Friday, March 22, 2013

CD6: Another Week Closer

Slowly but surely, we are counting down the days to our IUI. I've had moments this past week when I've been SO excited. And moments when I'm back to quiet.

The reality is that we're only doing this once and going very low tech for a one-time shot. I've seen the Lord do some amazing things for us on our TTC journey. He has provided unity where there was polarization. He has provided funds where there were none. He has provided two parents who work from home.

Part of me feels that, to have seen God work in such amazing ways, He must be preparing us for a positive result. We specifically prayed that, if we were to have another child, we both wanted to work from home in order to avoid daycare. And then, He provided! That must mean the IUI is going to work! And then, when it became clear that an IUI was in our future and we were short $500, He provided again! That must mean it's going to work!

Because that's how life goes, right? People get pregnant with their first treatment, go on to have uneventful pregnancies, healthy babies, and basically life is beautiful. Right??

But then I remember that I'm not God. I see my present reality and maybe a little bit into the future; He sees all of it. The whole picture, the map of our lives, is laid out in front of Him.

Maybe He provided these funds simply so we can lay this subject to rest. Maybe He provided me with a work from home job because R will get a new job that will require him to be back at an office. Maybe He provided the job just so R and I can have more time together. Or maybe it's to prepare us for something completely unexpected...

I can't wait to see what He has in store for us.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

CD5: Happy ICLW!

Welcome, ICLW'ers! I am so happy you're here. After a three year journey, R and I are currently counting down the days to our first -and only- IUI. You can read all about our story here.

We originally planned on two home inseminations using donor sperm but Dr. P has managed to sway us to a single IUI. We are doing a natural cycle with a trigger shot. The calendar is currently set for an HSG on March 26. Since I ovulate late, our first ultrasound should be on CD18. Hopefully we'll be triggering around CD18-CD20.

Although our medical team thinks we're nuts to only do this once, R and I are trusting the Lord with the outcome of this cycle. We've clearly seen God at work in our lives and know that His plan is best, whether that includes another child or not.

I've got my lucky socks and am ready to go. I hope you stick around - things are about to get interesting!

***

Do you have any lucky talismans that you bring to procedures?

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

CD4: Cupids, Rainbows, Unicorns

You guys, I'm in love. Head over heels, change my life, LOVE.

With my Tassimo.


Let me be clear that this is most definitely NOT a sponsored post. No, no. I lusted after this thing for years and finally purchased my fancy schmancy coffee maker when I got the new job. I figured, since I only drink one cup a day and am working from home, I can afford to treat myself to the really good stuff. And may I just say, Oh Em Gee! I love it so much.

I haven't tried all of the available flavors yet but my favorites so far include Caramel Latte, Skinny Cappuccino (with sugar free almond syrup), Chai Tea Latte, and Raspberry Iced Tea. Just... WOW. R may drink his full pot of generic tin canister coffee everyday but I love starting my morning with something decadent. Mmm.

A few complaints: I wish there were more flavored decaf options. I can't have caffeine after 3pm or I stay up all night but sometimes I really want something hot at the end of the day. Boo! I also wish the Fat Free Cappuccino pods were available to purchase separately from the Skinny Cappuccino pack. And/or having a Fat Free Latte pod. I don't appreciate having to choose between flavor and fat with my drinks.

But, overall, I am SO happy with my purchase and know I'll be using it for a long time.

***

Do you have a single-cup coffee maker? What appliance do you lust after? How do you treat yourself each day?

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

CD3: Keeping it Light

All the funds are in place (Thank You, Lord!!). The HSG is scheduled. The calendar is in pencil. And God is at work. He already knows how this cycle will turn out; I'm simply along for the ride.

Because I'm at the point of having zero control over the current cycle, I'm looking for something fun and even silly to keep my mind off things. So, I have a question for you!

What foods did consume either before, during, or after your first couple of treatments in order to increase your chances of conceiving? 

So far, I've heard avocado, pears, and, of course, pineapple. What else?

Monday, March 18, 2013

CD2: Again, but Different

Today is CD2 of the really, for real, it's actually gonna happen cycle. Woo-hoo! It is SO great to know that, in less than 40 days, we will be able to lay this whole journey to rest.

We will be scheduling the HSG for Tuesday, March 26 (CD10). As soon as we prove that my tubes are open, we will order the vial to ship in from California. First ultrasound should be on Wednesday, April 3 (CD18) to gauge where we are for ovulation and the trigger is already in the fridge. After talking further with the acupuncturist, it has been decided that I'll do a session the day AFTER the IUI.

Here we go!!!

Sunday, March 17, 2013

CD1, Sponsored Post: Future's So Bright...

Guess who has fulfilled the dream of prescription sunglasses? This girl!


Firmoo contacted me the day after I was laid off, asking if I would be interested in reviewing a pair of prescription sunglasses and I jumped at the chance. I had been saying for years that I wanted a pair but never seemed to have the funds to do it. So, a big Thank You! to Firmoo for the opportunity, especially during a time when I was really down.

I have to say, the Firmoo website was pretty easy to use. All I had to do was contact my eye doctor to receive my scrip and then type the info into the Firmoo system. I was able to upload a headshot to virtually try on the frames, simple enough. Really, the hardest part of the whole process was picking just one pair! The sunglasses took a little longer to ship than I had hoped, but they arrived in time to accompany me on a trip to the mountains last week. Woo!

All in all, working with Firmoo was a great experience. They provide a First Pair Free program customers and a great Help Page. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post with the hott prescription sunglasses above. However, all opinions are my own and without bias. Thanks!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Little by Little

Little by little I'm getting excited about the upcoming cycle.

We were at an antique store two weeks ago and found the perfect chest of drawers for the nursery at an incredible price. The piece is now resting in our garage, just waiting to see how April goes. If the IUI works, it will go in the nursery. If SSA stays with his mom and the IUI fails, it will go in the guest room. If SSA moves back in and the IUI fails, it will be sold (along with the baby gear currently residing in the attic).

(Aside: Just for the record, I don't even want to think about SSA moving in and the IUI working. The idea of the house being *that* full scares me beyond reason. It makes me want to curl up in a hole and never come out...)

I ran the final numbers today and we are going to be able to stretch to meet the new budget. We are starting to get an idea of dates and, if all goes well, I should be able to have my HSG while my mom is in town at the end of the month.

R and I have been talking about the day of the IUI. I already know which socks I'll be wearing that day (my lucky socks from the egg donor days, naturally). We have a tentative plan of going out to brunch/lunch together after. After speaking with the acupuncture clinic, it's been decided that I will do a session the following day.


I still have some calls to make and some forms to sign but it's looking like everything is coming together. Which is terrifying and exciting all at once.

We're getting there, one step at a time.