Third Trimester

It has definitely been a while since my last post so now it's time to play catch up!  

So yesterday was the official start to my 3rd Trimester...and this morning at about 5:30am...I had my first official 3rd Trimester Charlie Horse....and it hurt like HE**!  Todd was great...immediately helped to massage out the tense muscle.  He said I  scared him at first...he wasn't quite sure what was going on.  I KNEW what was going on and was still scared....scared that it wasn't going to ever end.  Even though it only lasted probably 15 seconds....it felt like forever!  However...I say 'BRING IT ON'....I'm ready...whatever it takes!

Last night was the 2nd night I felt the baby hiccups! So cute....and so crazy to think there is a whole other person in there with their own little bodily functions going on!  Amazing!

I have a few more baby bump pictures to post here....I feel like I'm getting huge...and that it just came out of no-where!  Todd just laughs and says he can't imagine me getting any bigger...well....he won't have to imagine for long...it's happening!

 Catching up on my 'Baby Bargains' over Labor Day weekend.  Hanging out at 2nd Beach in Middletown, RI. (26w 5d)

I've definitely been staying busy these last few weeks.  After all the summer road trips....there was one last stop I just HAD to make...and that was San Diego, CA!  Becky flew in from NV and I from RI and they threw a great baby shower for me!  I was able to see so many great friends!  

Julie, Becky and I heading out for dinner...

 

Kylie joined us...

Out for some cupcake taste testing 

Heading to the shower...

 All the wonderful ladies who joined us!!!

 The glorious cupcakes!

Then it was off to the beach with Becky for some amazing Belly Shots!

 Probably my favorite!

Since being back...and besides relaxing and enjoying the cool weather that Newport has been waiting for...I have kept busy with my artsy/craftsy side!    I was able to make several baby gifts for friends who recently had their little ones, put together my fall decor including my interchangeable wreath (meaning....the fall decor removes easily and I will have Christmas decor on it in a few months!  one wreath...several seasons!), made a couple pieces of jewelry for Christmas presents, and am in the middle of several other Christmas gifts right now!  Of course...no pictures for several months!  Actually...I may sneak a few in here!  (Looks like I still need to upload them from the camera...so it will be a little bit...however...I will get them on here!)  I have been using my CRICUT machine and am having a BLAST with it!  


Well...time to head out...I have started volunteering at the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Store on Tuesdays and playing Mahjong on Thursdays...birthing classes start on Monday (I can't wait) and in 3 more weeks...my prenatal Yoga!  So I plan on staying busy ...and now...I must wisk away and get ready for Mahjong to begin!!! 

Thinking about my baby

Wow....how can I explain the high I have been on.  These last few weeks have been absolutely wonderful, visiting friends and family and having Todd home for the ENTIRE summer!  But most of all....being pregnant.  I have to really feel the baby move....the Dr. says my 'after birth' is towards the outside, meaning I have a thicker cushion between the outside of my belly and the baby.  Completely normal and it is just how it all settled in there so I just may not feel the kicking as soon.   The BIG ultrasound was amazing!  I will post pictures shortly....but wow!  We finally got to see the baby moving, the little legs and feet kicking away, his tiny lips and nose....it was wonderful!  Todd's mom and dad where visiting so once all the measurements were taken, they were able to join in and see the baby in action.  Speaking of measurements....the little one is right on track and proportional (another wonderful relief)!  Life is good...and God has blessed us in so many ways.

 18.5 wks, approx. 9 oz and completely beautiful!

 My 18 wk Baby Bump!

As far as our travels go....it has been so much fun!  First we were in West Virginia for 2 weeks....I soaked up all the nap time I could get, helped Grandma Tusing out with some of the cooking, finished a scrapbook that has been on hold since 2006 AND started on my path to learn the art of Watercolors.  Hopefully a class is in the near future for me....but right now I have a great book I'm just learning all the basics with.   While in W.V....we were so fortunate enough to head down to Richmond, VA for a night with the inlaws, and then on to Norfolk, VA for a great friends COC ceremony.  It was a GREAT trip and a huge Guam reunion!  Guammies from our first time and second time were both there.  Once our 'Virginia trips' were finished we spent a day with friends in Malta, NY....and their little cutie pie loved hanging out with Todd! We then headed back home with less then a week  in Newport, and we  were off to Killington, VT with a couple of great friends for the 4th of July celebrations.  Town BBQ, parade, and fireworks...what more could you ask for?  Straight from Killington it was off to Martha's Vineyard...again....to spend some time with amazing Guam friends!  They showed us around the entire island day and night along with a boat ride out of the Yacht club!  Again....we are SO blessed!!!

 

Cash and I down at the pond.

Todd and Max during some play time!

The scrapbook that has been on hold for 6 years!!  Finally Finished!

Todd and I hanging out with a couple of Guam friends in Norfolk!

Malta, NY....Todd and little Asher

Killington, VT

 Todd and I on the ferry ride over to Martha's Vineyard.

Trying to get out of the 100 degree temps!!!  Baby Pike really appreciated this!

Mason and Rachel...taking in the sites!

My most handsome hubby.....taking full advantage of growing his beard before it's back to work!

Now....home in Newport, the In-laws came down to visit for a short while and Todd and I staying out of these record temperatures!  My aqua-aerobics classes have really helped cool me off....if only the lasted a little longer!!!  I love being out there with these cute little ladies....I'm guessing the youngest of these young ladies is 50ish.  They are very entertaining to say the least!  In 5 days we take off for our last epic adventure of the summer....back to Colorado and a family reunion in Casper, WY!  I'll let you know how it all goes!

Stay out of the heat and enjoy your summer!

It has finally happened!

OK...so it's been a while since I have been able to put much on the blog!  There is a very good reason for that....once I found out I was PREGNANT....I realized I hadn't thought far enough ahead to what I would say on my blog, while we were waiting for the right time to tell everyone!!!  So I just had to not write anything at all!  So yep...you read it....IT HAS FINALLY HAPPENED.....I'M PREGNANT!  And I have to tell you...it is purely by prayer that this has happened....let me explain!


So as you can see from the previous blogs...as I back-up....I had not had a visit from aunt flow since OCT. of 2009, so that rules out me having ANY clue as to when I would be ovulating, if I was at all.  Secondly....my first specialist Dr's appt was March 19th at which time a pregnancy test came back negative and we started the initial hormones.  10 days of those and another 10 days of waiting for the 'visit'....and nothing!  What I thought was the beginning of my let-downs here in Rhode Island....was really just a miracle!!!  After going in for a few more blood tests, the reason there was no 'visit' was because I was pregnant.  Turns out...I was 2 weeks pregnant while sitting in the Dr's office and it was simply too early for the pregnancy test to detect!!!!  Sooo......NO hormones, NO aunt flow since October, and NO way of knowing or timing ANYTHING....and BOOM, I'm pregnant!!!  There is only one explanation....all of your prayers and the Grace of GOD!!!

You all have been so amazing and so supportive I have been bursting at the seams to tell everyone!!!  I have actually not announced it just yet (nothing on Facebook) because tomorrow is my 13 week ultrasound and I'm hoping to leave there with a great picture to post online as our announcement!!!  I will also get a few of the earlier pictures up!

Who knew!!!  It looks like my body needed a rest....a rest from my fintess training, a rest from our 'spring break' style weekends in Guam.....simply a rest!  God works miracles....and this is proof!!!

Thank you all!!!  And I can't wait to celebrate with each of you!

OH almost forgot...my due date....my Grandma's birthday December 8, 2010!!!

 8.5 wks old.....hanging out upside-down!

10.5 wks old....snuggling up to the side!

The Results are in

OK...the results are in.  The blood test Monday took place.  and....and.....well, I can't really say yet.  Still have a few more tests to do before we figure out the next move.  I CAN tell you my posts are going to be few and far between for a little while....until I have more to report!  Keep your fingers crossed....and PLEASE keep praying!  I can also tell you...the prayers are working!!!  (But that's all I can say for now!)

Figure things out

Well, it's now past the 10 day time frame that aunt 'flow' was supposed to visit and she didn't.  So Friday I called the Dr and Monday I will go in for a series of blood tests to figure out what my hormones are (or should I say are NOT, doing.  My understanding is that I should know the results by the end of the day and we will go from there.  My guess is that I will need a stronger dose of Provera or will need to be on it for longer than 10 days.  We shall see how accurate my guess is while we are trying to figure things out!

Keeping Busy

I completed the 10-day round of Provera and am now patiently waiting for aunt flow to 'visit'.  Once she arrives, then we can proceed with the 2nd round of Hormones.  The Dr. said to give it 10 days for 'the visit' and I am we are now approaching day 7.  In the meantime, I am keeping busy with yard work, some light mountain biking with the hubby,  and just loving the sounds of spring.  I forgot how much I enjoyed working out the yard when it was a nice cool 70 degrees with a lite breeze!  Love it!

My appointed time.....

My daily scripture (sent to me by my former Golf Coach....thank you Butch) speaks volumes to me this morning:

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarries, wait for it"
(Habakkuk 2:3, KJV))

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams, and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you've tried and failed doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Don't give up on those dreams! Don't be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it's been, no matter how impossible things look, if you'll stay in faith, your set time is coming.

Remember, every dream that's in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Hold on to that vision today. Declare by faith, "My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!" As you continue to hold on to that vision and speak life over your dreams, it won't be long before you see them begin to take shape. You'll see your faith grow, you'll see your hope strengthen, and you'll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you!

AMEN!!!

The first appointment.......

It is true, we just got back from our first appointment. It took approximately one hour and that was going over or re-hashing my 'book' of records, revisiting which lab tests I have had completed and which ones we will do over again, going over our options for the next few months and then....getting started right away with my first blood draw (lab work) and prescriptions to fill! I was actually very afraid that this first appointment would be simply going over records and past failed attempts...but NO....we started...it's official!

So what does this actually look like? Well, I had the blood drawn for 3 tests there at the office, I will then proceed to the lab at the Navy base to finish the other 13 tests (yes...13 total) that they will run. THEN...I have 4 prescriptions to fill once I get the OK. The OK has to do with the Pregnancy test that they will be running on todays labs. Now, I know what some of you are thinking, "OHHHHhhhh....this MUST mean something if they are running this test...she's not giving us the full story!!!!".....no..I AM giving you the full story...and basically, before I can start with the Provera, they want to double check that no miracles took place over the last month, nobody is exactly sure what can happen if I were pregnant while on  Prevera...however, it's no big deal if I am.  But, no, I haven't ovulated or done anything different...it's just the "We are 100% sure you are not prego." test. The Provera will start Monday morning...and we wait 10 to 20 days for my cycle to start. The day it starts (Day 1 or D1) I call the Dr. office, D2 or D3 I go in for baseline ultrasound and test the hormone levels, and then it's on to a different hormone...the Gonadotropin. These will be self injections then back in for another ultrasound and lab work D8, continue with injections D10 ultrasound and lab work, continue injection D12 ultrasound and lab work, a NEW hormone injection D13. D-Day...approx. D15. Then another new hormone D16-28 and then a PREGNANCY TEST! So....there you have it folks....a break down of my next month!

Keep the prayers coming! The Dr. was great, I feel very confident in the clinic and am very excited. She did let us know that we should be ready for this to take 3-5 cycles before we get pregnant and not to be discouraged or disappointed if it does not happen this first cycle....however, I know that anything is possible! It is all in HIS timing!

We're off to see the Wizard....

YES!!! In 20 minutes we will be on our way to the appointment! I am so excited and not really sure what to expect from this first one. I'm pretty sure it's going to be going over medical records and coming up with a 'plan'....but I have to admit....I'm ready to pick-up directly where we left off in San Diego....BRING ON THE HORMONES!

The first of many

It's all in God's timing, it's all in God's timing....my mantra for the past 3 years and I will continue with it. The first of many...setbacks, that is. Do to schedule conflicts, we had to reschedule for March 19th...8am. However, do not fret for my sake, this is the norm. and how this process will go. It was this way in San Diego and we just continue to press on.

On a much brighter note....we are finally in our Rhode Island house, which has plenty of room for growing a family :). Our cable is connected and it was just-in-time for The OFFICE - Baby episode....which I loved!

Have a great weekend!

And so it begins.......kinda

Well..I have finally done it! I have created my very first BLOG page. While I have never even followed a blog, I HAVE read a few....and by a few I mean something like 5. So....let the trial and error begin.

Let me start by saying....my blog is going to get very personal. It will basically be a sort of journal for my 'adventures' in trying to get pregnant while battling the ever-frustrating fight against PCOS (PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome) . You may get to know more about me than you ever wanted....you will just have to avert your eyes when you get to those parts. At no time do I want anyone to ever 'feel sorry' for me. God has a plan, I have complete faith in HIS path for me and I hope to simply educate, inspire, and give hope to others who are struggling. I do ask for one thing....your prayers. Prayers are powerful!!!

Now....I have been meaning to start this blog during the last several weeks, but there where a few obstacles. As a Navy wife, every few years....we pick-up and move our life. Married in 2003, our life together began in Guam, then to San Diego, back to Guam, and now we are in Newport. We are still adjusting to the 30 degree temperatures, since for the past 18 months we averaged 87 degrees and balmy, and we are loving the snow days sprinkled in. But, besides that, put simply....I have not been motivated to do much the past few weeks. The gloomy skies and simply waiting to get into the house we will rent for the year, have kept me inside and unmotivated! However, here I am!! So things are looking up!

But back to why I am here....blogging

And so it begins....kinda. My PCOS journey started several years ago....and by several I mean about 18 years ago when at the very early age of 16 I wondered why I never had to have 'personal days' in gym class like the other girls. Here is the time line to bring us up to TODAY....I will refer to the monthly visitor as 'Aunt Flow' and give you the breakdown by may age:

at 16: No 'Aunt Flow'= maybe High Altitude (Colorado) and sports, told to wait it out
at 21: started on BC pills = regular monthly visit from Aunt Flow for the first time, hormone tests where done...but Dr's still had no idea WHY. The pills controlled the ACNE that comes with PCOS, and some of the hyperandrogenism.
at 27: got married, but not ready to have kids so we weren't too worried....but by this time I knew pregnancy would be difficult
at 30: Went to a Navy Ob/Gyn to discuss getting pregnant, she performed a simple ultrasound and was the FIRST to diagnose my PCOS. She told me that because of my normal weight no one had thought to look towards PCOS as the cause.
at 32: Started hormone treatment in San Diego. One cycle of Chlomid/Provera and we were pregnant....it was a blighted ovum and had to be removed 10 weeks later. This seemed very promising, the fact that I could actually GET pregnant...but it gets better.
~ we started several more rounds of C/P, switched to Follistim, saw a few promising follicles, but nothing. And it was time for our next Navy move...to Guam
at 33: off to Guam, more C/P, with no results. Guam does not have the resources to
do anything else....so then it was a waiting game. (in which, with the encouragement of a good friend, ran the 34th Marine Corps Marathon in DC).
at 34: Newport...in 2 weeks I have my first appointment to get this ball rolling!!!


Learn more HERE about PCOS:
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4981

OK...I have spent way too much time on this today....more to follow!