The Sisterhood of the Blue Stilettos

[nickster]

Hi all! Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Tina~ Again you're cracking me up with the whole doctors office story. Not that I've personally been through it but I know those early contractions can really suck for people. I have to tell people all the time that they can go on with those for weeks and they probably look at me just like you looked at your doc! My only advice is to drink lots of water, especially when its hot. Because even if your the slightest bit dehydrated, you're going to contract. And those contractions will never dilate your cervix, they're just annoying.
I hope your "grooming" session went well yesterday and that you are very prepared for Noah's entrance into the world should it happen early!!
BTW...I still think you look fabo at 35 weeks!

Angie~ Amelie is a doll! Things sounds very busy for you but it sounds like you guys are doing well. I often think about that sleep thing! I guess it really is true when people say you better get all the sleep you can BEFORE the baby comes huh? Did you tell Ms. Amelie how hard her daddy worked to get her room ready for her? The least she could do is sleep!

Shantala~ I don't know you either but welcome and your baby is absolutely adorable!

Vicky~ How's our buddy Benjamin? I hope you guys are doing well.

Fee~ How are you and Rio?

Meg~ How are you guys? Is Lucy still including dog food in her diet or is she over that?

Sassy~ Where are you? We need an update stat!

Well we have been busy being the town dog sitters lately. A couple weeks ago we watched this dog across the street then last week we had two of my friends dogs. These dogs are HUGE! One is a lab/great dane mix and the other is a boxer puppy. Let me tell ya, between those and our fat lab...it was a whole lot of dog. We are so used to our old dog laying around not doing much of anything...not these! They don't lay down, they're constantly in your face, etc. Then, a rabbit laid a litter (not sure if they're considered a litter or not) of bunnies in our back yard that these dogs very quickly found. So every day we would come out and find a dead bunny in random places. Dh and I took the last, lone survivor and dug a hole for it in front and put grass over him. He got out and went back into the back yard and the dogs killed him and put him on the deck! Then the boxer dog was having seizures. Let me just say...we could not get them home to their door step quick enough yesterday morning!

[tinaO]

Nickster - OMG! Your dog stories were pretty funny. But the poor bunnies - how sad!!! Damn dogs - they probably wanted you to pat them on the back for protecting you from the big, bad bunnies.

Thanks for the advice on the water drinking. I can be really bad about that sometimes, so I am going to take your advice to heart and drink a lot more now. Maybe it will stop me from eating so much, too. I am seriously becoming a Moose right now. My weight gain is completely out of control.

[nickster]

Tina, you're probably right...they did probably think they were doing some good. DH was mortified by the whole thing! I think what really got him was when we thought we saved that one's life but nope...there that one was dead too. I was telling a girl I work with about the whole story and she said "A bunny dumb enough to go back into the yard would have never lived long anyway!" How horrible!
I really did think you looked great in your picture. I can only imagine how you feel though and I know I would be the same way. Actually you know what..I do feel the same way and I'm not pregnant! We are going to Jamaica in 2 months and I feel huge! I need to get my big butt back on the treadmill.

[tinaO]

I am in desperate need of some sista assistance....I have hit a low point.

I am at the office today and had a few min before I had to get on another call, so I ran downstairs to the cafeteria to grab a sandwich. The little girl that runs the cafe took one look at me and said, "Well hello, Titanic"!! She proceeded to crack herself up with that comment. I am ready to kill the beeyotch!!!

TITANIC????????????????????????????

KILL ME NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jenn]

Hey girls! I'm back from vacation! We had fun at the beach. I am buried in laundry and I need to unpack--I hate that part of vacation!

I love all of the pictures- the babies look awesome! Angie- she is precious-- and all that hair!!! Anna had a ton like that and it was dark but now the dark is falling out and the new hair is blond!

And TINA--I'm coming after that girl!! You do not look like a big boat!! That is so rude, and my momma always said not to mess with a pregnant woman!! You never know if they will cry, laugh, or reach over and slap the snot out of you! I vote for the latter on that one! You must be melting in this heat, I feel sooo bad when I see a pregnant woman lately. Anna came in Feb. and at the end I think we had the AC on!!

gotta run- be back later!

[nickster]

Tina~ I agree with Jenn, that cafeteria lady needs a good 'ol a** whoopin! How rude is that? We'll have to round the sistas up, head to Texas, and take care of business!

Jenn~ Glad to hear you had fun on your vacation. I can't wait to be on the beach! Did Anna like it?

I'm off to my Grandma's house. I'm going there with my sister to help her clean and do things.
Talk to everyone soon!

Sassy~ I know we keep saying this but we REALLY do need an update. It has been way too long and I've been thinking about you a lot lately.

[hopeful-in-LV]

Hello ladies! Long time no read. Actually I peek in every once awhile, but it's rare that I can post. I just had to take a moment to congratulate the new moms. I recognize several old cycle buddies and I was so thrilled to hear about the new births and pregnancies.

Shantala,
congrats again. I saw your photos on myspace and Ellianna is gorgeous. Beautiful name too.

Angie,
congrats! I love the name. Amelie was our first name choice for a girl if we had one. I loved the movie too.

Vicky,
Wow, I'm so happy for you! Benjamin is a cutie.

Meg,
how is Lucy doing? our little ones are about the same age. It's a fun time isn't it? Getting hugs from my boys is the best! I love how their little personalities are starting to blossom. I have one that is on the verge of walking!

Sassy,
bummer about the bed rest. Do try to enjoy the peace and quiet while you can. With multiples, it a wild and crazy night every night. Good thing you have family around. Their help will save you from insanity. But seriously they are so worth all the hard work. All it takes is for them to smile at you and you forget that you only had 2 hours of sleep in 20 minute intervals the night before.

Ok the boys are calling to me. I would of liked to post more, I see more names a recognize. Just wanted to say hey to everyone. I hope to post more photos of the boys on my myspace page if anyone out there is on my friends list. maybe in a week or so.

XOXO

[FionaA]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I've been so bad at keeping up with things, I don't know where time goes...

Adding to the misery is the fact that our dog has been sick for a while so we have been feeding him special meals, giving him meds, worrying etc...unfortunately he died last week. It was horrible at 2.30am DH and I were with the poor thing. He didn't suffer much though and that is the main thing because we were agonising about whether to put him down or not...gosh it's sad though, we really miss him...

Anyway enough about my downer.

Tina, I am raring to go for that "Titantic" ***** face. My grief can easily turn to anger and I am ready to take that cow down. Give me a time and a place and I am there. As far as your grooming concerns go, I'm hearing you. Before Rio was born I was quite concerned that all neccessary depilation would have occurred. It's hard though when there is a massive gut in the way. I don't know how successful I was in that regard because DH felt the need to comment on my not quite tip top grooming while I was in labour. Punter award for DH anyone???

Angie, hoping you are managing the feeding and sleeping bizzo. I recall how draining it was in the early days. Hope you are on top of it and that Amelie is being an angel. And by the way she is gorgeous. I wonder if she will keep all that hair??? I think we need some more pics.

Jenn how are you and Anna doing??? what is she up to these days? Are you off work indefinately now??

Nickster, sorry to hear about the gore fest at your place of late. That can't have been pleasant. Those dogs sound awful. As for your weight loss program, I need to be on one too. I have a high school reunion coming up and I need to look glam....how much are you wanting to lose before your Jamaican hol??? I'm thinking I would like to lose about 12KG which is about 26 pounds is it not??? I will start tomorrow...

Robbo what is happening in your neck of the woods???

Shantala, great to hear from you and I loved your pics, you and baby look so happy. Sorry to hear about DH's back, I hear back pain is awfully draining...

Sophie lovely to hear from you as well. how are you keeping?

Mia also great to hear from you, and fantastic to hear that your twins are going well, you must be REALLY busy

Vicky, how is little Benjamin? Any more pics, I bet he has changed heaps already.

Sassy, we miss you hope all is well and that bed rest is doing you the power of good. Any rants that you want to share, you are the Queen of ranting...

Mego, I'm still inspired by your weight loss. I just need to stop eating...can't seem to help myself. how much exercise do you do??? I need to step that up as well

gosh I'm feeling a bit nostalgic for missing Sistas, you know who you are, Mel, Patie, Amy, Coco, Wanna etc....feel free to drop us a line and let us know what the heck you are up to...

Well I'd best be off, I have a rare chance to watch TV and it is the So you Think you can Dance auditions... so byeee...

[PMApsy]

Hello ladies!

Thanks for replying Shantala (Fiona too!)! I saw the pictures, and your girl really is gorgeous!!!! What a happy baby!! I'm sorry to hear about your DH's back problems... are the morphine tablets effective at least? I keep you both in my thoughts!

The dancing is on hold right now, but I danced in a big show in May. I had fun on stage and people gave us good comments. I had my third surgery on May 30th, and my teacher is in Spain for the summer anyway, so the timing was good. I'll start dancing again at the end of August... maybe. That depents on my frosties.

Lots is happening, as usual! We just bought a new house and moved in at the beginning of May. We've been renovating since April, a real marathon with a few weeks' breaks here and there. If everything goes well, it should all be over by next weekend. Still got two major paint jobs to do, but the house is really beautiful. As you know, I had a BFP in March but miscarried at 8 weeks after a very painful two weeks of limbo. I had a surgery to remove my tubes, which kept filling with liquid and interfered with my IVF trials... plus it would have been quite painful to be pregnant again with that big tube on the right. Apparently, the tube was so filled with liquid that I had the belly of a 20-week pregnant woman when I lied on my back! They took out both my tubes, which were useless anyway, and my right ovary, which had stretched beyond recognition even, and was necrosed as well in some places. Still have the left, and though it doesn't produce as much, it's still there for future use, if needed! They also took out my appendix, which was stuck in all the structures there.

Bottom line is; my pelvic area is now super clean and hazard-free, lol! My uterus is still perfect and now completely sterile, which will make it easier for the frosties to stick. I am now happily sniffing Suprefact and taking baby aspirin, waiting for AF to come (which means more meds). I bought an alarm watch, so I'm never late for doses and it's a shame I didn't buy that before! It will be a blessing for the whole duration of the treatment!

FET should be around mid-August. I am quite calm still, this part of the treatment is not very exciting. At least I don't worry about abdominal pain anymore, given that all problematic structures were removed. I am very confident that this attempt will work, we have the best chances we've had so far. A colleague of DH was at the same clinic with his wife last time I had FET. We were in the recovery room together (ER for her). They had a BFN but they just got pregnant with twins with FET this month. They told us that the clinic has obtained amazing results with FET lately, so it's a plus too. We'll see.

That's about it my dear! Again, congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!

Sophie xoxox

[nickster]

Hi all! Where has everyone been (although I can't say too much!)?

PMA~ So you dance? What kind of dancing?
It sounds like you and I have had a little of the same year. I had a m/c of twins in April of this year after lots of ups and downs too. It looks like you have lots of frozen embies, that's great. Hopefully you won't need them after the FET in August though! When do you start taking meds?

Tina~ How have you been feeling? You're getting close my friend!
What do you think of Big Brother? I have finally gotten into it, at first I didn't think I was going to. We though Rennie was the only crazy one, I think there is quite a few.

Angie~ How's baby Amelie? I hope things are going well and you're getting some sleep.

Fee~ I am SO sorry to hear about your dog...and the way it happened, how horrible. I think we talked before about our dogs having stomach problems, was that what was wrong? Our dog is on two special foods from the vets office and still a small amount of hamburger and rice that we have to cook her but so far she hasn't had issues since the beginning of this month (knock on wood!). It's amazing how attached you get to your animals though isn't it?
And speaking of animals...YES we were very glad to have those other dogs back on their doorstep the minute their parents got home!!

Meg~ How are you? Is the weight loss plan still moving along? I have really been back at it, but so far have not lost much. How's our lil doll Lucy?

Jenn~ How's ms Anna? Is she doing anything new lately?

Sassy~ We REALLY need an update!

Vicky~ How's motherhood treating ya? hopefully you're getting a little more sleep too. If you get time will you post another pic on photobucket?

Ok girls...after we go take care of Tina's business in Texas, I need the sistas to come to Missouri to take care of my self-centered, b***h neighbor! True punter award story coming up.....
I've told you about this girl before. She and her husband have been married for 13 years and she basically didn't ovulate. A couple of years ago I told her to go to her doc and get Clomid, so she did, and she got pregnant the second month on Clomid. She has always considered herself "knowing exactly what I've been through because she has been there too" (we all know these people!). The entire (and I mean entire) pregnancy all we ever heard about was this baby. She knows everything we have been through but yet felt free to constantly rub it in our face. No matter what the group would ever be talking about at a party, she would turn the conversation around to be about her pregnancy and unborn baby. So she had that kid and then she lost a lot of weight (she was VERY heavy before). So she is pregnant again and due in October. Of course, seeing her being pregnant and knowing I should be pregnant and due right when she is has been extremely hard, and she knows this. She knows everything we just went through. So yesterday she came up to our house to give my husband a gift card for taking care of her cats while she was out of town. She sat at our kitchen table rubbing her belly the entire time and complaining about how much weight she has gained. She said "I am so upset", "I worked so hard to lose all this weight". Then she complained how this baby was "getting in the way" at exercise class. You guys...I don't think I've ever wanted to smack someone more. Could you ever imagine doing that? DH walked away because he knows one of these days I'm going to lose it. I don't know what stopped me from kicking her a** out of my kitchen!

[meg12]

Hey everyone. Sorry it's been awhile....summer is busy, isn't it? It's like we try to jam a year's worth of activities into two months. Just had a family reunion this past week with my dad's family. It was very fun--it was the first time a lot of them had seen Lucy.

Nickster--WTF. That girl needs a kick in the head. I can't get over how rude she is. I just don't understand how some people can be so insensitive to others. My brother has a theory about how the wrong people are reproducing---he thinks it is the early signs of the end of the world. You know, how it seems like the dumb, insensitive, uncaring people of the world are the ones with 8 kids. Grrrrrrrrrr.
Anyway, you hang in there with the weight loss. It's so hard, isn't it????? I get so discouraged. It's like two steps forward, five steps back. Anyway, I try to walk with Beau (the dog) and Lucy every day for an hour or so. I also then try to do at least a half hour each night on the elliptical machine or treadmill. Realistically, I'd say I do that 4-5 times a week. Before I had Lucy, I was doing so much more. I was really into Pilates and would do at least an hour of cardio 6 days a week. But I've decided that there are more
important things then killing myself exercising....plus I really believe that I was pushing my body too hard before and that's one of the reasons I couldn't get pregnant. So please, don't go too crazy! As they say, "more cushion for the pushin'" is a good thing!!!!

Fee--So sorry about your dog. I can't even imagine. They become such parts of the family, don't they? Hope that you're enjoying Rio. It's winter there, right? I can't imagine cold weather right now. It was 98 degrees here today with about 70 % humidity. Disgusting.

Mia--Great to hear from you. I can't imagine how busy you must be....I just have one and I'm crazy! Lucy is walking!!!!!!!!!! It's very exciting and soooo funny to watch---she's so little and she just toddles around. So yes, I'm now the mother of a toddler!!!! Yikes. How's teething going for you?? That's definitely been my least fave part so far!

Everyone else, I love you but Lucy is crying and I'm not sure how much longer dh can manage!

[Angie65]

Hello ladies - sorry just popping in to say hello with a quickie post. I am in paranoid anxious new mother phase at the moment - dear little Amelie is giving me lots of worries - she is a very fussy feeder and still hasn't quite got back to her birth weight. I am experimenting with a combo of breast feeding, expressing and now top up formula and it is all quite stressful. The she had a small lump on her head ( just a gland), had to go back for a re-test blood test (all clear but gave us anxious moments re nasty genetic problems) and has had lots of mucus and a cough at times.

Oh dear - I think I need to chill out a bit. My friend nearby is being great and making sure we go out for walks with the strollers so keeping me sane. it's hard as we have no family nearby.

Hope everyone is well and will post more soon.

[FionaA]

Nickster, I have packed my bags and booked my flight. I will be arriving in St Louis shortly to take care of business, if all of the other sisters could rendezvous at the airport we will hatch a plan to wreak revenge on your clown of a neighbour. That fool won't know what hit her.

Mego, I can't believe that Lucy is walking now, where did the time go? Yes I am enjoying Rio, he is the light of my life really...I have put a few new pics on the bucket if anyone is interested...Yup it's winter here and we are getting a lot of rain, our roof sprang a leak and the ceiling looked nice and mouldy for a while before the insurance company fixed it up for us, nice, i am ready for warmer weather...but not 70% humidity thank you very much that is practically a sauna, you must have the most marvelous cleansed pores with all that steam around...

By the way I share your brothers grim view on the end of the world. It does seem that there are an awful lot of idiots out there now...and all bredding up a storm too

Sophie, sounds like your innards have had a great spring clean, I'm glad that you are approaching your coming FET with such optimism. You have every reason to be... and congrats on your dance show, Spanish dancing right?? I wish I had a skill like that. I dance VERY badly, and I really mean that.

Angie, oh dear the anxiety has bitten you has it? I can fully relate, poor Rio had been to casualty twice before he was six weeks. The firs time it appears that there was pretty much nothing wrong with him, the second time he had a cold...I also remember worrying about Rio's birth weight dropping and when he would regain it. I felt so darn guilty. I'm sure she will be OK and it sounds like the feeding combo is a winner... It's good that you have a mate nearby, from my experience, when I spent too much time at home alone I got a bit down and even more anxious. Are you going to join a mother's group? I missed the boat on that one because I was too tired to get to the morning meetings. I quite regret that now. Hope all continues to go well with Amelie and.. another piccy would be nice.

Helloo to everyone else.

Shout out to Sassy whereever you are I hope you and the trips are doing Fab

Fee

[PMApsy]

Good morning ladies!

Nickster,

I dance flamenco, and have been dancing for over 6 years now. I'm truyly sorry to hear about your miscarriage, of course I understand what it's like. *hugs* It looks like I have lots of frozen embies, but they're frozen in two packages, so it's two attempts really. But indeed, if we have twins, we'll have more than needed (we want two children). We'll see; things always change after each attempt. I've already started to take meds: Suprefact for downregging and baby aspirin. Expecting AF anyday now; I'll add Estrace and antibiotics to the lot.

That neighbour of yous is a major case of d**m*ss!!!!!!!! Ugh, there are so many people like that! And they have no idea how much it hurts when they're like that. False sympathy, that is. Just one more way to be self-centered. I, too, would have felt infuriated. Have you told her that taking Clomid for two months does not compare to IVF treatments? That having a baby incredibly quickly after starting fertility treatments absolutely does not compare to years of treatments?

Ah... even then. *sigh* You can't really compare difficult times and ordeals between people. For some people, like your neighbor, going through a brief period of infertility was an enormous deal. My SIL had to take Clomid (and she became pregnant and announced her pregnancy two weeks after I had a BFN. Same due date than I would have had. My MIL went on and on about my "poor SIL who had to take meds and suffer the side effects". To my best friend, having three rounds of IUI with donor sperm is much worse than my IVF treatments because at least our embryos are genetically ours and because each attempt has 20% success rate compared to my somewhat 50%. And I could reply that she didn't have to take half of the meds I take, and she doesn't have needles poked into her ovaries. In fact, she doesn't want to do IVF because she doesn't want invasive procedures done to her (she'll go straight to adoption after 6th IUI if it doesn't work because she refuses to have a laparoscopy). To some people, even cancer may not be a big deal, but divorce would be the end of the world.

It's all a matter of perspective. I mean, we're all humans and yes, those insensitive attitudes are infuriating and hurtful. But with time, I'm trying to remember that human suffering and the way someone perceive his/her own challenges are all a question of personal perspective. It helps me avoid taking those behaviors personal. Those attitudes are just eloquent about those people's reactions to their own problems, and our reactions are as telling about our own attitudes about our own problems. For example, I have no right to be insensitive to my DH's colleague who complains about pregnancy aches and pains because she became pregnant with her first IVF. But let's say on a bad day, I am insensitive. It speaks loads about my own adaptation to my own infertility issues; it's about me, not her. Same thing for your neighbor. The reasons why she's so insensitive about your struggles probably have nothing to do with you, and everything to do with her, and the amount of challenges she had to face in her life, and so on.

In a word, I try to stay as far away from statements like "people owe me discretion and tact" because I have been through a lot with infertility. Instead, I try to make my needs and positions very clear because to most people it's absolutely NOT obvious what we need. People know what I don't want to talk about, and what questions I don't want them to ask me. Some people still do not respect those boundaries, like my dad, but I try to let go. If I react badly to this, again, it tells loads about my own adaptation, and it adds to my suffering, something I really don't need.
Hope all this rambling is making sense. Bottom line is... *HUGS* to you!

Hi Angie!
Sorry to hear that your cutie is causing you to worry!!! Do you have the chance to talk to other mothers? First-time mothers usually tell me that it's a major relief to just vent with other mommies. I don't know where you're from, but here, community centers and other places like that organize activities for new moms like making purees together. It's a great occasion to just be with other moms, share tips, socialize and vent. Hanging out at the park might help, too? (even if your baby can't play yet!) Either way, I hope your baby will settle in a predictable and reassuring routine very soon. Hang in there!

Nothing much on my side today. Had a few AF-like sensations yesterday, so I'm hoping it's for today or tomorrow. We'll see...

Have a good day ladies!

Sophie

[tinaO]

Hello all! Yes, I am still hanging in here. I had a doc appt yesterday and I am about a fingertip dialated (that sounds gross, doesn't it??) and 50% effaced, but doesn't look like I am going anywhere any time soon (doc thinks I will probably go close to my due date). Personally, I don't think Noah is done doing his damage yet. Stretch marks have started on my a-- and hips...and although he has yet to cause them on my stomach, I believe that is part of his game plan. Once he has been successuful with his final touch of the masterpiece he has been working on for the last 9 months, I believe he will make his entrance into this world. All in all, I am doing well though. Major hormonal imbalance occurred yesterday though and I was a mess. Work stressed me out which stressed out my husband because he said I should not be stressing...which stressed me out more...all in all, an ugly scene. I now appear to have my grip back, but I don't believe it is a firm grip. Time will tell. Noah now has a car seat installed and my bags are packed. I believe I am ready for the big day and once he is finished with his art work, off we will go the hospital....

Nickster - your story PISSED ME OFF!!!! You know, you are too much like me. You should have told off your neighbor and instead you sat there being nice and let her go on & on. I am amazed at people's insensitivity!!!! I remember when we had just finished getting sent away from the doc's office when I thought we were going for our 2nd IUI because I had some flippin cyst and I was so frustrated and was telling my college roommate about it and she decided that - oh - what perfect timing to let me know that she just had her own ultrasound - and oh lucky stars - they just got pregnant - and oh how lucky for them as they never had to try as they got pregnant the month after they got married because as she put it "her husband has some strong swimmers"!!!!!! Oh yes, what great timing. That is so what I needed at that moment. So, yes, I cried like a baby after we hung up and have never once told her how much she hurt me that day. For you, I am going to take a train to Saint Louis (since I can't fly) and I am going to SIT on your neighbor. That will surely do some damage with the thighs I got working these days!!! Did I mention the damn nurse yesterday had the NERVE to announce my weight out loud after I stepped on the scale??? As I previously mentioned, I was already having a bad day. I WAS SO MAD!!! I swear the ***** did it on purpose. Hang in there, girl. You are an extraordinary person and have a wonderful heart. I know what you have been through is tough and I wouldn't pretend that I understand it all as I know I have been luckier than most to not have to battle this infertility nightmare as much as some of you have...just know we are here for you and prepared to kick some a-- if needed!!!!!!!!!!

Fee - I will have to go check out Rio's new pics. Glad you are doing well! I am SO sorry about your dog. My dogs are so my babies now and I just dread the day something happens to one of them....again, so sorry for you.

Meg - Just reading about your exercise plan made my fat a-- feel more disgusting. Perhaps I should not have bought and just eaten a bowl of Reeses Peant Butter cup cereal....hmmmm...bet you all didn't even know they made something so yummy and FATTENING!!! I am gross. I have no shame left this late in my pregnancy.

Jenn - Thanks for the sympathy on the weather here. Giving birth in August in Texas deserves a medal. It is unbelievable how hot and humid it is...oh well, nothing a little ice cream doesn't cure. Oh wait - perhaps I should sprinkle some of that cereal on top of my ice cream tonight. Yummy....

Angie - Hang in there! I am sure this is such a crazy time for you. I expect I will be a complete basket case when Noah arrives....

Vicky - how's Benjamin?

And where is Sassy????

Ok, back to work...take care all!!!!

Tina