tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88500920860058649912024-03-10T15:13:25.799-04:00Fertility ChickInfertility, PCOS, and my attempt to spawn lifeFertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-53417483885471578832013-09-18T18:10:00.000-04:002013-09-18T18:10:00.714-04:00Strep and antibiotics and hives! Oh my!Remember me? Again.<br />
<br />
I swear to you Internetz that I had all the good intentions of following up after my last post.<br />
<br />
But then I got sick. Really sick.<br />
<br />
I thought it was swimmers ear so I was treating it with an over-the-counter ear drop. <br />
<br />
The fact that the glands on the left side of my neck were practically popping out should have been a clue that it wasn't just swimmers ear.<br />
<br />
Note: NEVER Google "swollen neck glands." Just don't.<br />
<br />
Post-freak out and one week later, I finally dragged myself to the clinic convinced that I had a more serious ear infection.<br />
<br />
Turns out I didn't. My ears were fine. My throat on the other hand was a hot mess.<br />
<br />
One gag-filled strep test later and yours truly walked away with my first prescription for antibiotics in I don't know how long.<br />
<br />
So I googled the antibiotics I was taking.<br />
<br />
Do you think I had learned from before?<br />
<br />
Note: sometimes some things are best left un-Googled.<br />
<br />
But a week into the antibiotics and I was feeling much better and having none of the awful side effects that I had been warned about.<br />
<br />
Until the one night I noticed a small rash on my arm. By bedtime it was all over my upper arms and travelling down my back.<br />
<br />
By morning I was covered, and I mean covered in hives.<br />
<br />
But did I stop taking my antibiotic? <br />
<br />
Of course not! I was going to finish those ten days!<br />
<br />
So I returned to the doctor. Even more miserable.<br />
<br />
She took one look at me, told me to stop taking the antibiotics and for the next five days I was on prednisone, antihistamines, and a topical lotion.<br />
<br />
It took three very long days to even turn a corner. But eventually the hives started to go away.<br />
<br />
So here I am. Strep free. Hive free. And back. <br />
<br />
Hi. <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-4676772188347499512013-07-29T20:15:00.003-04:002013-07-29T20:17:11.457-04:00Testing 1, 2, 3...Is anyone out there? <br /><br />
I wouldn't expect you to be any more.<br /><br />
I know I've neglected this blog. It has been too long and there is much to tell.<br /><br />
That said, there was some suspicious activity in my account which I think I have sorted out -- but if you have gotten anything weird from me I suggest you delete it and accept my apologies! <br /><br />
If anyone is still around, let me know. <br /><br />
I need to start writing again.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-17301376091224155442012-04-11T13:38:00.005-04:002012-04-11T13:41:21.522-04:00SickHope the Easter Bunny was good to you, Internetz!<br /><br />The girls made out like bandits and have enough chocolate to sink a battleship.<br /><br />Me? I got a wicked cold/flu bug that has had me in bed for two days.<br /><br />At this point I'm whiny, miserable, and one hot mess of kleenex and Dayquil.<br /><br />I'm so behind at what is turning into a crazy week at work I don't know what to do.<br /><br />The only thing that's keeping my spirits up is my new addiction to the DrawSomething app! FUN!<br /><br />If this post doesn't make sense, I blame the drugs.<br /><br />Send healthy vibes, Internetz, I needs them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-60170050961170394402012-04-03T12:03:00.010-04:002012-04-03T12:16:02.982-04:00UpdatesIt seems the months slip by with just a blink of the eye these days! I confess it's work that has had me absent the most. This week in particular is absolutely crazy busy - hence the quick updates below. But I'm here! And I'm blogging! So that kind of counts, right?<br /><br />*Our one pug has had a heck of a time health wise. Since late summer we've been spending a great deal of time (and money!) at our vet. But that wee pug is a trooper - she's fought pancreatitis, a diabetes diagnosis (all of Irish Boy's needles for my IF treatments weren't in vain! He now gives the dog two needles a day!), and most recently the poor wee dog had to have one of her eyes removed. Given her general health (she's a puppy mill rescue), this dog has more moxie than anyone I know. Surgery for the eye went very well - and now she looks like she's winking at us!<br /><br />*The girls are both well. We had a good, albeit fairly quiet March Break. One was super sick with a cold/flu bug that had her down and out for most of the week. The highlight was getting to see the movie, "The Lorax" at the end of the week when everyone was finally feeling better.<br /><br />*I am DESPERATE to see "The Hunger Games" movie. So much so that I just re-read the entire series. Have you seen it? Tell me your thoughts below!<br /><br />*We celebrate Easter, so I'm prepping for a big Easter weekend -- mostly for the girls. Egg hunts, Easter baskets, the whole nine yards. Tonight they're going to see the Easter Bunny at the mall for photos. I figure I may as well take advantage of their delight in things like this while I can -- in a couple more years this will probably be a no go!<br /><br />*As busy (but fun) a week as this will be, I'm looking forward to things getting a bit quieter (wishful thinking?!) and hopefully being able to devote more time again to this blog...and to Twitter. I am so out of the loop!<br /><br />Hope you are well, Internetz! I appreciate any and all Hunger Game movie updates! Also, what Easter candy is calling to you these days? Mini Eggs and the caramel Cadbury eggs call me regularly!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-50655867823906470682012-02-28T18:57:00.005-05:002012-02-28T19:07:50.900-05:00Working GirlHey Internetz,<br /><br />One of the biggest challenges I've found since adopting - and returning to work full-time - is finding the time to do much else! Between work and family - by the end of the day I'm beat!<br /><br />Hence my lack of blogging. Ahem.<br /><br />Yeah, I'm working on that.<br /><br />My job is such that it has me hopping all hours of the day. Sometimes I have to work evenings. I work weekends. So finding that important family time has really been key for us as we're finding our way as a forever family. And I'll be honest, I often feel guilty for having to rush off to "work commitments" when I know my girls would rather have me at home. <br /><br />But in the midst of trying to balance career and family, some of my other "loves" have been put on the back burner. My blogging for one. Even my Internet time in general.<br /><br />Reading doesn't happen all that often and the amount of time we sometimes spend on a given evening to catch up on favourite shows that aren't for the girls is kind of laughable.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, Internetz, I wouldn't trade this for the world. For. The. World.<br /><br />But for all those other moms out there -- how do you balance it? Do you give yourself "me" time? How often? <br /><br />And if you're in a career that you love - how do you give it - and your family equal time and commitment? Or can - and should you?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a><br /><br />PS - A dear Blogger, Maddy, lost her mom recently. Her blog is private, so you're not able to share words of support there (unless you're one of her readers) - but please take some moments to think of her and her family during this difficult time. Love to you Maddy. xoFertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-62629543818979697052012-02-02T20:15:00.006-05:002012-02-02T20:18:20.771-05:00The Big 4-0Internetz, please take a moment if you would, to wish my beloved Irish Boy a very Happy 40th Birthday! <br /><br />He doesn't look a day over 21. Really. He doesn't. He also lets me purchase copious amounts of Coach purses without ever getting angry. <br /><br />Or at least really angry.<br /><br />In fact he just loves it when I shop. Loves it. I'm sure he'd be thrilled if I were ordering something online right now!<br /><br />Related: Please don't tell him about this post. He'll just roll his eyes and smile. <br /><br />That's my Irish Boy.<br /><br />Happy Birthday, my love!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-72991669548792498812012-01-16T15:43:00.004-05:002012-01-16T15:46:19.339-05:00HousekeepingI want to thank you all for your comments on my last post. I promise to start blogging more regularly and sharing the joys and challenges of adoptive parenting.<br /><br />Today however I have some housekeeping to take care of. I'm hoping you can help me.<br /><br />My blog roll was painfully out of date so I removed it. But I would like to add it back. Would you like your blog listed on it? If so, leave me a comment below with your blog url and I'll start adding!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-88011970548031076802012-01-13T18:50:00.006-05:002012-01-13T18:56:13.293-05:00How Much Do I Suck?That question is rhetorical, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Internetz</span>. Please don't answer it.<div><br /></div><div>But let's face it. I totally suck.</div><div><br /></div><div>Related: how many people are going to be TOTALLY disappointed that such a title leads them to an infertility blog?</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Internetz</span>, I know I've been an awful blogger. But here's the deal. I just don't know what to write about. It's like I've lost my blogging <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mojo</span>. I'm not getting regular dates with the ultrasound wand anymore, so I can't write about that. And I know that writing about the girls and parenting via adoption may be painful/boring/not your cup of tea/fill in the blank here for some of you.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what do I do? Has this blog run it's course? Or can I find my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mojo</span> again?</div><div><br /></div><div>If I could write you any post, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Internetz</span>, what would you want me to write?</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully there are still some of you out there who will comment and let me know.</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-11272268733804975902011-10-12T22:38:00.006-04:002011-10-12T22:50:09.985-04:0036So I'm a little tardy to the party, Internetz, since my birthday was on October 5 but it's never too late for some of these:<br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r55eOhdPNmKmCTY1TM3zrRmfKnrI0B4dJ3UJdrwgtjvCesu5_dxJ-FaILmQxVlr4eihXZ0e2O0atwH_aeXvVjRLsxfVvtQUEOIBU7-p-vUf9wMhNBc808dRCabKWkq8YgIAIL29YuVY/s1600/cupcake01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r55eOhdPNmKmCTY1TM3zrRmfKnrI0B4dJ3UJdrwgtjvCesu5_dxJ-FaILmQxVlr4eihXZ0e2O0atwH_aeXvVjRLsxfVvtQUEOIBU7-p-vUf9wMhNBc808dRCabKWkq8YgIAIL29YuVY/s320/cupcake01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662802673354346658" /></a></center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;">(Image: http://justalittleonline.com/Cupcakes.aspx)</div></span><br />I didn't have cupcakes on my birthday - we had a fabulous cake - made by the same wonderful woman who did our "Forever Family" cake back in June. To say it was delicious is the understatement of the year.<br /><br />Last year for my 35th birthday, Irish Boy got me a MacBook Pro. In fact this very blog post is being typed on it.<br /><br />This year's birthday wasn't nearly as extravagant. Except for the fact that we had two little girls with us - and I had cards meant just for me with the words "Mommy" on them.<br /><br />What a difference a year makes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-16618503203663920012011-09-17T16:42:00.005-04:002011-09-17T16:45:18.142-04:00Dude, Where's My Blog?I know, Internetz, I KNOW.<br /><br />But I am back this time. For reals.<br /><br />Stay tuned for updates galore. <br /><br />But in the meantime, enjoy this courtesy of my new addiction to the cartoon, "Phineas and Ferb" thanks to the girls.<br /><br />I can't get this song out of my head. Also? I love it.<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ocXFH054vwU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-5663398278298127382011-07-05T20:00:00.006-04:002011-07-05T20:08:40.376-04:00Where to even begin?Oh Internetz, curses to me for leaving such a long gap between updates! The first few weeks with the girls were hectic - not just with settling in - but coupled with the fact that we had to drive them to and from their school each day. Since it was so close to the end of the school year when they moved in, we didn't want to move them to our local school, so it was a daily 40 minute drive each way. Needless to say by the end of school we were all ready to say "good bye" to that drive.<br /><br />Summer vacation is here and the girls are loving being at home. "We get to spend all day with you!" one of them happily announced to us today.<br /><br />This is great - but I won't lie, it's also exhausting! We're coming with all sorts of new and wonderful things to keep us active and busy during the day. We have discovered almost all of our wee town's playgrounds and if there is a free festival somewhere, yours truly will find it!<br /><br />It was Canada Day last Friday, July 1, and we met up with some friends for town fireworks which was great fun. I'm trying to take photos as often as I can so the girls have all of these memories to keep. A favourite memory of mine was just the other day when the girls went with me to 'get our nails done.' Internetz, you might have died from cuteness from the two girls perched on pedicure chairs having their finger and toenails painted. They were both so proud it was to die for.<br /><br />But if I'm honest, we have plenty of challenging moments too. I think we're getting over the worst of the 'testing' hurdles, but they still crop up every now and then. I'm getting used to have absolutely NO privacy at anytime and sometimes I struggle with that. On particularly challenging days I admit to taking some private time in the bathroom where I lock the door and just cry. Thank goodness for some other wonderful adoptive moms who have totally supported me and told me "it's all normal, stop beating yourself up."<br /><br />Being a forever family ain't easy....but it's worth it.<br /><br />How's your summer going, Internetz?! I promise I won't slack so much with the blog!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-83254123768466883512011-06-15T08:55:00.006-04:002011-06-15T09:06:25.038-04:00Forever FamilyWell Internetz, it has been just over a week since the girls moved into our home and our lives.<br /><br />It has been exciting, exhilarating and exhausting.<br /><br />I won't pretend that it has been all sunny days. We have had our moments and more than once I have cried in the bathroom wondering if I could do this.<br /><br />The girls, especially our youngest, are testing us right now to see how much they can get away with and perhaps, more importantly, if we'll still love them when they do.<br /><br />On Monday we had our seven day visit with our worker and afterwards we went out for dinner as a family. Irish Boy and I arranged to have this cake for dessert since it was a special day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5SxfqjgZwGk65GbzUCo2reWxcpaF3P86Q_2CYKe-f62mgfSrBJ8r3uk9XlpDRFHJBvEeMNmQ43S8nYstKnOjyEAUfLaf3OuvmRGcjgNzeJfMLXLrcX8DmLaK9ENwjqinMf-Py7u91M4/s1600/DSC01372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5SxfqjgZwGk65GbzUCo2reWxcpaF3P86Q_2CYKe-f62mgfSrBJ8r3uk9XlpDRFHJBvEeMNmQ43S8nYstKnOjyEAUfLaf3OuvmRGcjgNzeJfMLXLrcX8DmLaK9ENwjqinMf-Py7u91M4/s320/DSC01372.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618430836157374386" /></a><br />This is it, Internetz. The good, the bad, the ugly - all of it. We are a Family Forever.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a><br />PS - The cake was even better than it looked!Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-3071298875775606092011-06-02T23:26:00.003-04:002011-06-02T23:28:18.806-04:00Fast ForwardSo, Internetz, uh, the girls move in tomorrow.<br /><br />Yes, you read that right. TOMORROW.<br /><br />Long story and I promise to explain all soon - but holy crow - I have to get my house ready for TOMORROW!!<br /><br />Internetz? I think I'm a Mom.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-89836451662443864302011-05-29T19:56:00.005-04:002011-05-29T19:59:36.336-04:00True LoveInternetz, on Friday we met our girls for the very first time.<br /><br />It was everything that we could have hoped for and so much more! They are funny, sweet, chatty, engaging, amazing little people. We visited, had dinner out as a family, and Irish Boy and I fell that much more in love with them.<br /><br />Holding their hands as we walked across the parking lot made my heart soar.<br /><br />Our next visit is on Tuesday and it can't come soon enough. I was so elated on Friday night after our visit, it was like being on Cloud Nine. These past couple of days have been spent wondering what the girls are doing, if they're missing us at all yet, and feeling this unspeakable sadness in my own heart because I miss them.<br /><br />Is it Tuesday yet?<br /><br />Internetz, we are in love.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-27704742286496066872011-05-26T21:27:00.004-04:002011-05-26T21:31:15.299-04:00TomorrowInternetz, tomorrow is a special day. A momentous day.<br /><br />After weeks of meetings, meetings, and yes, more meetings, the day is finally here.<br /><br />Tomorrow I meet my daughters for the first time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-31823586968298211062011-05-11T12:11:00.006-04:002011-05-11T12:21:05.941-04:00One Step CloserAnother day, another meeting, Internetz. Later this afternoon we meet with the kids' foster parents. I have been assured by our worker that this is more of a (great!) opportunity to hear about day to day routines, learn more about the kids, and have great resources right in front of us to ask questions. <br /><br />So in other words, there shouldn't be any new, potentially earth-shattering information, as much as this is a chance to learn even more about the girls. We will give their worker our photobook at this meeting and I'm guessing that within the next week she'll be showing it to them. This will let them see us, our house, our dogs, and more. It's a way of introducing their "forever home" to them in a gentle way before we even actually meet.<br /><br />We have a couple of more meetings next week (it never ends!) and then I'm hoping that we'll get the good news that at long last, we can finally meet the girls in person. The thought of this terrifies me (what if they hate us?!) and makes me teary (these are OUR girls) all at once.<br /><br />In ironic fertility news, remember my period? The one that is usually AWOL for months at a time unless I take the crazy-inducing Provera? Well the little bugger showed up yesterday - within 43 days (this is good for my random, PCOS body) and is "text book perfect". Not that this means anything for us - Irish Boy still has no sperm - and it's not like one semi-regular period has my body completely back on track. But really? My period is such a douche. <br /><br />Will update again soon - I so appreciate all of the prayers, words of support and excitement you all are sharing with us! Irish Boy and I are eternally grateful to all of you who have stayed the course with us and continue to cheer us on.<br /><br />Love to you all,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-58640789717770708452011-05-06T10:55:00.004-04:002011-05-06T11:01:55.748-04:00Moving Forward!Internetz, how much do I suck? A big "thanks for nothing" to me for not updating the blog after our big meeting!<br /><br />So the meeting with the kids' worker and other various workers went very well. We heard their whole story - and while there are certainly some challenges ahead (which we knew would be the case - and hey, what kid doesn't have challenges big or small at some point right?) we are totally on board.<br /><br />Internetz, these are our kids.<br /><br />Still early days though and we have more meetings in the coming weeks and then FINALLY we will meet the kids themselves! The waiting is torture. In the meantime, we're keeping busy trying to set up the bedrooms (we'll let them help us shop for decorating them) and create a photobook for their worker to give to them to help them familiarize with us.<br /><br />I've also started quietly letting some of the "powers that be" at work know because I will be taking a minimum of the summer off of work. For the most part, everyone has been nothing but thrilled and supportive.<br /><br />It's hard keeping it so quiet when you want to burst and tell the world! Heck, I'd tell the person in line with me at the supermarket if I could!<br /><br />So stay with me, Internetz. I hope to update you soon with news that we are finally meeting our kids!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-75427803206878912682011-04-27T19:25:00.006-04:002011-04-27T19:31:16.351-04:00Two More SleepsInternetz, Friday cannot come quickly enough. We now have two more sleeps until the "big meeting" on Friday morning to see if this possible adoption match can proceed to next steps.<br /><br />I. AM. FREAKING. OUT.<br /><br />We spoke with our worker today and she told us that all assuming all continues to go well - and assuming we want to proceed after Friday - it's conceivable that the children would be moving in with us by the summer once school is out.<br /><br />OH. EHM. GEE!<br /><br />Commence more freaking out.<br /><br />I'm trying to stay calm and take things one day at a time. I'm trying to tell myself that until we get through Friday, there's no point even thinking about what may come next.<br /><br />There are moments that I want to scream with delight about what could happen by the summer. There are also moments when I want to hide under my bed, terrified that I won't be able to do this.<br /><br />Keep us in your thoughts please. Two more sleeps!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-91946319148402211902011-04-25T11:30:00.007-04:002011-04-27T19:35:18.444-04:00NIAWIt's National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW for short). I am so proud to be a part of the community of the many brave bloggers and organizations who are bringing infertility out of the shadows and talking about it, raising awareness, and offering support.<br /><br />One of my favourites, Circle+Bloom is doing a little something to honour NIAW and I wanted to share it with you in case you were interested!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=54072&c=ib&aff=139217" target="ejejcsingle"><img src="http://www.circlebloom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/CB_niaw1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />On a more personal note, Irish Boy and I are counting down the days until Friday. Stay tuned!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-14169483679498848132011-04-19T18:28:00.005-04:002011-04-25T11:30:42.740-04:00DanglingInternetz, I have but a moment to update you.<br /><br />So I won't leave you hanging.<br /><br />They called this afternoon.<br /><br />They feel that we are the best suited match. We! Us! So they want us to meet with the various workers to hear more about the social/medical history. This meeting date/time is yet to be set. <br /><br />Exciting as all hell, but still very initial stages. If, after this meeting, we feel that we aren't prepared for what lies ahead, we can opt out before we go any further. If we're still full steam ahead, we carry on in the process.<br /><br />I can't say too much right now. I can tell you it's 2 siblings. Both girls. I won't say ages but they are children, not infants. Irish Boy and I are totally fine with this. <br /><br />Our dream to become parents may be coming true...<br /><br />Keep us in your thoughts and I promise to update you as soon as I can.<br /><br />Now? I have to spend my evening in a work meeting and try and look like I'm paying attention!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-84569714407850074082011-04-18T22:01:00.003-04:002011-04-18T22:03:53.406-04:00Leaving You HangingOh Internetz, I gots me some news on the adoption front.<br /><br />I can't say much - because, really, at this point I don't have a lot I can say.<br /><br />Alls I know is that our profile is being shown tomorrow for a potential match.<br /><br />I could throw up.<br /><br />I could scream.<br /><br />I could dance around like a maniac.<br /><br />I could do all of the above.<br /><br />I will not sleep A WINK tonight.<br /><br />I'm terrified. I'm excited. <br /><br />I'm hopeful.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-7716693643877168362011-04-06T11:29:00.005-04:002011-04-06T11:43:11.424-04:00Attack LifeI was at a funeral last week for a family friend. He died, doing something he loved, in a tragic accident. He was doing everything right - had all the appropriate equipment including a helmet - but in spite of it all, the accident took him from us. He was a husband, father, and grandfather - much older than me - but not old by any stretch of the word. In fact he was probably healthier than me - than most of us - and loved being outdoors and being active.<br /><br />It was a tough funeral.<br /><br />But what stuck with me then - and has stayed with me now - was his motto: "Attack Life." That's how he lived. No fear. No concerns about failure. Just giving everything that he ever did his all. Because of that he lived a life of supreme joy. Oh sure he had stresses and challenges like we all do - but he never let anything block his path from living life to its fullest.<br /><br />Attack life. I love that.<br /><br />My life is, if I'm honest with you, Internetz, ruled by fear. As a true Type A and perfectionist at heart, the thought of doing anything that could result in failure, terrifies me. So usually? I don't do it. <br /><br />I'm scared about what people might think of me if I'm at the gym. So sometimes? I use that as an excuse not to go.<br /><br />Trying something new (though admittedly I have gotten better with this as I've gotten older)? Often, I don't do it, out of fear.<br /><br />Fear and excuses. That's what sometimes rules my life.<br /><br />It's true for infertility too. For months - even years - I refused to seek help from doctors because I was too afraid of what the diagnosis would be. Too afraid of the countless tests and needles I knew that I would be subjected to. Too afraid of the pain - both physical and emotional. I was even pretty scared of becoming a mom - even though I really wanted to be one more than anything else in the world.<br /><br />Truth is, the diagnosis was pretty shitty - but you know what? When we attacked infertility - we kicked it's sorry ass. Maybe we didn't get pregnant - but I was no longer afraid of needles, of ultrasounds up in ladyville, of doctors, of a diagnosis. I was no longer afraid to be a parent - a mother - in whatever way the journey took us.<br /><br />We're admittedly on a new path to becoming parents as we pursue adoption and of course, there are fears that go along with that too.<br /><br />It's okay to be scared. But it's not okay to let fear rule your life.<br /><br />So Internetz, in honour of my friend, I'm hoping that I can borrow his "Attack Life" motto. <br /><br />Because I'm ready to kick fear's ass into next week.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-81726774934390013122011-03-17T20:01:00.007-04:002011-03-17T20:07:21.792-04:00Irish BlessingHappy St. Patrick's Day, Internetz!<br /><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gjzlfjvkZDa_z7qxWnuHLs-L8WsRn4ltGTNRMqRmDL1-H6G68KprwGE2l0jqxOUyn2bhMOakMY3QQOnGsPJiVSRSWzktjrytPfMvfAsPUn2hUYpsvsyp7E96EA4H5QxCRufiu7wRQPY/s1600/irish_blessing_print_300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gjzlfjvkZDa_z7qxWnuHLs-L8WsRn4ltGTNRMqRmDL1-H6G68KprwGE2l0jqxOUyn2bhMOakMY3QQOnGsPJiVSRSWzktjrytPfMvfAsPUn2hUYpsvsyp7E96EA4H5QxCRufiu7wRQPY/s400/irish_blessing_print_300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585204635774699842" /></a></center><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-39859061316876448942011-02-23T21:04:00.007-05:002011-02-23T21:19:11.194-05:00A Plethora of UpdatesInternetz, my last few weeks have been a blur!<br /><br />On top of a really busy time at work, we have had the worst run of luck. <br /><br />A couple of weeks ago our senior dog was scheduled for dental surgery at the vet. Poor guy - his teeth were just awful. He's 13 years old and I've had him since he was a pup. So yes, he's my baby. I was a wreck to say the least. Let me just preface the rest of this story with the good news that the surgery went just fine, he was home that night and recovered like the trooper that he is. In fact, I swear he's feeling so much better that he's once again got a spring in his step. Don't get me started on the fact that I'm going to have to learn to brush his teeth. <br /><br />At least now I have a good excuse for why I always "forget" to floss. You know, because I'm now the poster child for dog dental health.<br /><br />But let me get back to my tale of woe. After dropping the dog to the vet, Irish Boy was heading home, when another driver came barreling out of a lane way and ran right into our car! What a mess.<br /><br />Thus began the LONGEST day of my life. <br /><br />Fortunately Irish Boy - and the other driver who was at fault - were both fine. At the end of all days, this is the most important thing EVER.<br /><br />Sadly our car was not fine. Thus began the two week headache of dealing with our insurance - who are now on the top of my "I shake my fist at you" list. <br /><br />Long story short - our old - but otherwise in awesome (prior to the accident) shape car - is a write-off. <br /><br />So we've been car hunting. And grumbling about car hunting. And panicking about how we're going to afford another car when we just replaced my beloved VW Bug back in the fall.<br /><br />So what are we going to get? Well that's another post. Stay tuned - I promise not to make you wait as long as our DAMN INSURANCE COMPANY has made us!<br /><br />All is quiet on the adoption front too. I don't know why, but lately the waiting is driving me insane. The zen-like peace which had washed over me as we went through all of the classes and paperwork is long gone. I'd like to blame fertility drugs for my batshit crazy impatience but alas, not this time. <br /><br />How do you make it through the waiting? Whether it's for that exciting adoption call or a two-week wait, what helps you get through?<br /><br />I need me some Cheez-its.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850092086005864991.post-73118255230184716872011-02-02T14:27:00.008-05:002011-02-02T14:47:02.442-05:00Latest ObsessionInternetz, I'm just back from a glorious work conference in Grand Rapids, MI.<br /><br />That's right. Grand Rapids. In late January.<br /><br />Who goes to Grand Rapids in the middle of winter? THIS GIRL, apparently.<br /><br />But it was a grand (see what I did there) time! Irish Boy was able to take a couple of days off work to travel with me - so in the midst of my work we were able to enjoy some free time hitting the shops and restaurants - including one amazing dinner at <a href="http://www.meltingpot.com/">The Melting Pot</a> which was to DIE for. Thank you Internetz for sending us in that direction!<br /><br />In addition to some fashion finds I have also discovered what can only be declared as my latest obsession, "red light food", delicious (impossible to stop eating) snack.<br /><br />Internetz, I am officially addicted to Cheez-its. Oh you heard me. White Cheddar? YUM. Garlic and Parmesan? GOOD LORD.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmY1auryuGmp8YCstF07PjAok7KxVvuT7XGv-Zz8SrT06XmwNXDQUUl1BVjZJPl3rPQMCaS2XHzJp5ePnknz_SlINyW3hNkYAq5gJlrAEoASk-0-axOLp9WsyuvdhRmH9-_8JiYOL1HlA/s1600/cheez-it.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmY1auryuGmp8YCstF07PjAok7KxVvuT7XGv-Zz8SrT06XmwNXDQUUl1BVjZJPl3rPQMCaS2XHzJp5ePnknz_SlINyW3hNkYAq5gJlrAEoASk-0-axOLp9WsyuvdhRmH9-_8JiYOL1HlA/s200/cheez-it.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569178220053786546" /></a></center><br />Fortunately I have yet to find these in Canada (fellow Canucks, don't tell me if we can get them here!)<br /><br />But I have one box left from my travels and I am officially doomed.<br /><br />Internetz, please stage an intervention. Or send me boxes by the truckload.<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/77/BF6D36A6CD25420F6431026B75FF87A1.png" /></a>Fertility Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16909012164684855077noreply@blogger.com19