It's ours!

We finally have/own the house! It's been a stressful few weeks with some major ups/downs, so it felt SO good to have that key placed in our hands. Just in time for the homestead exemption- woo hoo! It was awesome to walk around the house now that it's actually our home. I took all the "pre" pictures, so we have some to compare with after we do all the painting/renovation that will be taking place in the next few months. We're so excited. As a housewarming gift, we found out today that my parents are getting us a washer/dryer! Sweet! There's definitly a reason to have fun tonight!

After we got the house stuff all signed and after we went and saw it for the first time as ours, we had ourselves a Congratulatory luncheon at McDonalds. It was fun not worrying about when we were going to close, and we had so much fun talking about having children. We're both really nervous about testing tomorrow because we want to see that second line so bad! J thinks that it's happened based on how I've been acting and because his life is usually charmed like that; good things always happen for him. Of course, I'm not complaining about that! My temperature did go up today, but I didn't sleep very well last night. As soon as I rolled out of bed this morning, I felt so sick. I almost thought I was going to throw up, but as soon as I had some toast, I was fine. I'm also pretty bloated today. Eek! We have to steal a plastic cup from my sisters tonight (where we're celebrating NYE- just as we have for the past 9 years) to use tomorrow, haha. 

I have mixed feelings about 2008 being over. It's been a great year (graduation, a Meditteranean Cruise, our wedding and honeymoon to CA, and, now, buying a house!), but I know we've got great things coming to us in 2009! Maybe a New Year's BFP will be just the thing to welcome in the new year? We shall see.

Stats:

-CD 30: 9 DPO

Ugh

We're finally "closing" tomorrow morning! THANK GOD! I have been getting so pissed off at this entire situation. Ask J- I have not been a very pleasant person to be around. Of course, it won't be finished yesterday, and we're probably not going to get the key because they have to mail the papers to the sellers (who moved out of state) after we do, and the title company is freakin' closed on Friday. So, we should be all finished on Monday. Ridiculous? Extremely. I'm hoping that they just give us the key since we've already paid our down payment (last week...) and the loan is obviously approved. Not likely, but the hope exists.

As mentioned above, I've been pretty irritable the last two days. It kind of came out of nowhere last night, and I've been pretty awful ever since. If J stands too close to me, I snap at him. He's not a fan. If I'm not pregnant, I'll have some serious explaining to do to him. It didn't help that when I input my CM in today, my crosshairs became dotted. Grrr. I'm still having those twings in my stomach, though not nearly as constant. It's definitly mostly when I'm in the car. Besides the oddness of that, I don't have too much hope. My chart is looking way too similar to the last 2, even with the fertile CM on CD 8ish. I still plan on testing on the 1st, though. If BFN, then no testing until at least 14 DPO. I only have 2 tests- PIAC ones that I got with my pre-seed. I can't lie- I'm pretty excited to use them.

Stats:

-CD 29: 8 DPO

Darn stomach!

J and I had a great Christmas! It was a hectic time, as it always is, but it was a lot of fun. We had a great time at the in-laws annual Christmas get-together on Christmas Eve playing a Christmas trivia game, spent the night at J's parents home (as did his sister and her boyfriend), had Christmas morning a french toast feast with his family, and then went over to my sister's house for Christmas with my family. We got some great gifts: the new George Foreman grill, a crock pot, a digital picture frame, and lots of other cool stuff. J's favorite gift was from his Nana (grandmother- the only one surviving out of the two of us): his grandpa's doorknocker that he inherited from his dad that's engraved with our last name. It was really special to him, and he can't wait till we get the house (finally!) and put it on our door. 

On the house front, we should be closing either Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. Our lender's office is closed today, so we won't hear anything until Monday morning. Lame.

In regards to TTC, my crosshairs were moved after I entered my temp yesterday to the next day. That means that we had sex the day before and after O. Since the day that FF says I O'd on, I've been having cramps in my stomach. They're not really painful (though there is a ping every now and then) and it's mostly while we're in the car. I am experiencing it right now, however. I figured that it was constipation, as it had been a few days, but I "dropped some kids off at school" twice yesterday! So, i'm not so sure. I finally understand the whole phantom symptoms now. 

Stats:

-CD 25: 4 DPO

Merry Christmas!

My first Christmas present this year: crosshairs! I was pretty upset after I temped since it was a bit lower than yesterdays high, but it wasn't low enough to be around the same as they had been! I was pretty shocked to see that red line (not dotted!) pop up after I put it in, but I was certainly thrilled! It looks as though we only had sex on O day, but that's okay. I have "good" timing, according to FF, and it's only Cycle 1. We've got some time to make it work, although I'd prefer if we didn't need it. I'm so excited to be in my first 2ww! Just in time for the holidays, which should make it go MUCH quicker! My plan was to wait until 14 DPO to test, which would be January 3rd, but, since it would be super fun, I may test on January 1st! That would be an awesome way to kick off 2009. It all depends on how I'm feeling, though. 

J and I wish everyone else the greatest of holidays! We'll be heading out in a few hours to begin our Christmas festivities, and we're so excited! Happy Holidays!

Stats:

-CD 23: 3 DPO!

Bummer

We're not closing on our house tomorrow. Apparently, there are too many people buying/refinancing houses right now, so it took longer than expected to file the paperwork. It should be ready at noon tomorrow, which sucks more than if it were going to be done in a few days. We'll miss our closing time by 2 freakin' hours. So, we're more than likely going to have our house by tuesday! At least we're done with all the crap now, and we just have to wait. The holidays should make it go by much quicker! 

I had a major temp spike today- hooray! That means that I most likely ovulated yesterday. Our timing wasn't 100%, but it's only our first month. We plan on hitting the sheets again tonight. Of course, J doesn't have any idea that I've O'd (he's expecting it to be a week or so from now based on last cycle- he wants to be in the dark about that). I just bargained with him last night that if he gave me a massage, I'd promise him sexy time tonight. He was too tired last night. So sneaky. Only a few more days of high temps until confirmed O!

Stats:

-CD 22: 1 DPO (i believe)

Party time!

Last night was J's company Christmas party! We'd been looking forward to it for a few weeks, so it was fun to actually go to it finally. I haven't been able to get all dressed up like that since our honeymoon (only 4 months ago, but still. I love getting dressed up). We had a great dinner and we had an awesome time with the people that we were sitting with. They were definitly people that I could see doing stuff with outside of company-sponsored events. It was good for me to finally put some faces to the names that I'm constantly hearing. If I could only remember some of them- red wine plus meeting a ton of people at once is not so conducive to a great memory.

Here's us:

I'm still thinking that I could have O'd a few days ago based on the change in how my temps are reacting and the fact that they're still on the rise. I'm still hesitant because it's early for me(though my 2nd cycle off of BCP was O on CD 20) and because they're still low temps- definitly no cover line as of yet. Most likely, I'm gearing up for O and they'll shoot up in a few days. That's how it happened last cycle, though it was about 15 days later! I'll take the shorter cycle, but we just need to work on the sex part. We've been lacking.

Stats:

-CD 19

F/U to Baby "Callie"

So, I lurk on 1st tri. I know I'm not alone in that. Well, today, I found a fun link to predict your birth story. I figured: what the heck? These were my results:

The day you deliver, outside will be hot. Your baby will arrive at night.

After a labor lasting approximately 3 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and will be 18-1/2 inches long. This child will have green eyes and some very fine hair. 

Although not a relaiable source at all, it just may be accurate! I live in Houston, so it'll most likely be hot outside. Then, there's that dream I had the other night about the tiny little girl we had. I told J she looked like she was about 7 pounds, and she had green eyes (like her daddy). J's red hair (like the little girl had) is fine, too! So, it's a long shot, but it's exciting to think about! 

I had some EWCM yesterday, and my temps seem to be evening out, so I very well could be Oing sometime soon! Maybe I'll be a NYE/New Year's tester after all! 

Stats:

-CD 17

Baby "Callie"

Callie is the name that we have almost agreed on for our baby girl (should we get one). He loves it and gets a huge smile on his face whenever we talk about  it. I love the name, but I'm not 100% sold on it. Mostly, I'm just worried that it will be confusing if we have a Callie with my niece, whose name is Aly. But, for now, we're sticking with it. We've got plenty of time to change, if need be. 

Anyways, this whole conversation came about because I had my first baby dream the night before last. We had the most beautiful baby girl! She was so tiny (about 7lb-ish) and beautiful- looked just like her daddy. She even had the cutest red hair, but it was tied up in a little pony-tail on the very top of her head, so there was a little tiny "fountain". Very Who-like (as in The Grinch's Whos). In the dream, J wouldn't even put her down and refused to let anyone else hold her! He was so in love! It was a great dream, but it couldn't really progress because she didn't have a name! So, last night we went over our list of names again. The list is still pretty long, but at least there's a few top contenders now (including Callie). It was so easy for us to choose a boy name that I'm almost positive our first will be a girl, haha. J seemed to be pretty excited about that concept.

Stats:

-CD 15: I had a huge drop today, so I'm wondering if it's a pre-O drop?

Here We Go...

The days seem to be going by pretty quickly lately, which is a good thing, I think. We finally had our "Welcome to TTC" celebration the other night, which was awesome. J made some pork chops, which was a nice break from the chicken we always seem to be eating. Darn being on a budget. It'll all be worth it in the end, though. We're all finished with the inspections of the house, and we submit our request for money to pay for some required electrical work tomorrow. After that's all done, it's just a waiting game until closing! Less than 2 weeks away! I'm getting so excited about it all. I'll post some pics of our new house once it's actually ours. It was exciting to talk about it last night at a Christmas party we went to with a bunch of friends that we graduated high school with. They're all excited that we're staying in the area, as are we! 

As far as TTC, I've been having some mild cramping today mainly focused on my left side. From what I've read on GP, that could be an ovulation pain. I marked it on my FF chart but also wrote a note that I'm not too sure. It seems a bit early for me to be having an ovulation pain, but I did have some creamy/watery CM today, so who knows? I definitly would not complain if my cycle was shorter this time around! My up and down temps are getting closer together, as well, which has indicated getting closer to O. J will probably be getting some lovin' tonight just in case. If not, it's good practice! 

Stats:

-CD 13

Let's Get it On

Our pre-seed came in the mail today. Our TTC kick-off celebration will finally occur tonight. That is all.

Stats:

-CD 11

Amazing!

It SNOWED today! Seriously, it was amazing. (note: you should remember that I'm from Houston...TX; it doesn't snow here). It's not like it stuck or anything, but I saw snowflakes! Of course, I was also having a stupid day, and I only wore a sweater to work today. Me= freezing. AND, last night, DH took my car on a printer ink search (which failed) and didn't fill up my car. So, my "fill up" light came on, but I couldn't get gas then because I'd be late for work! So, in the freakin freezing cold weather after school, I had to go put some darn gas in my car. One more thing: my debit card wouldn't work in the pump, so I had to go inside. I was so cold that I had tears coming out of my eyes. Needless to say, I did not enjoy the snow as much as I should have. I was much happier upon snuggling with a big blanket and my bean (our dog) and watching the snow outside our sliding door. It's crazy to think that we could have more- it's so early in December, and it usually doesn't even really get cold until January!

Oh, and we didn't have our TTC celebration last night. Bummer. We're not having it tonight either; DH is at a Toys for Tots rally thing for his company. Bummer. Our pre-seed has not yet arrived. Bummer. Of course, we wouldn't need it yet since I'll O later in my cycle than most, more than likely. Bummer.

Stats:

-CD 9

Stupid Seller

Here we are: super happy that the option period was going to be over by now and that it would be just deciding how much the seller would actually be giving us. But, no. The seller pulled a dumb move (which will be beneficial to us in the long run, most likely) and cut off the electricity. Of course, we don't find this out until we're at the house waiting for the AC guy to come and check it out. We had to call and put a hold on that, obviously. Our realtor called the seller's realtor, who had no idea that they had cut it off, and now we have an extra week in our option period! Plenty of time for us to find more things to request money for.... We're just annoyed that it's not over. Blah.

Even though we don't have the house inspections crap over with to celebrate, we're still going to have our TTC kick-off dinner tonight! I'm excited. I'm expecting our lovely pre-seed to be in the mail today. Hopefully, tonight goes off much better than earlier did. I need some stress relief!

Stats:

-CD 8

Is it December?

I'm shocked that I don't feel the Christmas spirit yet. Usually, as soon as we finish eating on Thanksgiving, I'm singing Christmas carols. I have been listening to Christmas music, but I'm just not feeling it like I usually am. Maybe it's the stress of getting all the inspection stuff finished for the house by Wednesday or maybe the excitement of TTC has taken over, but I'm sad about it. I'm really hoping that it pops up any time now. 

Horrible story: J and I went to a Christmas concert at a local church to support one of my good friends last night, and I kept thinking about how I always wanted to be able to announce my pregnancy at Christmas. There's no way that I'd be able to do that, unless I had a super short cycle. Chances of that= unlikely. FF doesn't think I'll even O until New Years Eve! Oh well. The horrible part? I kept thinking about it whenever there's be any mention of the baby Jesus. *sigh

Sad story: I have an adorable niece, whom I love completely. Since birth, I've been working on making sure she realizes that I am her best friend. Up until Saturday (when we were at our house with the families), whenever I would ask who her best friend is, her response would be "Aly" (which is her name...she didn't quite understand the question- she turns 2 in January). Her response on Saturday was, without skipping a beat, "J". Ugh. J walked in right afterwards and, after he heard the story, is now using this against me. I feel stabbed in the heart, haha. I will be making him make dinner for the week to help me with my depression. I've also forbidden him from seeing her until she realizes that she is wrong. (note: I am being sarcastic...)

I'm still spotting, though it has only been a drop today. I should be getting my pre-seed in the mail tomorrow- yay! I'm planning a nice pork chop dinner complete with lots of red wine (yum!) tomorrow night to kick off our TTC journey now that AF is gone! Exciting!

Stats:

-CD 7: minimal spotting

Overwhelmed

J and I got to see the house we're buying again, today, and we were there for a long time! It was fun. We showed it to both of our parents and my sister (along with her husband and my awesome niece), and they all approved. J, his dad, and my brother-in-law did a major scan of the house, and there are a few things we want to get checked out, just in case. Not a big deal, but we have to have it all done by wednesday if we want to get some cash from the seller (of course!). The biggest ordeal will be the A/C. It's pretty old and super expensive to replace. So, that's our biggest stress. We did get our quote for the renovation that we're doing in the kitchen, and it was right where we had guessed it would be. Overwhelming (see the trend?), but we're excited about it. We know that we'll get it all back, eventually, when we sell the house. It's just scary now! We've never spent so much money on something, obviously. I'm just ready for the whole ordeal to be over, and we have the house!! 

We got a few "slight" comments on babies as our parents checked out the guest rooms. They're trying to just get information, and we didn't get upset by it. As I've mentioned before, we have older parents.

Also, I just ordered some pre-seed! YAY!

Stats:

-CD 5: light AF

She's here!

There is no doubt about it. AF is here in full force. I started having major cramps last night, and I even had to pop an Advil (one of my last ones! I don't need to take Tylenol just yet) so that I could get myself to sleep. I'm still pretty crampy, but it's not too bad. I think I went through the worst of it last night when I was sleeping. Awesome. J has been really cute about it. We're both hoping that this is the last time I go through this in, say, about 9 months. It would actually be a about 10 months, though, since I'll probably have another long cycle. 

Last cycle ended up being 51 days with a 12 day LP. Based on that cycle and the previous one (which was 31 days with an 11 day LP), FF estimates my average O for this cycle to be Dec. 31st. I'm pretty sure we could manage some sexy time for New Years Eve. I am hoping for a shorter cycle, though.

This will officially go down in history as the most excited I have been (or ever will be) to see AF! We're officially TTC, Cycle 1! 

Stats:

-CD 2: heavy AF

What a Tease

I woke up this morning to a substantial temp drop (though not below the coverline) and some light pink spotting this morning. I think- she's here! Apparently, I wasn't excited enough because she still hasn't fully unpacked. I am starting to cramp up a bit, so that's a good sign. I can't even see my whole chart on FF because it's so long now. I think that proves that I need to start a new cycle. 

J and I met with our lender tonight and did all the necessary signing and handing over copies of our documents to get our loan all finalized and such! That's a nice relief. Only a few more things left on the checklist- get home insurance, get a quote that we want for the rehab work we're getting done, and submit said quote to our lendor. Otherwise, we're a go for the 24th. (Btw, we already have an inspection from a previous attempt to buy, so that's awesome. No worries- we didn't forget to have that done.)

Stats:

-CD 52: 13 DPO- spotting

-I'm hoping that tomorrow is our first official day of our first cycle TTC!

Here it is

Today, AF should arrive. I haven't had any spotting yet, though, and that bums me out. Granted, I'm excited to have a longer LP, but still. It's been 2 months, and I'm ready to move on. I was explaining the reasoning about having a good LP last night, and he's really excited that I do. He doesn't want me to start AF just yet, it seems. Crazy boy. I've been having spouts of craming the last two days, so I know she's coming. Guess I'll just keep waiting.

We should find out today when our official closing date is and the paperwork will officially be signed by the buyer (they were on vacation when they accepted)!!! I've been researching contractors, getting our loan stuff ready (we were pre-approved, so it's minimal), and day-dreaming about how we're going to decorate it (mostly the nursery, though)! I just can't believe we have a house....

Stats:

-CD 51: 12 DPO

-starting our TTC Cycle 1 tomorrow? today? Who knows... 

We got it!!!

We got a call from our realtor saying that our offer was accepted on the house! We got everything we asked for, except they wanted an earlier closing date (which is what the plan was...we offered a 60 day closing figuring they would want to counter that, but keep everything else). We're so excited!!! Now, we're really ready to try for a baby to take to our new home! Our closing is Dec. 24th, so Merry Christmas to us! I can't believe it!

We're still waiting to hear what's going on with J's dad, and we're still waiting for AF to arrive. I'm beginning to get crampy, though, so she'll be heading over in a day or two, for sure! 

Stats:

-CD 49: 10 DPO

- between 1 and 5 days before we're TTC!!!

The Waiting Game

Thanksgiving was great! We had a really good time with J's family, as usual. J's dad ended up in the ER late last night for some chest pains, so that's not so good. It wasn't a heart attack, but this is the 2nd time this has occured in the last few months, so he's under observation at the hospital. He's not happy there. He hates being told he has to lose weight (he does), and that's what's being said repeatedly to him while he's there. J and I are hoping that us getting pregnant will really encourage him to start exercising and get to a healthy weight. We're just not sure that he could play with a little baby like he is right now. He definitly wouldn't be able to move/react quick enough if something happened to the baby. J already has plans to have a serious discussion about this around the beginning of the 2nd trimester, whenever that happens. We wait.

On a good and EXCITING note, we put an offer on a house today!! I get so nervous everytime my phone rings. I'm ready for this part to be over with! Today, it's especially more exciting because our apartment is having the roof worked on, and the workers are being really rough and making all sorts of noise above us. Darn Ike. So, we wait.

I'm over this cycle. I want a long LP, of course, but I'm just ready to start again. I'm feeling a little blech in the uterus/stomach area today, but that could be AF getting ready to come out and play or a thanksgiving gift from all the eating yesterday. Again, we just wait.

Stats:

-CD 48: 9 DPO

- between 2 and 10 days until we're TTC!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The holiday season has officially begun! YAY! I love all things holiday (specifically Christmas/New Years). I'm planning on fully enjoying every ounce of the holiday season in hopes that I won't concentrate too hard on TTC. I'll have plenty of time for that afterwards! We'll be heading over to J's uncle's house to enjoy time with his entire extended family (on his mom's side), hopefully, for the last time by ourselves!

Have a great day!

Turkey Day Stats:

-CD 47: 8 DPO

-between 2 and 10 days until we're TTC!

End of the Week

I REALLY hope that the rest of this week goes by quickly. Yesterday and today have dragged on, and it's aggravating me. I really just want AF to start this weekend, so we can be on our first cycle already! Granted, It'll probably be a long time before I O again, but at least we'll by trying! I've gotten really jealous of all the girls who O so early (less than CD 20). At least then, you don't have to wait quite as long if the cycle doesn't work. I'm afraid cycles like this one (2 months!) are going to get REAL old when we're trying. Can I please have my 31 day cycle again? Oh well. At least I'm ovulating! That makes me think that I don't have the same thyroid issues that my mother and sister had (they didn't ovulate), so yay! Maybe I'll be that lucky fertile one? Ha. I dream.

Stats:

-CD 45: 6 DPO

- about 4-10 days until we're TTC! How exciting!

An invitation

I cordially invite Ms. AF to come visit me for a few days starting sometime around next weekend. It seems that I finally O'd on around CD 39!! The most exciting aspect of that is that we'll officially be trying for baby H next cycle! YAY! We decided that one month really isn't that big of a deal in the long run, and we're just going to go for it now. Hopefully, I won't have as ridiculously long of a cycle as I am right not, but I probably will. Our plan is to keep it simple. I'll keep charting as I have been (though I'm upping my temp time to help with the mass amounts of open circles on my chart), but I'll keep all that info to myself. J doesn't want to know to keep him from getting stressed out or feeling used. I'll tell him after I test, no matter the results. I wish we'd decided this a week ago, so we could have utilized this O, but oh well! I'm looking forward to the obsession/excitement that goes along with actually TTC! 

Stats:

-CD 43: 4 DPO

-about a week until we're TTC!

So Ugly

My chart is horrific this month. I feel more confident that it reflects my body, though. I've constantly been evaluated and tested for having "abnormal" periods, which, after learning so much about cycles, is most likely attributed to just having a long cycle. Though my chart is ugly, it's still frustrating to think about all the trouble I've been put through and the hurt I've felt when I've been made to think I wouldn't ever be able to have kids. I know- so wrong. I'm taking a new approach to baby-making: I can do it. At least, I'm going to try real hard. Who knows- maybe I just O'd!?! I had a temp rise (maybe? i've been relying on adjusted temps WAY too much this cycle...I was going to move up my wake time when the cycle ended- AF?) and I've been having mounds of EWCM. As always, we shall see.

In other news, we may be putting an offer on a house! We've crunched the numbers, and we can do it for sure (apartment stuff factors in). Now, we just have to make a final decision! EEK!

Stats:

-CD 39: "20 DPO"

-42 days until we're TTC!

How much for this?

J and I worked at a garage sale hosted by his parents this weekend. Not too terribly exciting. It was so cold! (note: I have grown up in Houston and am, by many people's standards, weak when it comes to cold weather. It was in the 50s! ugh) We sold most of the stuff that we put into it, including a stereo and a desk, so we made pretty decent profit. We're planning on using that for christmas shopping, so that doesn't cut into our getting ready for house/baby savings. We only have my niece and my brother and his sister to get stuff for, so we'll have some leftover even! Of course, everything points to baby for me. His aunt had tons of her grandkids old stuff to sell. The best was this adorable little kid's size table. I just stared at it, envisioning how well it would look it the nursery that I have designed in my head. It sold. How sad. I did tell J that vision for the first time, though, and I showed him the bedding that I found/liked. He approved. Now, I want to buy it. First, we need to start trying. I am thinking that may be moved up... we went out to dinner with my sister, brother in law, and freakin' adorable nice tonight and J was a complete hog with her. I could see it in his eyes that he's ready for one he can take home with him. He was so devastated when we were leaving- barely even let me hug the poor girl good-bye before he snatched her and snuggled while carrying her to the car. He'll never admit it, but J's got the baby bug bad now!

Stats:

-CD 36. FF says that i'm 17 DPO, but I know that's wrong. I think I may be ovulating around now, actually, based on the mass amounts of EWCM I've had. 

-45 days until we're TTC....or could it be less? hmm...

Nutcracker Market

Today, I went shopping at the Ntcracker Market (a huge shopping experience at the Reliant Arena) with my mom. It was strange to have so much Christmas-y stuff going on around me, but I can't complain too much. Christmas is by far my favorite holiday. It was kind of tough, though, in regards to wanting a child. Almost every other booth had children's clothes, decorations, etc. that was SO cute! I was able to look at it some using my niece as an excuse, but I didn't get to get anything or even look too closely at it since my mom doesn't know that children are on our horizon. There was a TON of pregnant women there, too. I even saw one drinking a beer. Personal choice, I know, but it seems wierd to do in front of thousands of people. 

I'm a bit confused by my cycle this month. If last cycle was any indication, I was supposed to start spotting yesterday and start AF today. Nothing. I had EWCM yesterday, so maybe I'm just now ovulating? Or, I have a longer luteal phase. Only time will tell, I guess.

Stats:

-CD 33: 12 DPO (perhaps)

-48 days until we're TTC (under 50! yay!)

another BFP

I was on my daily computer schedul: FF (inputting my temp, stalking, etc.), e-mail, and then on to Facebook when I saw an intriguing status: Friend is pregnant!! I proceeded to be the good friend and wrote "Congratulations!" on her wall and asked when she is due only to have a reply returned to say that she just took the test last night. Eek! I was shocked. There is no way that I would post that so soon! I actually doubt I'll have anything on there until I'm pretty far along (at least 3 months) into my pregnancy. I've got to give myself and J the chance to let everyone important to us know in person first! She actually had someone comment on her status saying "thanks for letting me find this out on facebook." I know I have good friends who would be so disspointed if that's how they found out about me! 

On the charting front, I had a temperature drop today. If last cycle taught me anything, I'll probably be seeing some spotting tomorrow and welcoming AF on thursday. We shall see!

Stats:

-CD 31: 10 DPO and a substantial temp. drop

-50 days until we're TTC! 

Back and Forth

After learning that you can change the settings on Fertility Friend to different ways of determining if you O or not (advanced, using CM, and FAM), I've been going crazy back and forth every day with my new temperatures and CM updates. Since they both agree on CD 21, I guess it must be so! It's one day later than last month, but that's pretty normal from what I've seen on the boards. I'm pretty excited that I've been ovulating since that's what my sister's problem was (dealing with her thyroid). I just keep thinking that I'm ready for AF to come on along (of course, after a decent luteal phase length). I only have one more cycle of TTA before we try for baby H!! I'm so excited! Since we're fairly certain that we might make an offer on a house in the next few weeks, I've been daydreaming about decorating a little nursery and setting up home for our baby. I guess my nesting instinct has set in early.

I've also experienced my first round of "TTC" (since i'm not yet) jealousy. I found out that one of my friends that I'm not really close to is 5 months pregnant. I'm happy for her, but she just seperated from her husband, so that sucks. She works at a fast food joint, so there is no way that she'll be able to support this child on her own if they can't work through their problems. Of course, I wished that it was me pregnant instead, but mostly I thought of the girls on the message boards that are having such a hard time. Though I don't know them, I think that they should have gotten their chance instead of her. Hopefully it all works out for her, though, and they can be a happy family.

Stats:

-CD 30: 9 DPO

-51 days until we're TTC!

Starting anew

Now that I don't have too much to worry about regarding my cervix, I feel like any other woman feels right before she starts TTC (I'd imagine): baby obsessed. We're searching for houses (side note: we may have found one!), and I keep thinking which room would be the best for a nursery, how great the living room would be for the baby to play in, if the backyard is big enough for a swing AND our dog, etc. At least I'm planning for the future, right? 

Today, J and I went to the zoo with another married couple of ours. If you've been to a zoo before, then you may realize how many people with children/babies go. Not the smartest decision for two (yes, she's in a similar situation as me) baby obsessed women. They were all such cute children, too! The husbands had a great time in the children's area playing with all of the stuff they have out, while we talked about the excitement of having kids soon to play with them! It was a good day- lots of fun! 

Sexually, we have a bit to make up for to get ready for TTC. Since I was told to wait a few weeks after the colposcopy/biopsy to have sex again in order to let my cervix heal, we've been abstaining. It still scares me that my cervix may not be fully healed. It's completely a mind thing. I'm hoping to turn that back around tonight? 

Oh, and I used the temperature adjuster for my temps this cycle since my waking times have been all sorts of screwed up, and it gave me crosshairs! I took my temperature at my normal time today, and it fit right in with what the adjusting temps were (about), so that's pretty awesome! I'm taking it with a grain of salt, though, since they're not my "real" temps. 

Stats:

-CD 28: 7 DPO

-53 days until we're TTC!

I'm inflammed

in the cervix, at least. My follow-up appointment was today and all is well. I don't even have to take any antiobiotics like I was thinking that I might. My cervix healed really well- my doctor was impressed. I'm excited to have it all over with!! I'll be going in every 6 months to have a pap smear for awhile, but after a few normal results then I'll go back to every year like a normal, non-inflammed woman. I guess it works out alright, though, because that corresponds exactly with when he wanted me to come back to discuss our next step if we're not pregnant yet (we're on the 6 month plan due to all the fertility issues with the women in our family). So, now it's on to waiting until we're officially TTC and then until May for my next pap!

Stats:

-CD 25: No O. Blasted colposcopy stressed me out so much that I think it delayed it. Hopefully- I want to O, please! 

-56 days until we're TTC!

BOO!

I've been fairly busy lately watching my niece a lot. My brother-in-law is in a time crunch trying to finish his flight hours for his pilot's license before he has to go to CA to take some safety test of some sorts, so I've basically been her nanny the past week and will do the same next week. I'll actually be heading over there in a few hours. It's really helped solidify our bond of being best friends. I'm by far the favorite aunt. :) 

Last night, we finalized the pre-approval process, so we're a go on house shopping! I'm so excited! These past few days have just gone so amazingly that I fear something bad is around the corner. It's a ridiculous thought, I know, but I still worry. 

As for babymaking, it's been a dry month. So, that sucks. We're still TTA, though, and now that I'm able to have sex again (had to wait at least a week after colposcopy), I'm in my fertile time. My chart is horrific looking this month though, so who knows?!? I'm not ready to have sex yet, either, however. We're going to wait until we see the doctor for my follow up on wednesday to make sure that my cervix has healed correctly and then move forward from there. I'm so nervous in all matters concerning my reproductive system. I do know that J is ready. Poor guy. He's been so supportive with all of this, and I owe him a good time next weekend for sure. 

We're heading back up to our college town for the weekend to support one of J's good friends in his senior recital. I should be able to keep temping this time, which is good since it's around O time and I've been having some EWCM. No big plans for Halloween- just driving.

Happy Halloween!

Stats:

-CD 20: a temp rise, but nothing to be excited about. This was the CD that I ovulated on last cycle (which had a MUCH prettier chart)

-61 days until we're TTC!

-5 days until the follow-up appointment

A GREAT Day

I broke down and called the doctor today to see what my results were. I just couldn't handle the waiting game any longer. The verdict: chronic inflammation. YAY! I would guess that blasted NuvaRing did it since it corresponds perfectly. Good thing we're TTC soon, and I don't have to insert any more hormones into my body. BCPs always made me really sick, depressed, etc. I truly believe I was just not cut out for hormonal birth control. My trusty BBT thermometer will forever be my side from now on. 

In other great news from today, we got pre-approved for a mortgage! We'll meet sometime soon to finalize it all, and then we'll be on a serious look-out for houses. I also have been hanging out (babysitting) my nice a good bit: yesterday, today, quite possible tomorrow, and on friday. I love it. She fights J for my favorite person in the world- it is and will always be a constant battle. I just hope to add some more contenders someday (my own children).

Today= awesome

Stats:

-CD 18: heading back up to normal tempts (they've been super low) and some EWCM, so possible getting ready to O

-63 days until we're TTC!

-7 days until our follow up appointment, which is now just to discuss actions to end the inflammation and to make sure my cervix healed properly from the biopsies.

Homecoming

This past weekend, J and I headed up to our little small college town for homecoming! It was so fun seeing the city, the old friends, and enjoying the homecoming festivities! It really helped me keep my mind off of waiting for my results, too (except that I was still spotting- blah). We were sleeping on the floor in our friends' apartment with someone else on the couch, though, so I didn't get to take my temperature. I didn't want to wake him up. I figured that it's only 2 days. My temperature this morning was still low, so I don't think it was too much of a big deal. We're not TTC this month, and we haven't been able to have sex due to my procedure for the last week, so it wouldn't have been a big deal anyways. 

Today's good news: 1) No phone call from the doctor, so the results might mean nothing! I'm still giving it a few days, though. 2) I think I may be done spotting! YAY! Only time will tell...

Stats:

-CD 16: possibly/possibly not still spotting due to colposcopy

-65 days until we're TTC!

-9 days until the follow up appointment!

A Day Off

Since I actually had to work today (I'm a substitute), it gave me a day off from thinking so much about my darn cervix. It was definitly a good thing. Now, as I remember it (still spotting), I feel much stronger about the whole situation. Maybe it's just that time has passed or maybe I'm just starting to cope with the idea, but I feel like I'm in a better place. Granted, I still wish I knew exactly what was up, but I feel like I can fight it, whatever "it" might be. I've done my research and thought and thought about it as much as possible, and I'm ready to go for it. They say that everything that happens to you and that you go through is for a reason, and it's never something that you can't handle. I guess that's right. I'm definitly going to be more vocal about getting annual pap smears and taking care of yourself appropriately- maybe I'll help someone else along the way because of that. Whatever happens, I can handle it. 

Stats:

-CD 13: colposcopy spotting (ugh) and a HUGE dip (pre-O??)

-68 days until we're TTC

-12 days until our follow-up appointment

I should be paid

I feel like I'm single-handedly keeping the pad/tampon companies alive. I mean, seriously, I've only had three days period/spotting free! Darn colposcopy. I haven't been spotting too much today, but spotting it is. Hopefully it'll all be over soon. On a similar note, I hate pads. I'm a 100% tampon girl, but I haven't felt comfortable using it after my procedure. The thought of something else going all up in there right now is not a good one. I'm not feeling any pain or discomfort today, so that's a good thing. I'm ready to hear the results, though!! I did some research on cryotherapy (where they freeze off the abnormal cells in the cervix) and, while it seems like it's not painful, it has the potential to seriously hurt your chances of getting pregnant. Ugh. Like I need that. 

Random note: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (don't laugh- it's a big deal here, and it's awesome) announced four of the performers: Rascall Flatts, Brad Paisley, The Jonas Brothers, and Taylor Swift. I'm only kinda excited about Taylor Swift. Now, I have to wait until January for the rest of the performers. I'm hoping Martina McBride comes back again, since J and I haven't been able to see her in years!

Stats:

-CD 11: spotting due to colposcopy

-70 days until we're TTC

-14 days until our follow up with the doctor

The Waiting Game

It's finally over. I had my colposcopy this afternoon. I can't say that it was the greatest thing I've ever done, but it wasn't too horrible. My doctor told me that it was probably nothing, but he wanted to make sure. I had a biopsy done on two spots, which was definitly the worst part. It didn't really hurt hurt, but it was an uncomfortable pain. J was able to go with me, and I'm so glad. I don't think I could have done that alone. He wasn't able to comfort me in the way that we had both planned, however, but he did a great job at distracting me and making me worry about him instead of what was happening with me. He made the mistake of looking at the tool that they use to perform the biopsy, so that, along with all of the emotions and knowledge of what they were going to do to me, caused him to faint. All of the sudden, he let go of my hand and there was this huge thud behind me. Of course, I couldn't see him. He got up a few seconds later with a slightly bloody chin and some scrapes, but he's okay. I'm still worried about a concussion, but he sits here playing a video game, so I suppose he's fine. The fainting incident and the fact that some of the biopsy things weren't cooperating made the procedure go a little longer than normal, but it's all over now. Thank god. J and I hung out in the room for about 20 minutes with the nurses taking care of us until we were both back to normal (I got faint after it was over- losing blood and such). J had gotten faint again when they said that I would have to wear a pad- brought it all back to this mind. Poor thing. We have an appointment scheduled in 2 weeks to go over the results and perform a freezing procedure if the results come back positive for cervical cancer. I should be getting a call sometime early next week if those results come back, though, so I can prepare a little bit. 

We hadn't told anybody anything since we were hoping he would see, through the colposcopy, that there was nothing, and it wouldn't have been a big deal. Since there's something, though, however obsolete it might end up being, we went to my parent's house afterwards and informed them of everything. They were thankful to know, and it helped to get their support. It was also nice to get that double confirmation that there's no history of cervical cancer in my family. I already had known that, but it never hurts to hear it again. 

Now, we wait again. At least I know that even if I have to have some cervical cells frozen that I'll still be able to have children, most likely. My reproductive organs are going to stay inside of me since we've started all this stuff so early on. For that, I am so thankful. It does suck that I'm going to have another few days of spotting, though!

Stats:

-CD 10: spotting due to colposcopy

-71 days until we're TTC

-15 days until our follow-up appointment

One More Day

The big day is tomorrow. I'm so ready for it to be over with. Strangely enough, I don't feel as scared as I did a few days ago, but I'm getting really nervous. I've been doing pretty good with keeping myself occupied to help time go by as quickly as possible. Anything to get it to where it's wednesday already! J and I have dentist appointments this afternoon, so that should be fun (ugh). At least it'll make a few hours fly by and then J will be home for the evening! We've been on a binge of watching The Office the last few days (just caught up on Heroes), so we'll probably have another fun evening of watching that. We're already on season 3! Mostly, it just sucks that I could have already known the results of the colposcopy by now if darn AF hadn't showed up last weekend! Of course, then I would still be thinking I was pregnant. Not a bad thing if my results are okay, but I would be nervous/excited! 

I was feeling pretty confident about my chart this month (it's my 2nd month charting and off of NuvaRing) since it was following a very similar pattern to last months. The last two days have made a slight change, though, so we'll see if everything is relatively similar! I was kinda liking having my O day be the last day of every month. As long as I do O, though, I'm fine. I'll just have to wait and see how Cycle 2 TTA goes.

Stats:

-CD 9

-72 days until we're TTC

Too Much/Too Little

I'm finally done with my first AF post-NuvaRing. It wasn't horrible, though CD 1 was not my favorite day ever. The worst was 3 days of spotting-ugh. I am thankful that it was only spotting and not full on AF, but still. That's a bit ridiculous. I'm glad that's over, at least I hope it is. 

It's finally saturday. I'm glad this week has gone by as quickly as it has, but I fear the next four days are going to drag on. I've been trying to keep myself as entertained as possible to avoid thinking of what could happen with my colposcopy on tuesday, but I always seem to fail. I was stupid the other night and researched what "could be." The worst that could happen for me, since it's (providing there is an "it=cervical cancer") being found so early, it would be having my entire reproductive system removed. At least it's not life threatening! I was devestated, though. J keeps telling me to stop thinking that way, but I can't help it. I've always expected the worst and hoped for the best. I've always had this dark fear in the back of my mind that something would be wrong, and I would never be able to have children. Here's hoping I'm wrong!! 

I had this crazy dream the other night that my results came back, and I did have cancer. My doctor told me that I had no more than a year to have a baby before I'd have to have the surgery, giving us until January to get pregnant. My doctor then decided that our best option would be to just do invitro, so we scrambled around the rest of the day and went with it (of course, it happened to be the day I was Oing). We ended up pregnant with quintuplets! It was pretty exciting, I must say. I had a C-section, and they removed my reproductive system at the same time. Not the most ideal birth, but I was just excited that I got to have children! I've been feeling a little better since the dream, even though it was extremely far-fetched! 

I just need to get through today! I have stuff planned for the next 2 1/2!

Stats:

-CD 7

-74 days until TTC!

Darn AF

Today was the day that my colposcopy was scheduled for. Remember how AF showing up was salt in my wounds from the weekend? Well, add a bit more salt because I'm not sure she's even around anymore. J did end up having a long meeting to go to at work, so I guess it's all still for the best. I'm just ready to get it over with and either start dealing with what they find or move on with my life! Ugh! 

Yesterday and tomorrow, however, are great days to keep my mind off of the procedure. On the days that my mom can't do it, I get to babysit my awesome niece! She'll be 2 in January, and we have the best time. As she agrees to, we're best friends. Though, while it's awesome to hang out and play with her (watching her wake up from her nap yesterday was the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life), it makes it really hard to wait until January to TTC. I want my own Aly! J and I went to watch her in her little gymnastics class last night, and it's hard to see all those little kids and their parents having the greatest time when I want to be one of them. Soon enough, I guess!

Stats:

-CD 4: AF?

-77 days until we're TTC!

Up and Down weekend

Let's start with thursday. Woke up, took my temperature. It's the 3rd high temperature in a row- much higher than they had been. So, when I entered it into FF, my crosshairs moved. Of course, they were moved right to where we had enjoyed an "afternoon delight" (as J describes it) the day after the supposed O. Unexpected, since we're avoiding until January, but I got my hopes up nonetheless.

Then, I was woken up friday morning with a phone call from my ob/gyn's office saying that my pap results came back slightly abnormal. So, I scheduled a colposcopy for this wednesday afternoon. Freaked me out, but I got it all figured out so that J could go to the appointment with me. I know that I'll need him, especially if he finds something. The whole day, I can't help but keep thinking that I've got something going on down there (ie- cervical cancer), and I could be pregnant. Great. A big change for one day.

Saturday, I go shopping with a good friend and then J and I go look at some houses (we're looking to buy in a few months). It was a good distraction day. We get home late and I notice I'm spotting, which brings everything to the foreground again. I tell J that it's either the early signs of AF (it was my first cycle off of BC, so I had no idea what my body would do) or could be implantation spotting, even though it was only 5 DPO.

Sunday: It was AF. Horrible cramping. It sucked.

While I'm glad that AF came, and I don't have to worry about being pregnant along with whatever could come up from my procedure, I'm a bit bummed. I allowed myself to get excited that there was the possibility. Salt in the wound? I had to push back my procedure to next tuesday since I'll still be on AF on wednesday, most likely. Ugh. Hopefully, J will still be able to go with me.

Stats:
-CD 2- AF
-79 days until we're TTC!

First post

I've noticed that a lot of people have blogs describing their personal TTC process, and I think it would be a great way to express how I'm feeling/going through! The husband can't talk about it all the time, and we're not telling anybody else that we're going to be trying. So, it's either a blog or our dog. Sadly, I don't think Coco cares too much. Here's our story:

J and I met in 6th grade, but we were pretty much acquaintances all through middle school. I developed the most massive crush ever on him right before we started 9th grade. Turns out, he had a crush on me, too, but didn't want to admit it to himself. He'd already decided that he didn't want to date anybody else unless he thought that it could be serious. We became best friends and eventually took the step to dating in the beginning of 11th grade. Fast forward to this August, we got married after dating for almost 6 years!! We always knew that we wanted to have children sooner rather than later. First, both of our parents are quite a bit older than most, and we want our children to have them in their lives as long as possible. Second, both my mom, his mom, and my sister had a lot of problems getting pregant or with their pregnancy, so we wanted to start early just in case there's issues. That brings us to now- we've only been married for a little over 2 months, but we're ready for our first.

I went off of NuvaRing (after only being on it two months) at the end of August to start the regulation process, since I know it can take awhile. Surprisingly, I've already finished my first cycle of 31 days, and I ovulated! I've had extremely irregular periods since I first started menstruating, so both J and I were shocked that the first cycle was so easy. We'll see if that continues! We're going to begin actively trying in January 2009, and if my cycle remains around what it was, then our first ovulation that we'd be trying would be on January 1st. Pretty exciting!

Stats:
-CD 2: AF
-79 days until we're actively TTC!