[kaym82]

Congrats Kelly!!!! Welcome to the world Phoebe Mae!!! I love the name Kelly!!!
I can't wait to hear your birth story!!!

Hey Linz, Angie, & Kelli!!!!

Sorry I've been a little MIA girls....I'll try & catch up soon!!!I'm going back to work in 1.5 weeks....ugh!...

Love & miss all you girls!!!

[natenang654]

Hey girls!

Kelly, hope you and Phoebe are well!!! check in when you can!

Have a great weekend everyone!

[Shasta18]

Hi guys...sorry it's taken so long to get back...I just reread my last message and how many times could I say "write more later"...lol...I was probably still a little loopy!

Ok, here's the short version of how things went with Phoebe's birth...I started having contractions on Tuesday morning as soon as I woke up, they were about 7 minutes apart and would space out and get closer together all day long...it was really frustrating since I kept thinking "I'm already 2-3cm dilated, I must be getting really close!". Well, went to the hospital around 8 pm (after 12 hours of cxn's) and was only 4-5cm and 80%...very discouraging but made me glad I hadn't gone in earlier! Spent the next almost 8 hours in the whirlpool tub in my room, it was the most "comfortable" for me at that time. Finally started pushing around 0400 on Wednesday and had a totally natural birth at 0620! It really was the most amazing experience ever...couldn't believe it when they handed her to me how big she was and that she came from my body...totally surreal! I had a lot of bleeding after she came out, the midwife had to get the doctor to come since the placenta was retained and they talked about doing a manual extraction of the placenta (doc manually reached up there to get it out), vs. D&C under general, possibly need for emergency hysterectomy if the placenta wouldn't come out, blood transfusions, the whole 9 yards...terrifying! She was able to get all the placenta out after 3 attempts of reaching up there (OMG, the pain!), so I was happy that I didn't require surgery, but my blood count dropped pretty low and I'm still feeling weak and tired. They had to give me IV pain meds right after the birth to prep me for the extraction, and that made me loopy but I would rather that than having surgery I guess. So that's it in a nutshell!

Phoebe is doing great...I'll post a pic soon just need some computer time. My mom came yesterday so hopefully that will work out very soon! She's been loving on the baby a ton.

BF'ing is going well, but I can't say it's not frustrating at times. She was fussy the first few nights at home and I was getting very discouraged, but my milk came in yesterday/last night, and things are going so much better now that I know she's getting enough to eat.

I still need to catch up on personals...but I was going say Angie, how frustrating to find out about the variocele (sorry, sp? )after all this time. How are you guys doing with that? I remember how upset I was in finding out about the PCOS after all those clomid/IUI cycles...how could someone miss that??? So, I hope things are going ok.

Linz and Karla and Angie too...miss you guys! Will def be checking in a little more often (hopefully)...thanks for the well-wishes and congrats...this has been an incredibly long and emotional journey that still continues...

Kelli - It's so great to hear from you...butt in anytime...seriously! I know you're busy these days, but it's good to hear from you. Thanks for the congrats!

Ok, girls, off to breakfast before church...hope you had a great Halloween...anyone go trick or treating? Linz the Holiday girl?

TTYL!

[jessicap518]

Kelly-

Congrats Mommy!! Linz and Karla have been keeping me up to date!!! I love your daughter's name and can not wait to see pictures!! I'm sure she is beautiful!!!! BF'ing is tricky at first and can be discouraging at times. It takes times for you both to get in the rhythem of it but it will happen and def gets easier!!! Your mommy instincts will kick in (prob have already). I'm soooo happy for you girlie!!!!

Hi everyone!!

I have been so MIA from the forum but I think about you all!! I'm trying to get on more often!!

Hope everyone is well these days!

Angie- Let me know how it goes with the varicocele.

[Shasta18]

Hi girls!

Here are a couple pictures of our little Phoebe...I love this little girl so much and her chubby, chubby cheeks! You can see how long her hair is in the hospital picture, it's so cute. Just wanted to show you guys...finally!

[Shasta18]

Hey Jess! So glad you stopped by, I miss seeing you every now and then. How are the twins?

I totally agree that bf'ing can be discouraging sometimes...def feeling that a couple nights ago. But it's getting better, my milk is in and has leveled off within the last 24 hours (thank goodness!). Are you still bf'ing? That must be a huge job! Thanks again for the congrats! Come back soon!

Originally Posted by jessicap518

Kelly-

Congrats Mommy!! Linz and Karla have been keeping me up to date!!! I love your daughter's name and can not wait to see pictures!! I'm sure she is beautiful!!!! BF'ing is tricky at first and can be discouraging at times. It takes times for you both to get in the rhythem of it but it will happen and def gets easier!!! Your mommy instincts will kick in (prob have already). I'm soooo happy for you girlie!!!!

Hi everyone!!

I have been so MIA from the forum but I think about you all!! I'm trying to get on more often!!

Hope everyone is well these days!

Angie- Let me know how it goes with the varicocele.

[Linz712]

Hi Girls!

Kelly- Phoebe is adorable! Love the cheeks and all that hair! Beautiful!
so glad to hear you guys are doing okay. I'm sure life has been turned upsidedown(in a good way)! Sounds like you're doing well though! I'm sure the BF stuff is tough- hang in there!
So is Miss Phoebe a pretty good little girl? Is she letting you get some rest?
Take care hun- I'm so happy for you!!!

Angie- hey girl! How are you? Whats new?
So how are you guys doing?
Your appt is this Friday right? (Well, Nate's appt technically) I hope they have some great news for you guys! I think this is that light in the dark- the break you guys have needed and been waiting for!!!

Karla- hey hun! How are you doing? Is your little girly getting so big?! Well I know she is- your pics on FB are adorable!!!
I'm so sad for you that you have to start work soon hun- thats just sucky! But thats really great that at leats she gets to stay with family until February!
Hang in there hun!

Jess- good to see you here hun! Give some love to the kids for me!

Well- it has just been some kind of week here! I dont even think I told you guys my Dad was here visiting from NC last week- so that threw my schedule off. We also found a house last week- and have an accepted offer on it...houses are so much work- paperwork! And tonight we accepted an offer on our house! Yay!!! Looks like we'll be closing in early December- first week assuming all inspections will be a-okay. (Angie- we may have to push our Chicago trip back a week!)
And- I started provera last week- Af yesterday- provera is always fun
so I called my RE to set up my baseline U/S for Clomid- and that office is awesome! They want us to have the best chance- and are donating me follistim for this cycle instead- and he's doing a free u/s or two! They think we have a better chnace with follistim- and have some that is going to expire at the end of the month. I am really excited! We will still just - no IUI- but- its still just a better chance! So I have a baseline u/s on Friday (big day for us Angie)
So- yeah- its been a bit nutty here...but then again hasnt it for everyone?!

Trying to keep up better here- I'm so sorry! We also started our winter shoot season tonight- life is going to be crazy for the next month....

Love ya girls!
Lindsay

[kaym82]

Hey everyone!!

Kelly-- your little girl is gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing pics!!!! I hope everything is going well for you guys & you are settling in well!!!

Angie-- good luck w/ Nate's u/s!!!....Its tomorrow right?......Please let us know how it goes!!! Thinking of you hun!!!!

Linz- Hey girl-- yay for your cycle this month!!!! Please keep us updated hun!!! Congrats on the house!! Aren't you super excited???

Hey Jess--- thanks for talking to me yesterday hun!!!

I'm missing you all & am sorry for being MIA-- kind of had a lot going on....I'll update soon!!!!

[Linz712]

Hey girls! Hope everyone has had a good few days and is ready for the weekend!

Angie- how was Nate's appt today?
Kelly- how are you guys? How's Phoebe?
Karla- hey girl- hope things settle down for you and all is well!!!

Good news here!

1. We sold our house!!! Yay!!! Didnt even have to negotiate they made us such a great offer! So- I'm packing this weekend! We're set to close right now on December 4th...now- this is cutting into my "Christmas Time"- but- what can I do? lol
Super excited!

2. Went and had baseline u/s today and I'm good to go! Started Follistim tonight...taking 150iu once a day- does that seem like a lot to you guys? I go back for a follie check Wednesday. I am a little concerned about overstimming for very obvious reasons. But I do know in the past my body typically is slow to grow to start and then- bam! So I'm thinking they will lower the dose on Wednesday- we'll see what happens! Trusting the RE!

Hope you guys have a great weekend!!! Miss you guys!

[kaym82]

Hey girls!!!

How is everyone...?

Kelly- how are things going?....Are things going ok w/ BF?.....It definitely helps once your milk comes in but it took me a good week to work through the soreness....etc....unfortuntely I only bf'ed 3-4 weeks....I don't think I had the best milk supply....and then the reflux was an issue too. We have had Ireland on formula w/ added rice starch for almost 4 weeks & she is doing great on it....she RARELY spits up anymore! How is Sadie adjusting to Phoebe?

Linz~ Hun you have so much going on right now, don't you?....I'm super excited to hear about your house selling/ & the purchase of your new house!!! I saw the pics on FB & its a really nice house! I know you are super excited!!!
That is awesome your RE's office donated Follistim for this cycle! I do think 150 may be a little high...but you are right the will probably adjust your dosage after your u/s this week! I was like you the first u/s or two didn't show a lot...but by the 3rd u/s prior to ovulation I would have SEVERAL follies....I think the most I was on was 75 of Follistim....They will take good care of you girl-- no worries-- you just may have more follies to work with!!!

Angie- hey sweetie!!! How are you doing?...How did Nate's u/s go?.....I'm curious what you guys have talked about doing now that you have a reason behind the MF.....do you know what may be your next steps?......Is work still keeping you busy as ever?......

Hey Jess!!!!

AFM, I've been busy!! Ireland is over 10 weeks old & is changing & growing every day!....She is such a little love!! I'm going back to work Tuesday! UGH- I'm so sad at the thought of it.....I've missed working....but the thought of not being here to care for her, play with her, & cuddle with her every day has made me cry several times in the last week.....BUT for the next 3 months she'll be w/ my aunt every day.....then daycare-- so thankfully we'll get through the flu season out of daycare.
I think of you girls often & since I'll be back at work I should be able to keep up more!!!!
Ireland had her 2 month appt almost 2 weeks ago. She was up to 9lbs 9oz & was 22 inches long! Her ped said she was doing great & had already hit the milestones she wanted to see!!!

[natenang654]

Hey girls!

Kelly, Phoebe is so very beautiful!!! And all that hair, too cute!!!!!! Her pics made me cry....just looking into her eyes in the pic on the left, it's AMAZING that your little miracle is here!!! So happy for you hun!

Linz, congrats on the house selling/buying adventure!!! the pics on FB look great! no worries about the Chi trip, do you want to go ahead and push it back since you know it will be busy wk for you?? let me know.....i don't remember my follistim dose for IUI - i'll try to look it up and let you know!

Karla, hey sweets, cannot believe how time has flown for you!! that is AWESOME that your aunt is going to watch Ireland.....such a great arrangement w/ all the flu stuff going on... yes, work is crazy as ever!

Jess, hey girlie! good to see you around here 2!!!!

sorry, i've been MIA....busy, busy! My parents visited this wknd and my niece (Kayleigh) came up w/ them so we've been busy w/ company, which is a great thing! The u/s shows a varicocele on each side....the tech didn't say much other than it's pretty bad, so we we'll have to wait to talk to the urologist to find out what our options are.....the follow-up appt is a few wks out but i'm going to call tomorrow and try to move it up.....my sked is so freakin' crazy the next few wks, i just hope we can make it work! We are def more anxious to find out our options.....i think surgery is still possible w/ 2, so that is what we are hoping and praying for!!!!!!

we had a showing last wk, but nothing has came of it so far.....but then today, we were talking that if maybe the surgery could happen, maybe we could just stay here in our beautiful, lovely, cozy home! (can you tell, i'm leaning back that way??? LOL) has anyone found that crystal ball yet? I REALLY am needing it again, esp the past few days! Back to wondering, what if? what if? what if?!!!! I know there is a bigger plan for us.....

On a sad note, a childhood friend of my sis died from h1n1 last week....just a reality check that we never know what our future holds and to cherish each day. She was 27, married with a 9mos old son. I hope you and your families have been healthy and hope you all stay that way!! love you girls!!!!

[kaym82]

Hey girls!!!

Hey Angie! Sounds like you had a nice time w/ your parents & niece!! Don't you love those visits?....I hope you can move up your appt! I don't know much about MF & varicocele....but if they were able to do surgery....does that mean its possible you wouldn't need IVF?.....Praying for you guys hun!!!

That is really sad about your sister's friend.....I've been on the fence about getting the H1N1 vaccination....I'm able to get it free through my work b/c they consider me in the 'high risk' category b/c I have a baby under 6 months. I'm supposed to meet w/ my employee nurse tomorrow.....I've literally been split down the middle over it.....but after hearing that story it makes me think it may be better to get it.....
Did any of you ladies get the vaccination?.....

Hey Kelly, Linz, & Jess!!!

Have a great Monday everyone!!!

[Linz712]

Good morning everyone!
What a beautiful weekend it was here- upper 60's low 70's- beautiful!!

Angie-so glad the u/s went okay and confirmed the variocoele. Its wierd to say that- of course we're not happy something is worng- but are happy know at leats you know what it is! I hope you can get your appt moved up- all this waiting! Yuck!
I'm sure there are so many scenarios going through your head! That would just be amazing if the surgery fixed everything- or even at least made enough improvements that maybe IUI would be an option. It would be wonderful if you woldnt have to move and worry about IVF anymore! All your scenarios are so exciting- I cant imagine what you guys are feeling right now!
Our little trip- I definently still want to go! What if looked at the next week instead? December 15th? Let me know girl- thanks for being so flexible!
Hope your week isnt too crazy! But sound slike you had a nice relxing weekend ...so hopefully youre ready for the work week!

Karla- hey girl! I know you are off enjoying your last day home
Where does teh time go?
I hope you get lots of cuddle time in today!
I can only imagine how hard it will be for you tomorrow. It is really great though that your Aunt will be with her for a few months I know its still hatrd to leave, but at least its family at first. Hang in there girl! You know we're sending you love, thoughts, and stregnth for tomorrow!

Hi Kelly! Hope you and Phoebe are doing well!

So girls- you were talking about h1N1- that is such a scary story Angie. I am also so on the fence with the vaccines. RIght now- I'm not getting it. If I get pregnant, I probably will ook into it more. I hear there is one vaccine form that is something free- maybe thermasil? and that its not as scary- I dunno- I dont envy your girls position- especially with your little ones!

Follistim is going well- dont really feel anything yet- have only done 3 doses. Still a little nervous about the dose. Thats probably why they're having me come in on Wed. I tried to look at my other IUI dosages, but cant find them anymore. I think maybe my last time I was on 150 to start and then dropped to 100. We'll see I guess!
Otherwise we're just trying to start getting things packed around here! It seems like forever away- but I only have 3.5 weeks- and in those weeks there is Thanksgiving and we have 15 photo shoots! Eek!!! LOL
Its going to be nutso around here!

Alright girls- off to do some work and packing! Have a great day!

[natenang654]

Hey girls!

Karla, not trying to scare you huney!!!!!! I'm w/ Linz, if I'm not pg, not getting the vaccine....that's where i'm at today..... Gosh, cannot believe you're going back to work tomorrow....you will be in my thoughts and prayers girl! Yes, love the wknds with family! We're not sure if we'll need IVF still if the surgery is an option....so many unknowns still! How was your day hun?

Linz, you are gonna pull a couple of crazy weeks coming up girl!! I can't do the 15th...i'll look my sked and let you know about the rest of that week. I looked back at my stims for IUI and i started at 150, too....so maybe??? it's not too high! Cannot believe we may have an option that does not include more tx!!! So psyched about that! Even though we have a long way to go before we know for sure! you said it girl, so many scenarios running through my head! did you get a lot of work accomplished? will you make a studio in your new out building??

Hey Kelly! hope you and Miss Phoebe are well!!!

have a good evening girls!

[Shasta18]

Hi girls! I was just looking at the posts and realized my long post that I wrote last night isn't there! I must've previewed it and not submitted...I'm mad!!!

Angie - Just wanted to say thank you so much for your kind words about Phoebe...it's so hard to believe it's finally happened for us...take heart - your turn is coming. She is so precious to me - it's amazing how attached one gets in just a few days. So, about your options...if they can do surgery for the varicocele would you still have to do IVF? Or maybe nothing...once it's corrected, would the hope be the sperm production returns to normal? That would be soooooo amazing! Not sure if the surgery would be to get sperm or to correct the varicocele...anyways - I know you're waiting for answers too. I'm so excited for you guys - this is certainly a turning point for you. Hope the rest of your week goes smoothly...I know it's crazy for you right now, but try to get a little relax time too.

Linz - That is so great about your house! Are you going to be getting lots of space? Will Blue have a bigger yard to run around in? What about a fence? And yay for this cycle! What a great office you're working with. I'm thinking my Follistim dose was similar to what you're taking. Can't wait to see numbers on Wednesday!

Karla - How are you doing??? I know the first few days back to work are going to be hard - I can't imagine... That is awesome that Ireland is doing so well, you're a great mommy for taking such great care of her. So glad you got the formula thing figured out - that can be quite a process of elimination to find the right one. Sounds like she's thriving now! Keep us posted about how tomorrow goes.

Things have been going ok here. I've been really tired and hormonal (what's new?), DH has been an angel taking care of the two of us...I couldn't do this without him. I don't know how single moms do it...really. Phoebe is growing I can tell already. We have a 2-week ped appt on Wednesday, it will be good to have some questions answered. We've had a couple rough nights where she cried almost nonstop for 2-3 hours, and wouldn't be calmed. It's so hard not knowing what to do. It seemed like she was in pain, like a bellyache or something. She is the sweetest thing when she's calm and not fussy! I think I can see the beginning of a dimple on one of her cheeks too...so cute!

H1N1 is sure scary - especially for pregnant women and moms of infants. When I first asked my midwife about it, she didn't like the idea of me getting the vaccine since it hasn't been tested for as long as other vaccines. But at the next visit, the other midwife told me I should get it...so it was a little mixed messages. I wanted to get it since the stats for pregnant women and infants was so scary...my ob office finally got some in and I stopped by on the way home from the hospital to get it. I was originally scheduled to get it the day I went into labor. It makes me feel a little safer, but I'm still staying home and not going out to crowded areas with Phoebe. It's a tough decision for sure.

OK, girls, hope you all have a great night! Thinking of you all...you all have such big things going on right now. Hang in there!