Thursday, January 28, 2010

Just a quick blog today...

Today is moving day, and I'm hiding in a closet to type this.

Yesterday was terrible. They actually stopped the test because I was crying. (And I thought I was holding it in fairly well) As it turns out, my fallopian tubes are partially blocked. Initially they thought they were blocked, but when they did the "after" picture, the dye had gone through. The pain after wasn't too bad, until last night. I would much rather have a natural, drug free labor than to ever go through that again. I was on a friends couch hugging a heating pad and trying not to cry. And that was with a muscle relaxer! It really only lasted aout a half hour, but that was long enough! Today I feel better, but I still feel like I"ve done about 80 sit ups.

Anyway, I have no idea what the treatment for partially blocked tubes is, but I have faith that I will have a full term pragnancy again one day. I will know more about the next step in this journey next week after I see the dr again.

I don't know when I will blog again, I think our internet will be hooked up in the new house today, but I'm not positive

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

What. A. Day.

Yesterday was not my most favoritest day ever. I watch 3 girls, plus Wyatt. Normally, yes, it's hectic. But yesterday, it was more than that.

First the youngest went home because she jsut wasn't feeling well. She was fussy, and had horrible diarrhea. That ended up being a blessing, because had she been there later on, I wouldn't have been able to handle it.

The 2 remaining girls and Wyatt were downstairs cleaning up. The girls both came upstairs saying they thought they were going to be sick. I'm wise to your ploys, young ones! Go finish cleaning the basement. Well, that was going fine, until all 3 kids started throwing up. At the same time. Still fairly managable, until Wyatt decided he needed to be upstairs to throw up. So I'm running up and down the steps. In the middle of all this, Randy texts me to tell me he got sick at work. Sorry honey! No time to sympathize! It. Was. Insane. In the middle of all this I'm trying to call/text parents, give kids baths...What a day!

Naturally, I didn't sleep last night, because Wyatt was up sick all night. And when he was done throwing up whatever was left in his stomach, he threw up stuff that must have been hanging out somewhere around his toes.

On a much brighter note...Steph's family and ours is going on vacation together. We decided we'd rent a cabin. I found a great one in Pigeon Forge, TN. It's secluded enough that you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, but there is a TON to do in the area. It has a hot tub (for Podunk) and it just looks comfy. And what definitely sealed the deal? Down there they name their cabins. This one was named....are you ready for this? The Loony Bin. How appropriate. And that's prior to our arrival.

Alright, one more day of packing and getting stuff ready for the UHaul. Daycare is closed today. The people are here to move the swingset. Guess I need to get my hiney in gear and get stuff done while I'm still feeling well.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

I'm a slacker (Warning, talk about girl parts! Although not pertaining to me being a slacker)

Sorry it's been a while since I've written. (Although I'm not sure anyone's noticed!)

What a crazy week it's been. We are mostly packed. Now it's just a matter of moving it to the garage, so it can go in the moving van Thursday.

I can't remember if I've posted this or not, but we've decided to buy my brother's house. While we both loved the character the other house had, being over a century old, it was going to turn into a money pit. Plus, it needed so much done just for us to move in. Steve's was ready to go. It's small, but we are just a family of 3, so we don't need much. And it's on 3 acres. So really, kinda an obvious choice, I think.

Well, as it turns out, my progesterone levels were great. Why does everyone keep using that word..."Great". I'm so happy all of our levels are "great". So then why aren't I having a baby? Can someone explain this to me? Because you give me 3 acres, and we will have more animals. I did find out last week that my cervix is almost "non-existant". I'd had a LEEP done a few years ago (they scrape off portions of your cervix) and either there was a larger volume of cancer cells than I thought, or they just took too much. It explains a lot about the blood loss I had afterwards, but noone told me they took so much. But I digress.

The dr at Hershey said that it's not a concern, but something to keep an eye on. Really? Cause I think it's a concern. Ah, well. I go back tomorrow to have another test done. This time they will inject dye into my (almost non existant) cervix and take x-rays to show if there are any blockages preventing Randy's stuff from getting to where it needs to go. Dr says it's not painful, but it will cause discomfort (Enough that they are premedicating me for pain...Hmmm...discomfort you said?) Plus I will be crampy Wed night. Yay! The last night to pack, and I'm gonna be crampy. Go figure. So, I will try to get as much done today as possible. With 4 kiddos underfoot, not sure it's gonna happen, but I will do my best.

Boy, I'm awfully whiney this morning. It's really not all that bad. Guess I need more coffee. Or vallium. I'll take either, really. Or for this week to be over. That would be nice too.

Things in our house really are going well, considering all the upheaval. I think my older brother and I are getting along pretty well. (Although maybe that's because he's getting a nice check from me in a few days...HA!) I'm looking forward to next week, being somewhat settled in the new house, having just a few kids to take care of, and just being able to breathe. I can't wait to see how the schedules pan out, and I will be taking more time for myself by going to the Y. Yes, I will be going with kids in tow, but there is a child care area, so I will still be by myself. Just need to get ear buds for my I-Pod, and download a gym playlist. I did take a deep well water aerobics class, and that was fun. Worked me harder than I expected it to, but that's a good thing, right?

Wyatt has been so much better behaved lately. We've tried to either get him in bed on time, or let him sleep in, and it's made such a huge difference. He still has his moments, but things have been easier.

Well, it's 7:30, time to get moving. Must heat up the coffee and get dressed and be ready for the day. Anyone have any duct tape I can borrow?

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Busy busy weekend

We have A LOT going on this weekend. Of course, there is packing. There is always packing. And laundry. But, before all of that, is play time!!!

Today we are going to lunch with some good friends, and then Chocolate World!!! After that, we may go to the farm show. I love that there is so much child friendly, FREE stuff to do in the area. Sometimes it takes a little digging, but it's there. The trick is going to be walking away from Chocolate World without a shopping bag full of stuff.

Tomorrow we have church in the morning, and then Mason's (my nephew's) 2nd birthday party. That will take all day, I expect. My dad and step-mom may stay at our house for a night, which would be GREAT, as I would love for her to help me explore my sewing machine. I want to make paper-less towels for the kitchen when we move. My goal is to make the new kitchen totally paper-less, and, well, really the entire house. However, we will keep toilet paper. I still have some sanity.

I have a few things going on I could use good thoughts and prayers for. My next infertility appointment is Tuesday, so I'm pretty nervous about that for a few reasons.

Alright, goals for today:
  • Transfer all info to my "moving notebook" (new utilities, ets)
  • Pack the upstairs (our room, Wyatt's room)
  • Clean living room
  • Clean out car
  • Organize our clothes (without the benefits of a dresser)

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Overwhelmed....relieved....confused....blah

Bear with me, please. This is a combination advice/venting/update post.




OK, so...we made a decision. We'd actually had a contract on a house, then, deciding we didn't want any debt, we decided to buy my brother's house (There were other reasons, but that was teh primary one) So, January 29, we will be the proud owners of 3 1/2 acres with gorgeous mountain views. And (drum roll please) no HOA!!! YEE HAW! When we made this decision, for the first time in a month, I was actually happy. Longer than a month, really. There was a relief there that I didn't feel when we put the contract on the first house. I feel like, as far as that's concerned, things are right. The house is on the small side, but that's ok. Love grows best in little houses, right?



Along with that...I want a vegie garden. Tomatoes and zucchini. Maybe cucumbers. How do I start? I have no clue. Should I start inside? If so, I won't start til the end of the month, since that's when I move.



Wyatt's 4 1/2. If he goes to school next year, I need to register him. I'm really torn about homeschooling. I don't know that I can do it. Well, that's not true. I know I CAN....I mean, he counts to 100, can add, knows fractions...He's a smart guy. There's a co-op near me, and several families in our church homeschool. But (bad mom here) I want a break! And it doens't help that SIL (who I love) is a PS teacher, so there's pressure from her to send him. But, as one of the HS moms in our church says, I don't want to "unteach" him stuff when he gets home. And he's already ahead of some 1st graders. When he gets bored, he looks for trouble. Am I a bad mom for wanting a break? A little over a year ago I was working 4 jobs, now I'm a SAHM. I love my son, and we want a large family, but where did *I* go?



I think I'm going through some depression. I don't know if it's the fertility issues, or what. I'm pretty sure I have low progesterone, and that would account for mood swings, my hormones being out of whack, but lately, it's all I can do to get off the couch long enough to brush my teeth. I know I have lots of sources of stress right now (both good and bad) but some days I don't care. Maybe it's exhaustion. (I forgot having a new puppy was like having a newborn) And I'm so freakin sick of putting on a happy face for everyone all the time.



OK, I'm done now. I think. SOrry, had to get it all out

Saturday, January 9, 2010

The only thing constant is change

Good morning, bloggers! *Raises coffee cup in salute*

Well, if you are my friend on facebook, you've probably seen my status update. Yesterday, Randy and I made a pretty big decision. (Really, enough of those already!) We decided to cancel the contract on the house we were buying, and we are buying my brother's home. And honestly, when we decided that, we both breathed a HUGE sigh of relief.

I know I blogged before about following Dave Ramsey. I still want to do that. He has these GREAT baby steps for saving and getting out of debt. Well, when we buy Steve's house we will be....are you ready? TOTALLY debt free. We really talked about it...and....Did we want to buy an older farmhouse on a fairly large but very sloped acre that would need some work, and have a mortgage, or did we want to pay cash for a house that, while a bit small, is on 3 beautiful acres. Hello! McFly!!! So, the decision was made. Now, I'm still gonna follw Dave's savings plan. I really have no idea of the best ways to save money. So, I shall take the advice of experts.

I have so many plans for when we move. I almost feel like it's going to be a whole new life. I'm going to do monthly meal planning and shopping. Obviously, once a week I will still need to get milk, etc...But we are going to start buying meats and produce from local farmers. I've heard wonderful things about the quality of the meats when you buy like that. And with 3 acres, I have so many more homesteading options. (Bring on the jokes, Trish)

I got a lot accomplished yesterday, packing-wise. Craft room is done, and the kitchen is...well...it's more done than it had been. I'd like to finish it this weekend (Aside from the pans and such I will use for the next few weeks) A good friend is keeping Wyatt tonight (Girls night...YAY!) and hopefully I can go through his toys some. I doubt it though. I predict laziness. Maybe I will pack upstairs some. That just seems....easier.

I'm still going to keep 2 of the girls I'm watching. It will motivate me to get to the gym (I will drop them off with their mom in the evenings, and that's right by the gym). The mornings will need to be ironed out...But I'm sure we can make it work.

I'm finally feeling excited about stuff. Until yesterday, I had felt so stressed and anxious about moving (some good, some not so good) Now, well, I just feel like I can take a deep breath. I had prayed about the right decision. And, really, now I know we've made the right one.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Randomness

I really don't know what to write this morning. But I don't want to fall out of the habit of blogging.

I really need to pack today. I've been up since 2 am (Thanks, Sam!) I have to get my oil changed and run a few small errands. I will pack, I really will. I mean, it's not like I have a choice. I just work so much better under pressure! I have a huge list of phone calls to make. Do I feel like making them? Um...no. I feel like sitting here and refreshing my Facebook and Cafemom pages waiting for something worthwhile. (Usually drama...I dont' participate, but I like to be a spectator) My craft room needs to be packed today, darnit!

I've caught myself already wanting to spend too much on stuff for the new house. But I really want to use Dave Ramsey's method for saving money and getting out of debt. So every time I see something I want, I remind myself that I dont' NEED it. And I think of what we can do with the money when we really are debt free. I need to make a budget and stick to it, but I don't know that I can until we are in the new house for a month or so and I have a better handle on what the bills are.  I know I need to be more aware of my spending.

I need to find an outlet for venting. I find myself getting so upset about some things. Usually I just let it fester until I'm ready to blow up. Not so healthy.

Alright, if I dont' get up and start being productive now, it will never happen

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Soooooo.....(Weight loss)

Well, I am going to try to lose weight. I'm not going to "diet". Rather, Im going to try to watch portion sizes. I will try using smaller plates, and not getting 2nds. And rather than keeping chips on hand for when I get the munchies, I will keep vegies around. Why am I telling you all this? Accountability. Stay with me here....
Plus, I figure if I'm portion controlling rather than dieting, it's safer to continue once we do conceive (whenever that may be)
Starting tomorrow (ha ha, I know, but really, I mean it) I am going to weigh myself twice a week (Sun & Wed) and keep track. I don't know that I will publish it or not though. We will see. I also think I'm going to keep a food journal. I sorta tried to watch what I ate today...And was amazed at how packed with calories some things are. Coffee creamer was an obvious one. But the stuff that I dip cucumbers in (I was having cukes for lunch...healthy, 'eh?) was LOADED with calories. There went all the healthiness. I will have to get used to eating things a little more plain, or finding other ways to add flavor. I'm really hoping that by writing everything down I will have a better handle on how much I take in every day. Plus, maybe I will see trends...If I eat more of something, I lose less, or whatever....
I also really want to get some kind of exercise routine established. It will give me more energy, plus all teh other benefits. And if I start one now, then I will be able to continue it. I'm always saying I want more "me" time, right? Well...then I will get it exercising.
I can do this. I know I can. All I have to do is think about the fact that I want to be around for a long long time (ha ha ha) and what I need to do to get there.
Maybe twice a month I will write in my blog what my weight for that day was. That way there is some accountability, but I'm not feeling defeated every time I don't lose a pound, or if one sneaks up on me.
I'm not going to tell myself that I "cant" have anything...I'm just going to ask myself if it's worth it each time I reach for something. Maybe I'll even print up something saying that and put it on the fridge or the pantry. Because even if my weight isn't the issue for TTC, it will be the issue for something at some point.
I think I'm going to look for a weight loss buddy on cafemom. Unless any of you readers want to do this with me? I might ask one of my daycare moms, I think she would be interested.
Water water water is my friend. With Crystal Light. A girl can only do but so much. I can do this!! Really, I can. And I will.

Monday, January 4, 2010

No diet for me, Mr. Mean Dr. Man!!

So....I wanted to know some of the symptoms of low progesterone, so I googled it again, and I found this article. Let's run down some of the issues I've had recently:
  • Inability to sleep at night
  • Exaustion during the day (I had been thinking the last 2 cancelled each other out)
  • Mood swings
  • Had a lump in my breast that required a mammogram
  • *Gallbladder issues***
  • Weight gain
  • Irregular cycle
  • Two possible miscarriages since we started trying
HELLLOOOOOOO. If I go to the dr in 2 weeks and find out it's NOT my progesterone level, you will have to knock me over with a feather.

And, let's keep in mind that many birth control forms have progesterone in them, and when I've conceived, I've been on birth control. Did that raise my levels enough to allow me to conceive? It makes me wonder. I'm almost giddy with the thought that we may have found a very simple solution. I KNOW I shouldn't get my hopes up this soon...but I can't help it. I'm as relieved as I was when I found that I had to have my gall bladder taken out, and it solved so many of the issues I had been having that I thought pointed towards psychosis!! :)

So, for now, I am not-so-cautiously optimistic. YAY!!! I know, I know, don't get ahead of myself...But I just feel so relieved, and like there is a huge burden lifted off my shoulders.

Can I just say that I am now back to 2 cuppas/day? :-D

Packing....ugh

We are, literally, moving 2 blocks away. Why do I have to carefully pack every last little thing? I'm just going to unpack it in a few blocks. Can't we rent a big sling shot? A pack mule?

On the bright hand, I am getting rid of a lot. Where does all this junk come from? It's not like we've been here that long. My goal (cough cough) is to get one room packed a day. Yes, I have many more days than I have rooms. That's because I know me. Today is the office/craft room. That way, as I pack boxes, they can go in there. It's 10:30 am and I'm already more than halfway done. I also had to pack some Christmas stuff with that. So I say I'm doing pretty well!

I decided to have a packing/moving party. Any blog readers within helping distance?? What are you waiting for? C'mon!

We have our settlement dates/times set. It's really real!!! WOO HOO!!! I'm excited, and terribly overwhelmed. We need to get all this food in our house eaten now, cause that's less I will have to pack. (and, it is all about me :) ) Time to get creative with recipies! I'm not looking forward to that first grocery bill when we move though.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

The best Christmas gifts can't be found under a tree

So, I must admit, this has, by far, been one of the top Christmases. I got the Kitchen Aid mixer, a cricut, and an awesome sewing machine. Not to mention, a lot of time with friends.
This Christmas I got to give my son a family. I have a husband who is kind and understanding, and who loves me and Wyatt more than I can say.
I went to dinner with Tricia Louise, and when we walked into her house, her sweet little girl, my Doodle, ran up to me with her arms wide open and the biggest smile her little 1 year old face could hold. That was teh sweetest moment I have experienced in a long time. She makes my entire day feel...better. And she comes with a pretty awesome mom, too.
I have had a fabulous couple of days with some wonderful friends. That isn't something you can wrap, or put a price tag on. I am really a very lucky girl. I have found my place. I realize that I don't have to measure up to anyone's standards, but my own. I most certainly don't have to fit into a mold that someone else has carved oot for themselves. I can be who I want to be. I can fit into more than one circle of friends. And if one group seems to think I can't, well, then, they are not for me.