A Different Kind of Southern Girl

New Blog Address

2010-01-15T15:22:00.003-06:00

Thanks Adrianne and Amy for your advice. I screwed up something so I changed my URL and hopefully will not jack this one up.

http://bamatwins.blogspot.com/

FRUSTRATED!!!

2010-01-14T01:46:00.003-06:00

I have been trying to change my template for days and nothing is working!!! The templates that I download won't open and the ones with codes that I cut and paste into "edit html" are coming up as the actual code on my blog...no template!!

Anyone have this problem?

?

2010-01-09T11:41:00.000-06:00

Man...I eff'ed up my blog template :-( This will be fun to re-do today!

Roll Tide and QUIT YOUR CRYING!

2010-01-09T01:45:00.003-06:00

We did it...Bama won the National Championship against Texas! We have not been to a Championship game since we won in 1992!! I was lucky enough to attend that game at the Sugar Bowl against Miami...it was amazing! I wish I could have been at this game!!!

We had some friends and family come over to watch the game...most were Texas fans (of course since I live in Texas) but luckily I had 3.5 Bama fans...the .5 being my husband who is actually a Texas fan. I had a few drinks, got a much needed buzz, trashed talked, yelled for Bama and had a house full of friends..it was a great night. Oh and the boys slept through the whole gathering which included 7 kids running around the house...good babies :-)

Well, my good night was soured by all of the trash talking on Facebook. I can't believe how many people were whining and making excuses for Bama's win. Apparently Texas fans know that if Colt McCoy had not gotten injured they would have kicked our ass..isn't that amazing that they can predict those things??? They also think that Bama "sucks" and Bama is "weak"...I can't believe the #1 team in the country with the Heisman winner actually sucks...how in the world did we get to play the almighty Texas for the National title??

Man!!! I am getting all riled up again! I have to say I have a new respect for my husband. He is a true Texas fan who is so disappointed in his fellow fans...he knows everything about the game of football and had the smarts to acknowledge that Bama won the game because we deserved it, that shit happens and players get injured and a winning team should be prepared for that. He has the smarts to know that the first 1/4 of a game does not decide the winner, that Bama got to the #1 spot for a reason....I could go on and on. He has been getting dogged by his friends and their Facebook friends for posting that the Tide played a good game....the shit that has been said is out of control! I love the state of Texas but alot of UT fans have no class...just Joe :-)

I conclude this post with a hearty ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!

I had to take a picture of the Tide running out on the field :-)

My neighbor and I

Chasey grabbed that bottle of beer, pulled it toward him and started licking the rim...nothing like a beer before bedtime :-)

Roll Tide!!

Joe and Parks...I let them stay up late to watch the kick off..heehee

Future Bama alumni

Still Fat

2010-01-06T11:17:00.002-06:00

Okay...so I have gone to the gym every other day since the 1st, that's a whopping 3 days!!! Woo hoo!!! I am doing 45 minutes on the treadmill, weights and sauna. I think everyone is looking at me thinking " man, that girl is fat", I walk by the mirrors and turn the other way and guys are not checking me out...other than that it's been great :-)

Sigh.....the beginning is the worst!!! Weird how it's easier to stay motivated when you look good...shouldn't my reflection of fat keep me motivated?? Instead my reflection makes me think there is no use...like it's going to take so long to see results. Amazing how I lost 15 pounds in 6 weeks when I had Post Partum...I wish I could remember what my meals consisted of, I know it wasn't much!

The food thing is actually my biggest hurdle, not the gym. I don't eat fruits, veggies or seafood so I am pretty much screwed. I got excited yesterday cause I tried a yogurt covered raisin and enjoyed it...well, I googled them and they are not exactly healthy :-( What the hell!! I am pulling out all of my weight watchers cookbooks in hopes of finding good food that's good for you. Every time I read the diets that people follow in my trash magazines I can't believe how BORING and strict they are!!! Egg whites for breakfast, salad for lunch, fish for dinner...blah!!!

I just ate 2 pop tarts.....is that bad? I know...it is.

FAT!!!!!!

2010-01-03T11:40:00.003-06:00

Yep, I said it...I am FAT!!! I am the before picture, I look like a linebacker...seriously! Wii fit's assessment agrees. It's time for some action. What better time to start then January 1st.

After the boys were born I was 10 pounds lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight because of the Post Partum Depression killing my appetite. Well, depression went away and appetite came back with a vengeance!! I have gained 25 pounds since the depression went away!!! What the hell!!?? This SUCKS!!!

I never had a problem with weight. I was a size 4/6 all through college and ate HORRIBLY!! Weight started to creep on around 26 years old. Now, at 36 I have 0 metabolism!! So, now I must change a lifetime of eating habits that never had a negative affect before 25 years old!!! Sigh......

So, January 1st I went to the gym....40 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes of weights and 12 minutes in the sauna. Every time I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirrors EVERYWHERE, I was disgusted!!! I don't feel like I look so it's always a shock when I see myself.

We got Wii fit for Christmas so I will be doing that in addition to the gym and walks with the boys. Now, the trick is to find things I like to eat that are somewhat healthy...this will be hard!!!!

Saddest Thing Ever (ok, there's sadder) :-(

2010-01-02T19:20:00.006-06:00

Santa brought the boys their very own RSV virus and ear infections on Christmas morning!! The poor babies woke up coughing and so stuffy! They were little troopers though and made it through the day with only a bit of fussiness in the early evening.

They sleep uninterrupted from 7-7 every night but that night both of them were up coughing and whimpering periodically. No crazy crying...just sad whimpering...it was awful. We were so scared to go to bed and not watch them every minute. We put the humidifier on, put a wedge under the sheet to raise their heads, gave them Tylenol and sucked their little noses out...and did alot of cuddling.

We took them to the pediatrician the next day and she concluded that they had RSV. Parker had a double ear infection with RSV and Chase had one ear infection and a milder case of RSV. They gave the boys breathing treatments at the office and sent us home with an RX for Albuterol and a nebulizer.

Well, it's been a week of breathing treatments every few hours and lots of worrying but they are finally better. Thank God!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-19T16:09:00.002-06:00

I wanted to update my blog so I filled the post with pictures...the writing will be cut short because I am swamped today. I am hosting the family Christmas party tonight and have been busy all day!!! Thank goodness the boys have been quiet and content today!!!

The boys first Thanksgiving was very enjoyable. We started with lunch at my in-laws for a big Italian meal. The girls and the babies hung outside on a blanket looking at all of the ads from the paper, the boys played washers and then I hit some golf balls from the backyard (the in laws live on a driving range). I had not hit in years and had a few embarrassing moments but finally found my groove and nailed the balls.

Next we went to my parents house for the turkey dinner. I made paper leaves and had everyone write down what they were thankful for and my nephew read them out loud. Some were touching and some were funny...like my brother saying he is thankful for his wife's nice ass :-) He did balance it with a touching comment, as well.

My nephew tried a few sips of wine and the boys tried mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes from our plate...it was pretty cute!

Well, I am off to do the finishing touches for the party!

Prayer For A Friend

2009-12-15T19:12:00.002-06:00

Please say a prayer for my friend Jill and her family. Her grandfather is in the hospital with brain damage after falling outside of his home.

Handin' Out An Award

2009-12-06T01:48:00.007-06:00

I got an award!! It's my first! Thanks Heidi!

I sincerely pass the award on to:

1,2,3 blog for being honest and open to advice!

Our.Ritzy.Life for her wonderful photography!

Guitars and Pralines for her decorating and cheering on Bama!

Gracie and Gabby for her words of wisdom and support when I was having a really tough time...Thank you!

It's a Crazy, Beautiful Life for her sweet comments and for being a Bama Fan...Roll Tide!!!

Beth's Blog for her friendly football bantering and taking a loss like a man :-)

A Story Unfolding.... for her sweet comments and for being an inspiring mother of 3!!!

Nap Nanny

2009-12-05T17:30:00.008-06:00

Since having my boys so many people have given me advice and now I would like to pass my knowledge/advice on to other mothers. And I will start with some advice for babies with acid reflux, spitting up and/or napping issues. I introduce you to The Nap Nanny.

I saw an ad for it in the back of my US Weekly and being a desperate mom to twin 6 week olds I rushed to the store and bought one. I am pretty sure the boys had some colic and they were very fussy at the end of the day...I would have tried anything. The first time we put one of our boys in it he fell right to sleep...yay!!

They boys are almost 6 months old now and they still chill in it to watch tv and also take naps in it. I wish there was an adult sized Nap Nanny!!

I posted some old and new photo's of the boys in the Nap Nanny...be sure to strap them in cause they will start to squirm as you will see!

Follow Up To The Iron Bowl

2009-12-04T01:05:00.004-06:00

I thought I would post a few pictures of the boys. We took them to a no smoking allowed bar/restaurant, yes we had babies...in a bar :-), to watch the Alabama/Auburn game. They lasted till half time then we packed it up and headed home.

I think I need to teach my husband some photography tricks...most pictures of me with the boys have them looking away from the camera or making funny faces. Where the pictures that I have taken (pats self on the back) usually have them laughing and smiling. But I will say this...I have had way more practice and I am thankful that he takes pictures.

The Iron Bowl

2009-12-03T01:17:00.004-06:00

We did it again! Alabama beat Auburn in the Iron Bowl!! This is a big deal to Bama fans because Auburn is our rival team. It's also a big deal because my neighbor is an Auburn fan and we like to rub it in each others faces when our team wins.

My neighbor started the tradition (here I go again with traditions) 5 years ago when Auburn beat Alabama and I woke up to find a stuffed Tiger on my car. You can read about the last years "prank" here.

This year I taunted my neighbor with yard signs I bought at Home Depot (I vow to be more creative next year when we win!). I wrote Roll Tide Roll on one side and the score on the other and stuck them in her yard Sunday night. Ideally, I would have loved to fill her whole yard with signs but at $4 a sign I whittled it down to 3...but I got my point across!!

Now, we wait anxiously for Saturday's game against Florida (she types while biting her nails)!

Martha Stewart, I am not.

2009-11-23T21:43:00.008-06:00

So, I will not be making any of the nut wreaths for friends and family. That was a wee bit of an interesting fiasco.....but I did finish it.

The first issue came when I sat down to begin the wreath. I poured all of my walnuts and pecans into a bowl, plugged in the hot glue gun and got out the wreath form. Oh wait...I also have acorns to add to that bowl!! They were in the little pouch attached to the stroller which was in my car...remember, I collected them on some walks with the boys? Anyways, I emptied the acorns into the bowl and there was a little something extra....larvae!!!!!!

God, I almost threw up. There were about 4 fat, white larvae of some sort squirming around in the bowl. Then I found 2 more in the pouch...I now want to burn the stroller and my car. After scooping them out and disposing of them I noticed little holes in some of the acorns....what the hell was in there??????

Well, I got past that incident and continued on with the wreath. I glued nuts to the flat side of the form and was pretty happy with the results. Then, I started adding to the side...not so happy with the results. Damn you Martha!!! Nuts don't stay glued on the side...attached to some thin rim of wood!! I must have re-glued 15 nuts!

Once the rim is covered in nuts I tie the ribbon and proceed to hang it on a wreath hanger...HELLO AMY???? You can't hang that kind of wreath on a hanger without RUINING what is attached!! Nuts started falling...left and right. I would bend down to pick them up and the ones already in my hand would fall back to the ground. It was almost comical.

So, how does this story end? I hung it on a nail inside the house, with a few nuts missing and a strategically placed ribbon hiding a bald spot, all the while hoping the few acorns that remain are vacant.

What's next you ask? Cross stitching ornaments for the boys.

Giveaway

2009-11-23T01:19:00.003-06:00

Check out my friend Jill's blog! She is hosting a giveaway which includes free Perricone skincare!

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving?

2009-11-19T17:14:00.001-06:00

Has anyone seen this on their guide? I thought it came on every year but I don't see it...I am in a state of panic (even though I have it on DVD).

I Love Martha

2009-11-19T00:50:00.003-06:00

Funny that a girl with no crafting abilities, who doesn't cook very often and is usually barefoot when she throws a party, is a Martha Stewart fan. I love her magazine and her show. I also love Ana Gasteyer's impersonation of her on SNL..hilarious!!!

As I savored the pages of my November issue the other night I came across a great idea. On page 67 is a little snippet titled "leaves of thanks". It's so simple surely I can't screw it up. All you do is fold some fall colored card stock and cut out leaves. I am going to have my family write down some things they are thankful for on the leaves and then read them during dinner! And a new tradition begins!!

After that simple project I will be moving on to a more difficult one for my level....that being the level at which I can not draw a straight line or step outside of the box.

I am going to make a wreath out of nuts. Yep...you'll see!! I already started collecting acorns on my walks with the boys and I had my husband collect some walnuts and pecans at Kroger's while picking up milk. I bought the wreath form at Michael's and have a hot glue gun that has never been used.

I have high hopes for this wreath....I expect it to last until my boys go to college. You see, when I was a kid in Alabama my dad collected pine cones from our backyard and made the most beautiful, giant wreath. It hung every year above our fireplace. It made it through moves to Texas, Massachusetts, Florida and California...with a few touch ups here and there.

A few years ago my dad threw it away...such a sentimental old guy! I can't believe he did it!!! My mom said it had fallen apart and was not worth repairing! I am sad. Now a wreath from Lowe's stares down at you in my parents living room...sigh. So, it is my goal to create a wreath that will hold memories for my boys and hang somewhere in our home till the last nut is standing!

Stayed tuned to see if my wreath turns out like this:

Irritants

2009-11-14T23:46:00.002-06:00

1. Hearing bass from someones party when I am relaxing in my home. A house on some land behind my neighborhood decided to rent out their space for parties...now I have to hear it every freakin Saturday!

2. Leaving comments on a blog and never once hearing a reply. It's like saying Hi to someone and they look at you and keep walking. How Rude!

3. A cool fall day followed by a hot humid Houston day! What a tease!

4. People who are not honest about themselves. There are alot of people out there who have the general public and even friends fooled.

5. I have gained weight SINCE my babies were born...not so much during my pregnancy but AFTER! What the hell!!!?

6. Finding the time to sneak away from the house, alone, to go have a bowl of my favorite potato soup loaded with cheese, only to find out they JUST sold the last bowl to the man behind me!! Seriously?? Hey, I think I just found the reason for #5.

7. Having expectations of people and being told I shouldn't have expectations...easier said than done. Some times I expect a little reciprocation or gratitude.

8. People (mostly celebrities) who deny having fertility treatments. Why in the world would you lie about it? Do they think it makes their babies any less theirs? Or make them any less of a woman? To each her own...but it irritates me!

9. People who get rid of their animals when they have kids...animals get attached people!!!! They are part of the family!! Now you have kids so screw the animal? (if the animal is causing harm to your child then that is a different story)

10. The freakin mosquito's!!!! I can't go outside without getting swarmed by them. It's November!!! Die mosquito's!!!

11. People who are rude to old people. Don't even get me started on this one.

12. Laying out all of my scrap booking supplies and 42 Halloween pictures and not having a clue where to start or what to do!

Okay...I think I am done for the night! Just had to get a few things off my chest and what better place to do it? This way no one had to hear me rant and find things to say back! Like my poor husband who hears it all the time...over and over.

Time Does Fly

2009-11-14T00:43:00.004-06:00

Today, well 58 minutes ago, my boys turned 5 months old! I can't freakin believe how fast that went by. Everyone warned me, but I didn't believe it. I thought for sure they would be 4 weeks old forever, surely they were never going to sleep through the night and no doubt post partum depression was something I was going to have to live with forever!

My how things have changed. Once I started getting some sleep and started Zoloft the depression went away...thank God....6 weeks of that felt like a lifetime! The boys also quit waking up every 3 hours...I was convinced it wouldn't happen. At about 3.5 months old they started sleeping 10 hours. Now they go to bed at 7 pm and wake up at 7 am.....HALLELUJAH!!

They have now eaten banana's, applesauce, pears, peaches and sweet potatoes...we will be trying out carrots tomorrow. Who knew we would be so excited about fruits and veggies. But MAN, it is so nice to mix things up now and not just feed a bottle. It's so cool to see their expressions when they try something new and open their mouths frantically, wanting more.

They laugh and smile which makes everyday so sweet. Don't get me wrong, I am not one to sugarcoat and paint a fake picture, they still scream and cry and make us crazy! It is especially nerve wracking between 5:00-6:30...then we starts baths, feed bottles and they go right to sleep in their cribs. But Damn! When they get going at the same time I want to drop them off at the local fire station, isn't it a no questions asked policy...JUST KIDDING!

So, here we are...5 months down the road and I love being a mommy! I can't wait to see all their accomplishments in the next 5 months!

Me with the boys when they were 5 DAYS old! I was leaving the hospital that day and they had to stay...I sobbed like a baby after that picture was taken.

I brought the boys to meet the miracle worker...my fertility Dr. They were a week shy of 5 MONTHS old!

Another Anniversary

2009-11-10T01:10:00.004-06:00

A year ago today I found out I was pregnant! It seems like a few months ago and seems like 10 years ago all at the same time. I will never, ever, ever forget that day...what I did, the feelings I had, it was un freakin believable..literally unbelievable.

I had been feeling crampy for a few days before my scheduled blood test and had fully convinced myself that this was yet ANOTHER failed attempt. I woke up at 7 am which was WAY too early for me and got to the Dr. at 8. I sat in the waiting room, filled with husbands and wives at their own stages of the game, and shook my legs continually....I could not sit still. And, of course there was a wait that day! I thought I was going to have a heart attack...my blood pressure must have been through the roof.

Finally I was called in, I sat down to give blood for the 100th time in this process and the nurse asked me if I already knew...if I had taken a test. Nope. I can't believe I had the will power to not do it but I waited for the blood test. Heck, after 6 years and several peed on sticks with 1 line I was in no rush to see another failed stick.

I went home to wait the grueling 2 hours it would take to get the results. I climbed into bed and watched a Little House on the Prairie marathon...I LOVE that show! My husband came home 5 minutes before we were supposed to get the call. He was standing next to the bed talking to me and my phone rang....it was the Dr....my stomach dropped, I was shaking, it was hard to breath....I answered.

I said Hello....nurse Jana said "Hi". I said "Hi".....pause..."you're pregnant" I hear. "WHAT?? SHUT UP?? Are you serious? **sobbing** Shut Up!!! Oh My God...I can't believe it", etc, etc. I was a mess. Then she tells me my progesterone level and informs me that it is high and could very well be twins...WHAT????

I hang up the phone...my husband and I stare at each other grinning ear to ear and then start calling and texting everyone. The phones were going crazy!! It was like a dream. I couldn't believe I finally got that moment! That chance to tell the news. My mom cried, friends and family screamed..it was awesome.

My husband had to go back to work so we ran to Panera for a sandwich where we sat in silence for long stretches just smiling and looking bewildered, then we would start planning and imagining. It was so wild to sit there and know that a baby or babies were inside of me. It didn't seem real.

After lunch I went to Kohl's to buy a baby outfit. I was so sick of buying baby gifts over the years for everybody else but me..poor me. I got to the baby section and stood there all confused. Am I really getting something for MY baby...what do I get...what size/color!!?? I picked out a sleeper with ducks...I will keep it forever.

47 Questions

2009-11-07T11:49:00.003-06:00

1. WAS I NAMED AFTER ANYONE? A song that my dad like.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME I CRIED? It's been awhile....all I can think of is tears from laughter on Halloween night.
3. DO I LIKE MY HANDWRITING? I hate it!! It sucks...I start out ok and then get lazy and messy.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Boars Head Roasted or Honey Turkey very thinly sliced.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 2 baby boys, 2 dogs and 3 cats
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yep...I think I am kinda fun to be around.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Not alot...every now and then...constant sarcasm gets old real fast!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yep
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Hell no!!!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Fruity Pebbles and Capt Crunch Berry
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? nope...too lazy
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Baskin Robbins mint choc chip and choc chip in a cup
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? teeth/smile
15. RED OR PINK? red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? my hands and thighs
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my friend Cathy in Miami
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE ELSE TO PUT THIS ON THEIR BLOG? Sure, I think it would be fun to read everyone's answers. And plus I love stuff like this.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? barefoot...just got a pedi...don't need to cover it :-)
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? mini 3 musketeers
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the Texas game and a screeching baby
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? green
23. FAVORITE SMELL? desserts baking and men's cologne
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My BF Nikki
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? got it off someone else's blog
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? College football...well, Alabama football!
27. Hair Color? light brown
28. EYE COLOR? green
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD? desserts
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Oh happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Couples Retreat...not very good
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? a white wife beater...classy
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? I guess winter..its hard to say. 100% fall and spring.
35. HUGS OR KISSES? I like both
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? wedding cake
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? You!
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I guess who ever doesn't like answering these type of things.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? cookbooks
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? nothing
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? DVR'ed shows. The Big Bang Theory, Gossip Girl, How I met your Mother and Eastwick
42. FAVORITE SOUND? clapping and horses hooves on gravel or pavement
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? I personally don't care of either, but if I had to pick i would say the Rolling Stones
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Mexico
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? amateur photographer
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Birmingham, AL
47. WHOSE ANSWERS AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO READING? Yours!

Soooo Much Fun!!

2009-11-06T00:31:00.005-06:00

My last post talks about how wonderful my Halloween was for so many reasons. Well, there was one more reason why this Halloween will always be remembered...and I have my neighbors to thank for that!

My husband and I sat in the driveway this year to hand out candy so the doorbell and dogs would not wake up the boys. After the trick or treaters died down my neighbor Laura walked over followed by the swamp thing...aka, her hubby. He is a hunter and has this outfit called a Gilley (I had never heard of or seen one of these before). It was the craziest looking thing! I laughed so hard some grandpa-like wheezing noise came out of my throat and I peed a little.

This outfit could not be wasted. It must be put to use on Halloween. So, Danny (the mossy, swampy-like creature) stood camouflaged next to some bushes in my yard and waited patiently for a victim. This guy sat so still for so long, I would have started whining 30 seconds into it. We didn't want to scare any little kids so we had to wait and wait.

Then, my neighbor came walking up with his daughter so we told him to come back over after he dropped her off at home. He came over and I pulled a typical Amy move and told him to stand next to my husband for a picture. All the while the swamp thing is sneaking up behind him, which you can see in a picture below. He scared the crap out of our neighbor and we all had a good laugh.

Well, it can't stop now. This is too much fun. Who else can we get? My next door neighbors teenage son drove up with about 6 of his friends. I asked them to come over for a minute...they were very confused. Why are these old people asking us to come over? They walked over slowly and Danny jumped out from the bushes running after them. It was CLASSIC!!! They screamed, turned and ran. God, I wish I had that moment on video!! Hey, there's an idea...let's set up the camera and pick out another victim.

Unfortunately, the camera did not capture the victim who was actually not very scared. But I do have Danny running across the screen in his suit and lots of commotion and laughter...good enough for me. That victim (Dave) was another neighbor (I love my street) who ended up hanging out with us for awhile. I was having so much fun and was so hyper I started making Dave and the swamp thing pose for funny pictures...what a good sport Danny was...he had to be uncomfortable wearing that suit for so long.

Well, we scared one more neighbor to cap off the night. He is a very conservative church going man and when Danny jumped out at him he balled up his fist and lunged...but didn't make contact thank goodness! He and his family had a good laugh...I hope they don't hate us!

Can't wait for next Halloween and the Gilley suit!!!

1st Halloween

2009-11-05T00:55:00.005-06:00

I loved Halloween more this year than any other year I can remember....especially when compared to Halloween 7 years ago. That day was the first time I found out I was not pregnant after trying to conceive.

My husband and I started trying to have a baby in October, 6 months after we got married. I honestly thought it was going to work the first time. Surely it will work...why wouldn't it? I even threw up one day and called my mom with excitement thinking it was morning sickness. WRONG! I was getting candy poured into a bowl...so excited about my first Halloween in our first house...the thought of a baby possibly growing inside of me making me feel all the more "cozy" and then it hit me. I went to the bathroom and there was my period. I cried. Silly girl...crying the first month! You will have PLENTY more months to cry don't ruin Halloween night.

Last Halloween was the day before my embryo transfer. And this Halloween, 7 years after that 1st letdown, I sat and carved pumpkins with my babies. I took them to a Halloween party next door. I made cupcakes and caramel apples. We watched It's the Great Pumpkin twice. What an freakin' awesome day!!

Watching daddy carve pumpkins

The boys first pumpkins!

The cupcakes I made. It was a box cake mix but I made homemade buttercream and used french vanilla extract...yummy!

Carving pumpkins with Chasey

Carving pumpkins with Parks

The boys with one of their Halloween presents that Granny brought them

The caramel apples I made. This will be a tradition that I will continue every Halloween

Parker the kitty...sitting with his Aunt

Chase the skeleton..he looks like a thug :-)

This Day a Year Ago.....

2009-11-01T19:52:00.007-06:00

....I had 2 little embryo's implanted inside of me.They found a cozy spot and began to grow! Now I have 2 baby boys! I can't believe it's been a year! You can read my post from this day a year ago here.

Traditions

2009-10-29T12:39:00.002-05:00

I have many traditions from my childhood that I will be passing onto my kids but I would also like to start some new ones! I would love to hear some of your family traditions for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas...that is if you're willing to let me steal them :-)

The Great Pumpkin!

2009-10-28T00:36:00.003-05:00

Tonight I watched The Great Pumpkin with my boys...it was a very special moment for me. For 6 long years I watched this wonderful cartoon with my husband and animals always wishing that the next year it would be with children, as well.

I had such a wonderful childhood...filled with so many special memories, so there are alot of things that make me very nostalgic for those days. I have always wanted to pass those feelings and memories onto my own children. But, year after year passed with no kids on the way so I lived the holidays through my nieces and nephews, trying to create memories for them.

Now, the wait has ended! One of my childhood traditions was started tonight for my children! It's surreal! Tonight my home felt complete. I can't wait for the rest of the year to pass on more holiday traditions and start new ones.

Irresistible

2009-10-27T00:40:00.003-05:00

After the boys were born the Dr. advised against sex for 6 weeks....while I had no problem with this because it was the last thing on my mind, my husband squirmed a bit. After 6 weeks passed he became very handsy...and today I figured out why he couldn't wait any longer!

I am irresistible. Can you blame the guy? I mean, this is what he came home to today: pj pants still on, t shirt with no bra and large sagging boobs hanging to my sides, a large dark spot on my shoulder (baby spit), 1 broken nail on each hand, hair that dried in a scrunci while I slept last night and teeth that were not brushed until 11 pm tonight! He's a lucky man.

In the Spirit of Halloween...

2009-10-26T00:56:00.005-05:00

Here are some of my "spooky" photographs. I was looking through my old photography from college and found these pictures that made me thing of Halloween.

REAL FOOD....well, kinda.

2009-10-25T00:36:00.011-05:00

We got the ok from the boys Dr. to start trying some cereal out on them! Yay!! Something different! 4 months of bottles was getting very old! Joe and I were so excited when we left...sad, but true. It meant we got to change up the routine and that they are turning into little people now...woohoo!! Not to mention how exciting it will be for the boys to actually get to start eating something instead of drinking smelly formula!

We started with rice cereal. Parker did very well. He looked a little freaked at first but soon start moving his mouth like he was chewing....so freakin cute!! Chase was a different story. He screamed. He didn't not like it. He turned bright red. We gave up and hoped for better results the next day.

Turns out, after a few days of trying that Chase prefers oatmeal. So, a week later and they are both doing the motions of eating and actually getting the cereal down. I can't wait to give them fruit!!!

First time having cereal

Joe cracks me up in these pictures

messy faces

still not too sure about this stuff...wait, ok I like it

They look like big boys now

Learning to Cook

2009-10-23T21:55:00.008-05:00

Over the years my husband has taken on the role as house cook while I have been the baker. My hubby likes to cook and Lord knows I wouldn't want to take away something that makes him happy..wink, wink! But, now that I am a stay at home mom, cooking a meal for my family is apparently the right thing to do...sigh!! So, I must learn to use ingredients other than sugar, vanilla and butter! And so I have tagged pages in the MANY cookbooks and cooking magazines that I have always been obsessed with (weird, huh?) and started trying out recipes.

Tonight I made Cannellini Soup and Oven Chicken Salad. I started this about 5 minutes before twin feeding time...note to self: must learn to schedule my day! It was a very hectic night but for the most part the food was good and the hubby was impressed!

Cannellini Soup

3 15 oz. cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
6 cups chicken stock, veg. stock or water
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped in a medium dice
2 ribs celery, chopped in medium dice
4 ripe tomatoes, cut in small pieces (I used 2)
1 tsp kosher or sea salt
1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1. Place beans, stock and garlic in a large pot. Bring to boil, reduce to low heat and cont. cooking for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2.Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. When the skillet is warm, add olive oil and saute the onion and celery for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent. Next, add the tomatoes and salt and continue to cook another 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the vegetable mixture and parsley to beans. Cook another 15 minutes or so to meld the flavors together. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Oven Chicken Salad

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups celery, thinly sliced
2 cups 1/2 inch bread cubes, toasted
1 cup light mayo
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
2 Tbs lemon juice
2 tsp dry minced onions
1/2 tsp salt

1.Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 2 to 2 1/2 quart oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray

2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, 1 cup of bread cubes, the mayo, 1/2 cup cheese, the almonds, lemon juice, minced onions and salt. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining bread cubes and cheese.

3. Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly, Serve warm or at room temp.

Things I Don't Need...But Had To Have

2009-10-22T00:12:00.011-05:00

Since starting with Kraft 2 years I have accumulated some "Kraft Cash" from various sales contests. I never really kept track of the "dollars" until 2 weeks ago when I told my boss I was not coming back to work. I scurried to find my password to the website so I could redeem my "dollars" before it was too late. After hours of looking through an online catalog of things I could purchase with my dollars I came across a few Must Have's.

The first item added to my cart was the Charlie Brown Holiday Collection on dvd. God these shows bring back warm, cozy, wonderful feelings. I remember being so excited when they would come on as a kid...sitting on the couch snuggled in a blanket, knowing that the holidays were right around the corner! And, to this day I still watch them every year always wishing I had kids to pass that feeling on to! Instead, I have tried to pass it on to my niece and nephew. Every year they come over sometime in December and stay the night with Aunt Amy and Uncle Joe. We light a fire in the fireplace, drink hot chocolate, decorate the tree in the room they sleep in, light a fire in the fire pit, go look at Christmas lights and watch a Charlie Brown Christmas!

Well, now I have my own children who will snuggle on the couch to watch It's the Great Pumpkin, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas. I know these shows come on every year and I can dvr them and watch them over and over but that just wont do....I HAD TO HAVE the box set!

My niece and nephew watching A Charlie Brown Christmas at our house

The second item I added to my cart was a Keurig single cup coffee maker. I have eyed these things for years! What a cool idea...make different requested coffee's for your guests or family with the touch of a button. If someone wants decaf, another wants flavored coffee or cocoa then all I have to do is insert a little cup of grinds and it's done...no multiple pots of coffee...GENIUS (it doesn't take much to impress me)!

The coffee maker came with a box of k-cups to try. There are all types of roasts, flavors, teas and cocoa. There are also many more to chose from on their website! Too bad I don't like coffee!! I already own a hot chocolate maker, a coffee maker and an espresso maker...I add TONS of sugar and milk to coffee if I do drink it or I add chocolate and whipped cream. So do I need this appliance? Some would say no...but it makes Hot Chocolate and Chocolate flavored coffee so I HAD TO HAVE it!!

The other items that I had to have were a Dirt Devil Broom Vac to add to my collection of cheap, no suctioning stick vacs, a set of cookie sheets for ALL of the cookies I plan on baking this year and lastly, Samsung's version of the Ipod touch. I actually had nothing to do with the last item..my husband decided he HAD TO HAVE it!

Happy Early Halloween!

2009-10-19T00:30:00.004-05:00

I couldn't wait till Halloween to post this picture. Another blogger mentioned the website Picnik for fun editing so I had to go play. I could spend hours on this website...it's alot like photoshop but free!!!

Things that make me happy

2009-10-09T20:32:00.002-05:00

1. The boys have slept 10+ hours the last week...YAY!!!!! I never thought it would happen!

2. It's 57 degrees in Houston! I want to light my fireplace and make pot roast. I am going to sit on a rain soaked chair in the backyard when I finish this and enjoy the cold weather!

3. It's holiday time and I have kids!! I love the holidays and every year I have tried to create memories for my nieces and nephews, now I get to start doing that for my own kids! I will carry on traditions and create new ones. I would love to hear other blogger's holiday traditions.

4. On that note...we are taking the boys to the pumpkin patch tomorrow. They will have no memory of it but I will and there will be 47 pictures for them to look at when they are older!

5. There are some new shows that are actually good this seasons. I am really enjoying The Middle and Modern Family.

6. Speaking of tv...I am so happy that Roseanne is back on Nick at Nite...granted it's on at 2 am but I still find myself awake at that time.

7. I decided to be a stay at home mom....while this makes me happy, it also scares the crap out of me.

8. Alabama football!!! We are ranked #3 just after Texas....my husbands favorite team. We are hoping they both go to the championship game...the boys will surely be clad in Bama outfits!

9. We left the boys for the night at grandma and grandpa's last weekend so we could go enjoy some dinner and drinks with friends. I was so nervous and sad but really needed to go out and unwind. We had a great time and jumped that hurdle.

10. My pets...my first children. My cats don't really have an opinion on the boys but my dogs are wonderful with them. I feel guilty alot because they don't get all of our attention, they have to share it now. But, they are getting more used to the new family dynamic and we shower them with love everyday.

Roll Tide!!!

2009-09-17T00:21:00.005-05:00

They better pick Bama in 18 years or mama is going to be very sad!!

I can see clearly now....

2009-08-31T22:40:00.005-05:00

Whew....that was rough. Anyone who says that post partum depression is not real has no idea what they are talking about. It is very real and very difficult. My first 2 weeks home were okay other than the lack of sleep and getting adjusted. Then it hit me...I had a knot in the pit of my stomach from morning till night. I had no appetite and could not fall asleep to save my life. I have no doubt that the lack of sleep made things 100 times worse....no sleep will really screw with your head. I was probably getting an hour of sleep a day for 5 weeks. My mind would not let me fall asleep....I felt like I was living in a bad dream, nothing felt right or comforting. My house felt strange, I felt different, public places felt like another world. I would leave the house alone and panic to get home...I felt dread wherever I went...I felt like someone had died, that's how bad I felt. Maybe it was the old Amy who had died and I couldn't grasp that concept....couldn't adjust to the new Amy, the Amy who was responsible for 2 little boys, the Amy who would never have her much needed quiet time, the Amy who used to sleep 10 hours a day. I would look around at everyone and wonder if they had ever felt this way....wondered if they had a hard time. Luckily, one of the few things that gave me comfort was holding the boys.

I felt awful. I felt like I was out of my mind. I felt guilty. Here is something I wanted so badly...something I tried for for 6 years and now here I was feeling dread. How dare I?? But I had no control over it. I cried everyday...felt hopeless. Thank God for my husband who was 100% understanding and who took the reins and cared for those boys when I couldn't deal. No doubt they bonded to him first...the patience that man has is amazing. When both the boys would be screaming and I would be crying he was rocking and calmly talking. I have never seen a more hands on dad...ever.

Well, everyone said it would get better with time (thanks again to those who encouraged me in the blog world). It did get better...with time and Zoloft!! Thank God for Zoloft...and ambien!! Slowly things began to get more routine and my new life became "normal". I finally started to sleep and then my whole world changed. The rain was gone. I was enjoying my boys and being a mom.

The boys are now 11 weeks old and they make me smile everyday...they also make me exhausted, make my blood pressure rise, make me panic with worry for them...but I smile everyday. They too are smiling everyday which makes me melt. They are turning into people...not little fleshy blobs!! They slept 7 hours one night..but they are now back to about 5, but we are making progress. I can't wait for them to interact with us...to be excited about things.

So, that's my story. I hope it may bring comfort to someone else who is feeling depression. I am a firm believer in misery loves company...it's nice to know you are not alone..nice to know you are not crazy.

so-so

2009-07-26T18:26:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to thank you all for your comments and support. It helps to hear other people's stories and feelings. I had no idea what I was in for.....but, with meds and time each day is a tiny, tiny bit easier.

:-(

2009-07-22T22:16:00.001-05:00

Post partum depression and not being able to fall asleep SUCK!!!

bleak

2009-07-20T13:38:00.004-05:00

It's amazing how something I wanted so badly sucks in such a big way!!! Holy shit, I am just hanging on here. The boys are 5 weeks old and I feel hopeless!! Everyday runs into the next, sleep is so rare, my nerves are frazzled, I sob all the time...when am I going to enjoy these boys that I love so much?

YAWN......

2009-06-29T22:10:00.002-05:00

Okay...this is going to be short. First, I want to thank you all for your comments on my last post...Thanks for all the nice words!! Second, I AM EXHAUSTED!!! Oh my gosh...I had no idea how upside down my world was going to be. We are so tired, I cry all the time, my house feels like a strange place...but I love those baby boys!!! I can't stop staring at them in amazement...I want to smother them in kisses. But, again, I am sooo tired!! When is life going to seem normal again??

The Boy's Are Here!!!

2009-06-20T11:27:00.006-05:00

Well, they came 5 weeks early but they are here and healthy!!! Last Saturday I went to the hospital to drop off a urine sample (Dr. was having some concerns about pre-eclampsia) and to get monitored and all of a sudden I am being told that the boys will be delivered in a few hours!! The whole day is a blur now...I was terrified! We were so not prepared to hear that...we were a wreck about how early it was. And I was a wreck about having a c-section.

The whole thing took about 40 minutes.....when that first baby came out crying the tears flowed uncontrollably. I was so relieved that their lungs were working and hearing them cry hit me like a ton of bricks...they are real and they are mine!!

I stayed at the hospital for 5 days and the boys were in the NICU the whole time which broke my heart. They had feeding tubes put in after 2 days because they were not eating enough...I sobbed. I had no idea I could love something so fast! We went down several times a day to hold and feed them which is not easy after having your stomach sliced open!!! But it was worth it!!

Family and friends came by everyday to visit and see the boys which helped take my mind off the fact that I was sitting in a hospital bed without my boys next to me...it was really hard. Joe was awesome!! He took such good care of me and made about 100 trips to the NICU a day!!!

We left the hospital Wednesday and the boys had to stay for more observation...they were already eating better and had the tubes out but the Dr's wanted to make sure they stayed that way. Well, we brought them home yesterday and are in heaven....scared out of our minds...but in heaven!!!

Prom Queen

2009-04-29T21:06:00.008-05:00

Here are the rules...

1. Upload your prom picture. If you don't have one, email your mom and have her send it to you. That's what I had to do. :)

2. Don't forget to include the year it was taken. Again, don't be shy. The older the better.

3. Grab the "Prom Queen" button on my sidebar and add to your post. Isn't the button adorable? Thank you Danielle, The Design Girl. You must check out her fabulous sale!

4. Copy and Paste the rules to your blog

5. Tag 5 others!

My Prom : Taken in 1991

True Companions Trying For Plus One
The Cook Twins
O'Connor Family
The Maniacal Mommy
Beth's Blog

Wow, it's been awhile!

2009-04-22T19:00:00.004-05:00

I suck at blogging!!! I am not working anymore and have no excuses!! I will be better!!!

Well, I am 27 weeks pregnant and look like I am 45 weeks! I am HUGE and the boys move constantly...especially baby B...he's going to be my handful! Everyday he moves his body into a position that has his head right below my right boob...I can rub my hand over my stomach and feel his little head!

I am just now starting to get very uncomfortable. This week my feet started swelling..one worse than the other. It hurts to walk because of my pelvic bones constantly shifting and sleeping soundly is near impossible! But...it's all worth it! We just got the house re-carpeted and the baby furniture set up...I can't stop sitting in the baby room which helps me forget about the discomfort :-)

I posted a few pictures of Joe and I in the room and 1 picture of the view from the glider. Since the pictures were taken I have added the bedding and am about to hang pictures....I will post finished room pictures in a week or 2! I will also post some pictures from my first baby shower that my friends Jill, Nikki and Maria threw for me...it was amazing, fun,creative and so special!!!

THE BELLY

2009-03-05T22:56:00.004-06:00

Here it is....my stomach in all it's glory!! I still can't believe how big I already am! I went for an U/S yesterday and they are right on track and moving alot, although I swear I don't feel it! I got to see both of them yawn which was pretty freakin cute!! Now, I just need to get my scanner up and working and I will post some pictures from the U/S...you know, the alien face, a hand, a circled penis that looks like a blob :-)

Update...pictures to follow.

2009-02-20T21:09:00.004-06:00

Okay...you kind people who left me a comment have encouraged me to start blogging again! I try to always have pictures with my posts but the scanner is down so they will be 'coming soon'.

Update on babies.....it's 2 BOYS!!! We found out 2 weeks ago (16 wks prego at the time) when we went for an ultrasound with a perinatal specialist. It was one of the the most surreal moments in this whole experience. Even though I am definitely showing, hear the heartbeats and see them on ultrasound, it is still hard to grasp the reality of it all. I still can't believe it happened!! Seriously, sometimes I don't believe it.

So, when the Dr. quietly said "Baby A looks like a boy" I was totally in awe. It all became more real, now they were becoming more real to me. I looked at Joe with the biggest grin and of course he had one to match! Then the Dr. said "Baby B is a boy"..what, 2 boys?! So cool!!! We had hoped for 1 of each but said if it was going to be 2 of the same sex we would prefer 2 boys...so, close enough!

We walked out of that room feeling more like parents. No longer are we saying the twins...it's now the boys! Little boys bringing home bugs, playing sports, getting dirty...we can't wait!! Now I am anxiously waiting to feel them. I am huge and Baby B is in constant motion on the ultrasound but I am not sure I have felt them yet. I felt a little "bump" last night...maybe that was one of my boys!!

HHmmmm......

2009-02-09T19:17:00.003-06:00

Does anybody follow my blog? I have slacked off on the post's and use the excuse of "no one reads it" (poor me..haha) to justify my lack of posting. I suppose I have alot to talk about considering I am FINALLY pregnant and am experiencing so many new things! Okay...I just talked myself into it. I will update my blog

Family and Friends

2009-01-02T17:52:00.004-06:00

So, I am going on my 12th week of being pregnant and can't believe how fast it's already gone by. It's still hard to believe that it's real but the fact that I have been nauseous for the past 2 weeks is helping the reality of it all set in.

I have to thank my friends and family for making this unbelievabe moment in my life so special. My friends and family check in all the time asking how I am doing, how are the babies, what's happened at the lastest Dr.'s appointment, etc. My mom calls every day and asks how her 3 babies are doing...so sweet! My friend Cathy from Miami calls every week to check in and talk about everything....she even sent me a package with Halloween and Christmas outfits!

But, I especially want to thank my friend Nikki for all of her interest and support. Like me, Nikki has fertilty problems. She has been trying for 8 years...thank goodness we have had each other all these years. Infertility SUCKS and we always have each other to vent to. Now that I am pregnant I know it's hurting her....I have been there so many times! Even though I know talking about pregnancy and babies is the last thing someone going through infertility wants to talk about, Nikki still asks me about the pregnancy every time we talk, wants to throw me a shower, talks about baby details ....I love her for that.

Wanna Hear Something Funny?

2008-12-08T11:16:00.004-06:00

So, I go to the ob/gyn last week for the first time since leaving my fertility Dr. My husband and sis-in-law went with me...so sweet :-) When I was called in for my ultrasound a sweet girl named Carla introduced herself...then her and Joe saw each other and started hugging. Then it clicks....I know Carla...I met her 10 years ago when Joe and I started dating. You have got to be kidding me...I am getting a vaginal ultrasound from a girl that fooled around with my husband..LOL...what a small world. After she left the room I asked Joe, even though I knew already, "Didn't you fool around with her?". My sis-in-law is laughing in the corner and Joe is squirming....it was pretty funny! The ironic thing about the whole situation is that just a week earlier we were hanging with some friends talking about the old days...I was talking about how every time I went to a bar with Joe when we first started dating we would run into a girl he had "hooked up with"....and now...we run into them at the gynecologist! I bet no one else can tell that story :-)

Friendly Rivalry

2008-11-30T23:49:00.004-06:00

After 6 long years Bama finally beat Auburn!! This Saturday, number 1 ranked Bama beat Auburn 36-0!! For those who don't know, Auburn is Alabama's biggest rivalry. Well, a neighbor of mine happens to be an Auburn fan which has made walking out my front door every year very entertaining.

It all started 3 years ago. The morning after Auburn beat Bama I walked outside and found a stuffed tiger on my car (Auburn's Mascot). I had no idea who did for a few weeks and then my sweet, quiet, petite neighbor Amy, fessed up. I was in shock and very impressed. The following year I walked out to a driveway covered in chalk art, Auburn's symbol, for all to see. And last year, an Auburn shirt hanging from a tree in my front yard.

Well, this year was my year! Undefeated Alabama beat the crap out of Auburn! After the game, around midnight, I dressed the tiger in the Auburn shirt and headed down to my neighbors. I love friendly rivalry!

P.S. I truly felt bad for the tiger :-(

When Will I Sleep??

2008-11-19T17:43:00.003-06:00

Well, we found out today that we are having TWINS!!!! I still don't even believe I am pregnant and now I find out it's twins!!! This is insane!! So many thoughts are going through my head! Do they share the same room? Will they sleep at the same time? Will we ever sleep?

Pampered Chef and Pampered Amy

2008-11-17T00:04:00.002-06:00

Saturday night I went to my friend Maria's house for a Pampered Chef party and had a blast!! Me, Jill, Maria and Gretchen all used to work together at Kodak and we used to have a girls night once a month. Well, due to kids and jobs the girls night has dwindled down to Jill and I every month with Maria being able to make it every now and then. So, it was so much fun to all be together again. I sat next to Jill on the couch and giggled during the entire presentation (sorry P.C. Rep.) We reminisced about our Kodak days which were GREAT! We have so many fun memories of our National meetings, flying together, staying together at hotels...I miss those girly days!

In addition to hanging with the girls, eating good food and buying kitchen stuff I was also Pampered by my friends :-) They bought me some congratulatory baby gifts which truly touched me. Gretchen bought me her favorite kids book 'Goodnight Moon', Jill got me a Williams Sonoma Kids Baking Cookbook (I LOVE cookbooks) along with a set of funny note cards, and Maria got me something for Joe and I :-) She got us a Penthouse board game, a sexy red outfit and........a little piece of clothing for Joe to wear that matches my outfit! I seriously lost my shit when I pulled it out of the bag...it is HILARIOUS!!! And I am sooo going to make him wear it! Thanks girls for a great night!

I Love PRESENTS!!!!

2008-11-13T23:29:00.005-06:00

Well, it's been a fun week of gift getting :-) Considering I thought I would never get pregnant, it is pretty amazing to be given a baby gift...so unbelievable! The first was an outfit that I bought for myself (for baby) like I said I would. After crying for half the day after the good news, Joe and I went and had lunch where we kinda just sat in shock and happiness and then I raced over to Kohl's and bought one gender neutral outfit. That night my mom and dad came over with treats for the dogs and a treat for baby. My mom got me 2 of the cutest outfits!!! Of course they have animals on them because my kid will be surrounded by pets!! The next day my friend Karen invited me over and gave me a set of baby animal books, a rattle and told me she was pregnant!!!! And, last but not least....Joe surprised me with diamond earrings tonight!!!! They are beautiful!! How freakin' sweet is he?? He said I deserved them for everything I had gone through to get pregnant :-) Thanks Joe...I love you!

My awesome earrings!!!

The outfits my mommy bought me...they're sooo cute!!

The cutest set of books and a rattle that my friend Karen got for us!

The outfit I bought the day I found out I was pregnant!!

So Far So Good

2008-11-13T00:17:00.004-06:00

I still can't believe I am pregnant...it doesn't seem real. I went to the Dr. today for a second blood test and my hormone level more than doubled to 660..just what it was supposed to do :-) I go next week for my first ultrasound and will know for sure how many babies there are! This is freakin wild...totally unreal!! And on top of all this craziness....one of my very close friends just told me she is pregnant too...she is 3 weeks ahead of me! Congrats Karen!!!!!

SHUT....UP!!!!

2008-11-10T11:15:00.003-06:00

I AM PREGNANT!!!!!! This can't be real. Never , ever, ever did I think I would hear those words!!! 6 years and I have never had a positive test!! There is hope for EVERYONE with infertility!!!! This is freakin crazy!!!!! The Dr. said that my number was pretty high (309) so it may be twins!!! I don't even know how to process this all!!! I am so going to Target and buying baby shit for us...not for someone's baby shower :-)

2008-11-08T11:46:00.002-06:00

Yea...another swap!!! Fun!! I can't wait for this. Every Christmas my mom and Aunt would make their cookies and then send some to each other. I remember being so excited when UPS came and dropped off a huge box from Florida...I knew it was full of presents and cookies! Now, I get to enjoy that excitement again!!! Thanks Monogramchick for having the swap!

Sigh....

2008-11-08T11:13:00.004-06:00

Okay...this is torture!!! Every other day I am convinced I am not pregnant. I will have a headache or feel some cramping and want to curl up in a ball and cry...with a candy bar. It is now Saturday...1 week of waiting, 2 more days to go. Monday morning I go in for the blood test and should know a few hours from then. If it's positive, I am going to Target and buying a shit load of gender neutral baby items....if it's negative I am going to stay in bed all day and think of all the things I can eat and buy that will make me feel better. Then I will decide that from there on out I will go to the gym and eat healthy...then I will decide that I will start that plan the next day....then I will cry.

I will have a small distraction today...Joe and I are going to hang at my best friends house to watch Bama kick the shit out of LSU!!! We are going to eat chicken tenders from a place called Cane's, which I have been told is very similar to the delicious Guthrie's in Tuscaloosa...yummy!!! Then, I may go to a Texan's game tomorrow...doubt it though, may just let the hubby take his friends instead. Then...it will be Monday!

My First Swap

2008-11-06T21:54:00.003-06:00

FUN!!! My friend Jill has done a few of these swaps and they seem like so much fun!! I do LOVE presents...what a fun surprise to come home to! Thanks ClemsonGirl for setting it up!

Still Proud To Be An American

2008-11-05T19:35:00.002-06:00

Although I am not happy with the outcome of this election I can say with all my heart I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. I am not "finally" proud, or "since the win" proud, or "for the first time in my adult life" proud...I am always proud to be an American.

I have a real problem with people who only support their country and show patriotism when their favorite candidate has been elected.....I have seen ALOT of this and it's just sad.

With that said, watching history in the making is pretty amazing. God Bless America!

Damn this wait

2008-11-04T16:51:00.004-06:00

Okay...today I felt a little negative. This waiting game SUCKS!!! I freaked a little today. Usually before my period I sweat alot in my sleep...well, I woke up all sweaty and got all negative. However, I have been sweating since before the transfer so maybe it's something to do with all the shots/patches?? Of course I called the Dr....she reassured me that my body doesn't know if it is pregnant or not because of all of the meds and I am probably reacting to the progesterone...but I am still freaked. Should I feel different, should I just know??? Aahhhhhh!!!

On a more positive note...thank you to my blog commenter's.....I truly appreciate your thoughts and support....truly!!

Now We Wait

2008-11-02T21:01:00.010-06:00

It's done. We went to the Dr. on Saturday morning for the embryo transfer! Of course it did not go smoothly, which I expected from the trial of transfer. There was some trouble getting to my uterus so it took longer than normal. They had to basically put a needle and thread through my cervix and lift my cervix by pulling on the thread which was hanging out of my body...so weird! After some pain from both the procedure and my FULL BLADDER, it was done...there were officially 2 embryos in my body. I even got a picture of them...one of which is already hatching :-) And, to my absolute utter surprise....we have 2 embryos that we can freeze!!! This is a very big deal....only 20% of patients have any left to freeze!

I have spent the last 2 days laying around sleeping and watching tv while Joe has been cooking, cleaning and shopping...what a deal :-) He brought me home a treat of Cheetos's, 100 cal. cakes and scratch off's...so sweet! Unfortunately, I am supposed to be eating low carb/high protein so I can only have a few treats!

Thank you to my friends and family for their calls, emails, comments and visits!

Joe and I before we left for the transfer

Me and the miracle workers... Dr. Roach and Jana

Joe with Jana...one of the sweetest, most comforting women I have ever met

The results :-)

Me relaxing with a little love from my nieces and nephews

The Day is Near

2008-10-31T18:23:00.003-05:00

Well...tomorrow is my embryo transfer...at 9:30 am. I just got a cold, worst timing possible. My head hurts, I can't breath, I am terrified, mystified and excited. It's actually happening...I made it through all the shots, patches, pills, failed IUI's, etc. and now have 5 eggs sitting in an office 30 minutes from my house, waiting to be transferred into my body. I have not full on sobbed because of infertility in a long time but the other day I lost my shit at the thought of having babies forming in a lab. It's the closest I have ever been to having a baby....I have no idea if an egg has ever fertilized my body! So, it hit me like a ton of bricks....I kinda have a baby...not really...well, kinda.

Update

2008-10-28T17:25:00.003-05:00

The Dr. called today and said that 9 eggs had been retrieved...8 of them were mature and 6 of them fertilized. She says that is good.....I hope so! I just need 2 to make it to Saturday!! I am a bundled of confusion and nerves...not to mention I am bloated like I am carrying triplets and the glucofage and slew of other meds are doing a number on my intestines...good times! One highlight...the Progesterone in Oil shots, which are administered in the ass with a large needle, do not hurt!

I have laid my eggs

2008-10-27T20:05:00.003-05:00

Today was my egg retrieval. I was a little nervous last night, but the prescribed valium helped calm my nerves. I awoke at 6 am (this never happens), threw on some sweats, grabbed the muffins that I bought for the office that would be sticking a needle into my crotch and headed to the Dr. with Joe by my side.

I love everyone at the office and the anesthesiologist was just as warm and comforting. After a few pokes with the IV needle (damn my veins), I started to feel loopy and next thing I knew I was awake and everything was done! 10 eggs were retrieved, which is apparently above average, and now I wait for the update on their progress tomorrow. The scheduled transfer is Saturday the 1st.

Damn, it's been awhile

2008-10-14T21:34:00.016-05:00

Wow, I had writers block for about a month....that was weird. Every time I sat down to blog I couldn't come up with anything worth writing about. I have definitely had an event filled hiatus, so you would think I could have come up with something! I know a few people who follow my blog (thanks mom and Jill...heehee) and I am sorry to them for taking away some of their daily reading...other than that, I don't know if anyone really reads my posts...so, it was easy to slack off. On that note...thank you to the anonymous writer who asked about my fertility progress!

Fertility shots will begin again on Friday...it's been 2 months since the failed IVF/IUI attempt and I didn't do ANYTHING I said I was going to do in that time. No acupuncture, no exercise, no diet...I suck!!! I think it was a relief to not have treatments on my mind so I just chilled out and enjoyed myself...whoops. This round of meds will be different in hopes of them actually working this time...in hopes of having more than 1 mature egg. The weird thing about all the timing is that 6 years ago on Halloween was when I was first disappointed with no pregnancy. I remember I thought for sure the first time we tried I would get pregnant, I was so excited about the holidays and possibly being a mom and then I started my period on Halloween!!! I cried.....if only I had known not to waste those tears, there would be many more to come. So, it looks like the egg retrieval will be a week before Halloween...weird.

Since I am all about pictures, I will post a few (alot) highlighting my life since the last post.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Ross visit...I LOVE them!

My hilarious friend Melissa came to visit!!

Trying out a new restaurant with friends

Saw Tom Petty concert...it was AMAZING...best concert I think I have ever seen!!!!

Housewarming Party at Danny's where I got the cutest kiss ever...you're so cute Peyton!!

Joe and cutie Olivia...Joe's so hot!

I had a few drinks :-)

Went swimming at Karen and Jim's on Labor day

Made it through hurricane Ike...this was the sky as it rolled in

Fell in love with this baby at the hurricane party

Hurricanes make people act silly

Joe did the worm

The next day

Spent lots of time with family at our house...we were the first to get our power back :-)

Celebrated my bro's bday

Celebrated my niece's 2nd bday!

Celebrated Karen's bday....lot's of bday's!!

Watched Alabama win their 6th game in a row...ROLL TIDE!!!

Roll Tide Baby!!!

2008-09-02T23:16:00.006-05:00

Ahhhhh! The first Alabama football game of the season was on Saturday....I can't begin to describe how happy that made me. I love nothing more than Alabama football and hearing a football game on t.v....it's all so comforting. My college days were some of the greatest times of my life. I had awesome friendships at school...some of which are still going strong (thanks to my friends for keeping the communication up...I suck!) I tear up every time I see the first football game of the season.I flashback to every wonderful, crazy, stupid, delicious, first time moment from those days. My home is truly in Alabama.

So, I put on my Bama earrings, ring, bracelet, flip flops and hat and headed to a pub with my hubby, family and friends. Amazingly, my best friend Nikki married a guy that went to Bama the same time I did....what are the chances...especially in Texas!!! She has become a true Bama fan which makes me all the happier. I also dragged out my BFFFFFFFFF, Jason. He is not an Alabama fan but came along for the ride and yelled Roll Tide at every proper moment to make me happy....Love You Jason! (Side note: Jason is a catch, any single girls out there in Houston would be lucky to date him!)

I was so happy on Saturday. I had my mom and dad decked out in Bama attire cheering along with us, some of my closest friends with me, chips and queso and the best freakin cheeseburger I have EVER had! And by the way....WE KICKED THE SHIT OUT OF CLEMSON!!!! Bama was ranked #24 and beat #9 Clemson...we are now #13. ROLL TIDE!!

Me and Nikki

Mommy and Daddy

Me and my Jason

My fav boys

My awesome hat signed by QB John Parker Wilson

Friend Therapy

2008-08-22T00:13:00.007-05:00

This month's girls night consisted of a little pampering for Amy thanks to my friend Jill. I went out, spent a bunch of money on house decorations, got an unexpected present, ate some yummy food and laughed with friends.

I picked Jill up on Saturday night and when she got in the car she had a present for me....so sweet...I LOVE presents! She wrote the nicest card about looking forward to things when you are down about something. And the girliest girl I know reminded me that college football is starting and that I should look forward to that. Now, this is a girl who couldn't care less about football....I am impressed that she even knew the season was about to start. Funny story about my friend Jill and football....she came to a bar with me to watch an Alabama game (amazing), she wore an Alabama hat (even more amazing) and yelled Roll Tide! I was so impressed. Jill wears a dress everyday, loves Hello Kitty and all things girly. Well, we are sitting there screaming and yelling (I of course am peeing in my pants...that's another story) and Jill looks at Joe and I and says, "Why don't they just call it what it is, starting before you are supposed to. Why do they call it a falling star?" Holy shit it was classic! Her big blue eye's looking all confused as we explained, "It's a FALSE START"! So cute!

Anyways, bless her heart, she got me dessert plates from Williams and Sonoma with pictures of vintage football players (and a cheerleader) on them! I LOVE them!!! She quickly pointed out that the color of the plates is Alabama's color and that I can eat on them while I watch a game! Thank you Jill...I absolutely adore them!!!

After opening my wonderful gift, we went to Home Goods and spent 3 hours shopping. Jill is an amazing decorator...I mean seriously, she is awesome! She spent the whole 3 hours helping me break free of my neutrals and symmetry only decorating style and picked things out to make some changes in my house.

We switched out my cream towels in my bathroom for navy blue. The walls are brown so of course I thought only cream would look good but the navy looks awesome! Then, we bought 3 huge apothecary jars for my counter. I filled one with specialty soap (I love unique soap), one with cotton balls and the other will be filled with sea sponges. I de-cluttered and added 1 large rug in the middle of the floor instead of the standard bath mats in front of the tub and shower...it looks freakin awesome!!

We bought a bargain of a lamp for the kitchen bar, some pillows and throws, and some beautiful books. I will post a few pictures of the makeover.....the bathroom pictures will come after I fill my last jar :-)

Wrapping up the night...we went out to dinner where 2 of Jill's friends, Randy and Mark, met up with us. We ate, had some drinks, ate more and basically got kicked out when the restaurant turned the fans off and it seems like the air as well. I had a great time. And, thanks again Dr. Mark for treating us to dinner!

My football plates

One of my giant jars...who knew 3 would look so good together!

Jill and I

Me with some eye candy...Randy and Mark :-)

My $34 lamp!

The decluttered mantel...it used to be packed with pictures

Pretty pillows

My bookshelf that Jill re arranged. She took the covers off of my photography books and it looks so much better!

So Me, So Not Me

2008-08-17T23:02:00.011-05:00

So me

So not me

So me

So not me

So me

So not me

So me

So not me

So me

So not me

So me

So not me

So me

So not me

My Final Last Hurrah?

2008-08-16T01:09:00.004-05:00

I've said it a thousand times.....this is my last hurrah before the diet. I will consider the rest of the weekend my chance to get all my favs out of the way before Monday comes. I hate Mondays!

Tonight we went out to dinner with our friends Karen and Jim. I've known Karen for about 13 years and her husband and I are both animal loving, ex 80's metal heads, so it's usually a good time when we hang out. We went to an Italian restaurant called Raul's where I preceded to pig out. I helped myself to SEVERAL pieces of bread, ordered Dr. Pepper (no diet), had a half a plate of lasagna and then...ordered Creme' Brule...but wait, then I order a Cannoli to go...I couldn't decide between the 2 and I have to have my comfort :-)

On a side note, I have to tell y'all about one of my pet peeves and an example from tonight. I HATE ill-behaved children and the parents that let them act that way. I have no patience for brats. As we tried to get to our table a child was running around his table blocking the pathway....annoying. But the most unbelievable part is when the waitress was taking our order, the kid (about6 years old) walked up to her and shoved his cup in her face for a re-fill!!!! His parents did NOTHING!!!! We were stunned...it took everything to not get up, drag that kid outside and teach him some manners. In addition to this incident, we went to a movie last night and a couple thought it would be best to annoy everyone paying money to see a movie by bringing their 1 year old!!!! Come on people!!! That's just RUDE!!! That freakin kid cried for half the movie till the jackass parent finally got up and stood by the door where the cries just echoed through the hallway! I was pissed!! Parents....leave your kid at home when you go to a movie unless it is a children's movie.

Since I am on a rant...let me continue with 'Things I will not do when I have kids'

1. I will not let my kids call adults by their first name. There will always be a Mr./Mrs./Ms. before the first or last name. To this day I still have trouble calling friends of my parents by just their name.

2. I will never let my kid walk around a store barefoot...I see it everyday.

3. I will not buy my kids a toy because they are crying for it. I will not get them a treat to stop them from being a brat. I see this everyday...rewarding bad behavior.

4. I will not take my child to an adult party...nobody wants to watch what they say or do while they are having a good time.

5. And...I will not take my kid to the movies unless it is rated G!!!!!!!

Now....some may say this could come back to haunt me.....I doubt it.

Okay....whew....I'm done.

Karen and I

Joe, me, Karen and Jim

Joe and I

My Vacation

2008-08-15T00:28:00.004-05:00

Well...nothing exciting has happened this week except starting my period...oh joy!!! Now I wait till next month to start the pill and then October to start injections again. In the mean time...for the 12th time, I plan on starting my low carb (not no carb) diet and going back to the gym next week. It is hard to diet...especially when you are depressed. I don't smoke or drink so my comfort is food, and contrary to what most people say, exercising does not release endorphins in me, it does not relax me, it does not relieve my stress. So, what's a girl to do? She could shop. But we need money for treatments. She could smoke. I can't stand cigarettes. She could do recreational drugs. They're illegal and not good for reproduction....sigh. She could drink. It's not worth the hangover. She could eat. Ding, ding, ding...we have a winner!!!

Seriously though, I went balls to the wall when I first started the low carb diet and started in Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet...no carbs at all. That almost killed me. The Dr. said to start in Phase 3 (she recommends this to ALL IVF patients), eating whole grains and whole wheat......I suppose I can handle that for 3 months...I better look DAMN good when those 3 months are up!!

So, the rest of my week has been spent swimming, dinner with a friend, lunch with my daddy, dinner and a movie with my sis in law, dinner and a movie with Joe, shopping and hanging out with family. I included a few pictures from the night my niece and nephew slept over...other than that, I didn't take any pictures...very unlike me.

My handsome boy Crosby

My beautiful girl Sadie and my niece

The Pooh's and Uncle Joe

Aunt Amy

One of our 3 cats sleeping on daddy

My niece making me a PlayDoh breakfast in bed...she's so cute

The Results

Blah

2008-08-11T17:14:00.003-05:00

It's official, I am one pissed off woman. So, I take the test on Sat. a.m. and get a negative result. I go all weekend without starting my period and guess what....I began to have hope again...Damn you stupid girl!!!! I should have known better! I called the Dr. and they informed me that I probably would not start my period until I quit taking the hormones they had me on....wish I knew that all weekend!!! So, I stopped them today and I have started spotting....what a bitch this all is!

On top of that I had my niece and nephew sleep over last night which means I got to have a little taste of having a family for about a day. As I grilled hot dogs and they played with Uncle Joe I thought....maybe...could I be....I want this...family....little kid hugs....curious questions....night time back rubs....pictures for them to look back at warmly.....WAKE UP AMY!!!!!

So, thank God I took a week of vacation this week...anticipating absolute elation or oh so familiar let down. I took the kids to Target, had some Icee's, dropped them off with their mom and headed to Barnes and Noble where I spent an hour perusing the infertility/motherhood section. I walked out with 3 books...I hope they get me pregnant...haha! Actually I hope they give me more insight, more answers, more comfort...whatever.

Negative

2008-08-09T07:45:00.004-05:00

Well, I have been let down for the 70th time. That's right, since October 2002 I have been reminded every month that I am not pregnant. However, after a fertility procedure it is particularly difficult...this is why I put off IVF for so long. It's much easier to handle not being pregnant when you have not put all your hopes into medical intervention.

I wonder what it's like to see a positive pregnancy test. And, why must my eyes (or my heart) always play tricks on me....I swear I see a positive sign in the window, but after staring at it for 5 minutes it's just one flat line. I prepared myself...I was ready for the let down. But that didn't keep me from laying in bed all night thinking about what if's...how I would tell people, what baby things I wanted to buy, when my due date would be. I better start my period today or I am going to be one pissed off woman. If I have to wait a few more days there will be that glimmer of hope....the universe setting you up for a second round of disappointment...I've been there before. This Sucks!

Last time we spoke, the Dr. said she wanted me to take a month off to give my body a break, start the Birth Control Pill next month and then the injections and IVF in October.....I can't believe I have to wait 3 more months.

I am going back to bed now....I feel sick.

3 more days

2008-08-06T21:00:00.003-05:00

I am supposed to take a home prego test on Saturday...I really want to do it tomorrow but I won't...yes I will...no I won't...aahhhh!!! This sucks! After 2 failed IUI's I am firmly convinced that this one did not work. However, I am still wondering if every little thing is a positive sign and it's making me insane. I have felt my boobs more in the last week than one woman should. They are sore...but isn't that a sign of my period coming OR pregnancy? What a funny little twist...most symptoms could be either.

I woke up this morning with a really upset stomach...my husband pats my belly and says "It's morning sickness!"...so sweet and possibly so wrong! I suspect the upset was the taco's with onion....maybe I'm wrong. But, a girl knows these things...how her body works, what it feels like before your period comes and I just have that feeling. Please Saturday...hurry!!! I am tired up being terrified of what I might see everytime I go to the bathroom...that's it, I am taking the test tomorrow....no I'm not...damn it!!!

A link to the accident

2008-08-05T23:03:00.002-05:00

HERE'S A LINK TO A NEWS STORY ABOUT THE ACCIDENT. BELOW THE STORY ARE COMMENTS FROM READERS.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/08/hitandrun_boating_accident_in.html

Life's Too Short

2008-08-04T22:54:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, my family received horrible news. My cousin Bonnie and her husband Bob Post were on their boat with some friends when another boat hit them and then fled the scene. Bob was killed and Bonnie is in the hospital with severe injuries. This is awful. I can't even believe this has happened. I hope to God the police find the pathetic piece of shit that hit a boat and drove off....not even knowing they had killed a father of 2.

This guy was so full of life...and I know that sounds so cliche' but seriously, he was one of the most laid back, cool, funny, active guys I know. My oldest memory of him was when I was 10 years old and he and my cousin took my brother and I swimming at his condo and then to a water park. I remember I thought he was so funny and cute when I was a little kid. My last memory with him was last summer when we had a family reunion in The Keys. We were all drinking and playing games one night and he and my other cousins husband and his daughter were sitting on the couch, the 2 guys with beers in hand, singing their hearts out to Phantom of the Opera....laying their heads on my 16 year old second cousins shoulder...it was adorable.

I am so sad for my cousin, for Bob's family, for Bob's 2 boys....no kid should have to deal with something this tragic. It's times like this when the reality of how short your life can be just comes up and slaps you in the face.

Bob

Singing Phantom with his niece

The cousins

My cousin Bonnie is on the far right. The 2 other girls in the photo are her sister's..thank God she has them.

Karen has a pool...Yippie!!!!

2008-08-03T13:51:00.007-05:00

Well....I did it. I put on a bathing suit and got in a pool with people who can see. It was a big move. I arrived in jeans and a t-shirt with my suit underneath....my first thought was to get into the pool fully clothed and undress under the water. Upon arrival around 9 pm, I was overjoyed to see that all of the lights were out in the pool and only one light was on in the patio (due to the swarms of mosquito's that love the 100% humidity in Houston). I walked to the side of the pool (the darkest and farthest side), wrapped in my towel, stood for awhile going over the game plan in my head, then dropped it and jumped...it was painless.

I had a much needed good time last night. There is nothing better than floating around a pool at night, with friends and a sky full of stars. I made a new friend, Jennifer, who is a girl after my own heart. She is the shit! She had me laughing for about 4 hours straight...I had a few minor bladder leaks and alot of uncontrollable coughing from all of the laughter. Thanks Jennifer for your humor!

And, thanks Karen and Jim for putting a pool in your awesome backyard and sharing it with friends!

Joe and I

me and Jennifer

The gang

Judy, me, Alice and Joni

Jim Bo AKA Vince Neil

Joni and Karen

Hello?

2008-07-29T21:22:00.002-05:00

Has anyone out there had an IVF changed to an IUI because of their follicles not responding to the meds? Any success? I am hoping that this is a fixable problem. I took Menopur and Bravelle and ended up with one follicle fully mature about a week before egg retrieval was scheduled and about 6-7 smaller ones. Dr. said to try IUI and if that does not work we will change meds for next IVF attempt. I have never had a problem with my cycles...I ovulate, why now, with meds is my body only doing what it would do without meds.? I am a little heartbroken that the IVF was cancelled. We did the IUI on Saturday so now I have to wait the grueling 2 weeks to find out if it worked. Sigh.......

Heart and Journey

2008-07-27T02:09:00.008-05:00

I so needed this concert tonight! The day started out very tense. We had our 3rd IUI performed this morning and I tried my hardest to only think positive thoughts but I have been in that same position, literally, 2 other times. The Dr. says that my chances are twice as good this time because of the injections versus the Clomid. I laid on the table for about 15 minutes while we asked the Dr. alot of questions...all the while I was picturing what was SUPPOSED to be going on inside of me. How can this possibly not work?? Joe's count was HIGH...over 200 million (the Dr. even made a comment about how many there were, Joe puffed up a little)and I have one mature egg that has been triggered to release around that exact moment...come on...this has to work!!

We went home, both of us a little on edge and took a much needed nap. Then we went and picked up our friends Nikki and Drew and headed to the Heart/Journey/Cheap Trick concert. It was 97 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and the concert was sold out. Needless to say we were a little uncomfortable for a bit but it was soooooo worth it!!!!

Cheap Trick opened the show...I am not a huge fan so it was just okay for me, they played The Flame which was awesome. Then...what I have been waiting for for years...Ann and Nancy Wilson step on stage with the rest of Heart. Holy shit they were amazing. Ann Wilson sounds just like she does on CD...she sang every note perfectly. Her sister jammed on the guitar and sang one of my favorites from the
80's, These Dreams. But the best, by far, was hearing Magic Man, Barracuda, Crazy on You and Straight On live! I was in heaven, I had goose bumps the whole show..I LOVE HEART!!! I am so glad they decided to go on tour!

Then, the much anticipated Journey show.....can they possibly sound good without Steve Perry? It's hard to imagine but I was floored by the new lead singer, Arnel Pineda. He sounds like Steve Perry!!! In addition to some new songs from their album Revelations they sang Open Arms, Faithfully, Separate Ways, Wheel in the Sky, Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin, Lights and Any Way You Want It! The crowd was going crazy...you could hear the audience singing...then they played the song I had been waiting for. My friend Tania left a comment on a post about all of this fertility stuff and told me to think about the song 'Don't stop Believin' by Journey (she had no idea I was going to the concert)...after that I HAD to hear it. My friend Nikki that I was with has also been going through infertility for about 8 years...I told her what Tania said and when that song came on, at the very end of the show, we sang our hearts out! Joe grabbed my hand and joined in.

It was a great concert, I highly recommend seeing it. Hopefully, sperm and egg were becoming one during that awesome show. We will know in a few weeks so stay tuned.

BTW....

2008-07-25T00:29:00.002-05:00

If I see one more thing about the "man" that had a baby I am going to puke!

Well That Just Sucks!!!!

2008-07-24T22:08:00.003-05:00

I found out today that we will not be able to do IVF (in vitro). I went to the Dr. today to see how everything was progressing...the medicine worked and I had about 5 follicles on one side and about 2 on the other BUT there was one follicle with a VERY mature egg that is about ready to be fertilized. The other eggs are a few days behind. If the one mature egg was not there we could let the others mature a little longer and go ahead with the plan but because of the one that is ready to roll we have changed the plan to IUI (intrauterine insemination-artificial insemination). As I sat fighting back tears, the Dr. explained that everything worked the way it should naturally in my body but that the medicine should have 1) produced alot of eggs that matured at the same time and 2) kept me from ovulating too soon...well, it is too soon, that is why we will be doing the IUI on Saturday morning....about 7 days sooner than the projected IVF date.

I am a ball of emotion. I can't believe I have gone through all of this and now we will be doing a procedure that I have already had done twice!!! I lost it with the nurse (crying)...I tried to whisper my feelings so I wouldn't cry but that did not work. How am I supposed to feel positive about this when we have not gotten pregnant in 6 years with 2 IUI's. The Dr. and nurse said that because I was on all of the medicine that my chances are better than when I did the 2 previous IUI's with Clomid only....we'll see! THIS SUCKS!!!!

So, if this does not work, we will start another round of IVF meds, stronger this time, and do the transfer sometime in September. This is all very difficult for a girl who wants immediate gratification with everything. I hate waiting games, I mark everyday on a calendar and count the remaining days. I am so disappointed!

I hope and pray that the IUI works. The Dr. said that considering there are no known problems with either of us that there is no reason it shouldn't work. I reminded her of our previous tries and she said "that's the joy of unknown infertility...there is just no answer".

Wish us luck!

Nerves

2008-07-22T00:13:00.004-05:00

Okay, now I am starting to get a little nervous. It's weird....I have been unusually calm. My nature is to dwell, Google everything, think worst case scenario, lay in bed all night thinking...well, you get the point. I have actually been going with the flow. Is it because I have been dealing with this for almost 6 years now?

I have been reading alot on infertilty blogs and have stared at alot of them with a furrowed brow of confusion. These girls use abbreviations, numbers and lingo that I am totally clueless to. Should I know more about what's going on? I know what medicine I am supposed to take, when to get a shot and when to go to the Dr. Am I not consuming myself with every bit of knowledge because I am scared or just too lazy to figure it out? Maybe if I know every detail it will be too real and the thought of disappointment will be more difficult...does that make sense? It's getting more real each day, though...having a needle stuck in me 4 times a day kinda helps with the reality of the situation.

I am so scared this isn't going to work. Because our diagnosis is unknown infertility we have never been given anything to go with...no way to say 'here's the problem, this is what we can do'. What the hell is going on inside of me? Are the sperm not getting to the egg, are they getting there and can't penetrate, do they get in and the egg doesn't make it's way? God, please let this work!

Our Infertilty Get Away!

2008-07-18T23:50:00.007-05:00

Ah! We just got back from 5 days in Biloxi....we had a great time! Although we did not walk away big winners...we did walk away even, after 5 days of gambling! We stayed at the Beau Rivage, which was hit by Katrina and closed for a year for repairs...but most people would not know that since apparently only New Orleans deserved media coverage of the disaster!!!!! Needless to say, most residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast feel slighted...that area was destroyed! Old antebellum homes, historic sights, casinos, the beaches, piers...everything was destroyed or damaged.

The hotel is beautiful! The beach...not so much. There are barrier islands off of the coast which leave the water looking a little murky, like our lovely Galveston beaches. If we had driven about and hour further it would have been completely different in the Alabama Gulf Shores. But, I still got to walk in sand and smell the ocean. We had a view of the pool and ocean and luckily only one storm blew in on our first day....the rest of the trip was sunny and gorgeous. You would think it would be as hot as Houston but it wasn't. The days were hot but not humid and the nights were very comfortable.

The food was AMAZING at Beau Rivage. Seriously, everything we ate was wonderful. Luckily, due to our constant gambling, we were given alot of comp cards for free meals. There was a buffet that was packed full of homemade Southern food, crab legs, pasta station, homemade desserts.....it was so good. Needless to say, the low carb diet did not exist. I couldn't control myself....I would sit down at the table after a trip to the buffet and everything on my plate was a carb. I gained 5 pounds :-( I also had a bit of a reaction to the 3 pills of Glucofage/Metformin that I have to take every night. High carbs and Metformin do not go together. Let's just say it's hard to have a romantic vacation when your body is full of gas 24/7...it SUCKED! Thank God I have no shame and Joe and I hide nothing from each other!

The shots went smoothly...Joe gave them to me every morning, bless his heart. Other than some headaches, all was well with the Lupron. Oddly though, I look very tired and puffy in all of the pictures...I don't know if the meds have anything to do with that. I know one side effect is lack of energy.....but seriously, I look like I have haven't slept in days or like I had been crying for 3 days. So, I am not very fond of the photos but what can ya do! I'm sure the daiquiri's and ice cream didn't help.

One side note on the trip: I met a 71 year old man in the pool. He was at the resort with his MISTRESS!!! He has money, likes to travel, his wife doesn't like to go anywhere, so he has a few girlfriends. I couldn't believe it! And I couldn't help but like him. I have a thing for old people, especially old men and he was so sweet and cute!! I just wish he wasn't a player :-)

So, we are back home. I had a Dr.'s appt. this a.m. I have to up my dose of Lupron to 2 shots a day and start adding 2 more shots of another med and some patches...sounds like next week is going to be a joy!

Joe and I on our first day of much needed vacation!

View from our room on a cloudy day

Joe and I about to eat the most expensive and delicious meal we have ever had

Me and 1 of my 2 allowed alcoholic beverages per week

Joe eating a clam...nasty!

The most delicious homemade ice cream

Joe and I taking the do it yourself photo in front of the Mississippi Sound

Sound asleep

Entrance to the Casino...that's as far in as we were allowed take photo's

The start of the sunburned nose and body. Those were the best daquiris I have ever had...although all but 1 was a virgin.

Our last night..we are sad to leave but ready to get home to our animals!

HOLY CRAP!!!!

2008-07-12T00:21:00.003-05:00

Well, this is it...the drugs I will be taking for the next few months! I am overwhelmed. Joe and I stood in the kitchen unwrapping everything from it's insulated packaging, looking confused and a little freaked out. Joe preceded to immediately break down every drug, trying find the needle that corresponds, finding what needs to be refrigerated, reading all of the paperwork....all while I pretended to listen to him but was secretly losing my cool in my head. I am the girl that goes to get blood and can't look....I don't like needles. It does seem as if I will be getting very used to them. I will start my first shot tomorrow.

Now, something interesting about all of these drugs: My co-pay was $240. I asked what the full price was, thinking that I was paying alot, and was told that the insurance company paid $3000!!!! You have no idea how grateful I am to Kraft Foods for caring enough to include fertility treatment coverage in their employees policies. Only a handful of companies even bother to include any coverage and Kraft Foods has provided a plan that will save us about $8,000+!!! Thanks Kraft!!!

Proud to be an American!

2008-07-06T23:03:00.007-05:00

With all of the fuss with the stray dog I didn't get to post my July 4th tribute. So, here it is a few days late!

Words to the song “I’m proud to be an American” by Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

If you're not proud to be an American then get the hell out! If you're a threat to this country then you must deal with the consequences!

Unbelievable!

2008-07-05T20:24:00.005-05:00

So, last night Joe and I went to my brothers house to watch fireworks with the niece and nephews. We set out with plans of relaxing, eating some food, enjoying watching the kids have fun but NOOOOOOOOOO, that's not how it worked! We all walked over to their neighbors house and we were only there for about 3 minutes when Joe sees a dog limping by. This dog was the saddest thing I have ever seen.....pretty close to the condition my beloved Crosby was in when I found him. The dog is a poodle/Maltese mix, COVERED in giant mats, we couldn't tell where the dogs ears ended because about 4 inches of matted hair was hanging off of them. She had hair covering one eye...it was actually stuck to her eyeball. She smelled HORRIBLE and had a back leg that was dangling. For those who know me well, you know I was not leaving without helping that poor baby. The neighbors don't know who she belongs to so Joe and I decide to take her home and see what we can do. Surely this dog is an abandoned animal...no collar, dangling leg, disgusting condition.

We get home, Joe puts her in a bucket and bathes her...bless his heart. We cut some mats out, brushed her...she's still awful. She gobbles up turkey like she hasn't eaten in days and paces the yard for hours. Finally, she sits down on the bath mat I put out for her and relaxes. Throughout this ordeal, I sob a few times because of her condition and what may happen to her the next day. Joe is upset, disgusted that someone would let their dog get to this point...it was very stressful.

Well, today Joe drives her all over the North side of Houston trying to find a place that will take her...again, bless his heart...I am so lucky that he cares about animals like I do. he ends up at MC Animal Control and they say they will probably have to put her down. While he is there I call Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary and the sweetest girl named Stephanie did everything she could to help me. While we were talking some ladies walked in to the shelter, she told them the story, they called their friend who is a vet and the vet agreed to take the dog and do what she can to heal her and find her a home...WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THAT???? I swear God puts the animals in my path for a reason and those ladies walked into the shelter for a reason. I am so thankful for them, for Stephanie, for the vet and for all the no kill shelters....oh, and again, for Joe :-)

I finish this story with something that is so frustrating to me. My brothers other neighbor has claimed that she was their dog and she got loose during the fireworks. Well, I don't think anyone that treats their animal that way deserves to get them back but apparently, by law, I have to let them know where she is. It amazes me that no signs were put up in the neighborhood, that I didn't get a call till 6:30 the next day.....I am so mad! They claim that they found her 3 years ago and her leg was like that....well, why have they not bothered to BRUSH her or BATHE her...or get the eye infection cleared up, put a collar on her???!!!!! So, the story ends with my brother leaving the owners a message with the vets info and Joe and I are upset by our happy ending's not so happy ending. I am hoping that these people don't even bother going to get her and the vet can take care of her...we'll see.

Just For Fun

2008-06-26T23:28:00.002-05:00

Where I Have Lived

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

Places I have visited in the U.S.

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

Dinner with the 3 of my Favorite Men

2008-06-24T22:45:00.012-05:00

I was lucky enough to sit down to a 3 hour dinner tonight with 3 of my favorite people...seriously, they are 3 of my all time favorite people! My Uncle Ross (Joe's side), my father-in-law and my daddy! Uncle Ross is in town from New York (I wish he would just move here!!) so he and my father-in-law invited me out for dinner and we asked my dad to join us as well...how nice of all of them.

We had good food, good conversation and I had a glass of wine that I actually enjoyed! Everytime I am around the Italians I feel like I should be drinking wine! And, in true Italian style, we ate alot of food and sat at the table for hours talking! I truly am lucky to have married in to this family. Since the day I met Uncle Ross and the rest of the Italian brood, I have felt welcomed and part of the family! These are such neat people, full of warmth, humor, honesty and character!

Dad-in-Law, Dad, Uncle Ross and me

Me and my 2 Dads

Me and Uncle Rossario

The Italian Brothers

Girl's Night

2008-06-22T01:57:00.005-05:00

After a very long day yesterday, I needed some relaxing time. So, I went and got a mani and a pedi with my friend Jill. It was nice...listening to the Vietnamese banter, followed by giggles, wondering what these little tiny women find so funny.

Then, we went to The Galleria and shopped. We went into a really cool candy store called Dylans...it had everything!! I bought Joe some candy cigarettes, the kind you got from the ice cream man, they also had the candy lipstick and cinnamon toothpicks...what a blast from the past!

After a few clothing and shoe purchases we went and ate at The Cheesecake Factory....yes, my diet was off today. We had a good meal, laughed and teased the 20 year old waiter....it was fun.

Not a Fun Day

2008-06-20T19:17:00.006-05:00

Today I went to the Dr. for my Trial of Transfer appointment. Basically, it's a trial run on inserting embryo's into my cervix. Well, a procedure that should have taken 10 minutes took almost 40! In addition to having a required full bladder for over an hour, I was in an extremely uncomfortable situation because the Dr. could not penetrate my cervix! She was very frustrated, I was sweating and dying from a full bladder and other pain associated with the procedure when she (the Dr.) says "I'm sorry but I have to do something very painful to you". What???? She clamped my cervix with some sort of tool and pulled it!!!! Oh my God!!! Finally, they give up and let me go to the bathroom. It was the best bathroom break I have ever had. I go back to the room and everyone is gone. The nurse comes back in and says that I may have to have surgery, something is blocking my cervix. I start to say something and then the tears started. I was shaken by the fact that the Dr. was so frustrated, I was in pain and everyone was so serious. We all sat back, talked about our animals, the nurse hugged me (bless her heart she is so sweet...it was the warmest hug), handed me wads of tissues and we all prepared to try again.I stared at the ceiling, not talking, trying to zone myself out. FINALLY! I heard the Dr. say "Got it!!!" But she had to do it one more time to make sure...second time worked! The problem is that the path to my cervix is like a winding road instead of a straight road. The tool used to deliver the embryo's is a straight tube...so, she had to maneuver it around each bend. I asked if this had anything to do with problems conceiving and she said it did not.

Now, I see the reason behind the Trial of Transfer. The Dr. knows what she is dealing with and how to work around the problem for the big day! I asked the Dr. afterwards if I was being wussy or if my upset was warranted. She said it was "Very rough what you went through" and that on the actual transfer day I will be given Valium to help with the pain and to help me relax. Gee, sure could have used that today!!!!

So, after working for 4 more hours afterwards, I was thrilled to get home so I could relax. Well, my sensitive hubby had flowers sitting in the kitchen for me when I got home. I was/am very touched....and impressed :-) That made me smile!

Toy Party

2008-06-19T19:58:00.004-05:00

Okay, so this was not your average toy party. For those EASILY offended, do not read on. I have omitted MANY pictures that may be considered lewd, inappropriate or offensive, which is so not my nature!

Last weekend I hosted a 'Pure Romance' party at my house. My sis-in-law was having the party but we did it at my house. It's a party...kinda like Tupperware or Pampered Chef...except it's SEX TOYS!!!! Some of it is silly, some useful and some just out there! It was definitely entertaining...my mother-in-law was present, there were games and demonstrations...it was fun. When you consider all of the sexually based entertainment that is out there for men, it was nice to have something for women. It would have been better if a bunch of hot naked guys were standing around but I'll take what I can get!

Alot of women are too shy or embarrassed to go into any type of adult store and buy things to make their sex life more enjoyable (myself not included) so this is a more private way for someone to check out what's out there and make a private purchase. All ordering was done in another room with the door closed for privacy...too bad we all came out and dumped our bags to show what we bought :-)

Nikki, me and Patricia

Amazing that this sign has to be displayed for legal reasons!!!

Just some light reading

Christine being spanked with a whip

My first tag - Getting to know you survey

2008-06-17T23:10:00.004-05:00

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8ish

2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Sex and the City for our girls night. I loved it!!! There was a small bit of frontal male nudity...it's about time!!!!

4. What is your favorite TV show? Project Runway, So You Think You Can Dance, Rules of Engagement, The Riches, Men in Trees, Pushing Daisies....the list goes on

5. What did you eat for breakfast? 2 pieces of sourdough bread with peanut butter...sourdough bread is okay in the SBD because it is acidic

6. What foods do you dislike? anything out of the water and most vegetables

7. Your favorite potato chip? wavy lays or Schlotsky's sour cream and onion chips

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? My IPOD

9. What kind of car do you drive? My brand new, clean, new car smelling Dodge Avenger.....my company car

10. Favorite sandwich? A turkey sub from a place called Subs-N-U in Tuscaloosa, Al.

11. What characteristics do you despise? mean for no reason, mean to animals and old people

12. What are your favorite clothes? black shirts

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Rome or a road trip across the country

14. What color is your bathroom? beige, cream and brown

15. Favorite brand of clothing? whatever fits

16. Favorite time of day? late night

17. Where would you want to retire to? Tenn, Alabama or Carolina's if our family didn't all live in Tx.

18. Favorite sports to watch? Hello???? ALABAMA FOOTBALL!!! Roll Tide!!! Just 2.5 more months till football season starts!!!!

19. Coke or Pepsi? Coke

20. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night Owl.....notice the time of my posts

21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? nothing that I have not already posted

22. What did you want to be when you were little? Very first thing was an archeologist. Then a vet.

23. What is your best childhood memory? I have so many. My parents gave us a wonderful childhood...everything that reminds me of those times makes me feel warm. Some of the best memories are our trips to Destin in the summer, holidays, family gatherings.

24. Nicknames? My dad called me Amycakes and Freckleface. When I moved from Texas to Mass. I was called Tex for awhile

25. Piercings? Ears.

26. Eye Color? Green

27. Favorite day of the week? Saturday

28. Favorite restaurant? Hido, Cheesecake Factory, lots!!!

29. Favorite ice cream? Baskin and Robbins Mint Choc. Chip and Choc. Chip together

30. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Lowe's or Ross

31. Bedtime? 1-2 am

32. What are you listening to right now? silence

33. How many tattoos do you have? none. when I asked my dad if I could get one when I was in college he said if I wanted to pay for college...so, none!

34. Next film you'll see? I don't know

35. Tag anyone? Jamie

Ahhhh!

2008-06-16T23:59:00.006-05:00

I feel somewhat normal again! I had some carbs today but kept it low...within my allotted 100. It made for a much easier day and a much happier Amy.

Okay, so the next step before the IVF will be several appts and meds/shots. I will start taking a drug called Lupron in July...I posted some of the possible side effects below, take special note of side effect #5!!

1.hot flashes or sweating;
2.decreased libido or impotence;
3.lack of energy;
4.depression;
5.breast enlargement
6.nausea or vomiting;
7.constipation;
8.weakness;
9.dizziness;
10.headache; or
11.redness, burning, itching, or swelling at the injection site.

JUST WHAT I NEED!!!! Bigger boobs! Oh Lordy! And to top all of that off, we are possibly going to take a little trip to Beau Rivage while I am doing the shots (that is if I don't have an appt. every other day),so I am hoping none of those side effects occur! Unfortunately, I couldn't get any days off from work earlier than that!

This trip is much needed. We have been trying to get pregnant for 5.5 years!!! Unless you have gone through it you have no idea what an emotional toll that will take on a woman and a couple. I so love all of my friends and family who have been empathetic and sympathetic throughout the years! This step that we are taking is HUGE for us! It is exciting, terrifying, nerve racking, confusing, and the list goes on. I want to share all of it.....even if things don't work out because I know I will want and need my friends and family regardless of the outcome.

I have been reading a bunch of blogs about infertility and it's like taking a trip into my head. All of the post's about the things that make me squirm the most, that irritate me the most.....that confuse me the most....it's almost a relief to see these feelings from other people. Perfect example: About a year ago, I was at a party and I actually stood in the kitchen while some girl cried to me about not being able to get pregnant for the THIRD TIME!!! Are you serious??? She had 2 kids, no problem, and lost it cause she had tried for 6 months for a third. I consoled her, told her it could be worse, etc....then got home and screamed. You would be surprised how many similar stories I have read! Now, I understand that some one's pain is all relative to what they are going through..that is why I will always be kind, if not sarcastically funny, while I am in these situations...I would never be mean. But COME ON!!!!! Another memorable moment: I was the designated driver 2 New Year's Eve's ago and one of my friends in the car was playing with my hair from the backseat. A friend of ours girlfriend proceeded to yell at her to "stop messing with Amy while she is driving...I have a 2 year old"! I guess it doesn't matter if the rest of us get in a car wreck since we don't have any children. Oh, people make me laugh.

After 5 years you get used to the fact that everyone you know will get pregnant at the same time (currently 3 neighbors and 3 friends wives), that you will run into young girls at Walmart CONSTANTLY who are the worst example of a parent, that even though you have a good job, are married and can support a child financially and emotionally you can't get pregnant. You get used to hearing people say God has a plan (What is it, exactly?), if it's meant to be..., you're trying too hard, stop trying, the list goes on. I appreciate everyone's advice and theories...I truly do. It means they care enough to try and make you feel better (as long as it's a positive thought or theory..haha). I just wish it were all that simple.

Okay, enough of that for now. I must get in bed, read one of the 47 magazines stacked up on the floor and drift off into a sleep filled with wild dreams. Oh wait, I just had a good chuckle. I just heard Joe shout "Sexual Chocolate"...he's watching Coming to America. Now I will go to bed....and dream of McDowell's cheeseburgers.

The Doobie Brothers and Chicago

2008-06-15T01:39:00.011-05:00

After a day of feeling like crap.....things turned brighter at the concert! I have decided to quit the no carbs thing and do what the Dr. originally told me to do, which was a version of the SBD eating no more than 100 carbs a day. I wanted to stick it out with the first 2 weeks to follow it step by step but it was really affecting me physically and mentally. I was feeling sick and had horrible headaches. SO! I had a cheeseburger and some popcorn at the concert. Note, the happy look on my face in all of the pictures. I was MISERABLE all day. The food gave me some pep and the concert had me on my feet dancing, singing and running around high fiving people! I was like a whole new person! More on the next phase of this diet later...I am sick of talking about it!

The concert was great. We went with my best friend Nikki and her husband Drew, who has very similar taste in music as me....he actually went to The University of Alabama the same time I did.....what are the chances of that??? The Doobie Brothers opened with a few too many new songs but finished out their set with some classics: China Grove, Jesus is just Alright and Long Train Runnin. Then Chicago came on, played some long songs filled with horns, then threw in the classics: You're the Inspiration, If You Leave Me Now and Hard For Me To Say I'm Sorry. But the BEST part of the whole night was when BOTH bands came out together and jammed about 4 Doobie Brothers songs including Black Water, Takin It To The Streets and Listen to the Music (this is the point I ran around and high fived people.....that is one of my favorite songs of all time). Then they jammed together on some Chicago hits including 25 or 6 to 4 and Saturday in the Park. The energy was amazing, all of the instruments were awesome and the volume was kicked up about 10 notches. IT WAS AWESOME!

Joe and I right after some carbs...don't we look happy!

Nikki, me and Joe

Drew, me and Nikki...my fav people to go to a concert with

The Pavillion

Nikki and Drew

Joe and I dancing our asses off!

We sat behind this couple last year when we went to see Chicago. They were dancing the whole time...we were in awe. Then, they were sitting behind us this year!! What are the chances!

Oh Yea

2008-06-13T21:49:00.002-05:00

I've lost 6 pounds in 5 days!! But, I really don't think I can handle it much longer. I might just move to phase 2 a week early.

An Update

2008-06-13T01:30:00.004-05:00

Well, it happened.....I cried! Today was a tough day. I am so over eating the same thing, eating on the road is very difficult. It's amazing how many things I can't eat. A husband and wife eating eggs non-stop does not make for a romantic night....haha! We are both having a hard time with the lack of choices and the lack of energy from no carbs. I had a particularly hard time today. I was at a meeting for work, had only eaten a spoonful of peanut butter and a glass of no sugar added chocolate milk, and in comes a Pizza Hut delivery man with 10 pizzas!!! I FREAKED! I grabbed my cell phone and texted 3 people for support, my mind was swirling, it smelled so good, it was pepperoni thick crust, OH MY GOD!!!!!! Did I falter? NO I DIDN'T! I can't believe it myself. I got 2 slices and scraped the cheese and pepperoni off and ate that...it was not filling AT ALL. Seriously, I think it was the only pizza I have ever had with so little cheese on it...figures! I stared at the naked pizza dough for about 5 minutes...can't I just have a few bites? I went out to my car and got a can of peanuts. While everyone else wiped grease from their chins and sat back with dazed, happy looks on their faces, I ate 1 peanut at a time....so sad.

The crying came later that night. I was standing in the kitchen (remember, I predicted this in a previous post), staring at the fridge, then the pantry, then the fridge. AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!! I don't want eggs, I don't want nuts, I don't want a salad. I cried. Joe was not home but he talked me through it on the phone while I made an omelet....I think he secretly wants to cry, too. Later that night I read excerpts from the SBD book out loud, we watched 'So You Think You Can Dance' and found renewed happiness...for now.

Now, an update on fertility. I got the results back from a series of blood tests that the Dr. ordered. I do not have the gene for cystic fibrosis. I am not sure why they check for this disease in particular, but both mother and father have to have the gene to pass it on. My thyroid is normal, glucose is normal, I am immune to Rubella, all of my hormone levels are normal, and my cholesterol is okay...a little high but okay. So, all of that is good news. I have 2 appts. next week, one of which is a trial run on retrieving my eggs. I start Lupron shots on July 11th....oh, and Joe, he has to have a good time with himself, collect a sample and get it analyzed....so sad for him! I joke, I joke! Kinda.

Well, I hope the weekend lifts our spirits. We are going to see The Doobie Brothers (one of my all time favorite bands) and Chicago!!!! I am helping host a "Romance" party at my house which should be interesting and entertaining. And, we will be taking my dad out for dinner for fathers day and visiting Joe's dad during the day. Lot's of stuff to keep us busy!

Detox

2008-06-10T22:08:00.002-05:00

Holy crap!!! I have been on the SBD for 2 days and it SUCKS!!! I have the WORST headache, no energy and a very short fuse! Yesterday I had string cheese and nuts for breakfast, a chicken salad for lunch and eggs and bacon for dinner (I thoroughly enjoyed the bacon). 2 jello's and a fudgesicle (both sugar free)kept me from totalling breaking down. Today, I had hardboiled eggs, a delicious chicken bowl from Taco Bell and sausage for dinner.....I have a feeling I am going to tire of eggs quickly. And, the fact that I deal with cookies and crackers all day is NOT helping. I want to whoop into a bag of Chips Ahoy, lick the cream between an Oreo, let a few Lorna Doone's melt on my tongue, shove handfuls of Teddy Grahams in my mouth and eat a sleeve of Ritz, sigh..... So, 12 more days till I can have whole grains.....how I miss chocolate and bread. Well, I am off to have yet another jello and 2 more Excedrin Migrain.

The Sleepover

2008-06-09T19:57:00.014-05:00

Saturday night I had a sleepover. I invited my niece Lindsay, my neighbors 2 little girls and my friend Jill. The girls brought bags full of costumes....so did Jill. Actually, Jill brought 2 dresses that her mom made (they are awesome) and brought some hats and tiara's.....again, she is the girliest girl I know.

We started the night off with dress up hour. Then, we took pictures of the girls with my photography backdrop, they modeled beautifully! After pictures, the girls played office with all of my old work papers, old keyboards and pens.....the office was a MESS!!!! Time for cotton candy!! I start the little cotton candy machine that I got from Walmart and waited...and waited...and waited! Finally, some sugary webs formed and I was able to accumulate about 4 bites of candy in 10 minutes.....not alot of fun! I slaved on and managed to get 4 bites on 3 cones for each girl. I do believe I will be retiring the cotton candy maker to the garage. Next, it was pajama time...they all came downstairs in some sort of pink sleeping ensemble, of course! They cuddled on the couch and watched Ratatouille while I made sugar cookies and Jill and I had some grown up talk time...we decided watching 3 girls is a little tiring, how do moms do it!? Finally, it was bed time....they read books and got back scratches then it was lights out. After several times of hearing my name called I decided it was time to pull out the big guns. "If you don't go to bed, your mommy will be mad at me and you will never be able to come over again!"...it worked!

Over all, it was a fun night. I learned that kids can not be trusted to not spill milk while laying on the floor, that 3 girls will tell on each other, that 3 girls will love on each other, that the things I liked as a kid are still fun, I miss taking pictures, I will need alot of help if I have triplets, Jill will be the best mommy and....you can not sleep past 6 am (I learned this after being lightly tapped on the shoulder for a while, thought it was a dream, opened my eyes and saw 2 little eyes staring at me...it scared the crap out of me!).

Jill and the girls

Slaving over cotton candy

The final results

The Photo Shoot

Jill the Princess

Kisses

Posing

Watching a movie and waiting for sugar cookies

Story time

Backrubs before bed

Sex and the City

2008-06-08T02:13:00.015-05:00

Every month me and 2 friends of mine (Jill and Maria) have a girls night. Amazingly, we have stuck to it for about 5 years now.....not many girls can commit to something for that long (except a man)! We used to work together at Kodak, and although all 3 of us work for different companies now, we have remained good friends. I look forward to each month when we get together, it usually involves eating at a new restaurant, going to a festival or the rodeo, painting pottery, seeing a movie, having craft night, or fondue night....it's always something fun. Last night, we went to see Sex and the City for Maria's birthday. We sat in the back row and laughed most of the time....uncontrollably. A few moments of laughter, without giving anything away, involved Charlotte and Pakippsie, a girl who can type, guacamole, and many more. After the movie, we sat in Maria's car and I listened to Jill and Maria sing Miley Cyrus songs and dance in the backseat. It was a night of youthful behavior...something we all need every now and then.

Jill and I in the theater

Maria, me and Jill

Jill and I

Jill and Maria gettin their groove on

A Few of my Favorite Things

2008-06-07T13:33:00.018-05:00

Below, you will find a few (of many) pictures of the food I will miss, I will cherish the photographs I have with my beloved funnel cake and my fav banana pudding!

Jill's homemade banana pudding

I LOVE cookie cake...with lots of white frosting

Need I say anything?

Funnel cake with extra powdered sugar

Jill's delicious sugar cookies

I have literally been brought to tears!

2008-06-07T12:26:00.004-05:00

Oh my Gosh!!! I am truly touched by everyones comments on my first post. Y'all are awesome for giving me all those encouraging words and offers to join me on this diet....I LOVE Y'ALL!! What a great support system...I need that. These next few months are going to be an emotional roller coaster for me...basically, I have to come off of an addiction, get needles stuck in my butt, belly and arse and have several intimate moments with my fertility doctor...not to mention the hormonal changes in this already sensitive and prone to rants personality. Poor Joe.

Well, Joe and I are going to the store today to stock up on food that we can eat (thank God he is joining me on this diet) but the official start date will be Monday. Tonight, I am having my niece and my neighbors 2 little girls sleep over so I HAVE to eat pizza, cotton candy and sugar cookies...I wouldn't want the girls to feel uncomfortable...you see, it's all about them :-) I will make this weekend my final last hurrah (every Sunday is a last hurrah)......at least till I get pregnant!

My friend Jill, the girliest girl I know, is coming over to add some feminine flair to the sleep over. There will be boa's and crowns, princess outfits, pink cotton candy and girly movies. I guess I should refrain from burping and sitting like a guy tonight....maybe I will wear a pink shirt.....or maybe it will be black :-)

I will post some pictures and stories tomorrow about the sleep over. And, stay tuned for a recap of last night's outing with the girls to see Sex and the City.

My visit with the Dr.

2008-06-05T23:49:00.001-05:00

Well, we went to our fertility Dr. yesterday to start prepping for invitro and I got some disappointing news.....I have to start the South Beach Diet!!!! Yea, yea...I know, the news could have been much worse. Aside from being told I can't have babies, this is next in line as awful
news from my fertilty Dr.! Those who do not know me may not understand. Let me clarify....I stood in the kitchen the other morning and ate 3 pieces of Sunbeam WHITE bread out of the bag, then I had a granola bar for a snack, for lunch I had a soft pretzel and a burger and mac and cheese for dinner. You see....all I eat are carbs!! Nothing makes me happier than licking the spoon, the beaters and bowl after I bake brownies. I am one step away from licking the spills off of the counter. I put sugar ON my pudding, who does that?? I have 7 different cereals in my pantry right now.....Cocoa Puffs, Fruity Pebbles, Trix, Frosted Flakes...well, you get the point.

Upon hearing this news, my husband stared at the Dr. while I fought back tears then he asked several questions while looking at me nervously, "Can she have a cookie?", "Can she eat Cheerios?", "What about Guacamole?"...we had a winner, Guac is good.....but what will she dip into it? "A spoon." the Dr. replies.

Now, I have no excuses not to follow the orders, this is to help us achieve what we have been working on for 5 years. The Dr. explained that the diet will help with insulin levels which can affect fertility. I bought a book on the diet after I left the office.

Have I started the diet? No. I plan on starting on Monday, like I do every week. But I will stick with this one. I may be cranky, I will probably cry in the kitchen....then in my car....then in bed. But I CAN DO THIS !!! I think.