Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Queen of Half-Done Projects
Maybe you know someone, besides me, that digs into projects only to get distracted and move on to another one before the first one is complete. I realized this morning that I am "the queen of half-done projects." Not a super-endearing term, and I wish I was different, but an honest statement about me.
Perhaps the statement popped into my head when I looked outside and saw the leaves that I raked out of the flower beds last week were still sitting in piles along the sidewalk and the edge of the grass. I did honestly want to pick them up last week, but when I walked over to the shed, I found the wheelbarrow was buried under multiple stiff hoses (my attempt last November to get everything inside while it was snowing). Rather than deal with that, I moved on to a different flower bed and made another pile. Then I started trimming back some 4-foot, gangly, *sharp* rose bushes that we are eventually going to pull out. Halfway through this project, I got some severe, stabbing stomach pain, so I came inside and took a nap in attempt to send the butcher knives packing. Needless to say, this rose bush project was left half done.
Another example might be the computer room. After months of working on wallpaper removal, I finally got it painted. In the midst of cleaning out the office, we tried to go through stuff to get rid of so we'd start the year more organized. As I sit here typing, the office is a mess again, I haven't kept up on filing like I wanted to, and I have a pack-rat problem, so I simply re-stacked some piles rather than going through them this winter.
I go into my bedroom and there are piles of clothes. Some for Goodwill, some from MIL for Conrad to go through, some of mine that are in skinny/fat limbo, etc. What I need to do is just go at it hard-core and bring Goodwill what is rightfully theirs, but that requires some organization, since I itemize things for a tax deduction.
I was telling a friend one time that as long as I keep my living room clean, I feel okay about things...I get overwhelmed about clutter, etc., I just go in there where it's organized to feel better for a moment. But there's a flaw even in this plan! Last night as I was dusting, I came across (again) the stack of VHS tapes from my highschool years where I taped shows. I should just toss them, but heaven forbid I throw away the ones with my favorite Dawson's Creek episode, or that one Felicity episode that I loved! Oh, Adriane, live does go on after teenage sitcoms. Not to mention, I could probably watch them on the internet now if I was feeling nostalgic and needed to revisit Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jen.
Now, these are a few examples of the MANY I could have given. I don't know what to do to change. I have all these things I want to get in order before we start a family, so the ADHD trend will be stopped and the house can be orderly, but I must not want to change bad enough. There are times when I can see a project through, if I'm really excited about it. The mundane, difficult tasks are the ones that I easily move away from, knowing that some day, week, month, or year, it will still be waiting for some attention. Hmmmmmmmmm.
My name's Adriane, and I'm the Queen of Half-Done Projects.
Perhaps the statement popped into my head when I looked outside and saw the leaves that I raked out of the flower beds last week were still sitting in piles along the sidewalk and the edge of the grass. I did honestly want to pick them up last week, but when I walked over to the shed, I found the wheelbarrow was buried under multiple stiff hoses (my attempt last November to get everything inside while it was snowing). Rather than deal with that, I moved on to a different flower bed and made another pile. Then I started trimming back some 4-foot, gangly, *sharp* rose bushes that we are eventually going to pull out. Halfway through this project, I got some severe, stabbing stomach pain, so I came inside and took a nap in attempt to send the butcher knives packing. Needless to say, this rose bush project was left half done.
Another example might be the computer room. After months of working on wallpaper removal, I finally got it painted. In the midst of cleaning out the office, we tried to go through stuff to get rid of so we'd start the year more organized. As I sit here typing, the office is a mess again, I haven't kept up on filing like I wanted to, and I have a pack-rat problem, so I simply re-stacked some piles rather than going through them this winter.
I go into my bedroom and there are piles of clothes. Some for Goodwill, some from MIL for Conrad to go through, some of mine that are in skinny/fat limbo, etc. What I need to do is just go at it hard-core and bring Goodwill what is rightfully theirs, but that requires some organization, since I itemize things for a tax deduction.
I was telling a friend one time that as long as I keep my living room clean, I feel okay about things...I get overwhelmed about clutter, etc., I just go in there where it's organized to feel better for a moment. But there's a flaw even in this plan! Last night as I was dusting, I came across (again) the stack of VHS tapes from my highschool years where I taped shows. I should just toss them, but heaven forbid I throw away the ones with my favorite Dawson's Creek episode, or that one Felicity episode that I loved! Oh, Adriane, live does go on after teenage sitcoms. Not to mention, I could probably watch them on the internet now if I was feeling nostalgic and needed to revisit Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jen.
Now, these are a few examples of the MANY I could have given. I don't know what to do to change. I have all these things I want to get in order before we start a family, so the ADHD trend will be stopped and the house can be orderly, but I must not want to change bad enough. There are times when I can see a project through, if I'm really excited about it. The mundane, difficult tasks are the ones that I easily move away from, knowing that some day, week, month, or year, it will still be waiting for some attention. Hmmmmmmmmm.
My name's Adriane, and I'm the Queen of Half-Done Projects.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Just Another Peaceful Night in the Country
So, I've always had this picture of "country living" as a peaceful lifestyle. No train noises, sirens blaring, horns honking, etc., etc.
However, since living in the country over the past few years, I've come to realize that there are different sounds that might keep a person from their beauty sleep. It could be the coyotes (we hear at least every other night), the woodpecker (darn spring, he's back again!), or the family of owls that lives in the backyard. I enjoy living in the midst of this wildlife, minus the coyotes, in the daytime. However, at night, when I'm trying to sleep, I swear the hooting owls are taunting me, just because they can. Don't they have something better to do than sit in one place all night and "hoot"? Then morning dawns, and the woodpecker wakes up. Ah...joy. Can't he sleep until at least 8 or 9, rather than wake up with the sun?! The nerve! I sleep with earplugs, but they barely muffle these sounds. Don't let this cute little owl fool you...he is NOT quiet and cuddly when he's living his nocturnal life.
Oh well, I guess I'll take the good with the bad. And I'll pray that someday, I can sleep in spite of the ruckus going on in the backyard.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Who Attends a Baby Shower??
I went to a baby shower over the weekend. It was for a friend that I first met when she was in my girls' cell group in college. We both go married and for probably 3 years, give or take?, we were in couples' cell group together. We continue to go to the same church, so I'll get to have her little guy in the nursery:) As I was sitting there, and on the way home, I was pondering the different types of people that may be at a baby shower. Every time you're in a group, you know that there are lots of journey's represented there. Let me explain:
1)The Happy Mother-to-be (or two, since I sat by another expectant mommy) who got pregnant in less than a month (or without trying at all), and is being blessed by her family and friends as she embarks on this new journey.
2)The Current Infertile, who sits through yet another baby shower, desperate for the day that everyone will gather for her's. I am so blessed to have so many caring people in my life, and I really am excited for my future baby shower, whenever that may come. I am grateful that God has brought me to a place where I can attend baby showers and not just sit quietly, choked up, and waiting for the time I can run to my car for a weeping session. I am SO happy for my friend, and for the other babies that are coming.
3)The Past Infertile, who sits at the table with her miracle daughter. There were two (that I know of) that were at the shower with their daughters, and I was reminded of God's faithfulness in both of their lives...zero to two children, each because of the power of prayer.
4)The 'Tweens and Teens, who watch with wonder as the guest of honor pulls out tiny little onesies, and who sits and daydreams about her future as a mommy. I remember baby showers when I was younger, and one just assumes that everyone will get pregnant (easily) and be a mommy. For these girls, I PRAY that their dreams will come true without heartache. But if not, I will be glad to testify to God's grace in my own life (and by then, I WILL have a baby one way or another!).
5)The Been There, Done That's, who offer sound advice to mommy-to-be, and smile while the cute outfit they got the baby is pulled out of the gift bag. They are happy to buy adorable little clothes, because they are reminiscent of a time when they cuddled their own cooing baby. They know what a blessing mommy-to-be is in store for, and are eager to welcome one more to the "mommy club."
I know that I missed a few. Maybe I'll come back to it later, but probably not...
1)The Happy Mother-to-be (or two, since I sat by another expectant mommy) who got pregnant in less than a month (or without trying at all), and is being blessed by her family and friends as she embarks on this new journey.
2)The Current Infertile, who sits through yet another baby shower, desperate for the day that everyone will gather for her's. I am so blessed to have so many caring people in my life, and I really am excited for my future baby shower, whenever that may come. I am grateful that God has brought me to a place where I can attend baby showers and not just sit quietly, choked up, and waiting for the time I can run to my car for a weeping session. I am SO happy for my friend, and for the other babies that are coming.
3)The Past Infertile, who sits at the table with her miracle daughter. There were two (that I know of) that were at the shower with their daughters, and I was reminded of God's faithfulness in both of their lives...zero to two children, each because of the power of prayer.
4)The 'Tweens and Teens, who watch with wonder as the guest of honor pulls out tiny little onesies, and who sits and daydreams about her future as a mommy. I remember baby showers when I was younger, and one just assumes that everyone will get pregnant (easily) and be a mommy. For these girls, I PRAY that their dreams will come true without heartache. But if not, I will be glad to testify to God's grace in my own life (and by then, I WILL have a baby one way or another!).
5)The Been There, Done That's, who offer sound advice to mommy-to-be, and smile while the cute outfit they got the baby is pulled out of the gift bag. They are happy to buy adorable little clothes, because they are reminiscent of a time when they cuddled their own cooing baby. They know what a blessing mommy-to-be is in store for, and are eager to welcome one more to the "mommy club."
I know that I missed a few. Maybe I'll come back to it later, but probably not...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
St. Patrick's Breastplate
I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me for ever.
By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan river;
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;
I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the cherubim;
The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,
The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.
I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
What a great prayer! I highlighted my favorite part:) Christ wants to be wholly a part of our lives, and when we surrender to Him, amazing things can happen. God, help me to remember this and to be intentional daily to bind myself to you.
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me for ever.
By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan river;
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;
I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the cherubim;
The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,
The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
What a great prayer! I highlighted my favorite part:) Christ wants to be wholly a part of our lives, and when we surrender to Him, amazing things can happen. God, help me to remember this and to be intentional daily to bind myself to you.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Much, Much Better
Today's IUI went so much better than yesterday's. I was dreading it so bad, but God heard all your prayers for me and answered them:) Hopefully He'll answer the pregnancy ones soon, too!
I seem to have made a lasting impression on the office with my body's antics yesterday. The receptionist said, "wow, you have color today!", and when I was checking out she said they were all worried about me yesterday. The nurse pointed out to Conrad the drawer than held the barf bags. The doc said that the first day is usually worse than the second. The only thing that got me in for today's procedure (besides the deep desire to be a mommy) was thinking that there was no way in he** that I could feel any worse than I did yesterday. The most painful part of today was the fact that my cervix had PTSD so he had to get out some forceps in addition to the usual 8-inch long catheter. YIKES!! The cramping has been very minimal, thank God!
Every time I go, I'm reminded of why I'm switching doctors as soon as I get that BFP. Conrad is even more adamant about it than me. He is so unfriendly! Not rude, just not personable...at all. Today when we were talking about my day 20 clomid check, he told me he was going to be out of town next week. Enter me, trying to make small talk, "Going somewhere fun?" He gave Conrad and me about 20 seconds of an answer, which included us asking some more guiding questions after finding out he was going to a big basketball tourney in Indiana to watch his son. Since Conrad is totally into basketball I thought hmmmm...maybe we could make a *connection* or something. Nope. He was all too eager to walk out of that room. Whatever. Now I know why his former nurse that's an acquaintance of mine isn't missing her job (even though I miss having an ally there!).
Before today's more pleasant IUI experience, I was ready to give up trying any more IUIs because of the pain factor. I am kind of still ready to give it up, especially considering the obstacles we have, and the fact that IUI may not do the trick anyway. We won't be able to do IUI for the next 6-8 months because farming will be starting up hardcore, but even after that, I feel like we're wasting time, money, and pain. I am really hoping that I get a BFP in a couple of weeks. But, if not, I'm praying for a miracle baby conceived naturally, or miracle money to fund an in vitro attempt.
Thank you again to all my friends who support us in this journey. I would be [even more of] an emotional wreck without all of you:) So thankful for God's peace and the friendships He's granted Conrad and me.
I seem to have made a lasting impression on the office with my body's antics yesterday. The receptionist said, "wow, you have color today!", and when I was checking out she said they were all worried about me yesterday. The nurse pointed out to Conrad the drawer than held the barf bags. The doc said that the first day is usually worse than the second. The only thing that got me in for today's procedure (besides the deep desire to be a mommy) was thinking that there was no way in he** that I could feel any worse than I did yesterday. The most painful part of today was the fact that my cervix had PTSD so he had to get out some forceps in addition to the usual 8-inch long catheter. YIKES!! The cramping has been very minimal, thank God!
Every time I go, I'm reminded of why I'm switching doctors as soon as I get that BFP. Conrad is even more adamant about it than me. He is so unfriendly! Not rude, just not personable...at all. Today when we were talking about my day 20 clomid check, he told me he was going to be out of town next week. Enter me, trying to make small talk, "Going somewhere fun?" He gave Conrad and me about 20 seconds of an answer, which included us asking some more guiding questions after finding out he was going to a big basketball tourney in Indiana to watch his son. Since Conrad is totally into basketball I thought hmmmm...maybe we could make a *connection* or something. Nope. He was all too eager to walk out of that room. Whatever. Now I know why his former nurse that's an acquaintance of mine isn't missing her job (even though I miss having an ally there!).
Before today's more pleasant IUI experience, I was ready to give up trying any more IUIs because of the pain factor. I am kind of still ready to give it up, especially considering the obstacles we have, and the fact that IUI may not do the trick anyway. We won't be able to do IUI for the next 6-8 months because farming will be starting up hardcore, but even after that, I feel like we're wasting time, money, and pain. I am really hoping that I get a BFP in a couple of weeks. But, if not, I'm praying for a miracle baby conceived naturally, or miracle money to fund an in vitro attempt.
Thank you again to all my friends who support us in this journey. I would be [even more of] an emotional wreck without all of you:) So thankful for God's peace and the friendships He's granted Conrad and me.
Monday, March 14, 2011
IUI #5
I can't believe that it was already time again to do the IUI again...seems like I just had that experience. Does time fly for anyone else? Feels like Valentine's Day was just yesterday.
Out of the 5 times I've had the procedure, today was, by far, the worst--during and after. Cranky nurse was the one who started me out (weight, blood pressure, "do you want me to explain the process again?"--she's never done it in the first place). She did compliment my necklace, but that was the end of the friendliness. During the time the doctor was performing the procedure I wanted to scream and kick, but I tried to remain a lady (as much as one can while...well, you know). I just let out a few grunts and he knew he wasn't making me happy by the grimacing on my face. After he was done, he did the usual "I hope this works," while crossing his fingers, and leaving the room. Yeah, you better hope. :)
After the third and fourth wheel of our baby-making process left, I was literally beside myself in pain. I was so sweaty and hot that I soaked through that *thick* paper they roll out over the bed. Luckily, I had worn a tank top under a cardigan, so i could strip down even more than I was already. I've never felt butcher knives sinking into my gut and twisting, but I'm pretty sure this is how it would feel. Then came the nausea---yes! Luckily, Conrad had asked the nurse for a little cup since I accidentally left the water bottle in the car. Let's just say that little cup was put to work until the nurse (friendly one) could come in with a big red bag that read "infectious waste" down the sides of it. Nothing like being half dressed and puking in front of a stranger. At least it was the nice one, and she got me a cool wash cloth, which helped a lot.
After our 20 minutes of waiting post-IUI, she came in (probably to nicely boot us out of the room...we'd already tied it up for 50 minutes or so) and I told her I couldn't stand up. She helped me up and I made it long enough to get fully clothed, then had to sit again. I walked at a turtle's pace out of that room to schedule tomorrow's IUI. The receptionist said, "you're white as a sheet!". Yes, yes, I know I look amazing with my eyeliner running down my face and all my makeup washed off by the cool cloth (though at this point, I could care less about that!). I was going to go back to work, but once I got there, there was no way I could've stayed. I couldn't even stand up straight, nor did it feel any better to sit down. My co-workers are sooooo sweet to work around my infertility appointment schedule:)
Two high points from the experience: 1)Conrad took me to get a peanut butter cup shake from Arctic Circle (that helped A TON!), and 2)labor can't be anything near the pain I've experienced with all of the poking and prodding I've had done over the past year...bring it ON!
Oh yeah, I guess there's another high point...I could watch the 2-hour special (and hour long post-final rose ceremony show) of The Bachelor without feeling guilty about laying in one spot for 3 hours. Now that's what I call productivity.
Out of the 5 times I've had the procedure, today was, by far, the worst--during and after. Cranky nurse was the one who started me out (weight, blood pressure, "do you want me to explain the process again?"--she's never done it in the first place). She did compliment my necklace, but that was the end of the friendliness. During the time the doctor was performing the procedure I wanted to scream and kick, but I tried to remain a lady (as much as one can while...well, you know). I just let out a few grunts and he knew he wasn't making me happy by the grimacing on my face. After he was done, he did the usual "I hope this works," while crossing his fingers, and leaving the room. Yeah, you better hope. :)
After the third and fourth wheel of our baby-making process left, I was literally beside myself in pain. I was so sweaty and hot that I soaked through that *thick* paper they roll out over the bed. Luckily, I had worn a tank top under a cardigan, so i could strip down even more than I was already. I've never felt butcher knives sinking into my gut and twisting, but I'm pretty sure this is how it would feel. Then came the nausea---yes! Luckily, Conrad had asked the nurse for a little cup since I accidentally left the water bottle in the car. Let's just say that little cup was put to work until the nurse (friendly one) could come in with a big red bag that read "infectious waste" down the sides of it. Nothing like being half dressed and puking in front of a stranger. At least it was the nice one, and she got me a cool wash cloth, which helped a lot.
After our 20 minutes of waiting post-IUI, she came in (probably to nicely boot us out of the room...we'd already tied it up for 50 minutes or so) and I told her I couldn't stand up. She helped me up and I made it long enough to get fully clothed, then had to sit again. I walked at a turtle's pace out of that room to schedule tomorrow's IUI. The receptionist said, "you're white as a sheet!". Yes, yes, I know I look amazing with my eyeliner running down my face and all my makeup washed off by the cool cloth (though at this point, I could care less about that!). I was going to go back to work, but once I got there, there was no way I could've stayed. I couldn't even stand up straight, nor did it feel any better to sit down. My co-workers are sooooo sweet to work around my infertility appointment schedule:)
Two high points from the experience: 1)Conrad took me to get a peanut butter cup shake from Arctic Circle (that helped A TON!), and 2)labor can't be anything near the pain I've experienced with all of the poking and prodding I've had done over the past year...bring it ON!
Oh yeah, I guess there's another high point...I could watch the 2-hour special (and hour long post-final rose ceremony show) of The Bachelor without feeling guilty about laying in one spot for 3 hours. Now that's what I call productivity.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Samoas, UTIs, Cute little girls, and pills...
First of all, aren't Samoa Girl Scout cookies the best?! I am eating one right now, even though it's only 11 a.m. They're naughty and I never should've bought them, but I wanted to support my co-workers daughter--selfless, really.
The UTI is not my personal problem, but my little feline Gracie's. She's been beside herself for about 5 days now, and we were able to get her to a vet this morning. Conrad had to take her because I watched a friend's daughter overnight. I offered to take Gracie, and he could wake up with A, but he chose Gracie:) I guess he had a heck of a time at the office, and Conrad's scratced-up hand proves it. Gracie does not like unsolicited attention...especially a rectal thermometer. Poor thing! The vet also gave her a shot, and sent home some antibiotics we have to give her twice a day. That should be interesting.
Last night, I watched a friend's little girl. She's about 18 months old and an absolute doll! Conrad and I had fun with her...she's warming up to him and was playing with us both and smiling and laughing. Should've taken some pictures, but we were having too much fun! She is such a good little baby, and slept 11 hours straight (with only a few vocal squeals during the night). My friend is a single mom, due to circumstances outside of her control, and her soon-to-be-ex-husband is out of state so she really has no "break", so to speak, besides when she's at work. I admire her strength to make it through all of this commotion, and it's fun to watch her little girl grow up and bring such joy to people.
And lastly, the *fun* part of the month where I get to start my regimen of Clomid again. The doc upped by dose to 150mg and told me to take it cd 3-7 instead of 5-9 like I have been. He said the earlier start will give the eggs more of a chance to mature. Each increase also brings more of a chance of multiples, but since only one tube is open, it's not too likely, nor would I be opposed to twins. I'm not looking forward to another IUI, but you do what you gotta do, right? If it doesn't work this month, we'll probably stop doing anything under doctor supervision. The months that Conrad is farming he is so busy and it's hard to break away even for 4 hours during the day. Plus, after the March procedure, I will have used over half of what's available in my health savings account...so... I guess I'll just take it one day at a time, whether I like it or not.
The UTI is not my personal problem, but my little feline Gracie's. She's been beside herself for about 5 days now, and we were able to get her to a vet this morning. Conrad had to take her because I watched a friend's daughter overnight. I offered to take Gracie, and he could wake up with A, but he chose Gracie:) I guess he had a heck of a time at the office, and Conrad's scratced-up hand proves it. Gracie does not like unsolicited attention...especially a rectal thermometer. Poor thing! The vet also gave her a shot, and sent home some antibiotics we have to give her twice a day. That should be interesting.
Last night, I watched a friend's little girl. She's about 18 months old and an absolute doll! Conrad and I had fun with her...she's warming up to him and was playing with us both and smiling and laughing. Should've taken some pictures, but we were having too much fun! She is such a good little baby, and slept 11 hours straight (with only a few vocal squeals during the night). My friend is a single mom, due to circumstances outside of her control, and her soon-to-be-ex-husband is out of state so she really has no "break", so to speak, besides when she's at work. I admire her strength to make it through all of this commotion, and it's fun to watch her little girl grow up and bring such joy to people.
And lastly, the *fun* part of the month where I get to start my regimen of Clomid again. The doc upped by dose to 150mg and told me to take it cd 3-7 instead of 5-9 like I have been. He said the earlier start will give the eggs more of a chance to mature. Each increase also brings more of a chance of multiples, but since only one tube is open, it's not too likely, nor would I be opposed to twins. I'm not looking forward to another IUI, but you do what you gotta do, right? If it doesn't work this month, we'll probably stop doing anything under doctor supervision. The months that Conrad is farming he is so busy and it's hard to break away even for 4 hours during the day. Plus, after the March procedure, I will have used over half of what's available in my health savings account...so... I guess I'll just take it one day at a time, whether I like it or not.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Stuck
Excerpt from the book B12: Doses of Encouragement by Gail McWilliams:
About two years ago, Gail McWilliams spoke at a women's convention that I attended. She was phenomenal...to say the least. Not only did she struggle with a doctor's diagnosis of "You'll never be able to have children" (she has five, naturally born), but she's also dealt with a rare situation in pregnancy that made her eyes hemmorage every time she was pregnant, ultimately causing complete blindness. Her faith and humor touched me, and I ordered her book Seeing Beyond as soon as I got home. I ate it up, reading her vulnerable truths in a day. I gave it to my MIL, and she passed it on to her mom. This e-mail devotional I got from her was perfect for where I'm at today. I have to believe that every day plays a part in my future, in our future as a couple. None of this is in vain: another month of "trying" to have a baby by IUI, the opposition from family in building our farming operation, the people we are in contact with every day, etc. God has a plan. "God has a plan, and you are a part of it. You are very brave," heard at a Child Crisis Management Training.
May we all embrace every task and every day with excellence and expectancy.
(I'll post a video of her family's story. It will increase your faith...oh, and you might wanna grab a tissue.)
DAY 8: STUCK
You are not stuck, you have been strategically positioned for this hour. Embrace today and its variables, knowing it is adding to your resume and aiding in your upcoming promotion. Everything you have done is in preparation for this moment. Your day is more than just mere routine; it is essential training. Embrace every task with excellence and expectancy.
Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Question
How would your day change if you knew you had been positioned instead of being stuck?
May you see the value of where you are.
About two years ago, Gail McWilliams spoke at a women's convention that I attended. She was phenomenal...to say the least. Not only did she struggle with a doctor's diagnosis of "You'll never be able to have children" (she has five, naturally born), but she's also dealt with a rare situation in pregnancy that made her eyes hemmorage every time she was pregnant, ultimately causing complete blindness. Her faith and humor touched me, and I ordered her book Seeing Beyond as soon as I got home. I ate it up, reading her vulnerable truths in a day. I gave it to my MIL, and she passed it on to her mom. This e-mail devotional I got from her was perfect for where I'm at today. I have to believe that every day plays a part in my future, in our future as a couple. None of this is in vain: another month of "trying" to have a baby by IUI, the opposition from family in building our farming operation, the people we are in contact with every day, etc. God has a plan. "God has a plan, and you are a part of it. You are very brave," heard at a Child Crisis Management Training.
May we all embrace every task and every day with excellence and expectancy.
(I'll post a video of her family's story. It will increase your faith...oh, and you might wanna grab a tissue.)
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
A Little Bit of Encouragement
We've been trying to organize our office for years now:) and so today I've been going through some of my stuff. There are times when I read a Bible verse or see a quote i like, jot it down, and add it to the clutter so I can find it in a year when I'm attempting organization. Today, however, I'm going to post some of those encouragements so I can get rid of a few pieces of paper. Oh yeah, and I need some encouragement.
From Guideposts (submitted by readers, original authors unknown):
A prayer that I ripped out of somewhere, quite fitting:
From God's Word:
From Guideposts (submitted by readers, original authors unknown):
"Faith is the place between the way things are and the good that is sure to come."
"If your cup runneth over, set it in someone else's saucer."
"Joy is choosing to see the beauty and blessings no matter what comes our way in life. It doesn't disappear because of the circumstances. Happiness is circumstantial, but joy builds in your life over time." (Ed Young)
A prayer that I ripped out of somewhere, quite fitting:
"Lord, I want to accept the truth that You have given me everything I need. Whatever I face today, You have already provided the resources I need. Remind me that what I feel has no bearing on what You can do. Thank you not only for Your gift of a new relationship with You, but also for the amazing adventure of living life with you."
From God's Word:
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
"'I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations...'" Isaiah 42:6
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