Alltop

If I didn't make you wet enough from all my talk of chocolate and sex, I would like to present the new cookie I invented this week (many thanks to Josh for trying prototypes and no hard feelings over the version that you spit out into the trashcan). It's called the Tom Waits. It is a shortbread-based cookie drizzled with caramel and chocolate. Yes, I'm going to make a batch for the TOOTPU (

We've lost a lot of vacation areas to location casualties and we were really skimming the bottom of the bucket for a semi-local spot to celebrate our seventh anniversary this past weekend. We could have gone to the beach except that Josh didn't want to go to the beach off-season. We looked at a town in West Virginia when we went out to visit some friends in Shenandoah but feared that we'd be

This is the eighteenth installment of Barren Advice. You can ask questions that are fertility or non-fertility related. Barren Advice is posted each Tuesday-ish. If you have your own question for Barren Advice, click here to learn how to submit. Please weigh in with your own thoughts in the comment section and indicate which question you're addressing if there are multiple questions in the

I seriously can't believe it is already mid-November and time to kick off the Creme de la Creme list for 2008. Last year, I waited until the first week in December, but this project honestly needs about six weeks to get it off the ground. So, I hereby declare the Creme de la Creme list open. I know this is loooooong, but please read this whole post before submitting your entry. If you've been

Show and Tell is wasted on elementary schoolers. Join several dozen bloggers weekly to show off an item, tell a story, and get the attention of the class. In other words, this is Show and Tell 2.0. Everyone is welcome to join, even if you have never posted before and just found out about Show and Tell for the first time today. So yank out a photo of the worst bridesmaid's dress you ever wore

* (yes i made up "wayshion" i know, its not a real word. its 1am here and I am off to bed so you get it...) It's official, I am stimulating! Yes I started the wonderful process of follicle stimulation, making sure i produce lots of eggs, today ladies. So every day, for next 17 days or so I get to have two shots a day, ooh yummy. Hoping that this time, IVF (number 6 for me) will do what it was created to do. Stay tuned folks.... _________________________________________________________________________________ Oh and Florenzo is sick. Been to the vet 4 times so far with…

hey. it's a beautiful day here in Cairo, sunny, warm and perfect weather, a perfect November day really.we went to the club for a walk. (have i told you about "clubs" here? i think i may have. so yes, they are member only country clubs, i guess you'd call them- a first for me, but it is very popular and almost everyone belongs to one. some more expensive/better amenities than others, they have sports, walking tracks, tennis, etc. )anyway, we did a few rounds walking around the track, then went to the clubhouse for a rest. in front of us, oh about 10 feet or so, was the cutest little girl and…

Have I ever told you what a total freak I am for 24? (i have blogged about it before) You know the show 24 on Fox? Well we FINALLY got season 6 here, I am watching now and it is AWESOME! On November 23rd you lucky people in the USA have a 2 hour premier for Season 7... 24: Redemption which starts in January 2009. I will try to find it online for sure. There are so many series I know, but 24 and Prison Break are the only two I LOVE! The funny thing is I only got into them while here in Cairo. Anyway the trailer is below, and if you haven't watched before and you don't know Jack Bauer, try…

My last day was Thursday, no mo teachin' fo me! It was waaay too much for me, really it was. I have never had such a challenging job in all of my 30-something years! I think my 'giving up', (although I hate to put i that way, cause I don't want to accept it as a failure solely on my part), is 50% my lack of experience (maybe) and 50% lack of support from them. ( lack of support, organization, communication could take up a whole page here, I spare you the details.) Granted I have not taught before, ok. But I really did have so many great lesson plans, activities,…

Hey. Boy, has it been a crazy few weeks!!! First off, I don't think I am cut out to be a teacher. Not a teacher of young children who don't speak English anyway. This is THE hardest job I have ever had! As some of you know I did a jungle theme and boy is it ever a jungle in there! I am having a REALLY hard time ladies, really hard. I cannot get my classroom under control whatsoever! I have great ideas, lesson plans, activities, but I can not even get to some of them somedays because I can't get the kids to even sit down or be quiet. I come home wiped everday, tired, crying some days, and…

A small percentage of males born with cryptorchidism (failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum), the most frequent congenital birth defect in male children, are more likely to have genetic mutations, including for a syndrome that is a common genetic cause of infertility, according to new study.

The "Rhesus" blood group is well-known from the public for its importance in the field of transfusion medicine. New observations have implications in human medicine. They suggest that in man, mutations affecting the RHCG gene could cause some forms of renal pathologies and/or a loss of male fertility.

One of the most critical stages in establishing a pregnancy is the implantation of the embryo in the wall of the uterus. Although the accumulation of immune cells known as DCs has been observed in the uterus after fertilization and prior to implantation, their function was not known.

In a new report, researchers have confirmed the accuracy and reliability of SpermCheck Vasectomy, the first FDA approved at-home immunodiagnostic test for detecting low concentrations of sperm.

A review of previously published studies suggests that rates of adverse outcomes for mothers or pregnant women and newborn babies, such as gestational diabetes and low birth weight, may be lower after bariatric surgery compared with pregnant women who are obese, according to a new study.

Commenting on the new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Robert Meadowcroft, said: "The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign wholeheartedly welcomes the passing into law of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. The new legislation creates the framework in which vital progress can be made into research of devastating and life-limiting conditions such as muscular dystrophy.

A nationwide US study found that babies conceived with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) were between 2 and 4 times more likely to be born with certain defects than babies conceived naturally. The study was conducted by researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and was published early online in the journal Human Reproduction on 16 November.

A 39-year old woman who had the world's first whole ovary transplant gave birth to a healthy daughter in a private London hospital last week after undergoing pioneering new treatment developed in the US that allowed her to receive an ovary donated by her twin sister and then conceive naturally, according to a BBC News report.

Researchers from Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston today presented data demonstrating that women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and using either vaginally-administered progesterone gel (CRINONE® 8%) or progesterone injected intramuscularly for luteal phase supplementation, reported no difference in ongoing pregnancy rates when they experienced luteal phase bleeding (LPB). LPB is defined as any bleeding or spotting between embryo transfer and first pregnancy test.

New laws that will help maintain the UK's position as a world leader in embryo research, enable scientists to investigate cures for serious illnesses such as Parkinson's disease and regulate assisted reproductive treatments, received Royal Assent today. The new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act updates the 1990 law to ensure that it is fit for purpose in the 21st Century and keeps the UK at the forefront of developments in treatment and research.

"Alternative Medicines for Infertility." 18 June 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. 21 November 2008.

Generations Fertility Care is the name of UW Hospital's new fertility clinic, which will open it's doors in 2010 on the city's far west side.

Babies conceived with assisted reproductive technology may be two to four times more likely to have certain birth defects than babies conceived naturally, according to a report published in the advance online ...

NEW research has linked fertility treatment with the increased risk of birth defects including malformed hearts, cleft lips and bowel problems.

The defects, which frequently can be surgically treated, range from heart anomalies to cleft lips to gastrointestinal disorders.

Acupuncture and IVF Meta Analisysthe study, from Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London, was a reviewand meta-analysis of 13 randomised trials involving the use ofacupuncture during IVF treatment and outcome assessment. In total, 2500women were included.Further break down of the results into categories including live birthrate, whether the control groups received no intervention at all orsham (placebo) needle acupuncture, as well as the types of acupunctureused, the number of sessions women were given, and who administered theacupuncture, consistently found no significant…

AMH hormone levels as a predictor of age at menopauseHuge hype today as time Magazine reports about an article from a the in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and metabolism.The scientific article is titled Relationship of Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone Concentration to Age at menopause. The Abstract of the article is below.BACKGROUND: Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are highly correlated with antral follicle counts (AFC), while being menstrual cycle independent and easily measurable. However, AMH, unlike AFC, has not been tested as yet as a predictor of reproductive status. By…

Fertility Clinics Pick Their CostumersI am proud to say that no patient selection is done at our clinic. But the data below speaks for itself.

Video of Embryo Transferthis is a video that describes pretty well the process of embryo transfer. As you will be able to see the embryo (or embryos) are gently placed with a catheter approximately 2 centimeters from the top (fundus) of the uterus. They are pretty much planted in a gelatinous substance and therefore do not fall out.

Video explanation of ivfThis one is from youtube. Video created by a doctor in india. Pretty good job

Commenting on the new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Robert Meadowcroft, said: "The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign wholeheartedly welcomes the passing into law of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. The new legislation creates the framework in which vital progress can be made into research of devastating and life-limiting conditions such as muscular dystrophy.

A nationwide US study found that babies conceived with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) were between 2 and 4 times more likely to be born with certain defects than babies conceived naturally. The study was conducted by researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and was published early online in the journal Human Reproduction on 16 November.

A 39-year old woman who had the world's first whole ovary transplant gave birth to a healthy daughter in a private London hospital last week after undergoing pioneering new treatment developed in the US that allowed her to receive an ovary donated by her twin sister and then conceive naturally, according to a BBC News report.

Researchers from Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston today presented data demonstrating that women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and using either vaginally-administered progesterone gel (CRINONE® 8%) or progesterone injected intramuscularly for luteal phase supplementation, reported no difference in ongoing pregnancy rates when they experienced luteal phase bleeding (LPB). LPB is defined as any bleeding or spotting between embryo transfer and first pregnancy test.

New laws that will help maintain the UK's position as a world leader in embryo research, enable scientists to investigate cures for serious illnesses such as Parkinson's disease and regulate assisted reproductive treatments, received Royal Assent today. The new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act updates the 1990 law to ensure that it is fit for purpose in the 21st Century and keeps the UK at the forefront of developments in treatment and research.

It seriously didn't get above like 25 degrees here today. With windchill, it was in the single digits most of the day. Cold as shit, I tell you. There were wrecks all over the place this morning, total whiteout conditions for a while, but by golly they had school. *rolls eyes* Sometimes, it's better to make up days in the spring than take risks with kids in the winter. We didn't accumulate

If anyone is interested in standing up for themselves after the massive Target snafu with the Britax Marathon Convertible car seats, I strongly urge you to lodge complaints wherever possible. I have already filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, the Rip-Off Report, the WV attorney general, and the Minnesota attorney general (which is where Target.com is headquartered). I can't

It just occurred to me today... I'm applying for a job as a parent. My home study is my resume. The caseworkers are HR employees, responsible for collecting resumes and interviewing the best candidates. We send out our resume, hope for some kind of call back, contemplate calling the caseworker from time to time, just to make sure she knows we're committed to this thing, let her know that we

We survived the night in the camper. I was quite worried that the furnace in the camper wouldn't be able to keep up with the nighttime temperatures here (in the teens). It did a fine job. Sadie wasn't happy because Mom's dogs (Sadie's brothers) hate her and want to eat her. She peed like twice the entire time we were there. This morning, when Mark took her out, he swears she peed for like 5

Mom didn't end up having surgery today. She told the doctor about slipping and wrenching her foot a couple weeks ago and that it doesn't hurt as bad anymore, so they decided to nix the surgery. In pre-op. I hate her doctor, I know Mom doesn't want to have surgery, but I really feel like something needs to be done. I've offered to find the best ortho in the state and drive her there (on my

Where did this week go?It seemed like yesterday (well, Tuesday) I was putting fingers to keyboard... The rest of the week was turbulent, interesting, emotional and exhausting or just a typical day in the life of any of us, no?My first week back at school was, um, interesting. Let's start with class on Monday night and the teacher I like to call Professor Hottypants. Why, yes, I am - as Van Halen puts it "Hot for Teacher". He's a hunk, seriously - the man needs his own calender. Think of a cross between the hunky Eastern European doctor from ER combined with Andy Garcia. Professor Hottypants…

I had today off and was ready to experience some peace and quiet when I heard the air compressor in the garage go full boar (I had forgotten that D mentioned he would be working on projects from home today), then our lawn lady showed up ( I know, I know - I said we were cutting back on spending) which led to the non-stop barking of Sydney and Foster. I envisioned me in a bathtub saying - Calgon, take me away.I was able to get caught up on "stuff" - homework stuff, organizing stuff and random stuff. The highlight of my day was meeting my IRL BFF and her two sweet peas for lunch at the…

Day to day I don't think about *our girls*, instead thoughts pop in and out of my head in flashback mode. I guess the constant stream of flashbacks started during the week of Halloween because it's such a kid-centered holiday which also coincided to D picking up little girls car seat from my brothers house. Ryan and Tricia had a car seat in case they needed to transport all the kids while they were providing day care last summer. Anyway, back to Halloween - I started to think of what their costumes would be or contemplate on whether they even had costumes. When we decided to paint/tile our…

One of my fave photos of this week.

I didn't have doubts about my vote... however, seeing the first crush of my life supporting him, gives me the goosebumps and I realize I did make the right choice. I am taking it as a sign.That would be John Taylor, from Duran Duran.

Warning: Snork scan talk within Last week the ultrasound tech told us that we could bring a VHS tape to today’s scan to record whatever antics the Snork was up to within. This created a mad search not only for a blank VHS tape but also an actual VHS tape player. A quick check of the [...]

Yesterday’s appointment with the surgeon went sort of well. I was blindsided by the news that he did not get all the cancer out. Basically every single bit he removed still had cancer present in the margins but the pathologist indicated that it wasn’t invasive melanoma, just the sort of melanoma that likes to pull [...]

On the issue of Thomas Beatie, the Pregnant Man: Just so you know, I have zero issues with Thomas or his family. In fact I think anyone in the trans community is hugely brave and amazing. That he was able to create his family is great and being a part of the alternative reproduction community [...]

Don’t you love how I end posts about particularly tough things with some sort of, “I need to go hide in a cave now” sentiment and then I don’t ever really go hide? I think I just need to give myself permission to hide, but at the end of the day hiding would be the [...]

Three goods, three bads, I’m sad. Long post ahead. Goods: 1) GM is 100% cancer free. Her mohs surgery went very well and she has 9 stitches on her right forearm that already seem to be healing nicely. We are to leave the bandages on until her followup on Wednesday with the surgical oncologist. In order to [...]

I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned our baby’s name in this blog, however today seems like a great day to do so.  There is a beautiful site where you can have your child’s name written in sand.  I happened to find our baby’s name.        

As I wander through the blogosphere, I notice I am not the only person who hasn’t had a lot to write about and/or is feeling blah about most things lately.  Glad to know I’m not the only one who has been stuck, but sorry to hear others are hurting too.  About six weeks ago it was recommended I try medication to take the edge of whatever it is that’s going on in my brain.  I finally admitted I wasn’t coping well; focusing was a big problem at work, and my irritability - well, if you have read some recent posts you already know - it has been off the scale. In…

After a much-needed blogging break, I wanted to make a brief appearance to share some useful information.  Even I was tiring of my usual negative rants. In the U.S. October 15th has been designated Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day.  Seems the momentum is growing since it began a few years ago. I don’t believe there is a recognized day in Canada - but it’s not a bad idea.  I don’t feel I would necessarily wear a pin or a rubber bracelet or stick a magnetic ribbon on my car, but I do like the idea of some sort of public awareness campaign.   It would…

I’ve been grappling with several emotions lately after inadvertently discovering one blogger (in a network of many) who considers herself a victim of the “in.stitution of ad.option”.  Her child was “ripped” from her arms as a very young woman and she is now fighting mad.  She speaks for the tens of thousands of women whose rights were ignored in the name of brushing a dirty little secret under the carpet.   She speaks of how these women were treated as sluts and worthless whores, incapable of making their own decisions or - god forbid - actually…

Remember that irritability I talked about in a previous post?  I think there may be a fine line between irritability and rage.   Before I was willing to concede my bitterness was likely connected to our near-adoption loss.   Problem is…the anger is not subsiding - oh no, quite the opposite.  It’s worse. I’m beginning to wonder if I have a problem - ha, that is a funny one (hee hee)…allow me to rephrase that: I am wondering if I have a serious mental health issue.  As in, needing-medication-to-prevent-injury-to-others issue. I am not a harm to myself.  However…

One Fuzzy Navel wine cooler down the hatch at Teacher's Night Out at the bowling alley. Crazy teacher-lady says, "Eff you and the Vlasic you rode in on. Don't you know I'm a homicidal cereal killer? Don't start with me, or I'll spoon your eyes out."

I finished the equation I was working on, then went to use the bathroom before moving on to the more complicated word problems. I was minutely startled but largely unimpressed to discover that my first period had started. "My period started," I said flatly to my mother. Even back then at the age of 11, I understood why from my mother's perspective, this was such an exciting event. However, I personally did not feel like the situation warranted the tippy-toe hopping and frantic hand flapping she displayed."Oh! Ohmygoodness! My baby! Ohmygawsh!," she tweeted as she…

I miss my great-grandmother. This morning I lay in bed squeezing my eyes shut, the better to hold in the last filaments of the memory-dream I awoke in the midst of. I could almost believe that I was five or eight or twelve, curled up in the chenille-blanketed bed in the back bedroom. If I strained my ears in the quiet Georgia morning, I could hear the time-distant, early-morning bustle of Chicago's Halsted Street, just one street over from Big Mama's house near the corner of 95th and Green. Maybe I thought of her this morning because next week is Thanksgiving and the last time I saw…

Have I bragged lately about how Frank is the absolute shizzle? The bomb diggety? Fan-damn-tastic?I came home to these today:Big ass pecan and chocolate chip cookies Frank: Take a picture of one next to a CD. Me: What the heck for? Frank: For scale, man. Me: Whatever, dude. He found this recipe online somewhere, and the given name is "Big Time Chocolate Chip Cookies." I'm sorry, but that just doesn't do it justice. I'm renaming them.Frank the Fantastic Fartknocker's Big Ass Chocolate Chip Cookies2 sticks unsalted butter, cold3/4 cup granulated sugar3/4 cup packed…

"Let's eat lunch outside today," I said as I used an entire loaf of bread to make an assortment of sandwiches - peanut butter and jelly (Jordan, Kaelyn), ham & cheese/no Whip (TJ), turkey & cheese/Whip (me, Kyra, Jaiden)."Like a pick-i-nick?" Kaelyn asked. They all froze. Deer, headlights, and all that jazz. "Mmmhmm. You guys go get a couple of blankets and spread them out in the backyard."They cheered, then scattered.  It's such a simple thing, but little kids eat that shit up like it's the coolest thing ever. I know this to be true,…

This is a very hard post to write. One reason I’ve been AWOL the last few days is because my little kitty Olivia passed away this weekend. She’s the one who had cancer. She fought so hard and enjoyed every moment she could. I knew this was going to happen but it has still sucked big time. I miss her so much. I have an  embarrassment of fur in this house — two other cats and two other dogs. All of whom I ADORE. But when we are all home in the evenings, everyone curled up in their favorite cushy spot — there’s someone missing. One spot is empty. It is horrible.

This is a post I’ve been meaning to write for a while. I’ve written it a few times in my head but I really ought to get it down in writing. Y’all are good at reading my mind and all, but it IS a lot to ask. It’s about getting what we need from others — or, how often we infertiles suffer b/c we AREN’T getting what we need from others. I have said before how IF is so especially difficult because it is so isolating. No one brings you a casserole when you can’t have a baby, or when another cycle fails, or when you suffer a miscarriage. There’s not…

Yep, it is all still on. The nurse told me our donor is doing well and will start her meds soon. I am more or less over the UTI — just when I think it’s gone I get a twinge so it’s not quite gone but almost. I took my last BCP Sunday and am regularly injecting 20 units of the Devil Drug (lupron) into myself. And am waiting for the “lupron period.” It is supposedly due tomorrow but knowing me it will be a bit longer than that. Went to get my pap and vaginal cultures updated yesterday but the doc’s office did not have the correct medium on hand so I have to…

Here’s one way to solve the do-I-or-don’t-I-get-an-SIS dilemma: Develop a UTI the afternoon before. Ugh. Pass the cranberry please.       

Thanks to Helping Make Sense for sending me this sweet award. When I started this blog I didn’t know if anyone but me would be reading it, but there are many of you out there reading and I love it and am very glad to know someone thinks my crap is worth their time. Now, the way this works, is I answer the following questions with single word responses, and pass the award on to 7 other bloggers: 1. Where is your cell phone? Tote bag 2. Where is your significant other? kitchen 3. Your hair color? reddish 4. Your mother? energetic 5. Your father? goofy 6. Your favorite thing? puppies 7.

A few days ago, after yet another economist went on TV holding the proverbial The-End-Is-Near sign, I confessed to J (and to myself) that the state of the economy is really starting to freak me out.(I actually heard an economist on NPR talking about the problems the US would face even “if” we came through this crisis.“If!?,” I hollered at my radio, “did you just say ‘if’?!?”) J and I are in such a tenuous position right now.We had to take out a second mortgage to pay for our shared-risk IVF plan, and we still have to come up with about $5,000 a cycle in incidentals (more,…

Last night I had a dream. Of course, any story that starts like that is bound to be disturbing or lame or both. And I’m particularly bad about talking about my dreams because I can never remember how they start. Talking about my dream is like watching an old Dali movie, where the picture just fades into an eerie tableau that makes no sense. So that’s where I’ll begin:I’m sitting on one of several hard plastic chairs lined up along the wall of large grey room, about the size of a small gymnasium. Other people are with me, waiting for their turn to try out the new “flying”…

I have a deadline looming right now, so I don’t have time to say all the things I want to say. Which is probably a good thing, as I am struggling to find the words that capture the mix of thoughts and emotions swirling around. So I’ll leave it at this: Last night was a beautiful moment in history, and the sun came up this morning on a shiny new America. It’s a beautiful day, and I feel lucky and excited, and a little awed, to be a part of it. Love you all, Babychaser

You know how the campy opening credits for the Colbert Report include a string of words––adjectives, I guess––running down the side of the screen while the camera swoops around Colbert’s condescending pose? The words run by fast, and you can’t usually make them all out, but the last one stays on for a good second or two. This last word has changed over the years; some of my favorites have been “Truthiness” and “Lincolnish” and “Gutly”. This last week, though, the final word has been “Vote.” And maybe it’s the big, sappy, idealistic dork in me, but the first time…

This is one of the longest breaks I’ve ever taken from blogging, but it’s not for lack of things to say. But by the time I figure out how I am doing my mood has shifted. I’ve moved on, and my earlier thoughts seem irrelevant and out-of-touch, or worse, forced and ringing false. I’ve started two other posts, only to abandon them the next day. It’s not that I’m on the DL or out for the season. It’s more that I’m day-to-day, with no idea what tomorrow will bring.What’s more surreal than spending two years in fertility treatment? Stopping. You would think that the daily hormone…

I really don't keep track of my cycles anymore. I figure there is no point unless I meet Brad Pitt and then I can only assume I will wake up the next day pregnant with triplets and adoptive mother to twelve.But I always have plenty of warning when my period is on its way. I become a raging bitch about a week beforehand. (As opposed to my usual sunshiney personality, y'know.)Poor A. I've been royally beyond cranky today.But you know what I found at the store today? Girl Scout Cookie ice cream. That helps. Now if those little girls would knock on my door with some actual Samoas, we would be in…

I'm probably being ridiculous and there is a really obvious answer here.Humor me anyways.A is just not finding a job. I think it's a combination of a few things - I think there aren't a lot of jobs out there, his law degree isn't terribly useful since he didn't pass the bar and his experience is as an educator, all the ed jobs he's applied for aren't beginning until next fall and he might still get one but it's a long ways off. Also, I think he's depressed and not really doing much in the way of networking.Many, if not most, of the jobs he's applying for are not here. And while I don't…

I just got home from work and I still need to do paperwork and I need to be back at 7:30 tomorrow morning, but I feel like I need to leave some sort of away message. I've been too busy to comment the past few days.I wish blogging had something like facebook where I could leave my status. I don't mean to ignore you guys, I know there are important things happening in your lives and I promise to comment tomorrow night!

So this is what the artboard on the building currently looks like:And then there is the next proposal...I don't want to post the whole thing, but below is the middle third of the picture my boss was certain was a lady's nah nah-nana. The original has an identical girl on either side and their hair meets in the middle. This is the middle.Now imagine it twenty feet high, looming ahead of you as you drive into downtown every morning...

I'm so bloggy today.So I can't post the vagina picture in it's entirety, but I will try and post the uh, controversial section of the picture tomorrow. I don't want to post the whole thing since it's somebody's artwork and presumably not in a public place yet, but I know you're all dying to see if my boss was correct.In the meantime, I will show you a non-dirty picture.A few weeks ago the adorable & sexy Annacyclopedia posted a picture of her new haircut (she looks beeeoooootiful) and I was like "Hey! That looks like my haircut!" I then made the absurd claim that I would post a picture of…

At the last minute I've discovered that Henry needs a "disposable" lunch for his field trip, and that means I can't send along his Sigg drink bottle. So which is better for my 6 year old? A baggie full of water, or a can of coke zero. Hurry up people, I'm packing lunches now and have very limited options! Looking for "Go Read It Today"? You can find it here as well as in my sidebar.Follow me on Twitter @ErikaJurney and Facebook.The Plain Jane Mom Blog is Copyright © 2008 Erika Fields Jurney.Erika Jurney, 555 Bryant Street #377, Palo Alto, CA 94301. 650-248-2451.

My oldest boy Henry is almost 7 and still has some funkiness in the way he pronounces words. Usually all it takes is a simple reminder, and he stops saying "lellow" and remembers to say "yellow." The word "first" is a completely different story. He simply cannot pronounce it any other way than "forst." (Is he German?) Reminding him doesn't work, modelling it doesn't work. Saying "It sounds just like 'thirst'" doesn't work as he also says "thorst." The only way I've found to get him close to the correct…

Hey folks. Many of you probably don't know about my other blog, Try Handmade. And that's cool because that blog and this one have different audiences. But I've just started offering ads over there and I thought I'd offer a special deal to those of you who suffer through reading Plain Jane Mom. Do you have a business? Do you make jewelry, soap, candles, needlecraft, photographs, furniture, web sites, business cards, clothing, sweaters, books, elephant booties, boob cozies, clocks, raincoats … you get the drift. Consider advertising over on TryHandmade and just for…

Get yourself over to Shannon's. This shit isn't fair. Looking for "Go Read It Today"? You can find it here as well as in my sidebar.Follow me on Twitter @ErikaJurney and Facebook.The Plain Jane Mom Blog is Copyright © 2008 Erika Fields Jurney.Erika Jurney, 555 Bryant Street #377, Palo Alto, CA 94301. 650-248-2451.

A fully-formed tarte on a doilly — so what did I do? Looking for "Go Read It Today"? You can find it here as well as in my sidebar.Follow me on Twitter @ErikaJurney and Facebook.The Plain Jane Mom Blog is Copyright © 2008 Erika Fields Jurney.Erika Jurney, 555 Bryant Street #377, Palo Alto, CA 94301. 650-248-2451.

So this little shaver does need a G-tube placed. Thank you all for your sweet comments. You know, I remember awhile ago I posted about getting a slew of bad reviews based on ridiculousness on my book and a lot of you chimed in to reassure me that those people are crazy and that you love me...blah blah blah. Then someone named, Anonymous, of course, wrote in to say something to the effect of "You just wrote this because you knew your readers would give you strokes and you can't take criticism" etc. At first I was offended but then I realized, DUH. It's my blog; I'm not writing it for…

Did anyone watch SNL on Sat. night? I did not because I believe I was in bed by 9 but through the magic of TiVo, I was able to watch it last night. Um...WHAT HAPPENED? There was so many gay gags and jokes it was unbearable. Seriously, did they just farm the script out to a frat house, give them four kegs, and have them knock out some sketches? Do the writers think that people don't understand sublty or irony anymore so they just need to whack us on the head with MEN KISSING! Hilarious. Men admitting to having sex with a male cab driver HA HA HA, Men dancing in leotards and heels --HEE HEE…

The G word (gastric feeding tube) has been broached with Jon and me by our ped. GI.We'd just had a session with our nutritionist who is worried but thinks that we haven't exhausted every route of getting more calories into her. We may not have but I'll tell you what, I'm exhausted. Our house looks like a damn feeding clinic with all the cut out cups, array of nipples, full body bibs...I just want her to grow. Our ped. GI Dr. Edelstein (who is awesome) is afraid that if she continues to grow this slowly it may affect her brain development. We have an appointment with her on Tuesday to decide a…

I don't even know what that title means. I don't even know who I am anymore. All I do right now is wake up, feed babies, listen to my older daughter say "Mom! Mom! Mommy!! Momeeeee! I need toast," pack her lunch, feed babies breakfast then write write write for five hours or so until it's time to pick daughter up from school. I can't even drink wine at night lately because the weather is weird and it screws with my sinuses often leading to a headache (even if I've just had one glass) which I can't afford. Hey, at least there's still coffee and Xanax right?So, yeah, being a mom of three feels…

Voting is SEXY----And since I'm known as "Sexxxy" by quite a few of my neighbors and a few choice checkers at Trader Joe's, I went and cast my vote. I voted for Obama. I know, weird choice for me. Here's what I'm afraid of: Say the Big Mac wins and then dies and Sarah Palin is Prez, will she make us all wear high heels? Can you make laws like that as President? Because I can't walk in high heels. And will the new national sport be snowmobiling? And will we legalize meth? And do we really want an Eskimo as first lady? These are just some things to think about today when you go out and cast…

Phew -- I'm back. And phew -- Obama. When the polls closed on the west coast and they announced the results, people around us were screaming and crying, but the Mister and I hugged and let out one long breath...

Wow, it's hard to believe. I've been so busy that I completely missed my own blogoversary! Looking back, it's been quite a year. At this time last year, I was mourning through my first chemical pregnancy at the end of...

People, my people. Alexa has written something that needs to be read and shared.She writes from a place that few have experienced and none of us would wish on our worst enemy. It is a brave and wise post. She...

I'm so far behind on all my blog friends' lives, it's really embarrassing. If I've been absent from your comments for awhile, I'm sorry! Perhaps after the election ...We got our home study back yesterday. It's 14 pages long and...

I know I've been quiet recently. All is well -- just busy as hell.The Mister and I are volunteering a lot for our friend's campaign -- and when I say a lot, I mean we're putting hours into this. Entire...

Thought I would throw up my last bathroom self-portrait, as today is my last day of working in the office! Here I am at 38 weeks: Wow. I certainly can't be accused of being small, lol.My boss is super understanding, and when I suggested a while back that I start working from home 2 weeks before my due date - he was totally fine with that. It isn't like my desk job is demanding on my body - but the 25 minute drive to the office, the 1/4 mile walk from the parking lot, the hike from my desk to the bathroom... by the end of the day, it all adds up to making me REALLY tired. Plus - the lovely…

Things are really starting to become real for me that Aaron and I are going to be parents soon. The milk thing. The fact that I'm signing consent forms for the hospital. Filling out the paperwork for the baby's birth certificate. The fact that this weekend, we are able to use our 'complete your registry' coupon at BRU (which you get when you are 2 weeks away from your due date - surreal! And it always seemed so far away!).The other big change - is Aaron has finally started to act REALLY excited about the baby. I think it a combination of the fact that my due date is really soon, that you can…

I went to the grocery store yesterday, grabbed a gallon of milk, and check out the sell by date: What are the odds (Dec 5th is my due date!)? It's also a bit of a realization that my due date is getting REALLY close!Went to the OB today - I'm Group B strep negative - which is good news. No IV needed for me. My weight took a bit of a jump... 7 pounds in 2.5 weeks.... but I'm really starting to swell - so I'm trying to take that bit of information in stride. My BP was good, the baby's heartbeat was great. All good news.We talked a bit about the delivery. He mentioned that he hasn't done an…

I just realized I hadn't posted in almost a week! I've been having fun, not having a baby, lol. I took Friday off of work - and drove up to Portsmouth, NH and had a really great weekend with a bunch of girlfriends. This is a group of people that I met when taking a beginning quilting class at a local quilting store. I had walked by the store numerous times, and was just sucked in by the beautiful fabrics and projects they had. On a whim, I signed up for the class.There were 6 of us, plus the teacher. We all hit it off the second we met each other. The class was supposed to go for 4 weeks, we…

So. I've had two phone calls in the last two days. One from my mother, telling me a can't go into labor until she receives her new dog bed (shipping time 7 - 10 days, so not until the 24th, I assume, since that is 10 business days?). And my doula called last night - she needs to get minor surgery next Weds, and would appreciate it if I didn't go into labor on Weds. Then she went on to tell me that weekends were really the best.Personally, I definitely do NOT want to go into labor until at least after this weekend - because I have a getaway planned to a B&B with my girlfriends.Seriously! I…

I just got a call from the doctors office saying the blood congaeled. Yep, I have to see her again next week. Don't think I don't a few choice words for her.

Just got back from visiting my cousins and their new baby boys in Virginia Beach. The babies were 6wks apart, but they looked about the same size. I spent so much time holding them I only got to take 3 pictures. It really was a joy, but boy were my arms sore. I’m going to have to start pumping iron.Had a 3mo check up yesterday and everything’s on track. The NT test came back good. I wasn’t sure what to expect on this visit. They weighed me checked my blood pressure and we got to hear the baby’s heart beat (which was 150).I did have to have some blood drawn for the 2nd part of the NT…

Ok, so it’s not tomorrow. Friday was hectic.Every year I volunteer to help with a car show and this weekend was the show. This was our 9th year and our best turn out of 109 cars registered. All the proceeds go to the local food co-op. Between the registration fee, raffles and 50/50 we raised a little over $3,000. Not to bad considering the economy. Needless to say I spent Sunday vegging on the couch.As promised here are my 3mo. belly pictures. These are the first, before now I was afraid of jinxing the pregnancy.Stupid I know.Yes, I’m showing some flesh and notice the prego pants. Got…

I haven’t been posting because I’m so busy at work and dog tired when I get home. If I had post it probably would have been a bunch of babble.I promise I’ll post a 3mo pic update along u/s pics and a special secret tomorrow.Peace.

This weekend I decided it was OK to go to the Maternity store. I know what you’re thinking. You’re only 3mo! Well I like to be comfortable in my clothes. So there we were amongst the bellies and all their glory.I strolled around looking at the stuff not sure where to start. What I really wanted was a pair of jeans and a shirt that long enough to cover the zipper. The sales lady gave me a couple of things to try on that might work. I get into the dressing room and immediately see a strap on belly. All seriousness was lost. I was freaking out looking at myself with this BIG belly. Hubby…

We spent last night in the hospital - planned. Glenn had his 4th angioplasty yesterday. The first was in the wee hours of the morning, the awful night of his heart attack back in February. The other 3 have been planned.The night of the heart attack they discovered this very old, very hard blockage in the back of his heart. They didn't clear it that night because it didn't cause the heart attack and the focus that night was stopping the heart attack. The second angioplasty was to clear another smaller blockage and this hard one. The smaller one was not a problem, but, the harder one wouldn't…

Let me preface this by saying that I know how incredibly fortunate we are to have infertility insurance coverage. I can't see a way we would have been able to attempt 7 IVF's without coverage. Some of our cycles have been out-of-network and we have a high deductible and co-pays, so, we've still paid plenty over the last 2.5 years, but, I know that it doesn't compare to what couples paying completely out of pocket have paid.We went into this last cycle knowing that, if it wasn't successful, we only had one covered cycle left. And, while it was easy for me to say that we would use that last…

IVF #7 is over.My brain hurts. There are so many thoughts swirling around in there but most of them aren't real cogent yet. I'll address them as they present themselves. I wonder if this is my brain's way of protecting me from too much pain at once? I wish there was something similar to protect my heart and my soul.....I have failed. I don't know why, but, people really get upset with me when I say that. But, it's true. I have failed. The objective is/was to have a baby. I don't have a baby. I have failed. If I haven't failed, who has?Has science failed me?Have the doctors failed me?Has G-d…

...with a big, mocking, negating Not in front of it....I was going to post a picture of it with my nail covering the word Not, trying to get a feeling of what it would look like if it just said Pregnant, but, really, who amongst us hasn't tried that?Beta is tomorrow and, like the election, I won't officially call it until we have the final numbers, but, it's very clear what the outcome will be. I know how many of you out there have been praying for us, and I can't even express what that means to me, but, there will be no last minute miracles here, and I'm not holding out for one.I have so…

It's been a while since I've written, but, honestly, I don't really have anything substantive to say. I've been feeling very detached this cycle. Numb. I'm really trying not to obsess about every "symptom" or lack thereof, but, seriously, if I squeeze my boobs one more time in public to see if they still hurt (it's the only tangible symptom I have and it's not really much of one), someone is going to arrest me for public indecency.I have had some cramping, but, honestly, that could mean 10 different things. I'm simply trying to stay even keel and not think about any of it too much. See, if I…

On MG's birthday I got all dressed up. Well, not totally, I was just wearing a nice pair of jeans and a polyester top with a nice pattern to it. But the look said "I didn't just wake up and toss this crap on". KWIM?Anyway, I also wore a necklace with a special pendant. I bought it awhile back from a special blogger at her etsy shop tuxedo junction. It was a pomegranate pendant and it symbolizes my struggles with IF. MG was playing with it around my neck and I told her it was a reminder to me about how we came to find her. I gave her a big hug and a kiss and like every 2 year old, she was off…

Friday Nov 14 was MG's second birthday. My how much she has changed and yet stayed the same. She's hit all her developmental and growth milestones which of course, means change. But her personality has remained the same.She's stubborn, she's not much of a sleeper and she's independent. In the form of a 2 year old, that translates to frustration tantrums, climbing out of her crib when she wakes up and uttering the phrase "I can do it" on a regular basis.... often followed by "help please".She is extremely observant - just as she was when she was a baby - and there isn't much that escapes her.

It was bound to happen. I actually expected it a long time ago but still, I am surprised.On the eve of her second birthday, MG climbed out of her crib for the very first time. We didn't hear a thud. We didn't hear it creaking. We just heard her bedroom door open and the sound of little footsteps as she came running out to the family room to see us. She wore the biggest, smuggest, I'm-so-proud-of-myself grin I have EVER seen. She promptly climbed up on DH's lap and requested another bottle.** sigh **We have attempted to put her back down 2x now. Each time she has simply climbed back out -…

Today was my inaugural run at playing with a Wii and I have but one comment......... I'm freaking EXHAUSTED!!!No, seriously, I am. I couldn't even finish the boxing match. I kicked ass at cow jumping. I'm a very poor golfer, my bowling leaves something to be desired and I'm ever so slightly superior at fishing. We have also decided that it would NOT be wise to let me loose on a shooting range with live ammo. Not wise at all.But darn if it wasn't an absolute hoot!The game belongs to friends who brought it to our house. After we managed to stop the dog from jumping at the controller with every…

My family is nuts.Seriously, certifiably nuts.Christmas is something to behold in my family. We really truly suck at it. One year, I actually got yelled at by a family member (sister 1) for buying TOO MUCH for everyone. And the same year, mere minutes before, I had a phone call from a different family member (my mother) who was upset because we (my sisters & I) would be opening too many presents at my dad's house and she would miss out. Are you freaking kidding me??Every year, I get the same thing - money is tight, I'm not buying for 2 people if I'm only getting one thing in return, I…

...but I'm in a pretty good place right now. This despite having an older laptop stolen from a back room in a week when roofers were crawling all over our house, new doors were being in stalled and electricians were wiring. There were just too many subcontractors employing temporary crews. I discovered the loss only when I was going to transfer some photos that were stored on it. Sigh. I had backed up most of the data recently, but not all of the photos. It's those that I'll miss the most -- and yeah, it and had my entire iTunes library on it, too. But still, the theft didn't send me into…

Long before the Internet became the social hangout it is today we had personals. Do you remember them?  They were little windows on society. The acronym-loaded text boxes all but required the equivalent of a decoder ring.I never placed one but I did scan them as a source of amusement -- the best ones were in the local alternative newspaper. My fingers would get all inky as I flipped through the cheap news print. There was something for everyone.  Some read like poetry, others made me laugh or blush. But what all personals shared in common were distinct labels, categories that people…

I woke up this morning with a very cold nose. That's because our furnace has been switched off during this part of our remodel. The kind-sized bed where I lay hidden under the covers was recently wedged into the guest room, which was once in my hopeful baby days designated to be the nursery. It's now on its way to becoming my office/do-whatever-I-want room -- but for the next two-three months it'll be where we sleep. The other place we hang out these days is in our garage.You can see our temporary field kitchen (below) sharing valuable space where we once parked cars (note the decorative hose…

Tuesday night's election outcome was unlike any I've ever witnessed.  I was struck by the moments of graciousness, the oneness, the powerful coming together of past and future. I admired Senator John McCain's concession speech, his encouragement "to bridge our differences." I was equally impressed with Senator Barack Obama's call to "a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other."A defining moment in history to be sure. As uplifted as I was by the rhetoric and…

There are some experiences in life that continue to shape and forge us long after the actual experience has ended. We stretch and grow and learn a lot while living it. Then we learn a little more after we've had some distance.We carry from such experiences indelible memories and, if it was a particularly bad experience, there's usually some unfinished business. In the case of not being able to have children despite herculean efforts to conceive and deliver, the business of sorting out the emotions, conflicts and what ifs takes time -- serious time. The sorting process gets deferred,…

... a lot like Christmas. Now, here's a little Hope2morrow diddy for you all (sung to the tune of "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas")-It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasLike my new design?Take a trip to Danielle's site, get a new blog for your lifeAnd yours'll be pretty as mine.It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasDanielle is so cool!She's great at designing blogs, doesn't look like a frogWon't even charge you a mule.It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasI love my new themeGo see what she can do, for the price of only a fewYour new design will be a dream!Danielle…

I'm headed out of town this weekend to see my BFF, "My Peah." She and her brother always have a big shindig to celebrate Halloween. I wasn't able to go last October because we were in the middle of an IUI with injectables cycle, but I am stoked about the party this year! I plan to drink enough for all of us, especially those of you that can't drink right now. Not that I'm a lush- I just love to celebrate good times and don't often have a reason to do so.I'm going as a "biker" and will post pictures once I return. Everyone always dresses up for the party, and we hang out, munching on finger…

3 and 3/4 years46 months1,391 days33,384 hours2,003,040 minutes120,182,400 secondsThis is the length of time I've been dealing with infertility. No wonder Grief and I are battling it out, and he is winning. Grief has the upper hand in this fight. I recently let him literally pin me to the ground to the point where I could barely breathe. I am done with that. I don't want him in control, so I am finding new ways to gain my control back!My latest adventure lead me to a Chinese herbalist and acupuncturist. Yep, it sure did. I read a book that said when you are searching for an acupuncturist in…

Because Danielle is so cool, she is currently offering $20 off all her blog makeovers through October 10th. What a deal! Many of you have commented on the blog makeover that Danielle did for me, so I highly recommend you take advantage of this amazing deal AND donate to The Susan G. Komen Foundation at the same time. Danielle also designed this beautiful button for Breast Cancer Awareness in October. Feel free to add it your blog too.I'm telling you- you won't regret your decision to have Danielle give your blog a face lift. She is one fabulous, amazing chickie!Thanks again, Danielle! I…

Whatcha think of the new do? Personally, I don't think my blog makeover could have come at a more perfect time, I tell ya. Danielle has done an absolutely amazing job, in my opinion. This girl totally rocks! She worked with me to design exactly what I had in mind, she was patient as I changed my mind and wanted to try new things, and she gave me ideas I wouldn't have thought of had she not suggested them. Her blog designs are very affordable, and she is donating a portion of each blog design from now until Tuesday, October 7th to The Susan G. Komen Foundation.  You should go get check out…

Dear Chipmunk,Slowly but surely, we are making progress getting physically ready for your arrival. We have your room put together. We've packed your bag (and ours) for the hospital. We've installed your car seat into the car. I've downloaded meditation and relaxing music to my ipod so I can try to labor without meds. I've washed all of your clothes in non-irritating laundry soap. I've taken the classes that have made me less afraid of bringing you into the world. We've toured the hospital where you will make your grand entrance.We still have a few things left to do, but it is hard to shake…

Did you know that you can donate a baby's cord blood to a community cord blood bank? I did not. But there was a brochure in my info packet at my childbirth class this past weekend. You can find a cord blood bank nearest you and find out if your hospital or birth center participates by calling the National Marrow Donor Program at 1-800-MARROW-2.Luckily, the hospital where I will deliver participates as a donor site.And on a non-related topic, if you are Journey to Junior and reading this, will you leave me your email address so I can request a password for your blog? I missed out on doing that…

Just got back from my last out-of-town trip pre-baby this weekend. G drove me to Columbia, SC to see one of my closest friends, K. She had recently purchased a home, and I wanted to see it before I became home-bound. Her home was gorgeous, btw. Beautiful brick bungalow built in the 40's with original doors, hardware, light fixtures, windows, the works.K treated me to the most amazing thing I have ever experienced: prenatal massage. I have never paid for a massage in my life, and have never thought I'd have the courage to even go to a masseuse. But it was a Life Altering experience. If any of…

I really like Dr. Okay. But today I'm a little baffled by him.I had a regular check-up this morning, and since I have not had the "how-I-would-like-to-deliver" discussion with him, or anything remotely resembling that, I brought a few scribbled notes and questions on a piece of paper with me, and I brought G along for support.BTW, blood pressure was 116/72, fundus measured 32 cm, weight gain was 1.5 lbs in the past two weeks, and heart rate was 138. All very good, according to Dr. Okay.So when he walked in, he glanced at my notes and asked, "Do you have a pregnancy book?" I was a little…

This is what happens when a couple of homebodies have watched all of their DVD's for the weekend, and they still have a Saturday night left......While searching for a decent instant movie download on Netflix (few and far between), G saw a receipt for one of my cloth diaper Internet orders next to the computer. He decided to search for cloth diaper videos on youtube instead. We were fascinated with the variety of informative videos available on this topic! Women on these videos operate at mach 5 speed.So, in honor of those very educational and helpful youtube videos, we've decided to…

(5 points to the reader who knows where that title came from!) I listen to audiobooks.  I really enjoy listening to them.  If I’m not listening to a book in the car, I feel like I’m not accomplishing anything.  Like a person needs to multi-task while driving, eh? Currently I am listening to the second book in the Twilight series, called New Moon.  I think, and I’m going to confuse several people out there with this confession, that the books are not what everyone is making them out to be.  Twilight absolutely got on my ever-loving nerves.  New Moon is a bit better, but…

My uber-cute niece is ONE today!  Happy birthday baby! From this cuteness: To this (taken two days ago by her mommy): I didn’t realize I’d like her so much.  She’s such a good little girl.  Of course, I could just be getting the good parts of her during my visits, but she rarely cries, she has a funny little attitude, a great smile.  She’s just awesome.  I’m so glad she’s here and that she’s my niece.  She’s going to be a fantastic big cousin to our little boys.  Can’t wait to see them all playing together!

Nope, not the infection.  Actual shingles!  On my roof!  Whoo-hoo!  We’re getting there. I was awakened by lots of banging and pounding above my head yesterday morning.  I mean, “Bang!” Sounds of running along the roof.  “Bang!”  More running.  House shaking.  “Bang!” What the heck is going on out there? I got my butt out of bed and looked out the window.  Ah yes, the men Jay hired to shingle the roof are putting the packages of shingles all along the roof.  I swear I thought the roof was going to fall in.  I guess it’s a testament…

Irritating ads.  Annoying ads.  Mad ads. I can only think of 3 right now and I’m doing well to come up with that many. 1.  Those “I’m a PC” commercials.  Need I remind anyone that PC = personal computer?  Macs are personal computers…  So in essence, this stupid commercial is not being straightforward on what it is trying to sell me.  I actually have no idea what this commercial is trying to say.  Whoever the ad agency was on this one needs to be fired.  This commercial could work for both Microsoft-based computers as well as Macs.  If Macs wanted to…

Meme stealer that I am, I saw this on several blogs ages ago and since I’d done it with movies, I figured I’d do it with books too. Here are the instructions: 1) Look at the list and bold those you have read. 2) Italicize those you intend to read. 3) Underline (or mark in a different color) the books you LOVE 4) Reprint this list in your blog so we can try and track down these people who’ve read 6 and force books upon them The premise of this exercise is that the National Endowment for the Arts apparently believes that the average American has only read 6 books from the list…

I write this with a very very heart today. A friend of mine who was 21 weeks pregnant has just lost her baby last Friday. There was no heartbeat. I've known her since the beginning of this year through a message board for infertiles that I had joined and somehow we clicked. She's had a tougher journey than me but she's such a fighter. We have similar problems as to why we can't conceive, we got pregnant exactly at the same time (she was due to deliver 3days before me), we're of the same age and somehow relate to each other a bit better, our down syndrome reports were pretty similar too (and…

Two important people in my life had their birthdays recently - babes and Brenda from No Regrets whom I affectionally call, B. I'll talk about babes later. First up, if you've just started coming to my blog, you'd probably see B here on every post. I truly truly treasure her friendship and back then last year when I was still in the closet about my situation with infertility, I didn't think it would be possible to have friends like her. I mean, it's weird. I haven't even met her! When I found out I was pg, the first person I thought of was her and I was extremely afraid to lose her friendship.

Ok, now that I'm not sneezing away 24/7, I feel that I'm back to the old me again!! Being the same old sarcastic, annoying ME with loads of energy!!!!! It's sooo good to FINALLY have my energy back!!! Half the time, I didn't know if my nose was gonna fall off or my head was gonna explode!!!Last night, I started my first pre-natal yoga. I'm not a yoga kinda girl; I'm more of the kick-your-ass-hate-your-face-boxing kinda girl. I used to love to run and did a marathon before. Have never been to a yoga class before so didn't really know what to expect!Anyway, back to my yoga session last night. I…

Every weekend, before we head to do our grocery shopping, we'll always visit our favourite pet shop to see our "friends". I'd look at the puppies and wish I could save them and bring them home. But I know I can't do that cuz Brandy has been the queen of the house for 7years and she doesn't like any other furry friends taking over her territory.Last weekend was no exception. We were at our pet shop again. I was looking at 2 Labradoodles - one brown and one black. Too cute, wish I could let them all out, I sighed. Suddenly, I heard a shriek, MUMMY, CHECK OUT THOSE PUPPIES. If you didn't look at…

WARNING: INFERTILE PREGNANT LADY MOPING HERE.I haven't told the world that we're expecting YET. I've only told about ten friends back home, a good friend whom I've known since I was 8 and is now residing in Belgium and another in Finland.And I think I'm just about done telling everybody.During my first trimester, I lived everyday with and in fear, just worried sick if this baby would survive the first trimester. I really counted down the days to my second trimester. And because I didn't have a scan till I was 12 weeks, I was all ready to book myself into a mental institution that deals with…