"Good News"

So, after the last IUI...you know the "false positive" one? Mr. B & I decided that we would go through with one more and then go ahead with the Lap. So, on May 3rd we went in for our 3rd IUI. The same nurse that did it the last time, did it again. Again, this time she was overly positive; telling us that the 3rd time is a charm and how she had gotten preggers in the same room on her 3rd IUI. This time, after the last time, I had no expectations. Good thing because on the 17th, I got another BFN. This time, it wasn't nearly as upsetting I guess because I didn't have any expectations going in. I have become not only sensitive, but very skeptical as well. I am one negative Nancy these days! Anyhoo...I was scheduled for the Lap. and that did give me a wee bit of hope. Hope that we would have some answer(s) for our infertility. So, I had the Lap. done this past Friday; and, it was finally confirmed that I did have the big E! Thank you God!! I know it sounds crazy that I am thanking god for a disease, but now we finally have an answer. My Dr. even told Mr.B during the post-op conversation that he had "Good News"! Yes, we finally have a little something to hold onto. So, as I recover each day is getting easier and easier; possibly because I know God still has me on the books to be a Mother some day. I am so thankful for the sign he sent me! Now, I just need to go in this week for a post-op. appt. with my fabulous Dr. and find out what our next steps are! Until then...
Cheers to the Big E!

More Pics from The Derby!

Derby Day...placing bets...acting like we know what we're doing:)

We thought we had planned our outfits; but we had forgotten the ponchos! Luckily Focker went out and grabbed us some day of! There was NO way we were wearing anything but clear ones:)

The one and only...Churchill Downs!

The guys realizing they aren't very good at the betting thing!

The beautiful horses!

The One & Only...The Kentucky Derby

Our seats for The Oaks (Friday's races of Phillies)

As close as we could get to the winner's circle:)

The red carpet...sort of. It was pink for The Oaks Breast Cancer Awareness.

Night out on the town!

Crusin' America...in the RV!

A couple of years ago, right after Mr.B & I were married, we were talking about how much fun it would be to go to the Kentucky Derby. One of my cousins owns race horses and I decided to call her & inquire about possibly getting tickets. She told me that it would be possible, but it would cost us an arm & leg for decent seats at that point in the year. Well, time passed and we didn't think much more about it, since Mr.B was not going to drop that kind of money. Then right after we returned from Mexico my cousin called me and asked if we could use their tickets for this year!! Of course we could...duh! So, after we gathered our crew and worked out the sleeping arrangements (found a hotel 12 miles from Chuchill Downs) our next big task would be the travel arrangements. My friend, Heidi, had the brilliant idea to rent an RV. Sounded great at the time...didn't think about how big it would be and that it might not ride so smooth. Our bad! Or at least it was my bad! Let's just say that it wasn't my favorite part of the trip. What was my favorite part? Let's see...the big beautiful hats we got to wear, the equally amazing shoes, the delicious much anticipated Mint Juleps, and the ever amazing seats (3 rows from the track) on the fence line. I absolutely loved the entire experience!! Mr.B & I had no clue what we were doing when it came to betting...our driver to the Oaks even told us to go with Calvin B. and we failed to remember that. Needless to say...the atmosphere and witnessing the beauty of the horses was a win for us!

Cheers to Big Hats, Mint Juleps, Good Friends, & My cousins for the tickets!

A Teeny Tiny Glimpse...

This past Sunday Mr.B & I had just the teeniest glimpse of what it would feel like to find out we would be parents. As I have shared previously, I went in for my second IUI this month. We went in on Easter Monday and my nurse told me that "this will be the time it takes". Even though she was pretty confident; I was not. In fact, I was not even going to take the damn test (yes I said damn), but my doctor's office requires I take it on a certain day. Well anyhoo you might see where this is going. I took the test and yes it digitally, blatently, and surprisingly said, "pregnant". The only choices are "not pregnant" or "pregnant". I about threw up, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I quickly snuck into the next room and pulled out the card I had bought for Mr.B 2 years ago when we started this journey. I walked in, gave him the card and told him "Congratulations, you're going to be a father." We both hugged and cried tears of joy...we couldn't believe it. FINALLY, it was happening to us!! God had heard and answered our prayers. That day we shared our very exciting news with our parents and they were equally excited as you can imagine. That night when we went to bed, we were both still in shock. Our shock wasn't near as extreme as it was on Monday. Monday morning I woke up with cramps. As I laid there I just kept thinking there was NO way I would have "cramps". I took another test, and just like that our glimpse vanished. I got a BFN. Needless to say, Mr.B & I were devasted.
I called my doctor's office and they were very supportive. They said that it was most likely a false positive. It took every ounce of me to hold it together while taking the call...in class. The doctor said that he wanted to do one more IUI this month and then proceed with the surgery. I went home that night and all I wanted to do was lay in bed and have myself a sobfest. And that is exactly what I did. I needed it so I could pick myself up and move on. While I wasn't sure if I wanted to share this or not, I am still a bit wounded and needed to get the last remaining tears out so I can focus on this month. So, that is where we stand. Please keep praying that I will be patient and that God will continue to guide our decision making process!
Cheers...because, I guess, I can still drink!

A Sweet Surprise+Good Friends=Great Memories!!

The Heidi Trolley Invitation
D-TROIT in the house!

Mr. B and his "peeps"!

The signature cocktail...White Russians!

14 years ago I went to college and didn't know anyone. Even though I was scared to death, I was very excited to go away and meet new friends. I went to CMSU the week after I graduated from H.S. and lived on a floor with some obnoxious boys. Regularly throughout the week the boys & I would head to the pool. One day, I met some girls who would become my lifelong friends. Eventually, I joined their sorority and met even more lifelong friends. Today, 10 years later, we almost all live in different cities. While there are a few of us that live in the same cities, we still find it difficult to get together. Wedding festivities and baby showers allowed us to reunite; however, those are starting to dwindle down. Last weekend one friend's new BF decided to throw her a surprise birthday party and we were all able to come in for it. While it was really a gift for her, I am pretty sure we all appreciated it. It was a fabulous time of drinks, laughs, dancing, and even more laughs.

Cheers to my BFFs!!

Sun, Fun, and Love in Mexico

One month ago today I was sitting poolside sipping on Mango Margaritas...ahhh those were the days! Mr.B & I traveled to the Riveria Maya, Mexico for my cousin, Julie's, wedding. We stayed at the Grand Sunset Princess. It was unbelievably beautiful and super relaxing. The first night we had the Bachelorette Party, the second night was the Rehearsal Dinner, and then the big day! They were married at X-Caret Park, an eco-park, in Playa de Carmen. Never in my life (my whole 32 years) have I been to a more beautiful and breath-taking wedding ceremony. The chapel they were married in sat at the top of a cliff which overlooked the ocean. The chapel was open so you could see the spectacular view from the alter. I told Jeff that if we renew our vows someday...that will be the place. To all my single ladies out there...if you are looking into destination weddings that is the place! Throughout the entire place you felt the Lord's presence and spirit. It was for sure awe-inspiring! After the wedding we enjoyed a very swanky reception back at the resort. Then Saturday-Sunday it was nothing but pool, margaritas, and beach fun:) While not all of my family could make it, I certainly enjoyed the time spent with those who could. I love that our family is so close:) We definately had many laughs by the pool!! Depending on where our situation has taken us next year, we may be back at the Sunset Princess very soon:)

Cheers to Julie & Ryan on a healthy and blessed marriage, thanks for letting us come and be a part of it!!

Oh, the Boards!

Last year I began my journey attempting to recieve National Board Certification through the National Boards Professional Teacher Standards. Boy, has it been a process!! There are two parts to this: 1. a four-part portfolio of videos & reflections on your practice and your impact on student learning 2. a 6 question essay test (you have 30 minutes to answer each question which can be over ANYthing in social studies. I turned in my portfolio last March and took my test last June. I found out in November that I did not achieve certification. The good news was that I passed the ever-so dreaded test. Seriously, that thing is a beast...so it is safe to say I was a wee proud of myself:) But still disappointed because I only passed 2 of the 4 entries. So after November I was able to re-do those two entries only and that is what I have been doing. They are due this Thursday (the 15th) and needless to say...I am a little behind (hence me blogging instead of being productive). I am having severe writers block on my reflection pieces...so I took a break thinking I would be able to think of something really good if I blogged about it. So far...not-so-much:( I think I am going to try a glass of wine...
Cheers to getting over the block...and hopefully passing this time around!!

Two Years and Counting

March 15th was my 2nd wedding anniversary! I cannot believe it has been 2 years already.

Last year for our first anniversary we went on a shopping trip and Mr.B bought me a gorgeous anniversary band for my ring. People couldn't believe that Mr. B would splurge like that for a 1st anniversary. I didn't think he could top it, until he gave me beautiful earings this year! It's safe to say that he has spoiled me...but don't tell him I said that:)

We have learned so much about each other in the past two years. Not to sound like a Hallmark card or anything...but, we have had our share of ups and downs for sure and we have made it through each one stronger than before. One of the most trying things on a relationship is infertility. Even though we have both had different thoughts throughout this ordeal, Mr.B has been there for me every step of the way. He has learned to put up with my monthly melt-downs, frustrations, guilt, and crabbiness:) I love him more and more each and every day. God has blessed me with an amazing husband! I cannot wait to see what our future has in store:)

Cheers to two years and counting!

Lucy Turns One!

Yes, I threw my dog/princess a birthday party! Lucy's birthday/party was in January but it will be one year next week that she came home with us. We didn't make a huge deal out of it, but we did make sure she knew how special she is to us. So, Lucy's family came over to celebrate. I got an ice cream cake for us and Lucy had a frozen yogurt bone. Lucy had a funtabulous time...she was pretty pooped after the family left. Luckily, she had her new snuggie to cuddle up in.
Cheers to a great year Lucy!

Update.

I by no means wanted to turn this into a blog where I would rant on about my infertility issues; so I won't. I will give a brief update only because I know that many people want to know and it is easier for me to just write it out than tell it each time.

Here is the 411: Since last time I have had more months of cholomid and shots, the dye test (most painful thing ever), another month of cholomid and shots, two months of nothing, and finally the ok to see the specialist. We had to wait two months to see him, but it has been wonderful so far (except for the obvious fact):) He is very personal and also very understanding of our frustration. He says that he is equally frustrated as our doctor that everything on paper looks good but still not producing anything. We met with him in Feb. and then had our first IUI (artifical insemenation...so romantic right?). Well...we found out this past Friday (while in Mexico) that it was not successful, so here we go again. I will have another IUI this month and then our options will be the laproscopy (surgery), adoption and/or IVF (in-vitro). So that is where we are.

I fully believe in the power of prayer, especially when done with others. I know many people have been praying for us and I know that God is hearing those prayers. I cannot express how grateful I am to everyone for caring, listening, asking, and most of all praying!!

One other thing I have learned throughout this is sensitivity. I have become sensitive to others in their infertility issues, something I had not really thought of before. For instance, we have been trying for two years so I would never sit there and go on and on in front of someone who has tried for four or five. I have also learned that when, and if, it does happen to me I will NEVER take it for granted. I will NEVER complain of being pregnant no matter the discomfort or pain. People who do this make me want to cry...literally. Do they seriously not have a clue? Do they seriously not think that others would do anything in the world to be in their "uncomfortable and miserable" shoes? Seriously? Ok, enough of my venting:)

So anyhoo...this is our status. I do have some more fun and positive stories to share so I won't be slacking in sharing.

Cheers!