The Chandlers

Prayer Request

2011-12-21T14:46:00.000-06:00

Well folks I've reached the end of my rope. I'm tying a knot and trying to hang on but I need some help. You probably already know I've been having some knee issues. Went to see 2 docs and had knee surgery back during the summer. Knee was great for about 3 weeks. It's all been down the crapper since.
While I was going to see the doc in B-ham my finger and neck started bothering me. Doc said not to worry. So now my neck, back, hip, knee, ankle, elbow, wrists and a few fingers hurt. The last straw was this morning when Brad had to come pull me up because I couldn't stand myself up off the toilet.
I am looking for a different doc to go see since I wasn't all that please with the one in B-ham and it's a long trip there and back. Pray that I will soon be able to find a good local doc that can help me out.

Stay tuned for updates and a long post of pictures from our TN vacation and Christmas. Oh, and they've started building Mema's new house!!

ER

2011-10-28T09:25:00.000-05:00

Not exactly how I planned to spend my night. Thursdays at my house are supposed to mean I watch others at a hospital on Grey's Anatomy, not visit one myself. It started about 5:45 with JoAnna vomiting (in the car on the way home - yea!). We were in the ER by 8:00 with hives everywhere. Poor baby even itched in her ears. Of course the ER doc didn't test to see what caused it, but he did make it better. Well, let me tell it like it really is. The doc looked at JoAnna and the nurse made it all happen. They are awesome and I say that not only because my BFF is one, but because it's the gospel. Docs sign their name but nurses bring the magic. So after a few hours of monitoring her and making sure the steroid and benadryl are working we finally get to head home. She was a trooper while we were there! We have an appointment to see Dr. Wood Monday morning.

Moo made it all better

2011-10-14T09:34:00.000-05:00

We've been having fun lately.

Doing a little of this and a little of that.

Even dabbled in a bit of potty training. She's not quite ready even thought she does have the hang of using the phone and sitting on the pot.

We made our first family trip to the fair last weekend.

She loved the swings!

And riding the train with Gran-Gran too!

We've tried our hand at eating spaghetti

And we are still working on the spoon. But she gets the job done even when it's not so pretty.

All of this and a trip to see the Tuckers and Bethany's birthday party made a little girl very tired. Maybe we can get those pictures in next time around. And there is a big surprise for Brad in the making so we'll have pics from that too. Y'all pray for my orange and blue soul.

Happy football season

2011-09-02T09:22:00.001-05:00

Not much going on around the Chandler house these days. Just sitting back watching our little girl grow so fast. She is starting to say new words as we go along. Saturday at Madison's birthday party she said hot dog. Made sense to us since that's what she was eating. Oh, and happy birthday to Madison too. She's now 11 and is almost grown! Hard to believe she was so tiny when Brad and I got married. Back on track, we now hear a lot of "ut oh" and tea and "pssss" (please). She's excellent at picking out people she knows in pictures. And oh boy does she know where her belly button is. Cutest thing was a few weeks ago Brad asked her where her hair was. She knew and pulled some of it up. I asked her where Daddy's hair was. She patted him on the top of the head and continued to pat all the way down the side of his head until she found some. I laughed until I peed (which used to be funny in itself, but now not so much).

She's getting into dress up stuff and tv more. Her favorite dvd right now is an old Sesame Street alphabet show. Old like 1970s with Lena Horne. She was a little forced into playing dress up a few weekends ago with Mary Grace and Bethany but she's enjoyed it since. We've bought her a few dress up stuff and I made her a tu-tu this past weekend.

Dressed up at Mimi's

Watching Bert and Ernie

Trying out the tu-tu at Mane's

We call this her "all pimped out Hawaiian doc" look

Update since surgery

2011-08-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

Knee surgery went well and I've not had the swelling or pain that Dr. Hester thought I may. That's great for me! But he did say that even though the pathology report says it looked to be one type of degenerative joint disease he's afraid it's the beginning stage of rheumatoid arthritis. He says only time will tell for sure what it is.

While at my check-up in Montgomery we received a phone call that Mema Moore's home had burned. This is what we found when we got there.

Completely gone. Everything. Heartbreaking to say the least. They've done very well since. They are staying in a travel trailer that was set up in the back yard. JoAnna thinks that is the neatest thing to be able to run from one end of the house to the other in about 10 steps. And jumping on the bed is now her new favorite activity. If y'all would pray for their sanity during this time it would be greatly appreciated. Papa forgets very easily that the house is gone and will make comments like he didn't need JoAnna to buy him a new cap because "I've got a closet full in the...oh wait, it's gone." We laugh to keep from crying. I think the hardest will be when it's time to decorate for Christmas and Papa realizes the rocking reindeer that sings "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" is gone. He loved to push the hoof and listen to it go! But those things can be replaced and they got out of the house with the two most important things...each other.

Dear R. Knee,

2011-07-20T12:34:00.000-05:00

Dear R. Knee,
You have really been a pain in my butt. And my back. And my legs. So, I think tomorrow I will go have you fixed. And if by chance you decide you don't want to, or can't be fixed, then I will replace you. That is a promise and a threat. Doesn't matter to me which way you take it. You will be allowed to bother me for a little while longer, but after an ample recovery time you better be straightened out. I mean literally, I'd like to be able to straighten my leg. Thanks in advance, Monica.

2011-06-28T12:32:00.000-05:00

We've been up to alot and nothing all at the same time. Someone at my house likes mashed potatoes, but is still learning how to fee herself. Sometimes the hand shovel works and sometimes the spoon.

I attempted to thin out our toy surplus but JoAnna had a different idea. I went to get a box for storage and when I came back in this is what I found.

And she had a time playing in the box. All went well until she tried to get out and realized that her legs were too short to get out on her own.

As you already know she loves outside and especially playing in the dirt. I think garden time in the evenings is her favorite. She walks around with her little blue bucket and scoop. Her job is to scoop some dirt from one row and dump it in the next. I'll be ready when she can use a hoe, but of course by then the garden won't be so much fun.

BEACH

2011-06-16T10:10:00.000-05:00

JoAnna experienced the white sandy beach for the first time this past weekend. She absolutely enjoyed every minute of sprinkling the sand on herself and letting the waves run up her legs. I enjoyed the day myself.

2011-06-09T09:15:00.001-05:00

Happy 16th birthday to JoAnna - 16 months that is. Brad hates it but we di wish her a happy birthday on the 9th of each month. Growing so fast, I'm sure it will feel like no time at all before she'll be 16 for real.

JoAnna's GranGran bought her a big pool so maybe she won't have to swim in the bucket any longer. She did seem to enjoy it though.

Looking forward to this weekend. We have a day trip planned for the beach. I'm all bubbly inside just thinking about it!

Trying it out

2011-06-07T12:14:00.001-05:00

After several days not not being able to access blogger on my cell I've decided to try the app. We'll see.

The first blog attempt was from the river Memorial Day. JoAnna went out for the first time on the boat. Absolutely loved it. Even got in a quick nap. Was even happier when we stopped to play in the water.

My next attempt was the other afternon when JoAnna decided she wanted to play in the dirt.

She had a ball. And she had dirt in all her cracks and crevices.

So like any good country mama would, I stripped her naked and sprayed her off with the hose before going inside.

trying to keep up

2011-05-26T21:51:00.000-05:00

At this point that's what I feel like I'm trying to do - just keep up. So many changes since my last post. The little girl has gone from no teeth and not very mobile to 12 teeth and running all over the place. She had her 15 month check-up May 10th weighing in at 21lbs 3oz (25%) and stretching 30.5in tall(50%). Of course her head was in the 75% range at 47cm since she's got that big ole head like her Daddy. The only concern Dr. Wood had was with her vocabulary since she's only saying a few words. So there's us something to work on before we go back in August.

For anyone who doesn't already know, I will be going back to visit the doctor in Birmingham first part of July to check on my knee. It's been bothering me for well over a year and I'm ready for it to stop hurting. I had some labs done Tuesday to check and make sure this new medication isn't damaging my liver. Hopefully not.

I leave you with a picture of her "reading" a bedtime story to her daddy and I will try to do better with blog updates since I now have the new phone and can post from bed (like I'm doing now). Goodnight all!

Baby's First Christmas

2010-12-30T12:44:00.000-06:00

Round 1: Mane's

Mama and Madison built a gingerbread house

...some of the reason why none of us fit in our clothes anymore

Mama always gives the best expressions

Round 2: Mema/Papa Chandlers's

Daddy's helping her ride her horse

Chillin with Uncle Pooh

Round 3: Christmas morning at home

Getting a lil help from Daddy

Showing off her socks and sun hat

Checking out the big box that Santa left

ooohhhhh, aaaaahhhhh.......earrings

and finger puppet books

and lots of snacks and goodies in the stocking

and Santa brought us all Despicable Me

Round 4: GranGran/Papa Moore's

Looking for one with her name on it (which most of them had)

Checking out the musical donkey with Poppa

and riding her rocking horse with help from Grammie

I believe this is her "What chu talkin bout Willis" look

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We have been able to see almost all of our family and hope to be able to see those we've missed soon. We even have plans to meet with the Tuckers before Spring! We hope each of you had a great Christmas and will have a Happy New Year too.

Christmas Play

2010-12-20T12:21:00.000-06:00

Sunday we had a birthday party for Jesus and JoAnna was in her first Christmas Play. She did really well only whimpering once or twice but was fine after she got her paci.

(She started off in the back admiring baby Jesus)

(Then she got moved to the front where she could play with his hay)

Santa also made an appearance, but she wasn't all that excited to see him. She still not really sure what to think about him yet. At least she just cries and doesn't scream to the top of her lungs!

Now I've got to go get out my pillow that says "Dear Santa, I can explain" so maybe I'll have something under the tree myself. We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and safe holiday season.

JoAnna's first Halloween

2010-11-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

We've technically been celebrating Halloween for 2 weekends. Last weekend we were at Mane's where JoAnna was teased with candy but then was able to actually enjoy some. Of course the bath had to follow.

Saturday night we trick-or-treated at Grammy's and Poppa's...

then we walked nextdoor to Gran-gran's and Pawpaw's...

after a stop at Teri's we ended our night at Mimi's with trick-or-treating

with Mary Grace and Bethany (and baby boy/pumpkin).

Halloween was finished last night with a trip to see Mema and Pawpaw nextdoor.

She wasn't really sure how to reach to Pawpaw in her costume.

slacker

2010-10-07T13:15:00.000-05:00

yes i know i've been a big blog slacker lately. but to be honest, after a day at work (and most of you know ALL about where i work) and coming home to fix supper, do laundry, baths and bed time...well, i'm ready to get in the bed now just talking about it.

we have been doing pretty good lately. papa moore started his chemo treatments a few weeks ago. he's not been too sick from it, but he hasn't been 100% either. he has treatment 2 of 4 today. joanna is growing like a weed. haven't weighed her lately - frankly because i don't want to see what the scale says for me - but i'd guess she's around 20lbs now. eating some table foods and 2nd and 3rd from the jar. she still likes sweet potatoes most, but she doesn't turn away any food. that's probably the reason for all those cheeks, chins and leg rolls.

i've got 2 folks for yall to remember in the coming days, weeks and months. one will be continuing doctor appointments leading up to egg retrieval and invetro soon. she's been dealing with "no" for so long - i sure am praying for a "yes" to come her way. another is still early in the journey and is hoping to not have to go through the shots, pills and doctor appointments. i hope that for her too. praying that good news will be headed her way soon too!

Where does the time go?

2010-06-24T14:44:00.000-05:00

Shew, it's been a while! In the last month (plus) we have celebrated Mother's Day and Father's Day, made many trips to the hospital (just to visit~PTL), watched Kelsi graduate high school, attended a wedding and 2 birthday parties, and visited with some people we've not seen in a while. Oh, and had JoAnna's 4 month check-up. ---- So that's were the time has gotten off to.

And we aren't finished yet. Coming soon we have a - um, excuse me 2 - baby showers, a couples wedding shower, 4th of July, anniversary and birthday get-togethers, and Papa Moore's surgeries in no particular order. Plus, a new arrival in the spring. NO! IT'S NOT ME! I'm as excited as if it were me though. Ashley is expecting Burkett #3.

I had a great Mother's Day. Got to spend the day with my daughter and my mother (and the rest of the fam too). FL gave me flowers and JoAnna gave me a ring. We also purchased a new vehicle, which I consider to be a very big present. Brad enjoyed his first Father's Day as well. He of course wanted fishing stuff. So he got fishing stuff. And we went fishing.

JoAnna had her 4 month check up on the 15th and everything was just great. She weighs 14lbs 6oz and is 24 inches long. She got her second set of shots and only ran a low temp for a little while. Next appointment is in August. We started on baby food recently. That has been interesting! She's done pretty good though. Not too much of it gets splattered all over the place.

Please pray for Papa Moore. Just a little over 20 years ago he had to have his heart valve replaced because it was leaking. They told him that the valve would have to be replaced about every 10 years. Well 20+ years later he goes in for a check-up and they tell him that it's time to be replaced. Sure beat the odds on at one. But before they did the operation they were concerned about a spot they had found on his lung in March. So a couple of weeks ago they did another scan and there were 3 spots. The did a biopsy and found that it is cancer. Now the docs are meeting to figure out which issue needs to be dealt with first - lung or heart. He has an appointment in July at the Montgomery Cancer Center to make a determination. Please keep him and Mema in your prayers. He is a little depressed about it all and extremely worried.

Here are just a few pics from the last month.

Our visit with Jean.

Swinging with Meme and playing with Mary Grace.

Visiting with Seth, Luke and Ally Claire during her first trip to Athens.

Mother's Day weekend in bed with Daddy. (wearing a gown I made before she was born)

Enjoying her new walker even though her feet don't quite touch the floor.

Dear JoAnna,

2010-05-07T12:31:00.000-05:00

For so long I wished and prayed and cried for you. Now that you are here I am still praying and crying over you. At times I thought Mother's Day would never come for me. This Sunday, because of you, it will. You have completely changed my life and I am so glad for that. I never thought that I could look at someone smile and have the urge to cry. Watching you grow from a scrawny 5lb 5oz newborn whose ankles were the size of shotgun shells to a 12lb chunky 3 month old who has rolls on her toes has been absolutely amazing. You change right before our eyes each day. I love you so much and feel blessed that God has given me the privilege to be a mother to such an angel.

Mama

2010-04-23T13:02:00.000-05:00

2010-03-26T16:22:00.000-05:00

JoAnna Lane Chandler

We had these made at Portrait Innovations and they did a great job. I was so glad she stayed alert for the 2.5 hours. Will definately be back for her 3 month pics.

My life changed

2010-03-24T16:31:00.000-05:00

at 3:19 pm on Feb 9th.

5 lbs 5oz 19 in

yes, those are tears

yes, he's a little proud

dealt with a little jaundice

at home, sleeping in her daddy's arms

didn't like her first bath...

...until she realized it was ok to suck on mama's arm

(tomorrow i'll post her portraits taken last week)

2010-02-11T18:25:00.001-06:00

long story short-JoAnna made her debut on 2.9.10. perfect of course! check becky's or ivy's blog for updates.

35 down...35 to go

2010-02-05T12:53:00.000-06:00

35 weeks down and 35 days to go!
She doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she over 18 inches long and weighs about 5.5 lbs (about as much as a honeydew melon). She's not doing any summersaults either since it's so cramped in there now, but that's not stopping her from trying. Her kidneys are fully developed and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete and she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. I've not have many issues along the way but I have started swelling in my feet and hands. I used to have ankles and knuckles. Guess I'll see them again in a few weeks.

Prayer request:
Mema Moore who lives just outside Prattville will be keeping JoAnna when I go back to work. I have put in a request to be transferred from Selma to another examining office. There are a few reasons for that request but mainly so that we'll be on a set schedule. As of right now some days I have to be at work at 7am and some days at 8am. That's fine when it's just me but it won't be just me much longer! My original request was to be placed in the Prattville office which would be so totally awesome. I was basically told I had a fat chance there though. Then was teased with the idea of working in Wetumpka which wouldn't be bad at all. But then was told no again. Now I have been asked if I wanted to go to the Clanton office 4 days a week and work Prattville 1 day a week. That would be great too! My prayer is that something open up for me soon and they don't continue to get my hopes up and then just let me down with another big fat "no". Can I get a little help with that prayer?

First Baby Shower

2010-02-02T14:06:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone who helped with and attended (even in spirit) the baby shower Saturday! Here are a few pictures from the day.

the cake that Ashley made

diaper cake

Mary Grace me and Ashley

FL, me and Mechelle

Next time I'll show yall what all was in the boxes and bags

34

2010-01-29T11:26:00.000-06:00

Am I really that far along!?! Soooooo hard to believe! I had a check-up on Wednesday. Everything was perfect. She is still positioned head down so there's a really good chance she'll stay that way. Don't want to be birthin' no breach baby. According to Dr. Ashurst she weighs around 5 pounds and is right on schedule. My total weight gained so far is 15 pounds so he's happy with that. Here's my belly shot of the week...

Baby shower this weekend and Becky is coming to my house. Yep, that's right. This is her first trip down to stay with me EVER! I just hope downtown Jones isn't too boring for her.

Keep Me In Your Will

2010-01-21T14:59:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I think I'm in control
And I act so foolishly
Facing problems on my own
I don't know what's best for me
My mistakes at times disturb
All the plans you have made
Lord, keep me in your will
So, I won't be in your way

And, put me where you want to
Not where I want to be
If I should ask, for things I want
Just give me what I need
When I complain from time to time
Forgive me Lord I pray
Lord keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way

Remind me Lord, I'm just a glove
In which you place your hand
Not my will, but your's be done
Though I don't understand
The best laid plans I've made
Somehow always go astray
Lord keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way

And put me where you want to
Not where I want to be
If I should ask for things I want
Just give me what I need
When I complain from time to time
Forgive me Lord I pray
Lord keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way

I need you dear Lord
I need you each and every day
Lord keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way
Just keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way

31 week update

2010-01-07T10:30:00.000-06:00

All went well at the check-up on Tuesday. I had gained 5 pounds and at first felt bad but then realized that in the time since my last appointment we have gone on vacation, celebrated Christmas (a lot) and I spent 3 full days with my mother. So with all that I was lucky it wasn't 15 pounds. Dr. Ashurst said everything felt great and her heart beat was right on track along with my belly measurement. She is positioned head-down. Next appointment will be 1/27 and then I'll start going every 2 weeks. Where has the time gone?

This week, JoAnna measures over 16 inches long. According to babycenter.com she weighs about 3.3 pounds but Dr. Ashurst said she's probably at the 4 pound mark (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She is moving a lot, too, first thing in the morning, all day long and especially at bedtime. I've been told that all this moving is a sign that she is active and healthy.

Next week my goal is to get her room straightened. Brad will be at Mama's for the week for I'll have all that time to myself. I need to box up all my junk that's still sitting in her floor, get Uncle Adam to move all his stuff out, wash clothes and hopefully put some up is I can get someone to move her dresser and get her bed out of our room and into hers. We have the bed and will soon have the nuts and bolts to accompany it. Shoot, I may even get started on curtains for her room or recovering the recliner to go in there. Becky, that means a trip to the fabric store if we can shovel our way out.

2010-01-05T11:58:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year...we did! My Christmas will not be finished until this weekend after I make a trip to Becky's. That is if I can get up there and back. I live in the SOUTH for a reason and freezing temps ain't it! The high Saturday is only supposed to be 24! Yeah, 24 honkin' degrees!!

This year I shocked FL when I asked for a sewing machine. I think she really wanted to check me for a fever but didn't. What do you think of my first project?

Yes, I know it's pink. My next thing will be camo. I enjoyed sewing and am sure there will be many more projects put on my list to do before too long. How many I get finished is questionable though.

Here is the last belly picture of 2009...

I have a check-up this afternoon. I'm scared to hear how much weight I've gained through Christmas and New Year eating.

Catching up

2009-12-22T11:51:00.000-06:00

My doctor appointment went well on the 16th. He said we are moving right along and everything looks and sounds great. I only gained 1lb in the last month. It's so hard to believe that I will be 29 weeks on Christmas day! She now weighs a little over 2.5 lbs and is just over 15 inches long. And I can feel it too. And you can see it too! Moving all the time now. I know she gets the hiccups and I swear that she sneezes. It's either a sneeze or she's shaking off like a dog.

On the 18th Brad and I celebrated 5 years of ~~not killing each other~~ wedded bliss. We went to the Smoky Mountains and had a great time. There was about 6.5 inches of snow that fell while we were there. Definately the most we've seen since we started going.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Christmas and hopefully I can get back to regular updates after the first of the year.

The Truth About Reindeer

2009-12-08T10:39:00.000-06:00

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeers retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.
We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-ass man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

Baby: 101

2009-12-01T11:41:00.000-06:00

There are 101 more days until my due date. To be honest with you, I'm starting to get a little nervous. I assume every first-time mother feels rushed to make sure everything is just right before the baby get here. I'm starting to feel it now. So many things left to do in the next few months. Still have to move and put up her bed, move her dresser into her room, recover the recliner (yes, the FL artsy-fartsy side of me if coming out), make curtains for her room (it's really coming out!), baby showers to attend and then stuff from them to put up, toys to clean and clothes to wash. I have to stop - my brain is about to boil. And this is some of the reason I don't seem to be getting much sleep these days. I have lists after lists running through my head of things to get done. And I know I'm the only person in the world this happens to! Am I really behind or do I just feel that way?
Oh, and the bedding that we had picked out...yep, no longer made. So here is what we are going with now. What do yall think?

Girly, right? I even surprised myself! I have already made up my mind that if we can't get this then it will just have to all be "mental institution" white.

Now here's where she is just 101 days before her arrival date. In week 25 she measured about 12.5 inches and weighed about a pound and a half (about like a rutabaga). She is starting to get some baby fat on those bones to smooth out her wrinkles. And if we could see her hair, which I am assuming she has lots of, we would be able to discern the color and texture. Week 26 means that her nerves in her ears are better developed and more sensitive so she probably is able to hear our voices. She is also inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid which is helping to develop her lungs. Getting bigger, she weighs about a pound and two-thirds and is about 14 inches long (about the size of an English cucumber). I don't feel much different except for the belly that's getting bigger by the day.

An update for Marie (and anyone else reading)

2009-11-19T12:12:00.000-06:00

**note: Marie is one of the "Golden Girls" from my last job. She and Joyce (another GG) keep up with me through blog and emails. Last night Marie asked for an update-here's your update and make sure you print it and take it to Joyce too**

Well as most of you know I failed my glucose test yesterday. There wasn't any sugar in my urine so doc told me to just watch what I eat and how much of it I eat. He wants me to cut back my sugars and carbs. Yes, I did remind him that Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas is next month! Other than that everything went well. Her heartbeat was strong and the rest of my tests were normal. My next appointment will be December 16th.

Tomorrow I will be 24 weeks. According to Babycenter.com JoAnna weighs just over a pound and is about a foot long. They compare her to an ear of corn. She should start to fill in and plump up soon. Her brain is growing quickly and her taste buds are developing. Her lungs are developing branches of the respiratory tree as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she is born. I know all too well the need for surfactant production since Alley Claire was born.

The moving process is still going on. We have just a few more things to get from the old house. Most of the stuff left is Brad's lure making materials and they will get to live with Adam until we can build a shed. Our bed from the old house will soon be moved to its new home at Mama's. I have run into a few small snags at our new place...the kitchen faucet leaks, there is a leak in the seam of the stand-up shower, and the shower head is so high I can't reach it to adjust the angle. Soooo, I ran by Lowe's yesterday and pulled out my Lowe's credit card (I could get into some serious trouble with that thing) and got a new faucet, some silicone, some racks for under my sink, a basket for my kitchen towels, and a sanding tool for a table project I want to do. I am hoping to start working on JoAnna's room soon. We have to get the crib from my sister and move the dresser into her room. Next will be decorating. I'm actually excited about getting to decorate. The plan is to register for her stuff this weekend. Here is the bedding we have picked out...

Weekend

2009-11-16T14:07:00.000-06:00

We are almost completely moved. WOOHOO!

Thursday night we went to Prattville to Bedzzz Express and ordered new king size mattresses for our new bed that has yet to be picked out or ordered. That's how I roll these days...nothing in order at all. It was an awesome shopping experience and I found a set of mattresses I fell in love with. I've had the best two nights of sleep in a long time since they arrived Saturday.

Friday afternoon we moved our clothes and a few food items. I insisted that we spend the night. The satellite had already been disconnected at the old house and I don't do well with silence. I mean, come on, I even have to have the radio playing while I shower-how was I expected to sleep in silence!?! Plus I felt the need to stay with my new baby. It's been a long time since I've had one of these-

Saturday morning I woke up with a fire burning to get things done. By the end of the day my feet were on fire (and my ankles swollen). I did way too much but I got so much done.

JoAnna even got a present from her Great Mema and Papa. And then Sunday was the big finale...I got to meet Ivy!

Like she said it was as if we'd known each other for ever. Got in some grocery shopping and bought a few things for the new place then headed back home. It was a good but long weekend.

Apparently I'm losing my mind

2009-11-10T10:02:00.000-06:00

I just realized that no one has commented on my week 22 blog post. Are people not reading it anymore? Do they just not care? Nope! I didn't post it Friday when I wrote it!! Yep, I’m already losing my mind. So here's week 22's update--

She's the length of a spaghetti squash and weighs about 1lb. Her lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and she's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath her gums. Her eyes have formed but do not have color yet. Her pancreas is developing steadily. She has been kicking me to death here lately and my heart still races every time I feel her. None of my pre-baby pants fit anymore with the exception of my sweats - I think I'll just live in sweats until she's born. Brad and I have been looking at bedding and car seats and strollers. He's so funny to watch now, getting all excited. We have actually already bought a car seat for Brad's truck but now I have to make a camo cover for it. No, I will not go with pink camo since real southern girls can handle real camo. Her daddy (so odd to type that) bought her a onesie the other night...

I'm Alive

2009-11-03T11:06:00.000-06:00

So damn easy to say that life's so hard Everybody's got their share of battle scars
As for me, I'd like to thank my lucky stars that I'm alive and well...
It'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me...I'm alive
And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathin' in and out's a blessing can't you see
Today's the first day of the rest of my life and I'm alive
And well...I'm alive and well

It's a...

2009-10-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

GIRL! JoAnna Lane Chandler

I've got so much more to catch up on but not enough time right now. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up before the week's over.

2009-10-20T10:51:00.000-05:00

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing...Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow. As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell. Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....Good friends are like that .... You may not always see them, but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

I JUST CAN'T WAIT

2009-10-06T11:23:00.000-05:00

Gatlinburg has become one of my favoritestest places to go. This year we will be going back for our 5 year anniversary. Yes, I know it's hard to believe 5 years already!

I love to hear the . And enjoy taking pictures of the . Of course we will visit Cade's Cove to see the . I am hoping this year I can get a picture that looks like this.... is my favorite image at Cade's Cove and I take a picture of it every time we go...it's my obsession. I would love to wake up and see out the window. And click here to see where we are going to be staying. It's ok to be jealous.

Sneak Peak

2009-10-01T14:43:00.000-05:00

I went to the hospital Monday to see if we could find out if it's a boy or girl. Apparently this child doesn't belong to me or Brad because it's bashful. Legs stayed crossed the entire time! But we did get a nice shot of him/her sucking his/her thumb.

Say it with me "awwwww"
My 16 week check-up was yesterday and everything was fine. Heart rate was 142 and doc said there's a lot of moving going on in there. I have been able to feel a few flutters here and there. Next appointment will be October 23rd and they will record the ultrasound.
Tomorrow marks 17 weeks. Turnip time - baby weighs about 5 ounces (about as much as a turnip) and is about 5 inches long. The baby's skeleton is changing from cartilage to bone and should be able to hear things.
That's all for now...I'm ready to go home and pack so I can head north tomorrow afternoon!

2009-09-25T12:18:00.000-05:00

Well we've reached 16 weeks and I'm actually praying that my morning sickness is coming back for round 2. Please Lord don't let it be the flu! Other than the frequent trips to the bathroom everything is going just fine.
According to my pregnancy calendar there should be a growth spurt soon. Right now the baby is about 4.5 inches head to butt and weighs about 3.5 ounces. It's about the size of an avocado. Yes, now I want an avocado. I may have to make a call to FL's and see if she will make me a blt with avocado - yummy. Baby development should be moving right along. Its eyes and ears should be close to their final position and the patterning of the scalp has begun. Who just pictured Brad's head? Come on, don't be shy.

Law and Order

2009-09-24T09:49:00.000-05:00

Just a little news story for today. And keep in mind that I work in Hayneville on Wednesdays. Check it out.
HAYNEVILLE ARRESTS

Tomorrow makes 14!

2009-09-10T10:42:00.000-05:00

Yes that says 40. I'm starting to show and now have maternity clothes (THANKS BECKY!).

Week 14 the baby can squint, frown, pee, and possibly suck it's thumb. I'm sure we'll see lots of all those things in the future. Kidneys are producing urine and it's being released into the amniotic fluid. The baby can grasp and suck it's thumb.

Just like me the baby is getting bigger. It is about 3.5 inches long (about the size of a lemon) and weighs about 1.5 oz. Right now the body is growing faster than the head and by the end of week 14 the arms should be in proportion to the rest of the body. But of course it's legs are still short and since it's my child they will probably stay short. And we have hair, well actually lanugo, but no matter what you call it I'm sure there's lots of it there.

No, we don't know if it's a boy or girl yet but hope to find out before the end of this month. And no, I haven't felt any movements yet either. Not unless you count all the gas and growling in my belly. My morning, afternoon, and evening sickness are all but gone and I am SO thankful for that!

I do have some prayer requests -- of course for me and baby to continue to do well. But also I have a few friends that are still trying, still hoping, and still wanting to see that plus sign each month. I won't name them but please remember those that are still struggling with this.

13 weeks already?!?

2009-09-04T10:27:00.000-05:00

My checkup Tuesday went well. The heart rate was at 158. Dr. Ashurst had to chase the baby from my belly button to my ribs before it stopped and he told me to go ahead and get ready for a livewire. Hard to believe my baby already has fingerprints and is now about the size of a medium shrimp. Yum shrimp...sorry I get sidetracked these days when food is mentioned. My morning sickness is about all done with. I can and do eat almost anything these days. Pickles seem to be my faves for the past few weeks. Anyway, the baby's fingers and toes have begun growing soft nails and if it's a boy he's already producing testosterone or if it's a girl she already has over 2 million eggs in her ovaries. My next appointment is Sept. 30th.

I officially go on vacation (aka to Becky's house) at 4:30pm. CANNOT WAIT! I feel like time is standing still. Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend! I know I will!!

2009-08-24T16:12:00.001-05:00

well i have just 200 days until my due date...any guesses on if it's a boy or a girl?

little update

2009-08-07T11:19:00.000-05:00

This was taken Wednesday afternoon when I was 9 weeks. We also got to see the baby move around. Awesome!

Yep, that's our baby!

2009-07-23T09:28:00.000-05:00

Isn't it beautiful? I'm not biased or anything but I think so!
The doctor visit went well except for having to sit in the waiting room for 2 hours with my stomach growling. They should have free snacks for us pregnant women while we wait - at least a juice box or something.
Dr. Ashurst examined me and said that everything looks and feels wonderful. He didn't give me a due date on paper but said that we would go by the IUI date so that would make it March 10th. And there is just one from what we saw on the ultrasound. Knowing that has put me at ease since all these twins scenarios with awful outcomes had been running through my head. I seem to be more of a worrier these days. And the more I worry the sicker I get.
Something I've not had to worry about is Brad. He has changed into this man that waits on me hand and foot. AND I'M LOVING IT! He has cut the grass (and it needs it again). He has rubbed my back and my legs. And he will even fix my plate and bring it to me. Y'all just don't know how big of a difference that is! The sweetest thing he has started doing is kissing on my belly. I'm just eating it all up.

6 Weeks

2009-07-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe but I'm already six weeks along in my pregnancy. So far the sex has been decided, the liver has started functioning, it has limb buds, the mouth, jaw and esophagus have started forming, and the heart is beating. I know for sure the heart is beating...

Yes, I snuck to the hospital for an early ultrasound. No, I still don't know if it's one or two in there. We saw one heartbeat and then thought we saw another. The second was hard to keep track of so we still aren't sure if there was another there or not. I should find out for sure on Tuesday when I go to the office for another u/s.

Yep it's true

2009-07-13T10:33:00.000-05:00

we're pregnant!

June 30th was Brad's birthday and it was just killing me not testing. So I snuck back to the bathroom, dipped my stick and went back to get the brownies out of the oven. I went back to the bathroom and found this...

Called Brad back who was ticked because he thought he'd been summoned to kill a spider. He looked at the test and then looked at me and asked why I was shaking so bad. I couldn't believe it! Finally a positive. But we were cautiously optimistic because the last shot I took could give a false positive. So off to Prattville we went to buy another test. Got back home and tested again about 10:30. I called FL who's exact words were "sounds promising." I know she doesn't want us to get our hopes up but a little bit of enthusiasm wouldn't hurt. I mean, when I called Becky to tell her she spoke in a voice that only dogs could hear. Now that's excitement!

Woke up the next morning and took another test...trifecta

I called doc's office and left a message for Brenda. It took her no time to call back and wanted me to come in asap for blood work. My hcg levels on 7/2 were 266 and progesterone was 26.7. Brenda told me it looks really good but to come back in the next week to make sure my hcg is doubling every 2 days like it should. On 7/9 my hcg was 4095 and progesterone was steady. I'm definitely pregnant! I have my first official ultrasound scheduled for 7/21.

Thank you so much for all the prayers lifted up for me through all this. Y'all have no idea how much it has meant to me and Brad. And please continue to pray for those who have not yet gotten the positive test they are looking for.

2009-07-09T21:25:00.001-05:00

for a really big...HUGE announcement click on the five mockingbirds blog listed under those i stalk...........enjoy

4th of July

2009-07-06T07:52:00.000-05:00

Mary Grace and Bethany played on the slip-n-slide. Bethany had some ice cream. We swang, played ball (even Misfit), and blew bubbles. Then we all sat back and enjoyed the fireworks. Hope everyone else had as good of a 4th as I did.

Passing time with pictures

2009-06-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to occupy myself to make the time pass more quickly. I sorted through 6 memory cards Monday night. Here some of my most recent.

Birthday Girl

Luke and Seth having fun in the water

Chillin'

And playing ball with Pop

from our last trip to Lake Jordan (I love seeing these pictures side by side!)

I finally got a picture of FL's redheaded woodpecker

Shots from the garden...

Mama is a HOOT with her cucumber bat!
Madison with her cabbage she's growing as a summer project for school

When your hut's on fire

2009-06-22T12:22:00.000-05:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

The Moral of This Story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

I'm hanging in there just counting down the days. I had a great time on my minivacation this past weekend. Spent some time at Becky's for Ally Claire's 1st birthday. And of course to just get away from it all. I'll have pics up soon of the pretty girl at her party and all the other wild children in the pools.

IUI day

2009-06-18T12:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the big day. We went to the hospital for Brad's part of the procedure and then took the...um, stuff...over to my doc's office for the IUI. I made the mistake of looking in the envelope to check out the...um, stuff. The insertion needle was in there. Y'all is 6 inches long -- no joke. Measured it from the tip of my bird finger and it went past my wrist!!

Brad informs me that when they call me back he is going to sit in the lobby. OH NO SIR!! First of all I will not be by myself when our child is conceived and second of all...well isn't that enough?!? There are few things in this world that scare me but this scared me. Not the pain of it but just knowing what's being done. It sucks to know that you and your husband can't make a baby on your own and have to have a doctor do it. Modern medicine is wonderful but I just wished we didn't have to find out from this end. Anyway, he did go back with me and finally told me why he didn't want to be back there...he said he didn't want to be in the room with another man seeing my hoodywho. Sweet, but not good enough for this case.

I was spotting when I woke up yesterday morning but Dr. Ashurst said that the meds seemed to be agreeing with me nicely for this month and lots of times the LH surge will cause spotting. Or it could have just been nerves too. And he said that Brad's "stuff" was better this time than last so he is very optimistic about it working on the first shot. The IUI itself was kinda painful and I was told that it probably would be because my uterus isn't tilted just a little like I was told...it's severely tilted. So after the IUI was completed doc told me he was going to place a sponge under my uterus to keep it tilted correctly for a while. The sponge was on a stick - I felt like a lollipop!

I was told that I should expect some cramping for the rest of the day - yep - and cramping the next day too - yep. Now is the not so fun part, waiting. It will be a couple of weeks before we know if it worked. Pray for my nerves, emotions, and that God says this is the time.

2009-06-16T23:17:00.001-05:00

i will have the iui in about 12 hours...please pray all goes well

Ok, here we go...

2009-06-09T16:14:00.001-05:00

My ultrasound showed no cysts and doc wants to take a little different approach. I won't be taking Clomid at all but I will start directly on Follistim. Supposed to take 50iu every night thru Sunday night and go for blood work and a a follow-up ultrasound Monday morning. How long I'll have to take the Follistim will depend on what my follicles look like Monday. Then I will probably have to take the Ovidrel trigger shot to make me ovulate, but that will be determined later. Sorry for the quickie but it's time to go to the house and these days, that's the best part of my workday.

Old McDonald had a farm, E I E IUI

2009-06-04T19:17:00.001-05:00

IUI? -- WAIT! That's not how that song goes. But that is what out next step will be. I spoke with Brenda yesterday and without going into too much detail, Brad's fast swimmers just aren't all that fast. (I can just picture them trying to doggie paddle) So Dr. Ashurst has recommended an IUI. He said that with my inability to ovulate on my own and Brad's boys needing swimmies it would be our best option at the moment. So as soon as I start my period, which should be any day now, the clock will start. I'll go in around day 3 for an ultrasound to make sure my cysts are gone and if they are -- Clomid, Follistim and Ovadrel here I come. If you don't know much about IUIs you can go here: IUI FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
So my question to you is this: how much detail do y'all want from all this? Most of you know I'm not really shamed about giving out info so I want y'all to draw the line on the dept of detail.
Sorry that it's been so long since my last post. My emotions and attitude have been in the crapper. Completely awful and some of you can vouch for that. I didn't even want to be around myself. I don't know what the problem has been but I'm glad that it's starting to go away. Y'all have to just excuse me when I get like that.
So y'all keep the prayers lifted and I'll keep you updated.

I'll take that...

2009-05-19T12:37:00.000-05:00

Second place. Yep, I'll take second place and watch all the boys wonder how a girl beat them in a fishing tournament. HA HA! Had a blast fishing in the DPS tournament with Brad Saturday and he even let me drive the boat back in to dock. This was the first tournament he and I have fished and placed since the summer after we got married. We had 10lbs 2oz and missed 1st place by just 11oz. If only I had not missed that first fish. Oh well, second is good enough for this year. Look out boys, I'll be back for first place next summer.

On the baby-making...or lack there of...I am just enjoying my time off not having to worry about anything. We are waiting for Brad's tests in June and then shouldn't be long after that I'll be back at the office to see if my cysts are gone. Keep praying for me and all the others on this road. I'll keep y'all updated.

Have I kept you in suspense long enough?

2009-05-14T11:08:00.000-05:00

We are............not pregnant. Sorry to disappoint. Believe me, no one was more disappointed than we were. I started on Saturday. Yep, that would be the day before Mother's Day. Needless to say this was not the best Mother's Day I've experienced. I pretty much kept to myself most of the day. We had some family come up and I visited with them for a bit but quickly found myself on the tractor, my place of solitude. I got some of mama's flowerbed finished but we are still no where close to being finished.

My ultrasound brought even more bad news. I have two cysts. One on each ovary. See...

(left side cyst is 43 x 37mm or a little bit bigger than a milk jug top)

(right side cyst is 31 x 20mm)

So what does that mean? It's not going to happen this month either. I started back on birth control pills to prevent me from ovulating this month. Without ovulating no more cysts should be able to grow and hopefully that will give the cysts enough time to go away on their own.

This puts a little kink in our plans. Brad and I discussed it Sunday night and we do not want to continue down this path if nothing seems to be working. We have another appointment in June for some testing and if those testes...I mean tests come back ok then we are going to give it one more cycle of meds and then break from it all for a while. If doc thinks an IUI may be the answer then we will have to continue saving and do one when we can. So there's our plan and like all things in the world it's subject to change.

To be honest with you I do kinda feel some relief in this. I don't have to stress this month about temp taking or ovulation tests or blood work and ultrasounds or shots at all. Hopefully I can just relax this month and concentrate on fishing and working on my tan.

Mama

2009-05-08T11:40:00.001-05:00

Mama, what can I say about Mama? She's one of a kind that's for sure. Mothers are the only ones who would change your dirty diaper, wipe your snotty nose, stay up late helping you study, buy junk you sold from school that no one really wanted to buy, worry that you're hanging with the wrong crowd, cry at your wedding, and hope nothing but the best for you no matter what hell you put them through while you were growing up. Yep, just Mama. In honor of Mother's Day here are some pictures of my Mama.
Chillin' back in the day...

Mama and Daddy as a young couple

Mama and me at Mechelle's wedding
Mama holding Madison

The fam at my wedding (LtoR) Scott, Mechelle, Kelsi, me, Brad, Madison, Daddy, and Mama

Riding the 4wheeler to the pond and fishing

She INSISTED on having a crown roast at Thanksgiving

With Madison at Christmas

With Kelsi after she won

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Good Food, Good Fundraising and Good Fishing

2009-05-04T12:45:00.001-05:00

That's what my weekend was all about. Friday night was the Relay for Life here in Selma where they ended up raising close to $70,000 (not too shabby). I went to support the Vaughn Regional Radiology Team and of course to eat some good cookin'. I am not normally a spicy foods eater but I love crawfish. They still can't be really hot, but that good Cajun spice flavor...oh man! I ate until my lips felt like they were on fire. Even my chin was burning. And yes, I had heart burn all night long but it well worth it.

Saturday morning Brad and I headed to the river for some fishing. He caught 2 nice ones. The one fish I caught all day was just a tab bit shorter than the worm I was fishing with. We are "practicing" for a Department of Public Safety Tournament in a few weeks. It sure would be nice to win braggin rights there. And it's for a good cause too. Remember the shooting in southeast Alabama back in March? Geneva County Deputy Josh Myers lost his wife and child in that killing spree. The tournament will raise money for him and his family.

Lunch Saturday was THE BEST! I would have to recommend that if you are ever passing through Autaugaville, AL, stop and eat at Chef Lee's. It doesn't look like much and if you blink you'll miss the building, but the food is wonderful. I had a bacon cheese burger...and the heavens parted and I could hear angel's trumpets. Meat, cheese, tomato, lettuce, bacon, onion, ketchup and mustard all squished between two soft warm buns...man, my mouth's watering again. And just a little tip - don't try to eat it at 70mph riding down the river either; you'll get ketchup and mustard smeared from your lips all the way up to your ears. I know this for a fact!

Hope y'all had a good weekend too.

When the wife doesn't listen...

2009-05-01T11:48:00.000-05:00

This is just so stinkin' hilarious to me! Check it out...

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3179100?fr=yvmtf

NIAW

2009-04-30T13:08:00.000-05:00

I almost missed National Infertility Awareness Week (04/25/09-5/02/09). It's not really something I was looking forward to and I didn't know there was such until I got an email from Becky advising me not to watch the video on Kelly's Korner while I was at work. I don't normally blog-stalk this site but I just had to see what Becky was talking about. She was right, I couldn't have watched the video at work. I hope and pray that none of you are celebrating this week with me but if you are my heart and prayers go out to you. And a BIG THANKS to all of you who have supported, are supporting, and will continue to support me.

In honor of NIAW, here are a few facts from RESOLVE:

Infertility 101: Get the facts

Myth: Infertility is a women's problem.
Fact: This is untrue. It surprises most people to learn that infertility is a female problem in 35% of the cases, a male problem in 35% of the cases, a combined problem of the couple in 20% of cases, and unexplained in 10% of cases. It is essential that both the man and the woman be evaluated during an infertility work-up.

Myth: Everyone seems to get pregnant at the drop of a hat.
Fact: More than five million people of childbearing age in the United States experience infertility. When you seek support, you will find that you are not alone.

Myth: It's all in your head! Why don't you relax or take a vacation. Then you'll get pregnant!
Fact: Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system. While relaxing may help you with your overall quality of life, the stress and deep emotions you feel are the result of infertility, not the cause of it. Improved medical techniques have made it easier to diagnose infertility problems.

Myth: Don't worry so much -- it just takes time. You'll get pregnant if you're just patient.
Fact: Infertility is a medical problem that may be treated. At least 50% of those who complete an infertility evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful pregnancy. Some infertility problems respond with higher or lower success rates. Those who do not seek help have a "spontaneous cure rate" of about 5% after a year of infertility.

Myth: If you adopt a baby you'll get pregnant!
Fact: This is one of the most painful myths for couples to hear. First it suggests that adoption is only a means to an end, not an happy and successful end in itself. Second, it is simply not true. Studies reveal that the rate for achieving pregnancy after adopting is the same as for those who do not adopt.

Myth: Why don't you just forget it and adopt? After all, there are so many babies out there who need homes!
Fact: For many, adoption is a happy resolution to infertility. But choosing how to build your family is a very personal decision. Learning about all the ways to build a family can open your eyes to options you may not have thought of as a possibility. Education is key to finding resolution.

Myth: Maybe you two are doing something wrong!
Fact: Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual disorder.

Myth: My partner might leave me because of our infertility.
Fact: The majority of couples do survive the infertility crisis, learning in the process new ways of relating to each other, which deepens their relationship in years to follow.

Myth: Perhaps this is God's way of telling you that you two aren't meant to be parents!
Fact: It is particularly difficult to hear this when you are struggling with infertility. You know what loving parents you would be, and it is painful to have to explain to others that you have a medical problem.

Myth: Infertility is nature's way of controlling population.
Fact: Zero population growth is a goal pursued in a time of world overpopulation, but it still allows for couples to replace themselves with two children. Individuals or couples can certainly elect the option to be childfree or to raise a single child. Infertility, for those who desire children, denies them the opportunity to choose.

Myth: I shouldn't take a month off from infertility treatment for any reason... I just know that this next month will be THE one!
Fact: It is important periodically to reassess your treatment and your parenting goal. Continuity in treatment is important, but sometimes a break can provide needed rest and renewal for the next steps.

Myth: I'll be labeled a 'trouble maker' if I ask too many questions.
Fact: The physician/patient team is important. You need to be informed about what treatments are available. What is right for one couple may not be right for another, either physically, financially, or emotionally. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your doctor.
A second opinion can be helpful. If needed, discuss this option with your physician.

Myth: I know I'll never be able to stop treatment until I have a pregnancy.
Fact: Pregnancy is not the only pathway to parenthood. You may begin to think more about parenthood than about pregnancy. You may long for your life to get back to normal. You may consider childfree living or begin to think of other ways to build a family.

Myth: I've lost interest in my job, hobbies, and my friends because of infertility. No one understands! My life will never be the same!
Fact: Infertility is a life crisis -- it has a rippling effect on all areas of your life. It is normal to feel a sense of failure that can affect your self-esteem and self-image. You will move through this crisis. It is a process, and it may mean letting go of initial dreams. Throughout this process, stay informed about the wide range of options and connect with others facing similar experiences.

211 miles

2009-04-28T10:38:00.000-05:00

Weekend went well. Hope everyone had a good Confederate Memorial Day. Brad and Adam finished the tournament in 10th place. Not too bad considering there were 55 boats, but they still didn't win any money. I worked on Mama's flowerbed Sunday but certainly didn't finish it. We still have more stones to take down before we can do anything else.

Monday was a long day...211 miles worth (that's almost enough to get me to Becky's). Labs at 7:45am, ultrasound at 8:45am, shopping at Sam's, to Troy for shots, to ballgame in Highland, and back to Montgomery to pick up my (hopefully) last shot. I finally made it home about 10pm. My E2 level was at 875 which is great and my biggest follicle was at 1.99 cm. GREAT! So this morning I took my Ovidrel shot. Homework, homework, homework.

I was told that if my body does what it's supposed to do and I'm not pregnant at the end of this cycle them "someone" will have to have...semen analysis. Oh and let me tell you how excited he is about it. Of course none of this is anything anyone ever looks forward to.

I'll leave you with a few snapshots of Kelsi playing ball. They won their first game 9-5 but lost the second 12-6.

Not quite there yet

2009-04-25T09:11:00.000-05:00

I was misquoted my E2 level from Monday; it was actually 43 which is pretty low. Friday it had jumped to 312 but it's still not where it should be. The ultrasound showed 4 total follies that are big enough to count. Two on the left side at 1.0 and 1.2 cm and two on the right at 1.5 cm each. The ones on the right aren't too shabby but still should be bigger. So I have been told to continue my Follistim shots thru the weekend and come back Monday for blood work and u/s to see if it's any better. FL's going with me!

Susan, I've asked about it being so hard to find my ovaries on the u/s --the tech's shoulder cramped up Friday because she was pushing so hard and at an awkward angle --and if Brad's boys would have a hard time getting there (after all they are male and will not stop to ask for directions). Every time I've asked the tech has told me that she sees nothing blocking my tubes so the roads should be clear for travel. I even asked if my tilted uterus would hinder things and was told no. When we first met with Dr. Ashurst he told us that he would not recommend moving to another treatment until he felt it was really time...I'm putting my trust in him --- but will continue to ask questions.

Brad and Adam are fishing a really big tournament right now and I am praying that they win. We could really really use the money at this point to take care of some bills we've but on the back burner and we would be able to put some back in case we have to have an IUI or something else done. After the weigh-in we will got to FL's for the rest of the weekend. For Christmas Brad and I gave her a certificate for a flowerbed in the back yard. This weekend she will get her present. Monday FL will go with me to Montgomery for my appointments and then swing thru Troy to get rabies shots...no, not for FL, she's already had her shots. And Monday afternoon I'll finally get to see Kelsi play softball. I hear she's pretty good. I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures to post by Tuesday.

Y'all have a good weekend and keep praying for me, my follies, the meds, and everyone else who is having to travel this road too.

Same song, second verse

2009-04-21T11:58:00.000-05:00

I had blood work and an u/s done Monday. Got the call Monday night and it looks just like last month. My follies on the left are about 5mm and about 7mm on the right. So at this point they would be riding the short bus to school (sorry if any of you had to ride it). I had already taken 50mg of Clomid days 3-7 so I started the Follistim shots Monday night. I'll take 50iu every night at least until Friday when I have my next appointment. At this point I am assuming that I'll also have to take the Ovidrel shot too but won't know for sure until later. It has already been order for me just in case. My estrogen level was around 70 which is decent at this point.
(left O)

Every time I have had an ultrasound done the tech has had a really hard time finding my right ovary. Apparently it likes to hide. She has found it behind my uterus and behind some of my colon before, but Monday's hiding place was the best. She kept telling me that something was in the way but never would say what it was. She finally broke down and told me...it's a gas bubble. How many of you just laughed so hard you snorted?!? I was able to keep myself composed until she left the room. And I've not even have eggs or beans in a while!

I'll let you know if I still have gas on Friday...

(elusive right O)

Now let me tell you how mean I can be -- Brad uses our back bathroom and I use the master bathroom. The laundry basket is in the master bathroom; the back bathroom is not big enough for a basket of its own. I have informed Brad on several occasions that I WILL NOT pick up dirty clothes from all over the house and if he wants something washed then he can either put it in the laundry basket or on top of the washing machine. And when I say from all over the house I mean all over. He will walk thru the house undressing and where it comes off is where it lays. I have found dirty underwear in the middle of the living room floor! Friday night I washed a load of clothes since I would not be home on the weekend. I washed all the clothes from the master bathroom. I did not do inventory on the clothes I washed. All I know is I washed them and dried them and sadly most of them are still waiting to be folded and put up. So last night I got all the clothes from the basket and put them on to wash just before bed and I will change them over when I get up. So this morning Brad asks me where some clean undies are. Can you guess where they are??? No, they are not in the living room or even in his bathroom. He had just put them in the basket Monday so all his underwear (at least 12 pair) were in the dryer, just starting to dry. Yes, I know I am sooo mean. I do not know if Brad broke down and wore his old whitey-tighties that he hunts in or if he went commando. I do know that from now on he will make sure he puts his underwear in the basket!

Aww...for me?

2009-04-21T11:13:00.000-05:00

I have been given my first award. Thanks hun! Becky said on her blog that she gave it to me for being brave enough to blog about my journey. I think y'all are the brave ones for reading it.

Here is what I'm suppose to do:
1. Post the award on my blog, and link to the person who gave me the award.
2. List seven things I love.
3. List seven blogs I love.
4. E-mail or comment on those blogs to let the people know I've given them the award.

My 7 loves...
I love Brad for being hard on me when I need it but then turning around and letting me melt the next minute. He allows me to be me and most of you know that's not an easy task.
I love FL for being FL. She is my Mama and everything the title holds. I really love that I get my sense of humor from her -- who else can laugh so hard she pees in her pants and then laughs even harder about peeing in her pants?
I love my family, in-laws, out-laws and all in between. I love my relatives and those who have taught me that you don't have to be kin to someone to be family.
I love the outdoors. I grew up in the outdoors (even sometimes from inside the house-that's another post). If it's cool I'll be hunting and if it's warm I'll be on (or in) the water.
I love medical advancements. It wasn't too long ago that someone having trouble getting pregnant would have been told to just go home and take up needle-point or jazzercise.
I love music. There is rarely a time you will find me without some type of music in the background. And I have some from all genres, even a rap or two. Some people can't carry a tune in a buck but I can, it's just not a pretty tune.
I love knowing. Knowing that when all is said and done the Lord will take care of me. I mean, He has already provided me with my first 6 loves listed here.

My 7 loved blogs...
I have a problem here, I'm kinda new to blogging and don't really have seven. But here's my list -
Becky @ Five Mockingbirds (who has already been awarded) - I have to keep up with my Tuckers
Susan @ Griffies Growth - let's face it, who doesn't like to read what's going on with JonahClaire
Christy @ The Tates - she's got her hands full...and that's just with Brad
Ivy @ The Smith Family (who has already been awarded) - she's a new found friend - she still has that "new friend smell"
Jen @ 4tunate even though she has absolutely no idea I even exist - you have to admire any woman with quads that still has her sanity

i give up...

2009-04-20T21:38:00.000-05:00

i have tried to post an update 3 times and my internet...aka swampnet...keeps getting disconnected. so tune in tomorrow for the update and to see my award. fyi-i have decided to do a background post so everyone reading who doesn't already know(guess that will be you ivy) will know a bit more about me. so if there are any story request please let me know. i'm off to get my shot...

breif update

2009-04-15T21:25:00.000-05:00

looks like this month will be like last. i had an ultrasound tuesday and was told everthing looked normal for me. apparently i have a tilted uterus that no one has ever mentioned before. why did that shock me?! i started clomid lastnight...hotflashed about 10 mins ago. i have a doc appointment monday for another ultrasound to see if anything is growing. i was told today that odds are i will have to take the follistim shots and followup with an ovidrel shot.
we got brad's truck back today and it didn't cost an arm and a leg...just a few fingers and toes (i love a good buddy wisecrack!) oh i needed that laugh. anyway it was the bearings and our shadtree mechanic got it repaired in half the time and at a fourth of the price. i'm glad i still live in a place where people aren't afraid to get a little grease under their nails.

Peace in the Valley

2009-04-13T11:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm tired and so weary

But I must go along...

There will be peace in the valley

For me, Oh Lord I pray

There'll be no sadness

No sorrow, no trouble I see

There will be peace

In the valley for me.

Yep, I'm in a valley. At least it's not a pit. Woke up before the crack of dawn Sunday morning to get ready for church. Ya know us Southern Baptist have to do the Easter sunrise service. Anyway, I had started. In that split second I went from "everything just might work out this month" to "are You kiddin me?!?" I know I shouldn't holler at the Lord, but I'll be honest and let you know I do. So when I hollered Brad comes running to see what's wrong. Y'all he didn't cry but he teared up. My big ole burly man teared up and that was all she wrote. I just wanted to crawl back in bed and cry myself back to sleep. The feeling still hasn't gone away.

Then last night on the way home I kept hearing a scrubbing sound from Brad's truck. We pulled over to make sure the tire wasn't going flat or anything was hung under it...nope. I even made him check to make sure the lugs were tight (nothing scarier than the front wheel of the tractor falling off while you're hauling hay - right Ashley?). We pulled under the barn at the in-law's and pulled the tire off. Apparently the ball bearings are going bad. Yea, I've got experience in that department too. So now we have to have them replaced.

I'm not looking for mountains right now. Above sea level would be great. At least some level ground.

The weekend wasn't a total bust. Thursday was great cause I got to see my Becky and her crew for a whole 15 minutes as they passed thru my neck of the woods. I was off Friday so it was ok. I did get the grass cut before it started raining and hailing. Saturday Brad and I went fishing BY OURSELVES which doesn't happen often. 95% of the time we have Adam, Brad's brother, aka our first born, with us. Then Sunday afternoon we (our family of 3) went back fishing after lunch with Mema and Papa Moore. With a few exceptions it was good weekend.

*congrats to Brad for his second turkey of the season*

Just waiting

2009-04-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

Sorry to neglect my loyal readers (all 3 of you). Nothing has been going on except waiting. That's all we can do at this point. Wait, wait, and wait a little longer. At this point in the game you'd think I'd be used to it, but not really. The day can't come soon enough! I'm looking forward to when I can post some breaking news. Until then, keep praying.
Oh, I finally got a new cell phone. IT IS AWESOME! The LG Voyager Titanium. And I did get a protective cover even though they didn't have any made from Kevlar -- Brad asked.
Happy Easter to everyone. Hope the Easter Bunny is good to you. If he's not good to me that's ok...I like fried rabbit. :)

Where we stand

2009-04-01T11:57:00.001-05:00

Machine came back up and Brenda called to let me know that my estrogen was at 770 (good) but the hormone that indicates ovulation was not there. So at 9:00 last night Brad and I were at Publix in Montgomery to get my Rx for Ovidrel. When talking to the pharmacist she told me that it worked with her...twice. I was advised that this shot does have a much higher risk for twins. Twins I can handle. Anything else...I'll sell them on ebay. (Just joking-I don't want any nasty emails). So that's where we stand -- I've taken Clomid for 5 days, Follistim for 4 days and now have had a shot of Ovidrel and was given instructions for "homework". Come on ovaries don't let me down now!

Are you kidding me?!?

2009-03-31T14:21:00.000-05:00

Since my last post I have been taken off the shots (YEAH!) and was told that at least one of my 6 follicles that looked really good was 15 x 19mm (YEAH! YEAH!) and my estrogen shot from 56 on Monday to 329 on Friday (WHOOHOO!) So I was told to take ovulation tests through the weekend and call Monday with the results. Monday came without a positive ovulation test. Brenda told me that if I still didn't have one by Tuesday morning (today) then to go to the lab and blood will be drawn to verify I haven't already ovulated before he gets me a shot of Ovidrel, hCG to induce ovulation. So off to the lab I went this morning. Just got a call from Brenda and was hoping to hear that I had ovulated but noooooo. The lab called and their machine that checks the hormone levels, and is the only one in the whole honkin' state of Alabama, has been down all day! They have a man on his way from Atlanta to fix it and we should have the results by end of the day. Brenda told me to just breathe and it'll all be taken care of. Apparently she's getting to know me quite well. So for right now breath is all I can do.
For the one or two of you who hasn't already checked out Becky's blog, she has a pretty sweet double give-a-way going on. Check it out!

2009-03-30T10:59:00.000-05:00

Kicking butt and taking names

2009-03-27T12:43:00.000-05:00

Had my blood drawn for labs to see if my E2 levels have come up any. Hopefully so. Probably won't get a call to let me know anything until Monday. Ultrasound went well. I was told there was a party going on in the left ovary and all those follicles are kicking butt and taking names. She said that there were lots of them and they were all "good sized" but she'd never give me a measurement. From my u/s I had done yesterday (but don't tell anyone) they were 1.1 to 1.3 cm then. If I can still remember anything Mrs. Russell taught me that would mean they are 11 to 13 mm. Big yea since we were looking for any 10mm+. My right side is a completely different story. Lots of follicles, but they aren't even half-pints anymore. She actually said they look a little smaller today than the one she did Monday. But it only takes one to get-r-done. Sorry I didn't get a sonogram picture for your viewing pleasure. Maybe next time.

Lunchtime quickie

2009-03-26T12:26:00.000-05:00

Figured I'd take a few minutes from my lunch for a quick update. You know since I work for the state I have to be careful and delegate my time wisely so I don't miss my morning, mid-morning, middle of the day, or afternoon naps.
Shots have been going fine. I have another appointment for blood work, u/s, and consult tomorrow morning. I guess by now I should be getting used to the 12 hour fasts. Tomorrow I find out if my poor little half-pint follicles have grown into big girl follicles. I do know that I'll be taking the Follistim through the weekend, but I won't know until tomorrow if my dose will stay the same or exactly how long I'll be taking it.
Y'all know I'm not all that great with emotions. And this sucks. I cry one minute and then can't remember what I'm crying about. Gimme a break here! Please pray that I make it through all this with a little bit of my sanity still in tact. I mean, I know I won't have any after the kid(s) arrive so I'd like to enjoy a little now.

2009-03-24T13:01:00.000-05:00

I know that when most people tell you something doesn't hurt they lie through their teeth. Well, the shot really didn't hurt. I couldn't even feel the needle. The liquid was still a bit too cold so it stung just a second or two but that was it. And I did it all by myself. Actually I made Brad leave the room because I knew he would have made fun of me and then I would have had to hurt him. I should get a call today telling me when my next appointment will be.

In other news, Brad killed a turkey yesterday. I don't know how much he weighed, how long the beard was or how long the spurs were. Not that any of you would really be concerned with the stats anyway. But I did get a picture and that's one less thing of meat to buy at the store.

And here we are walking into the field turkey hunting last week.

No, you don't have to tell me - I already know I'm sexy with my shotgun!

First time

2009-03-23T18:03:00.000-05:00

My first dosage will be 50IU tonight. Ultrasound today showed that I have a few follicles on both ovaries that are 7mm and smaller. They have to be at least 10mm to actually count and most mature follicles are closer to 20mm. Mine still have time to grow before they are supposed to go on their journey. Lab tests showed my thyroid was normal and my fasting insulin was 4 which I was told was a little low. My Estradiol (E2) levels were 56 and need to be 200+. I will get a call tomorrow to tell me when to come back in for another check.

Here is my left ovary and my right ovary. Please don't ask me to give specifics.

May Cause Drowsiness

2009-03-22T21:20:00.000-05:00

"May Cause Drowsiness" that's what the label on my Clomid says. IT LIES! I've not been able to sleep well for the last few nights. I don't know if it's the meds I've been taking or that I have a zillion thoughts running through my head. Probably a mix of both. And it didn't help that the hospital called Brad at 11:45 last night. And I had a nightmare after I finally dozed off about 3am that someone broke in the house and I didn't have a gun. Anyone who knows me knows that's not going to happen. I really need some rest. Isn't it enough that my tummy is growling and I can't have anything until after my appointment tomorrow? I know it's not that I'm really hungry but my mind knows I can't have anything and I always want what I can't have.
Within the next 24 hours I will have started my injections and y'all I'm nervous about that. It's not the actual medication or even having to poke myself with a needle. It's that I never thought it would come that far. I figured that Clomid and time was all we'd need. Apparently not. I'm worried that this might not work either. I'm hopeful that it does. "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive" (Matthew 21:22). I pray every night that it happens for us. I just have to learn to believe God will make it so.

Follistim

2009-03-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

I was just told that I'll be taking Follistim. I don't know a lot about it yet, but I did find some to-the-point information on the SART page. Of course the first thought in my head was multiple births. I just hope this isn't me...

Heaven on Earth

2009-03-19T12:48:00.000-05:00

As I am standing at the Walgreen's pharmacy waiting on my Clomid (which has already given me a hot flash this morning) I see it...heaven on earth. Its beauty shinning like a beacon in the night. I just knew we were meant for each other. I slowly approached and with great excitement knowing I was the only one around and had to share you with no one.

(see my beacon in the night?)

Chair at Walgreen's How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee for thy upper back. I love thee for thy lower back.

I love thee for thy full back. And I love thee for thy heat.

Oh, Shiatsu Massaging Cushion how I love thee.

If only you weren't so expensive I could love thee at my house.

Moving to the big leagues

2009-03-18T20:30:00.000-05:00

Blood work...check. Ultrasound...check. Clomid...check. Injectable...che -- WHAT!?! Yep, I'm moving up from the minor league to injectables. Don't know which one, but whatever it's named I'm sure it will come with a needle. The two I was told it could be are Follistim and Gonal-F. Haven't had time to find much on either so far.

The ultrasound today showed that I have no cysts and from what I was told everything looked to be just fine. Even my uterus looked good -- see...

Yes, I was told that was the first request for a picture of an empty uterus.

I am supposed to start Clomid 50mg tonight (actually the alarm on my phone just said it's time) and go thru Sunday night. Monday morning I have to go back for another round of blood work and another ultrasound to see if we have any activity. Once they have had time to review my lab results then I'll get a call and find out what I'll be taking. That's all I know for now.

Tomorrow I will have an ode to the Walgreen's waiting room chairs.

Romans 5:3-5

2009-03-17T11:19:00.000-05:00

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Well, I started Sunday night. Kinda knew it was coming. I had been cramping for well over a week. Spoke with Brenda from the doctor's office. I am going in tomorrow morning for blood work and an ultrasound to determine what we want to do next. I am supposed to meet with Brenda before I leave, but will not see the doc. I'll let y'all know.

Birthday weekend went over well. Got to fish and mudride and spend time with family. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes on myspace, facebook, snail mail, email, and on the phone! This is the only picture that was taken the whole weekend. Kelsi and I were getting ready to go mudriding (sorry I don't have an after picture cause we were pretty). And this is the only picture I've taken since I got my hair cut Thursday.

Brad started day shift yesterday. It was odd to have him home and there be daylight outside. Also weird that I had to cook supper. Rotel chops, brown rice, and cream corn. Then we walked some of it off turkey hunting. Not that any of my audience is interested, but turkey season opened yesterday. Brad and I went just for a little bit...in the rain...and the mud. No luck.

Until tomorrow...

Mini Vacation

2009-03-09T11:13:00.000-05:00

This weekend was my mini vacation to north Alabama. Seven Mile Post Road CoC had a ladies retreat that I attended Friday night and Saturday. We were on Lake Guntersville and here's the view from our room.Praise and worship, devotions, Fireproof, and of course time with friends. Just what I've been needing.

Saturday night I kept some kids for their Mama and Daddy to go out on a well deserved date. We ate, colored some pictures and then baked muffins (but we called them cupcakes). I don't know about the kids, but I had fun! And I'm about like their Mama, I could just

EAT

THEM

UP!

Oh yeah, it was that good

On the home front, I will not be spending so much time alone anymore. Brad's moving to day shift! I could shout it from the mountaintops. The kicker here is that besides vacations and the occasional weekend that he takes off, we don't normally get to spend that much time together. It'll be an adjustment for both us. The best part for me is I will not be going to bed alone. That always sucks! Pray that our marriage can handle us being together like a normal couple.

Keep the prayers coming - test results sometime next week...

Could it be?

2009-03-05T10:42:00.000-06:00

As of yesterday I had not gotten a positive ovulation test. Last night it finally happened. I took one test but thought it might be a fluke so I waited an couple of hours and took another. Both were positive! Could it be that I am actually going to ovulate? Hopefully so!

So much to catch up on...

2009-03-03T12:50:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday Mary Grace. Snow in Jones, AL. Unscheduled bloodwork. Madison's pageant. Um, have I missed anything. Oh yeah, working on getting knocked-up.

Madison participated in the Little Miss HHS pageant Saturday but did not place. She was still pretty and said that she enjoyed it. Isn't that all that really matters? She's still more excited about being able to shoot the gun than anything else right now.

Sunday morning I woke up to this...

I guess we got a little over an inch. Possibly an inch and a half. Certainly something we don't see everyday in south Alabama. I did not play in it, but did try out my new hunting suit. It kept me nice and snuggly as I walked around outside taking pictures

This is how much accumulated on the side of my car during the morning.

It took a lot of bribing to get P-nut out of his house. I think he stayed out for a total of 2 minutes.

Dixie wasn't bribed to come out, but it did take her a while to decide if she really wanted to put her paw in the white stuff. After she came out she decided she wanted to taste some.

Sunday afternoon we went to wish Mary Grace a happy 3rd birthday. Yep, we all got to wear crowns, but only Mary Grace's had her name on it. "Brad Gene" and I got her a fishing pole and a tackie (tackle) box complete with pink worms. It seemed to be a hit with the whole family. Especially with Mom since it is her size. :) (Love you Mom)

And Bethany, Mary Grace's little sister is growing like a weed.

Now to the bloodwork. State employees now have to have a wellness screening done each year. Had mine completed yesterday and I was quite impressed with myself.

Blood Pressure - 98/70

Total Cholesterol - 197

HDL - 51

LDL - 125

Triglycerides - 103

Blood Glucose - 84

BMI - 33 (just glad to be under 35 there)

Sooo, all in all I'm pretty healthy looking at those numbers. I've never had a high BP reading, but I do think that's the lowest I've ever seen for me.

And finally a baby-making update. We're still working on it. I've not gotten a positive ovulation test, but I did get eggwhite yesterday so I am still hopefull. I had a present on my back door step yesterday when I got home. Two boxes of ovulation tests and a pregnancy test. They were a gift from Kelly who works with Barbara. She and her husband had a hard time conceiving too and these were some of her leftovers. Greatly appreciated! Also yesterday I started taking the Provera again. Only 11 more days until something should happen. We'll have to wait to see what it is though.

I'll leave you with what I think was the best picture of the week.

Pageant, bullets and nausea oh my!

2009-02-23T12:28:00.000-06:00

And the winner is...contestant #18, Miss Kelsi Baker!

Congrats to Kelsi for being crowned 2009 Miss Highland Home School!!

Madison't pageant will be next Saturday night.

Also congrats to Madison for shooting the rifle for the first time. She shot 5 times and hit her target 5 times. I'll upload video if I get a chance.

Metformin has not done me as wrong as last time, but it's still not my friend. I bumped myself up to 1000mg a day over the weekend but it's making me a bit queazy. I started having hot flashes Sunday and FL thought it was really funny until I made her turn the fan on and open the back door. Madison said you could see the sweat running down my back. Normally I'm the one curled up in sweats under a blanket. It's just one of those things I'm actually starting to get used to.

Today is cycle day 8 so I have to go buy ovulation test strips. :) Pray this is all my body will need for a kickstart.

Game Plan

2009-02-17T16:33:00.000-06:00

I spoke with Brenda from the Dr.'s office today and was informed that Dr. Ashurst wants me to try metformin/glucophage one more time. He is trying it in a slow release method instead of overloading my system with it. As you might recall, it was metformin that did not agree so well with me...lost over 5 pounds in the 3 days I was on it. Yeah, miracle drug for weight loss -- not so good when you're trying to get in the mood. So I start with 1/day for 7 days, then 2/day for 7 days and finally 3/day for 7 days (that is if I can tolerate it). I am also to start Provera on March 3rd so that if I am not pregnant then I will not be sitting around waiting on my little friend to show up. I have to call Brenda back either when I start again or get a positive test. Positive test, positive test...keep saying it. My birthday will be here on day 28 of my cycle. Any guesses as to what I want?!? Yep, positive test!!

Starting Over

2009-02-16T17:54:00.004-06:00

Period, menstrual cycle, monthly flow, the curse, Aunt Flow or Barbara (what we called it in high school)...what every you like to call it, it's finally here {side note: we do not refer to it as Barbara any more since that is my mother-in-law's name}. I called Dr. Ashurst's office this afternoon and left a message letting them know. I expect a phone call by 4:00 tomorrow letting me know what meds I will be taking and what appointments I will need to be making. Y'all just pray that the wait is almost over -- not just for me, but for anyone who is trying.

On the home front, WWIII has ended with much groveling for forgiveness. After all forgive is what we are told to do. I'm working on it. Now just so y'all don't think Brad is horrible, he didn't cheat, he didn't hit, he just had a really big brain fart and forgot that he's an adult with adult responsibilities.

Whoohoo, day one! It's be a long time acomin'. Check back later for the game plan.

Happy Freakin Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:00:00.000-06:00

Uummmm, V-day was more like D-day at my house this year. So as that I don't air ALL my dirty laundry on here, let's just say my husband made a not so very smart decision last night and into the wee hours of this morning. I was not a happy wife when I was awakened at 4am. I was still not a happy wife at lunch so he got to eat cereal for his romantic lunch. I smiled and acted like a happy wife through the play and dinner at Mexico Tipico (which was a very quiet dinner), but went back to my unhappy wife status once we left the restaurant.

Tomorrow will be a new day and I will start it off with a visit to God's House where everything will all be put into perspective. Y'all pray for me.

For Brad's present I had bought tickets to go see Bear Country at the Shakespeare Theater. Being the Auburn fan that I am I did not think I would enjoy it, but I did, and very much so. It was a very small production with only 4 actors in the entire play. It shows Bear Bryant on the day of his retirement packing the things from his office and telling stories of when he first learned of football, playing at Alabama, and then coaching there. Very intimate. The other 3 actors depicted the stories he was telling. I was actually surprised that there were only 2 or 3 punches thrown towards Auburn. I can honestly say it was the best part of my day.

Still Waiting

2009-02-13T21:38:00.000-06:00

So today is day 5 after finishing Provera and day 62 of my cycle. 62 ties for the longest I've had yet. I am so ready to start. To get the ball rolling. Start new. Get on with it already. It would be a bummer for that to happen on Valentine's Day, but this time would be ok with me. I've had the chocolate cravings, binge eating, chocolate cravings, cramps, chocolate cravings & sleepiness - everything except what I've been looking for. Did I mention I'm liking me some chocolate these days?

I did get a pleasant surprise at work yesterday. Flowers. No, not from my husband. Cpl. Neely had them delivered to all the women in our office for Valentine's Day. Thanks Neely

A Meltdown and a Kind Stranger

2009-02-08T09:23:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning found me fishing on Lake Jordan. Saturday afternoon found me in a puddle of emotions. The day itself had its ups and downs. We were supposed to leave by 6:30am but I was just crawling out of bed at 6:25am -- nothing new there. When putting the boat in the water Brad unhooks everything, backs the trailer down and I drive the boat off, but this time Brad forgot to unhook the boat from the back of the trailer. I know they guys fishing on the pier got a good laugh at me pulling the back of Brad's truck in the lake. We laughed it off and were on our way. After fishing for a few hours with absolutely no luck, Brad and I decided to head to the river for the rest of the day. Since it was quite chilly that morning I had worn my big ski suit to keep warm. After getting off the water I took my cell phone out of my suit pocket and apparently put it on the boat deck. I realized 25 miles down the road that I did not have it in the truck with me.

Called my phone from Brad's phone thinking I would hear it ring in the pocket of my jacket or my purse...nothing. We pulled off the side of the road hoping it was still in the boat...nope. Well, right there on the side of Hwy 82 W I had a total meltdown complete with snot-sucking. Yes, over a phone. Brad finally got me in the truck and began to fuss. Just not what I needed at that time. And with emotions running wild and hormones oozing out my ears I ruined his Valentines Day surprise. He informed me that he was going fishing on the 14th since he would not be able to fish the rest of the day and I could just go to Montgomery and pick up his present all by myself. I threw my hat and not so politely yelled at him, "I can't because I (censored) have bought you (censored) tickets to (censored) go see (censored) Bear Country. Happy (censored) Valentines Day!"

We dropped the boat off at Pawpaw's and headed back towards the lake. Not a word was said for 20 miles. We stared at the road looking for anything shiny. Y'all would not believe how much litter there is on the roads these days and it's ALL shiny. Found nothing but cans and bags all the way back to the landing. We were turning around and I had just begun to cry -again- when Brad got a text. It was from my phone!! "fone@ mailboxs by captnhooks" I had never read anything better. We were 500 ft from there and actually saw the man walking to the mailboxes. I thanked him endlessly. He said he had seen a car run over something shiny in the road a mile or so up the road and realized it was a phone. He picked up all the pieces that would go back together and tried to turn it on. He was so surprised it still worked. We were all surprised. It's scratched, cracked and not all there but it will still make and receive calls, txt, messages and go online. You can't see it in the picture, but my background speaks volumes "Ain't nothing gonna happen today that me and the Lord can't handle together." That is certainly something I need to remind myself of over and over.

Just like that my world went back to normal. I did appologize to Brad and he assured me that it was just my hormones. Then he appoligized to me for fussing. I told him I'd get him something else for V-day to go along with his tickets and make it up to him. So off to BPS where I got him a new reel and he got me a new rod. Luckily we are eligable for upgrades in April so I will not have to carry this phone for much longer. But I will keep it as a reminder that #1 my background rings true and #2 never leave anything on the boat deck.

Thanks kind stranger!

New Doc

2009-02-03T21:13:00.000-06:00

Today Brad and I met with a new doctor, Dr. Ashurst at Physicians for Women in Montgomery. Yes, Brad went with me and he said it really wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. We did have to even out his day with a trip to the Bass Pro Shops, but I certainly didn't mind. Anyway, doc asked a zillion questions about everything that has been going on for the last 17 months and then gave words of advise, "START YOUR PERIOD!" He wrote me an Rx for Provera but doubled the dose that that I had been given in the past so the ball will get rolling. After I start I'm to call and let him know and he will advise me of what tests we will do first. He said that he wants blood work for all my levels throughout my cycle and that he will probably be doing a few ultrasounds along the way. I will have my Rx filled in the morning and start it tomorrow night. He did not check my insulin and I forgot to ask if I should continue taking the Actos so I will tonight and ask about it tomorrow. For anyone who has taken Provera in the past you know I just CAN NOT WAIT for this period...and all the mood swings that accompany it. Y'all hold hold - it's gonna be a bumpy ride.