internet and reading most of a good book (The Book Thief).
Last night I fell asleep on the couch at 8 pm and slept through most of the night. Today, I feel like I could nap all day again.
Question for all you women who are past the first trimester - when will I start feeling more like myself? I miss me...
Now that we are past the 12 week mark, I told three more people...
I sent an e-mail to my good friend's Mom (who took the pictures for our adoption book and said she couldn't wait to be a "surrogate" grandma). I told a woman at work who I know will keep the secret because I spoke to her extensively about the adoption process (she has a little girl from China), and I spoke to another good friend over the phone. Both the woman from my office and my friend I spoke to over the phone broke out in tears of happiness. It was so much fun!!!
Tonight I am going to try to reschedule a massage appointment and make it to book club. If I can adjust my schedule, I'll share my secret there too!
Believe it or not, my husband still hasn't told his family yet! I don't understand how he could keep it a secret from them, but I respect his decision. He says he'll tell them in June (but didn't tell me if that means early June or late June).
I haven't told any of my extended family, but it appears Mom took care of that already on her side. An extended family member called me today with other news, and he mentioned he talked to my Mom and wished me "Mazel Tov" on the twins. So much for me getting to have the fun of sharing the news...oh well.
Didn't think I did too much on Saturday - ran a couple errands in the morning, had lunch with my DH, got my nails done in the afternoon and attended a benefit dinner in the evening (but was home by 9:30). On Sunday, I could hardly get out of bed - so after going to brunch, I treated myself staying there with long naps, surfing the Internet and reading most of a good book (The Book Thief).
Last night I fell asleep on the couch at 8 pm and slept through most of the night. Today, I feel like I could nap all day again.
Question for all you women who are past the first trimester - when will I start feeling more like myself? I miss me...
Saturday, May 21, 2011
It's Happened...The Day I Thought Would NEVER Come (and some shopping tips)
It happened in an instant with a phone call that lasted less than a minute. I am now officially a CCRM GRADUATE!!!
I stopped all my drugs (except a baby aspirin and pre-natal vitamins) on Monday and yesterday my E2 levels rose from the 700's to over 1000 and my P4 levels were at 49 - the highest they've been EVER!!! Clearly the twinkies are now making their own E2 and P4.
I had a 1st trimester nuchal scan on Thursday and both babies looked excellent. The preliminary results looked good and I'll get the final results back next week.
Their HB's were in the 170-180 range and they both measured on-track for exactly 12 weeks. The u/s tech pointed out many features - brains, spinal columns, stomachs, kidneys, nose bones. She said she could see them move, but we could not. At one point, one baby was sitting up again and one was lounging on their back - so I still think we have a "couch potato" and an "athlete." Below are some pics...
Twin A
Shopping Tips
This week my Baby Bargains book arrived and I've been devouring it like a bear who just woke up from a nap and hasn't eaten all winter. If you are expecting, this book is a definite must. It's like a "Consumer Reports" for all things baby and they just updated it in April 2011. My only gripe is that the section on twins at the very end is only a couple pages. I feel like there could be more info. There is an accompanying message board that is helpful too.
Using the information in this book, reading postings by other twin parents and talking to other couples with babies born within the last 24 months, I've started to create a registry of items I think might be good for us. Here's what I've come up with so far:
Stroller: Baby Jogger City Select - According to my sister, who lives in Manhattan, this is the preferred stroller for twin mamas in Manhattan - who are constantly taking their strollers into narrow spaces, up-and-down stairs, down city streets. It is lightweight, has adjustable handles (very important for us since we are both tall), can be converted into a single (if ever needed) and the seats can be adjusted into multiple positions. It can accommodate car seats and even has optional bassinets.
Car Seat: Graco SnugRide 35 - As the country's top-selling car seat, this one got good reviews. It's affordable ($85 - $150 depending on the fabric finish you select) and it will snap into the stroller frame above.
Pack-n-Play: Joovy Room2 - There is a Graco Pack-n-Play for twins, but all the reviews I've read from parents who tried it out for their twins didn't recommend it. For example, after a few weeks of use, the bassinets sank. Instead, several parents recommended this larger model. Yes, it doesn't have all the "extras", but it can accommodate two kids and I can leave it downstairs.
Diaper Bag: Go Gaga Life Messenger Bag - As you may remember from an earlier post, this was recommended on Ellen DeGeneres' Mother's Day show. I ordered this and it arrived earlier this week. I can already tell I am going to LOVE this bag. It has a strip of fabric that distributes weight across my shoulders and back, it's made of ballistic nylon - so it's waterproof and easy to clean, it has lots of pockets, a clip for keys, and, best of all, I can reach nearly everything with one hand. If you are considering purchasing one of these, places like Groupon and Living Social frequently run specials at specialty baby shops - so see if you can get a deal this way.
Other Discounts
BabySteals.com - Like "Groupon" for baby stuff. Just enrolled this week. Here's a link.
Zulily.com - Another site that offers great discounts that only last for a short while. Here's a link.
Enjoy!
I stopped all my drugs (except a baby aspirin and pre-natal vitamins) on Monday and yesterday my E2 levels rose from the 700's to over 1000 and my P4 levels were at 49 - the highest they've been EVER!!! Clearly the twinkies are now making their own E2 and P4.
I had a 1st trimester nuchal scan on Thursday and both babies looked excellent. The preliminary results looked good and I'll get the final results back next week.
Their HB's were in the 170-180 range and they both measured on-track for exactly 12 weeks. The u/s tech pointed out many features - brains, spinal columns, stomachs, kidneys, nose bones. She said she could see them move, but we could not. At one point, one baby was sitting up again and one was lounging on their back - so I still think we have a "couch potato" and an "athlete." Below are some pics...
Twin A
Twin B
This week my Baby Bargains book arrived and I've been devouring it like a bear who just woke up from a nap and hasn't eaten all winter. If you are expecting, this book is a definite must. It's like a "Consumer Reports" for all things baby and they just updated it in April 2011. My only gripe is that the section on twins at the very end is only a couple pages. I feel like there could be more info. There is an accompanying message board that is helpful too.
Using the information in this book, reading postings by other twin parents and talking to other couples with babies born within the last 24 months, I've started to create a registry of items I think might be good for us. Here's what I've come up with so far:
Stroller: Baby Jogger City Select - According to my sister, who lives in Manhattan, this is the preferred stroller for twin mamas in Manhattan - who are constantly taking their strollers into narrow spaces, up-and-down stairs, down city streets. It is lightweight, has adjustable handles (very important for us since we are both tall), can be converted into a single (if ever needed) and the seats can be adjusted into multiple positions. It can accommodate car seats and even has optional bassinets.
Car Seat: Graco SnugRide 35 - As the country's top-selling car seat, this one got good reviews. It's affordable ($85 - $150 depending on the fabric finish you select) and it will snap into the stroller frame above.
Pack-n-Play: Joovy Room2 - There is a Graco Pack-n-Play for twins, but all the reviews I've read from parents who tried it out for their twins didn't recommend it. For example, after a few weeks of use, the bassinets sank. Instead, several parents recommended this larger model. Yes, it doesn't have all the "extras", but it can accommodate two kids and I can leave it downstairs.
Other Discounts
BabySteals.com - Like "Groupon" for baby stuff. Just enrolled this week. Here's a link.
Zulily.com - Another site that offers great discounts that only last for a short while. Here's a link.
Enjoy!
Monday, May 16, 2011
CCRM Graduation Day Looms
The news just keeps getting better and better!
Until now my E2 has been hanging out around the 500's and today it jumped to 768. My P4 also went back up to 32.4 despite decreasing my PIO last week to .5 cc every other night.
So, I got the official word today...no more Pepcid, Claritin, Prednisone or...are you ready?
NO MORE PIO SHOTS!!!!!
I don't know who's more excited - my DH or me (but I'm willing to guess me)!!!
I go for an u/s Thursday with my geneticist (so this one should last more than 30 seconds) and I return to CCRM on Friday for one final blood test.
Assuming everything is ok, no more early morning pre-work trips to Lone Tree!!! I bet my car is not going to know what to do. It's gotten so used to going there 1-2 times a week that I would dare to say it's on autopilot.
I also admit that I am going to miss the staff. June 9th will be exactly one year since we first walked through the doors of CCRM to meet with Dr. S.
"Louie, I think this is the end of a beautiful friendship."
Until now my E2 has been hanging out around the 500's and today it jumped to 768. My P4 also went back up to 32.4 despite decreasing my PIO last week to .5 cc every other night.
So, I got the official word today...no more Pepcid, Claritin, Prednisone or...are you ready?
NO MORE PIO SHOTS!!!!!
I don't know who's more excited - my DH or me (but I'm willing to guess me)!!!
I go for an u/s Thursday with my geneticist (so this one should last more than 30 seconds) and I return to CCRM on Friday for one final blood test.
Assuming everything is ok, no more early morning pre-work trips to Lone Tree!!! I bet my car is not going to know what to do. It's gotten so used to going there 1-2 times a week that I would dare to say it's on autopilot.
I also admit that I am going to miss the staff. June 9th will be exactly one year since we first walked through the doors of CCRM to meet with Dr. S.
"Louie, I think this is the end of a beautiful friendship."
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Most Beautiful Sound I Have Ever Heard
No, it's not Maria....
No it's not the 5:15 train from Grand Central to Saratoga Springs...
It's an 11w1d old heartbeat!!! (Note: You may need to turn your speakers way up)
Chuga, chuga, chuga, chuga, chuga, chuga...
I hope all of you who are on this journey get to hear this amazing sound one day!
Thanks for the doggie wishes. It's never easy to see your dog sick, but when you know she's had a wonderful, happy, fantastic, long, comfortable life and is not in pain, it's much easier to digest. She's doing much better today! I think the prednisone helped.
Update 5/15/11 - It's official - I tossed my cookies right after breakfast this morning. Ha! Hope that means the quants are starting to make their own P4.
No it's not the 5:15 train from Grand Central to Saratoga Springs...
It's an 11w1d old heartbeat!!! (Note: You may need to turn your speakers way up)
Chuga, chuga, chuga, chuga, chuga, chuga...
I hope all of you who are on this journey get to hear this amazing sound one day!
Thanks for the doggie wishes. It's never easy to see your dog sick, but when you know she's had a wonderful, happy, fantastic, long, comfortable life and is not in pain, it's much easier to digest. She's doing much better today! I think the prednisone helped.
Update 5/15/11 - It's official - I tossed my cookies right after breakfast this morning. Ha! Hope that means the quants are starting to make their own P4.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Our First "Broadway" Show (and Other Updates)
Sorry I haven't been updating quite as often. I am in the thick of the exhausted stage and all I want to do when I get home most nights is sleep. I have had nausea on-and-off, but haven't actually tossed my cookies yet. I doubt I will, since I usually don't - even when I'm sick.
Today, I am officially 11 weeks!!! Still can't believe it!!!
My hormone levels are still good. My E2 is in the low 600's and P4 dropped a bit to 29 - but I am not worried because they last reduced my P4 shots every other day and I didn't have one the evening prior to my test. They dropped my PIO to .5 cc every other night and I go back Monday - so I expect my last PIO shot is right around the corner. I don't know who will be more excited when that day comes - me or my DH.
I can definitely tell my stomach has grown (but looks like I've been doing too much eating vs. growing babies). I can only guess that people are being polite by not saying anything. My boss (who works at another site) asked me again when I am going to tell people around here and I said I wasn't sure. She doesn't understand that this site is not family friendly whatsoever. So, I am going to keep it a secret as long as I possibly can.
The Doppler arrived on Monday and I don't think I could pick up either HB. On Tuesday, I visited my OB and he agreed it was too early. I have lots of "padding" so perhaps it will take even longer. Maybe I'll try it again over the weekend.
As for the OB appointment, I cannot wait to find another OB - this is definitely not a good match...
The u/s lasted maybe 30 seconds. I could see the two beans and their heartbeats (and think I might have even seen one of them wiggle), but when I explained my DH could not make it and asked the OB to pop in a CD, he completely blew me off and just said "no". He didn't even measure them to see if they were on-track (although maybe they stop measuring at this point?). As he was getting ready to leave, he opened the door, then turned back to say something - and left the door wide open! A girl at the scale was staring at me sitting on the table with the paper cloth covering my lower half...how embarrassing! Since the referral to the high-risk doctor needs to come from this OB and they won't see me for about another 5-6 weeks, I can't leave this OB for another few weeks.
On the bright side, I stopped in to visit my geneticist to explain the situation and he agreed to do a 1st trimester nuchal scan and some genetic screening late next week - so I'll get to see them again. Since my donor was 24, I'm not too worried about genetic abnormalities (although I do realize it does happen).
As a little girl, one of my very favorite things to do was to go into Manhattan with my parents to see Broadway shows. They'd buy last-minute, standing row seats and I got to see some AMAZING shows with the original cast - Annie with Andrea McArdle, A Chorus Line, Evita, Godspell. I always thought my parents bought standing room because to us, they were best seats in the house - my sister and I could dance in the aisles. It wasn't until many years later that I learned that they had money problems, but still wanted to give us that experience.
Today, I still enjoy musicals and will often buy a ticket for myself if there's something playing that I really want to see. One of my goals is to give my kids a similar experience, so last night I treated myself.
I went to Crepes n Crepes for their "$4" happy hour crepes for dinner (every day between 4-6 pm - if any of you are coming to Denver, you should put this on your "to do" list), then I took them to see Billy Elliot. During the show, my nausea kicked in, so I'm not sure if that was their way of telling me they were dancing in my belly or maybe they didn't enjoy it as much as I did? Either way, I hung in there and had a great time!
In other events, we received some sad news yesterday - my 15-year-old female dog has cancer. We knew she hasn't been herself for a couple months now - and, since the other remedies we tried haven't worked, we suspected it might be cancer - so when we finally decided to do an ultrasound yesterday, it didn't come as a surprise. We almost lost her very suddenly two years ago - so every day since then has been a gift and if this is her time, I think we are now ready. The excellent news is that the vet agreed with our suspicion that she doesn't think that our dog is in pain. She's still eating and has lots of energy for a dog her age. They are going to put her on Prednisone (so - both she and I will be on the same drug) and see if that helps.
Today, I am officially 11 weeks!!! Still can't believe it!!!
My hormone levels are still good. My E2 is in the low 600's and P4 dropped a bit to 29 - but I am not worried because they last reduced my P4 shots every other day and I didn't have one the evening prior to my test. They dropped my PIO to .5 cc every other night and I go back Monday - so I expect my last PIO shot is right around the corner. I don't know who will be more excited when that day comes - me or my DH.
I can definitely tell my stomach has grown (but looks like I've been doing too much eating vs. growing babies). I can only guess that people are being polite by not saying anything. My boss (who works at another site) asked me again when I am going to tell people around here and I said I wasn't sure. She doesn't understand that this site is not family friendly whatsoever. So, I am going to keep it a secret as long as I possibly can.
The Doppler arrived on Monday and I don't think I could pick up either HB. On Tuesday, I visited my OB and he agreed it was too early. I have lots of "padding" so perhaps it will take even longer. Maybe I'll try it again over the weekend.
As for the OB appointment, I cannot wait to find another OB - this is definitely not a good match...
The u/s lasted maybe 30 seconds. I could see the two beans and their heartbeats (and think I might have even seen one of them wiggle), but when I explained my DH could not make it and asked the OB to pop in a CD, he completely blew me off and just said "no". He didn't even measure them to see if they were on-track (although maybe they stop measuring at this point?). As he was getting ready to leave, he opened the door, then turned back to say something - and left the door wide open! A girl at the scale was staring at me sitting on the table with the paper cloth covering my lower half...how embarrassing! Since the referral to the high-risk doctor needs to come from this OB and they won't see me for about another 5-6 weeks, I can't leave this OB for another few weeks.
On the bright side, I stopped in to visit my geneticist to explain the situation and he agreed to do a 1st trimester nuchal scan and some genetic screening late next week - so I'll get to see them again. Since my donor was 24, I'm not too worried about genetic abnormalities (although I do realize it does happen).
As a little girl, one of my very favorite things to do was to go into Manhattan with my parents to see Broadway shows. They'd buy last-minute, standing row seats and I got to see some AMAZING shows with the original cast - Annie with Andrea McArdle, A Chorus Line, Evita, Godspell. I always thought my parents bought standing room because to us, they were best seats in the house - my sister and I could dance in the aisles. It wasn't until many years later that I learned that they had money problems, but still wanted to give us that experience.
Today, I still enjoy musicals and will often buy a ticket for myself if there's something playing that I really want to see. One of my goals is to give my kids a similar experience, so last night I treated myself.
I went to Crepes n Crepes for their "$4" happy hour crepes for dinner (every day between 4-6 pm - if any of you are coming to Denver, you should put this on your "to do" list), then I took them to see Billy Elliot. During the show, my nausea kicked in, so I'm not sure if that was their way of telling me they were dancing in my belly or maybe they didn't enjoy it as much as I did? Either way, I hung in there and had a great time!
In other events, we received some sad news yesterday - my 15-year-old female dog has cancer. We knew she hasn't been herself for a couple months now - and, since the other remedies we tried haven't worked, we suspected it might be cancer - so when we finally decided to do an ultrasound yesterday, it didn't come as a surprise. We almost lost her very suddenly two years ago - so every day since then has been a gift and if this is her time, I think we are now ready. The excellent news is that the vet agreed with our suspicion that she doesn't think that our dog is in pain. She's still eating and has lots of energy for a dog her age. They are going to put her on Prednisone (so - both she and I will be on the same drug) and see if that helps.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day...to all my fellow moms-to-be! Some bargains (only good for today)
I remember this day last year like it was just yesterday...
On one hand, I was happy that my Mom was a few-second phone call away, hear her voice and tell her with my own "Happy Mother's Day." Our relationship took some years to get to where it is today and we still have our occasional rocky moments. A day like today lets me set these memories aside, be thankful, and focus on the "good stuff." On the other hand, I was grieving my own loss. I had cycled in Prague in March, but lost the pregnancy. In summary, it was a bittersweet day where I was still wondering if I'd ever become a Mom.
Today, I am clearly in a very different place. Words don't seem to be enough to express how thankful I am that this pregnancy seems to be sticking so far. At the same time, there is still a part of me that sympathizes and grieves for all the women out there who are still going through the journey and have not yet found your answer. I understand how painful and difficult a day like today can be. Know that I am thinking of all of you and that I wish with all my heart that one day you get to sit where I am today (or already be holding your child in your arms).
Last night, my dog woke up coughing in the middle of the night and I could not fall back to sleep, so I started doing some Internet surfing. The mostonline.org website led me to Ellen DeGeneres site, which, in turn led me to make two wonderful online purchases:
1. The Expecting 411 / Baby 411 / Toddler 411 Book Combo - These books are written by a couple right up the road from me in Boulder, Colorado. You might be familiar with their "Baby Bargains" series. If you enter "ELLEN" at checkout, you get 40% off the series and free shipping.
2. The GoGagaBaby diaper bag. This bag was designed with moms in-mind. Everything you need to reach (bottles, phone, diapers, etc.) is accessible with one hand and the strap is sling-style so the weight is distributed across your back and shoulders. It is made with durable ballistic nylon and comes in several colors. I can already tell I am going to LOVE this purchase - plus, I love supporting a small business. Again, if you enter "ELLEN" in the coupon code box, you get 40% off.
As far as my pregnancy, I am now in my 11th week. I can only guess things are going well. I can definitely tell that my stomach is starting to bulge and my abdomen feels hard. The "morning" sickness still comes and goes - not bad enough that I think I need a prescription. I have an u/s on Tuesday with my OB (so not the most modern equipment, but it will be good enough). They put a referral into the peri, but since I am now having twins, that group won't see me until I am into my 2nd trimester - so I think I have a few more weeks. My E2 and P4 levels were holding steady in the 500's and low 40's respectively, so I am now down to 1cc PIO shot every other night. Go back on Wednesday and hope that I'll be completely off PIO. Something tells me CCRM graduation day is coming soon.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
On one hand, I was happy that my Mom was a few-second phone call away, hear her voice and tell her with my own "Happy Mother's Day." Our relationship took some years to get to where it is today and we still have our occasional rocky moments. A day like today lets me set these memories aside, be thankful, and focus on the "good stuff." On the other hand, I was grieving my own loss. I had cycled in Prague in March, but lost the pregnancy. In summary, it was a bittersweet day where I was still wondering if I'd ever become a Mom.
Today, I am clearly in a very different place. Words don't seem to be enough to express how thankful I am that this pregnancy seems to be sticking so far. At the same time, there is still a part of me that sympathizes and grieves for all the women out there who are still going through the journey and have not yet found your answer. I understand how painful and difficult a day like today can be. Know that I am thinking of all of you and that I wish with all my heart that one day you get to sit where I am today (or already be holding your child in your arms).
Last night, my dog woke up coughing in the middle of the night and I could not fall back to sleep, so I started doing some Internet surfing. The mostonline.org website led me to Ellen DeGeneres site, which, in turn led me to make two wonderful online purchases:
1. The Expecting 411 / Baby 411 / Toddler 411 Book Combo - These books are written by a couple right up the road from me in Boulder, Colorado. You might be familiar with their "Baby Bargains" series. If you enter "ELLEN" at checkout, you get 40% off the series and free shipping.
2. The GoGagaBaby diaper bag. This bag was designed with moms in-mind. Everything you need to reach (bottles, phone, diapers, etc.) is accessible with one hand and the strap is sling-style so the weight is distributed across your back and shoulders. It is made with durable ballistic nylon and comes in several colors. I can already tell I am going to LOVE this purchase - plus, I love supporting a small business. Again, if you enter "ELLEN" in the coupon code box, you get 40% off.
As far as my pregnancy, I am now in my 11th week. I can only guess things are going well. I can definitely tell that my stomach is starting to bulge and my abdomen feels hard. The "morning" sickness still comes and goes - not bad enough that I think I need a prescription. I have an u/s on Tuesday with my OB (so not the most modern equipment, but it will be good enough). They put a referral into the peri, but since I am now having twins, that group won't see me until I am into my 2nd trimester - so I think I have a few more weeks. My E2 and P4 levels were holding steady in the 500's and low 40's respectively, so I am now down to 1cc PIO shot every other night. Go back on Wednesday and hope that I'll be completely off PIO. Something tells me CCRM graduation day is coming soon.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A Little Shopping...A Lot of Sleeping and Eating
The time just seems to be flying...I am already well into my 10th week and can hardly believe it! Only two more weeks until I say bye, bye to the 1st tri.
Like most women at this stage, I am tired, tired, tired, and peeing lots (but also drinking lots of water - so that makes sense). The nausea comes and goes - mostly in the evenings, but hasn't been too bad. Cramps have stopped completely.
I feel like I popped this weekend. My husband says he still can't tell, but I definitely can. My lower abdomen is starting to feel hard. I'm not in maternity clothes yet, but I don't think it's too far off. I did stop by Target this weekend and picked up a couple t-shirts and the cutest long, black sundress. My first maternity shopping! What fun!
I also ordered a fetal doppler from http://www.storkradio.com/. It should arrive Monday - just around the time they say I should be able to start hearing the HB's through the doppler. Can't wait!
Very soon, I'll be graduating from CCRM. My blood tests this weekend showed my E2 in the high 500's and my P4 at 44 - so they've taken me completely off any estrogen supplements and endrometrin - but I am still on 1 cc of PIO, a baby aspirin, lovenox, claritin, and prednisone.
The peri won't see me for another few weeks, but my OB agreed to do an u/s next Tuesday - so happy about that. As my CCRM nurse said, "you haven't seen any blood - so that's a good sign that the fetus' are doing great!" That put my mind at ease.
My DH still hasn't told any of his family - maybe this weekend for Mother's Day...we'll see.
Like most women at this stage, I am tired, tired, tired, and peeing lots (but also drinking lots of water - so that makes sense). The nausea comes and goes - mostly in the evenings, but hasn't been too bad. Cramps have stopped completely.
I feel like I popped this weekend. My husband says he still can't tell, but I definitely can. My lower abdomen is starting to feel hard. I'm not in maternity clothes yet, but I don't think it's too far off. I did stop by Target this weekend and picked up a couple t-shirts and the cutest long, black sundress. My first maternity shopping! What fun!
I also ordered a fetal doppler from http://www.storkradio.com/. It should arrive Monday - just around the time they say I should be able to start hearing the HB's through the doppler. Can't wait!
Very soon, I'll be graduating from CCRM. My blood tests this weekend showed my E2 in the high 500's and my P4 at 44 - so they've taken me completely off any estrogen supplements and endrometrin - but I am still on 1 cc of PIO, a baby aspirin, lovenox, claritin, and prednisone.
The peri won't see me for another few weeks, but my OB agreed to do an u/s next Tuesday - so happy about that. As my CCRM nurse said, "you haven't seen any blood - so that's a good sign that the fetus' are doing great!" That put my mind at ease.
My DH still hasn't told any of his family - maybe this weekend for Mother's Day...we'll see.