Taking the plunge.

Tom and I have finally decided to take the plunge and give a round of IVF a try. Our biggest drawback was of course how expensive it is. But, whether adoption or fertility treatment, it's all going to cost money, so we would really like to give having a biological child a shot and we are grateful we live in a time where this option is available to us. We will manage to save enough by June. This means hopefully first thing in July we will be going for it! For those of you who are a little confused about IVF, here is the run-down.

1. I have my own hormones basically shut sown for a siesta via injections called Lupron.

2. I then begin taking the miracle grow for eggs called FSH(follicle stimulating hormone), also via injection.

3. After a little over a week of FSH and several ultrasounds, when the doctor thinks I have an adequate amount and size of follicles(they contain the eggs), it's hatching time. I will recieve a one time injection of HCG. HCG prepares my eggs to ovulate.

4. But before they get the chance I will go back to the hospital in about 1-2 days for the egg retrieval. Very uncomfortable I am told, but hopefully some Versed will do the trick(I've had Versed twice-it's some nice stuff).

5. My eggies and Tom's troops are then allowed to party in a petry dish. I start taking estrogen and progesterone, yet again by injection, and we wait a few more days for word on the results.

6. 2-5 days after the retrieval if we have had success, we go back to have our newly developed embryos transferred back into yours truly.

7. In about 10 days after the transfer we will find out if all the effort paid off. If I pop up pregnant, I will continue with the progesterone injections for abour 8 weeks.

It will be a very intense month and I am grateful I have a great support system. I have come to realize that one way or another we will be parents. If this does not work, we are definatley proceeding with adoption plans. Heavenly Father has a plan and however we end up starting our family is just the means to an end. I plan to take the month of July off work. I luckily have an awesome job that permits me to do so. We can not wait and look forward to keeping everybody updated on our little adventure.

My BFF is having a baby : )

I have been holding on tight to some wonderful news for a few weeks now. I have gotten the go ahead to tell whoever, so I am spilling the beans! My BFF Sara and best cousin in the whole world is going to be a mommy! 7 weeks pregnant respectivley. I can not think of anyone more deserving of so many good things happening all at once. Of course the news came as a shock to everyone(I think mostly Sara and Andrew). They were only wedded on Feb. 8th(Ithink a few parents may have been doing some calander counting :) My poor cousin dreaded telling me because she knows how long Tom and I have been trying but in the end I already knew-yes we know eachother that well! And I will admit a few tears were shead out of pity for myself. But never never never in anger towards my forever BFF. I am about as excited for this baby as anyone else could be. For all intensive purposes, Sara is my sister-maybe not genetically but in all other ways. I call her practically every day to check on her and "Cubby". Sara has always had the nickname "Bear" so "Cubby" is quite appropirate. Always know Sara Bear next to you and Andrew I will be the one loving this baby the most. Love you tons and Congratulations!

Me me me.

I am not a prideful or narcisistic person. Ask most people and they will tell you I am even a little shy. But when it comes to my baby pictures I have to admit I was an astonishingly adorable child. Yeah I said it...cuz it's true! Come on...look at me! You can't deny it.

Wedded Bliss

My BFF and best cousin Sara was wedded on February 8th, 2008. I had not posted a thing about it yet, and as close as Sara and I are I find this a travesty. Quickly trying to rectify the situation, here are some photos from the wonderful day. I was her matron of honor. It really was one of the most beautiful receptions I have ever attended.

New season...new hair... new me.

I really need to get better at my blogging habit. The last few monthes have just been really crazy. I also realized as I was reading that my last few several blogs have been a bit of a downer. I am doing much better now, therefore you should be seeing a more cheerful me, hence a more cheerful blog.

Spring is here and it’s time for a change. I woke up this morning and said "hey I’m gonna cut my hair today". And cut it I did. Seven inches off to be exact. I spent a good old chunk of time(about 2 1/2 hours)at the salon. I also got my eyebrows waxed and my hair colored a dark Auburn. I am feeling like quite the beauty queen and thought I would share.

For My Grandparents Bert and Mildred.

photo by Trish Reda(www.trishreda.com)

I lost my Grandma Dec. 27th and My Grandfather 3 weeks later. I can't really describe how influential my grandparents were in my upbrining. I was at their house about as much as I was home. The house they lived in was bought when my Mom was just a teenager. It is really what I call home since I did a lot of moving around in my childhood. My Grandma was always there with a hug and a kiss, when a dress needed buying, when a stern lecture was deserved, and when you needed to hear "a childs prayer" before going to sleep. I did love my Nana as her grandkids called her. My Grandpa was nothing but unconditional love. Never do I recall a stern word passing his lips towards me. We took hikes, worked in his garden, took scenic drives, talked about the farm he grew up on, and made chocolate milkshakes. He was truly my buddy. Although very sad at their passing, I am grateful for the peace I feel knowing I will see them again. Free from their arthritic bodies that held them back for so many years. I long to hug them again and tell them so many more times thank you-thank you for being wonderful grandparents.