Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[gi]

Thanks Helene my mam is a very fun person and never acts her age she is 51 but says she still feels like a 20something year old she acts and dresses like one too, she is also one of my best friends and has been absolutly brilliant to jason and I, she helped pay for a lot of our ivf treatments so i do tell her she will half own the baby and that includes changing dirty nappies!!! I am actually quite happy over my job issues it means i can focus soley on the baby and hopefully i will just return part time next year. I know how you feel about worrying about the baby i think i too will feel much better when it moves i keep asking it to be an over achiever and start letting me feel it very soon!!!! Again dont worry your family all love you how could they not when you do so much, just try not to stress or get upset too much your little bean and your little baby need you to be fully healthy.

gi xxx

[lycase]

gi - your chats are really comforting... making me laugh is really good thanks again.

I think if I were to relax one day my baby would wonder what is going on I never relax I am always on the go...

I guess it's just me!!! My poor Dh I am driving him crasy!!! I am going to have to start to relax after the next 8 days

thanks gals.

Helene

[angelaezra]

Gi – I am sorry to hear about your job but it sounds like it might be a blessing disguise. I guess the saying “everything happens for a reason” is true.

Having a BBQ sounds great … it is storming and lightening here in Ohio. It has been raining for 5 straight days and we are expecting rain all weekend! All I can say is … now it’s sleepy time!!! I love sleeping when it rains!

Angela

[katie99]

Jeez Louise - you all have had a typing fest since yesterday! I feel like I am jumping up & down - I just cannot wait until Monday's scan!!
Of course I'm super excited since I havent had a scan in 5+wks - but I'd be lying if I said it was anything other than finding out if its a girl or boy in there
Eeek! What if its like the last scan where the sono tech just kept getting a backside in her face and no amount of coughing, pushing, jiggling would make
"the stubborn one" turn forward? I tell you guys, if I have to get off that table and dance a jig - I will! Umm, ok so is it monday yet?
And its like ET day all over again - I was told to drink 24oz of water a half hr before the appt - ummm, then you want me to lay still while you press hard on my belly??? sigh

Hee Hee I showed my DH the list of baby things and his poor face went pale - he said "How can 1 little baby need so much stuff"? I laughed my head off!
Then just because I felt like it (or maybe hormones?) I showed him online Babies r us, Buy buy baby, and Target's sections for cribs, dressers, changing tables
I had to explain to him that you're not just buying a crib, but the convertible ones, you are really buying a bedroom set til they're like 5-8 years old
I think Monday after the scan, i should make him go with me to the baby stores - and we can place bets on which one of us has a meltdown first

Babyluv - Hooray for finding both HBs! I'll bet it will just keep getting easier now that they're getting bigger. Good idea on the consignment shop!

Steph - I meant for him to chew gum instead of smoke. Maybe if you're DD reminded him why she wanted him to quit in the first place that would help?
its hard to ignore that innocent look in a little girl's eyes. When will you hear if Andrew is off the hook for that infraction? ( wrong as it is) I'll bet that he's got alot on his mind right now with the PTSD, possible infraction, seeing a therapist - you know how men just love to keep it all inside. I'll bet that once those things calm down and when he can feel the babies with his own hand, then he'll be back to normal and not act so detached. God bless an Army's wife's patience
Yep, i'll paint the deck myself, I just cant stand looking at old weathered wood anymore, and since DH is taking all the work he can get lately it wouldnt be fair to stick him w/ the deck too. Now he wont let me mow the lawn anymore (its a big job) but I wish he liked it as short as i do

Angela - Take it easy this weekend - Monday cant get here soon enough for you either, I know. Sorry your original dose makes you feel so tired

Hazel - How are you doing, honey? I hope that you're not wearing yourself too thin being on the go back & forth to your parent's house. So you havent started looking at baby stuff yet? it will definitely take your mind off things - but it may raise your blood pressure! I did a Google search of " items needed for a newborn" Holy moley! I love the pics and your hair looks so good! I cant wait until my bump loks like yours - a proper baby bump shape - all i lok right now is fat! And I will admit to being just a teeny bit jeaalous of you & Steph feeling movement - I'm waiting but nothing so far. When do they want to do your Dad's biopsy? I've got you all in my prayers - xoxo

Tammy - Its wonderful to see that you will keep trying, but you cant give up. I wish you all the luck in the world and will be cheering you on every step of the way - xoxo

Helene - I know its hard with all that you've got going on ( which sounds like alot!) but you cant let your self get so stressed out - its really not good for the baby. I cant imagine how you do it all - working, kids, pregnant, DH, and little Jamie - you've really got your hands full. I hope that you find time to take care of yourself too - cause if mama aint happy - then no one's happy

Gi - Aw, honey I'm sorry to hear about your job but not too sorry cause I've would have been really worried about you being on your feet all day and running up & down stairs all day long too. At least this way you can focus on whats really important - your belly! Glad to hear that your itching is going away, I think a change in moisterizers helped me out too.

[Stephanieford78]

Katie - I can't wait till Monday to hear your news. I am going to say it's.... a girl. There is a lot of team pink thus far so I am just going with that. lol I doubt the ob will look to see genders for me so I will likely have to wait till Friday, but the wait is worth it. Not too much longer! That's so funny how dh doesn't understand why one little baby needs so much. How cute! What else is funny is the diaper bags. The smaller the kid is, the bigger the bag but the bigger the kid gets the smaller the diaper bag is. lol We are getting the 4 in one cribs.. ours turns into a twin or even a double bed I believe? So they can last a long time! We decided that we will only buy one changing table/dresser. This will save us some money and therefore all the finishes have to match. Since I just got the first crib and it happens to be espresso, that is the finish that the nursery will be. A bit masculine, but if one of the babies is a girl or both I am sure we can girl it up. The type of crib I bought... soooo easy to put together. Andrew didn't need any help and he got it done in less then 30 minutes. I think that might be a record? lol As far as him not smoking, gum in lieu of won't help him. He needs to deal with his stress. Hopefully the docs will help him and not make things worse. I can't exactly get DD to help give him the puppy dog eyes either, she doesn't know he has been lying and hiding it. Now as for you... be careful out there on the deck! make sure you are using safe paint. I know it's out in the open but the fumes might give you a headache regardless. Also, make sure you don't do it on too hot of a day and it's ok to do it in sections if need be. Just be careful mama!

Angela - I took your advice, I actually asked him if he was scared. He finally started to let me know that he is. This has been an eventful pregnancy and he keeps thinking about the miscarriage scare. I explained to him that yes it was scarey but the next day we were blessed to find out that we weren't miscarrying that we were having twins. He should have been happy after that. But with the bleeding lasting so long and now the previa he is still scared. Even my headaches everyday scare him into thinking something might be wrong spite the tests coming out ok. So I guess he is distancing himself in trying to protect him frm any possible heartache. However, we all know that if anything were to happen we would both be devistated. So I told him to stop being so scared and I am fine... start bonding with the babies now. I told him if he isn't touching my belly, how is he ever going to feel them move one day. lol

Gi - I hope he doesn't get in trouble. I am thinking things will be fine. I have to think positive.

[Stephanieford78]

Katie - I keep forgetting to mention that I have been having strange dreams too! lol Even strange sexual ones like Angela said is possible. It is just a bunch of randomness that makes no sense. I don't get good sleep at night anymore either. My hips are always hurting so I have to switch from side to side to my back. I have a new cali king memory foam bed but it feels like I am sleeping on a rock. We have a queen pillow top so we might have to switch out until after the babies are born to try and help.

[angelaezra]

Stephanie – I think we all can understand his fears. But, one thing that I keep trying to remind myself is that I want to enjoy every minute with my baby. So I am trying to connect w/ him/her as much as possible. You never know what can happen from day to day but I do know that we have our babies right now so let’s enjoy the moment! It’s hard, I know but it’s out of our control … I think my DH is in the same mind frame as your DH. I think it’s only normal since we all have been through so much!

Angela

[natakia1108]

Helene,

I'm sorry to hear all of the stress you are under. This should be a stress free and loving time. The thought of bringing a child into the world should bring joy & happiness. I've always believed in seeking out advice & counsel from those qualified to do so. I'd recommend you see a therapist. You really need to sort out your family issues before bringing the baby home. I find it so beneficial to speak to someone unbiased to help me sort through my emotions at times. My DH & I have done Christian counseling together & it was wonderful. I've also done counseling by myself & found it so helpful. It'll be nice for you to chat. I say try the counseling 1st & see how you feel...if not feeling any better check w/a medical professional to see if you could be clinically depressed. I'm worried because you said you should just kill yourself...that is never good to even have that thought...even if you were saying it in exasperation. I promise I'll keep praying for you. Always remember the bible really has the answers to ALL of our issues. Take care
Natakia

[babyluv]

Steph - Praying things get better for Andrew. My parents met in the Air Force, and while my dad loves to tell stories of flying, he doesn't like talking about actually dropping bombs, etc. And he was in the air...I can only imagine what our soldiers on the ground deal with. Oh, and to answer and earlier question, no, I am not going back on the aspirin. I don't see the point now that I am almost 13 weeks. It hasn't seemed to affect me one way or another, so I think I'll just stay off at this point like my OB said I could.

Katie - Oh I am SOOOO excited for you! Fingers crossed that the baby has his or her legs wide open for you

Angela - Glad the spotting has stopped, or at least slowed a lot! Spotting is NO FUN!! Can't wait to hear how well your appt goes on Monday!

Gi - Wow, so crazy about your job, but the time off sounds great! It's always hard cutting back on things, but will be so nice for you to be as relaxed as you can be until the baby comes.

AFM - I went to the consignment sale today hosted by the Parents of Multiples group down here, and I got some GREAT deals! Several friends have twins, and they have told me what great condition the stuff is usually in. I got a snap-n-go double stoller, two infant car seats, and a portable swing for $145! New all of that would have been well over $300. And it all looks close to brand new, just a scuff here or there. I was a little concerned about buying the car seats, but had two friends with me and we all looked them over. The consensus was they looked great. So excited. Definitely did not plan on buying this early, but I couldn't pass it up We went early, and when I got home DH had taken the kiddos to Target, then off to Disney for the day. So I am home alone...thinking a pedicure may in order!

Also, I called my OB yesterday just to make sure the spotting was still ok (it's been three weeks and while I knew to expect at least that long, I just wanted to check in). He said the amount and color I have is fine, just the SCH resolving itself. Don't do too much still, and if I have any concerns come in, but it's normal. So I have my next scan in just over two weeks (at 15 weeks) and am hoping the bleed is gone and that I can get a good guess on genders!

[Stephanieford78]

Babyluv - Thanks you, I am sure things will resolve themselves now that he is getting help. I tried, but I was just not enough. That's ok though, sometimes a person is so broken that it takes a professional to look at things from the outside. I just wish there weren't so many soldiers abusing the "PTSD" claim so they can get out of the military with benefits. They are abusing the system and people who really do need help aren't getting the attention they deserve. In our case, I think they see Andrew as someone who really needs help. After all, they referred him to the hospital off post and that isn't usual. As for you, good like getting the doc to tell you genders at 15 weeks. A lot of us now are getting to the point where we will find out soon. It's so exciting. So, did you get that pedicure? I need one of those bad! lol My poor feet are so neglected, especially now that it is getting harder to bring them up to even put socks and shoes on.

Helene - I think Natakia has some really good advice for you. I agree that it's ok to seek a counselor. We did before Andrew left for his 3rd deployment just to make sure our marriage was ok. We really didn't even have that many issues, it was just time for us to seek a little extra help. There are even safe medication out there to help you cope better with the things that stress you out. She is right though, take care of you and all those things around you before baby gets here. That is what we are doing by helping Andrew. It took years for him to see how important it was for him to do so, unfortunately he didn't see it until he got to be worse. Don't let yourself get to that point! I know you say the kids and DH are really great, but there are things that seem to stres you out on a daily basis. This isn't good for you or baby so you need to learn how to cope with this things. After all, I take it seriously when someone mentions killing themselves, and I hope you didn't use that term lightly. Anytime you feel that way (even if you recover shortly after) it is serious and you should let your doctor know how you are feeling. It's important for even OB to know. So... take care of you ok.

Angela - I really didn't expect him to fear losing the babies. He tried to say I have been negetive, but the last time I was negetive was when I was sure I was miscarrying. That feels like forever ago now but he is still scared by it. I figured if it was going to scar anyone it would be me, I was the one bleeding and fearing the worst. He was sitting there telling me everything would be ok. I guess he just used his battle tactics on me all the while holding more in that he wasn't telling me about. I do enjoy things now and don't really mention any fears that may have unless it is to your girls. He gets worried about my headaches though oe when I get sore because I got up to fast or even me complaining about my hips at night. lol I just have to be careful what I say around him now so not to worry him. I told him to start bonding with the babies like I do. Told him how I talk to them as I put my hands over where they are in my belly. He was surprised to hear I actually do that. I am glad that you are trying to onnect with your little peanut. I read that you should start doing that as soon as you know you are pregnant. They say to always stay positive because of what stress can do to a pg. Of course they use nicer words s not to scare you. lol Unfortunately we are always scared. Each week that passes though it gets easier and easier. We read the deveopment of our little one(s) and feel connected. We go to the OB and see or hear the HB which always brings a smile if not a tear or two with it. I think us ladies are the luckiest of all women to be able to feel this amount of joy for our children.

[lou71]

Hi Girls,


Boy, do I miss you all. I sincerely hope this message finds everyone in good health and spirits. I've been thinking about you all. I wanted to stop by and say a quick hello to everyone. We're headed on vacation for two weeks on Monday. As much as we need the time away right now, I'm upset that we spent the $ on the trip when here I am looking at more cycles out of pocket. This trip was supposed to be our "baby moon" because we figured we wouldn't be doing much traveling at all in the future. I've been having a pretty hard time since the m/c. Gosh, it's all so depressing. When we get back, the report on the genetics should be about ready and if I don't have a message from my doc, then I'm calling for sure. I need to know what happened.

I took a HPT a few days after the d&c and it was negative with a sensitivity of 20. So then I started to take ovulation predictors and got the spike this morning with the line starting to show on Weds. So we've been "baby dancing" away like crazy.... lol... probably in vain because we did that for years before visiting RE. But I heard a woman is super fertile after m/c, so what the heck, right? He's got a few swimmers after all and we really only need ONE. Only bad thing is AF is now due a few days before I return home. I'll call RE and let him know on 6/7 that it came (fingers crossed). He wants to do a hysteroscopy and other tests with my next cycle because I miscarried so late. I'm hoping to start BCP's with my second AF due around July 1 if he'll let me. That puts me at ER/ET in late July/early August.

Steph -- I received your package with the Progesterone today. Thank you so much!

Claudia -- I'll contact you when I'm back to arrange for the Follistim you offered. I'm getting closer to having enough for my next cycle. Currently I have about half of what I'll need. Both times I've stimmed I used 450 units for 8-9 days. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It really means a lot to me.

Jacqueline (Rileybabymaybe) -- I don't know if you got my messages but I sent my mailing address like you asked. I don't know if you've sent me anything yet, but I thank you in advance. XOXO

I got three bills today from my m/c. I know there's several more coming. I had two ER visits, the second one leading to an admission, followed by the d&C surgery. So I was in overnight. I haven't received the hospital bill yet for the admission and surgery, which will be the BIG one. But the two ER visits alone plus the anesthesiologists bill were over $10,000. My insurance has a $2,000 deductible and then pays 80%. I've clearly met my deductible for this year! It just really adds insult to injury that the amount I'll have to pay out of pocket for the m/c is as much as an IVF cycle! God I hope and pray that I only need one more cycle.
My signature is getting too long.

I really do miss you all. Best wishes to everyone. XOXO
L

[angelaezra]

Hi Girls,


Boy, do I miss you all. I sincerely hope this message finds everyone in good health and spirits. I've been thinking about you all. I wanted to stop by and say a quick hello to everyone. We're headed on vacation for two weeks on Monday. As much as we need the time away right now, I'm upset that we spent the $ on the trip when here I am looking at more cycles out of pocket. This trip was supposed to be our "baby moon" because we figured we wouldn't be doing much traveling at all in the future. I've been having a pretty hard time since the m/c. Gosh, it's all so depressing. When we get back, the report on the genetics should be about ready and if I don't have a message from my doc, then I'm calling for sure. I need to know what happened.

I took a HPT a few days after the d&c and it was negative with a sensitivity of 20. So then I started to take ovulation predictors and got the spike this morning with the line starting to show on Weds. So we've been "baby dancing" away like crazy.... lol... probably in vain because we did that for years before visiting RE. But I heard a woman is super fertile after m/c, so what the heck, right? He's got a few swimmers after all and we really only need ONE. Only bad thing is AF is now due a few days before I return home. I'll call RE and let him know on 6/7 that it came (fingers crossed). He wants to do a hysteroscopy and other tests with my next cycle because I miscarried so late. I'm hoping to start BCP's with my second AF due around July 1 if he'll let me. That puts me at ER/ET in late July/early August.

Steph -- I received your package with the Progesterone today. Thank you so much!

Claudia -- I'll contact you when I'm back to arrange for the Follistim you offered. I'm getting closer to having enough for my next cycle. Currently I have about half of what I'll need. Both times I've stimmed I used 450 units for 8-9 days. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It really means a lot to me.

Jacqueline (Rileybabymaybe) -- I don't know if you got my messages but I sent my mailing address like you asked. I don't know if you've sent me anything yet, but I thank you in advance. XOXO

I got three bills today from my m/c. I know there's several more coming. I had two ER visits, the second one leading to an admission, followed by the d&C surgery. So I was in overnight. I haven't received the hospital bill yet for the admission and surgery, which will be the BIG one. But the two ER visits alone plus the anesthesiologists bill were over $10,000. My insurance has a $2,000 deductible and then pays 80%. I've clearly met my deductible for this year! It just really adds insult to injury that the amount I'll have to pay out of pocket for the m/c is as much as an IVF cycle! God I hope and pray that I only need one more cycle.
My signature is getting too long.

I really do miss you all. Best wishes to everyone. XOXO
L

Lou – I am so glad that you stopped in to let us know your progress.

Oh, boy do I understand the hospital bill problem … I received so many hospital bills from different areas of the hospital that I thought I was going insane when I lost my daughter Ashley. I told my DH that I am not paying any bills until I receive them all. They finally totaled a little over $18,000 dollars. My insurance took care most of the bills but I had to fight and argue with them to get them paid. I couldn’t believe my bills were so high for a still born child!!! I remember saying this is just insane because there wasn’t much that they had to do to care for her. But, it was what it was I guess …

I hope you and your DH are able to enjoy each other and get some R & R. You both have been through so much! I will be praying and thinking about you!

Angela

[lycase]

Thanks girls for all the help. I would love to chat with a councellor, I did go see a priest a couple of weeks ago maybe I can do that again. Just don't know when though? My work really doesn't allow me any time off but it should end on July 2nd so maybe if I have free time I an do that more I think a lot of people have bagages that could be cleaned out... I tried last year like I mentionned before they said I didn't need help!!!

So no time for personals tonight it's 12:50am but I really wanted to share this with all of you.

Here we go. After one week of shopping, spending about $500, hair and make up done by others, photo session of more then $500 and a 4hrs montage photo at home. I finally succeeded to have a perfect photo.

ENJOY!!!

Helene

[Stephanieford78]

Helene - Perfect photo is right! What a beautiful family! As far as the people telling you that you don't need help... I think as long as you have someone to talk to, that will help. The priest is a good idea but also talk to your doc to be safe. I talked to my ob when I was having a lot of stress and depression with DD and she was very concerned and put me on meds. It's something they need to know. You can't control your hormones and if your hormones are fluctuating from high to low now, then imagine what they can do after you give birth. Just know, I have been there and I know what those feelings feel like and I just want to you feel better.

Lou - So glad to see you popping in! You are more then welcome for the progesterone! I am sure your vacation is exactly what you need right now. I know the money being spent on it rather than the next cycle is tough to swallow, but everything has it's way of working out. I went through the same thing and had to sell a bunch of stuff. At a time like this I wish we didn't have to sell it then since we could use to sell it now. lol We are so broke since paying for the extra cycles. I know things will work out just like I know they will work out with you. We all expect you back in here by August! Have fun on your trip, enjoy each other and come back and share how awesome it was.

[lycase]

I told my OB about that and he sais well you saw 2 already so that's it?? Remember it's the one I don't like!!

So here is the original photo I had to play with to make my final pictures. I changes a lot of faces and moved my 7yo from the far right to put him in the hole in front of my dh's son... funny how the photographer didn't place us well and he is super good and expensive.

Have a good weekend everyone, it's a long weekend for us in Canada.

Anyone else here in Canada?

Helene