Bets are Being Placed.

Alan and Mom are placing all of their big bucks on YES and I'm placing all of mine of MAYBE, but with my luck NO. Guys you might not want to read the next part of this...over last weekend, my boobs got (and have stayed VERY) sore. They also have increased in size. They have changed in other ways too, but I'm not going to go into great detail about it. I've been very emotional, craving potatoes (mainly baked), starting feeling sick to my stomach, according to Alan I'm a little moody, I can smell everything (last night I made Alan change pillows because his usual one had a STANK to it), backaches and lately I've been having some indigestion. I keep telling them not to say that I am knocked up--it will make it easier when they tell me Monday that I'm not. I'm trying to be positive about it. I just know how bad it is going to hurt if I'm not. And I know, that I have no idea how good I will feel if I am!! I'm going to buy a home pregnancy test (hpt) tomorrow night...it's still a little early, but we shall see!

On other notes, we put up most of our Christmas stuff over the Thanksgiving holiday. We are planning on getting our tree the weekend of the 8th. That is when it feels like Christmas!! I think we are going to try and get started on our shopping this weekend.

I Lost the Bet!

Last night my University of Memphis Tigers played Alan's Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in b-ball. We started off so good (up by like 19 points). I got so cocky that I decided to place a bet with Alan. It was nothing bad...just a back rub. Well, my Tigers decided to also get cocky and decided to shoot 3-pointers and miss them. Which would have been fine if they would have gotten the rebounds...BUT NO. We ended up losing by like7 points. I keep telling Alan that I don't recall placing a bet and if I did, I know I didn't shake on it. Because of those reasons, I think I'm going to get out of that bet!

Booty Shakin' IUI

I can't believe that I forgot to post this yesterday about the IUI. Once we got to the doc's office and Alan did his thing, we had about an hour to kill. We didn't want to leave, so we sat there and got really stressed out! We didn't talk much and when we did it was like "nice weather we are having huh?". Finally we get called back to the room (Mom's or sib's you might want to skip this part--not x-rated but still not a way you want to picture your daughter (in-law) or sis (in-law). Alan set in the chair in the corner and Angela tells me to take off my bottoms and get on the table. As I'm changing I notice that there is a mirror on the door right in front of Big Al. I'm standing there in my shirt and socks...I turn around and shake my booty in the mirror so he can barely see it. He busted out laughing! It broke the ice and made us both feel a little better. I do that sort of thing when football is on, he is on the phone for long periods of time, etc...whenever I want to get his attention or make him laugh. Most of the time it works.

IUI Over and Done

The IUI was not as bad as we thought it would be! Alan did his share and when my turn came, I did it without too much of a fuss. It really wasn't as bad as I had it hyped up to be! I think the whole thing took about 5 minutes if that! The worst part has been the mild cramps. Period cramps are way worse than these! I am having some mild spotting, but from what I've read that is normal. Dr. D said that the hormone levels he tested last Thursday all turned out really good. He did put me on prometrium (it protects the lining of your uterus and is supposed to decrease the risk of miscarriage). Dr. D said that we will know in two weeks if it worked. We go back on the 4th of Dec for blood work. Now the two week wait (2ww) is on!!! Keep your fingers crossed!

Alan's Practice Shots!

I should have posted these earlier but...My Mom suggested to us that we buy an orange (it's the closest to human skin and they are used to teach diabetics how to give insulin shots). Alan practiced till he felt comfortable! Now he is a pro! He has been so worried that he is going to hurt me. He does a really good job!

Happy Anniversary!

Yesterday was our 5 year anniversary! 5 years--it seems like was just yesterday that I was walking down that aisle towards Alan. Our day didn't go as I had hoped. I woke up with a horrible headache that quickly turned into a migraine. I got ready for work and went--I was only there for about 20 minutes before I had to call Alan and have him pick me up. I came home and slept till lunch. I felt better but the headache was still there. Alan came home to check on me and came in with a vase of beautiful flowers!

When he got home from work we decided to go and on and exchange gifts (this close to Christmas, we limit our gifts to about $20). He got me a spa manicure. I was really impressed because I would have never thought about one for myself. I found these key to my heart key chains. Alan's is a key with his name and our wedding date engraved. Mine is a heart with my name and wedding date engraved. I didn't know if he would like them (maybe too girly) but he loved it!

After we we got back from doing our weekly shopping, we just hung out and relaxed. Every year it is a tradition to get our champagne glasses out that we used at our wedding. This year we just had sparkling grape juice since we are trying to get pregnant!

Today we went to Memphis to out to eat and just relax. We know that being relaxed and not stressed will really help this whole IUI thing. It really helped. The two of us just hung out and did a little shopping. I think we both had a good day!

Two Eggies

My u/s went great!!! Usually those things are kinda painful for me, but this one wasn't bad. We have two eggies growing. One is 1.4 cm and the other is good size (we forgot to ask!). Dr. D wants them to be 2 cm so I'm going to continue with the Gonal thru Sunday. Then Sunday do the Gonal-F and trigger shot. Monday we go in for the IUI. Dr. D has a really good personality. He was telling us that would could have sex Sunday, then not do it again till after the IUI. I told him that was good cause our anniversary was tomorrow. He said well then go crazy till then, then restrain yourselves. He and Alan also had a nice conversation about what Alan has to do before the IUI. Let me just say, that my face was blood red. Dr. D commented on it and just laughed.

Tomorow is the Day!

I'm getting so nervous...tomorrow is the day for the u/s. Tomorrow is the day when we found out if the gonal has been helping me grow eggies...I'M SO NERVOUS, ANXIOUS, EXCITED, SCARED...You name it and that's me! Alan keeps asking me if I'm okay...Yes, I'm okay. I've been a little testy tonight, but I just can't help it. I'm ready for tomorrow to be over. I think if I was having the u/s via my danger zone, I would feel a lot better! On a good note, Alan gave me my shot tonight unassisted. He did a really good job. I will post again after my visit tomorrow.

I'm Starting to Feel Like a Dart Board

My poor belly is starting to look like a dart board...and someone has very bad aim! I guess I'm lucky so far...I only have one little bruise. Not as bad as it could be. I think I'm going to have to stop showing my Mom (not sure how that is going to work since she is the one giving me the shots)--she gets this sad look on her and face and says "Poor Sissy!"

Way to Go Big Al!

He did it! Big Al (nickname I have affectionately called Alan for years now--he hates it, but now I think it has grown on him--though he would never admit it!) barely hesitated last night when he gave me the shot! I'm really proud of him. My only complaint is I told him to tell me when he was going to do it--he said I'm going to do it--then had to count to three. I knew on three he was going to do it and I kinda tensed up. Didn't really hurt--just kinda stung.

So far the side effects from the Gonal-f hasn't been too bad. Emotional and little weepy. I did have a REALLY bad migraine on Saturday. I don't know if it was from the meds or what. I think the meds added to it. It got to the point where I thought I was going to have to go the ER. Thankfully all the pain meds I took finally kicked in!

Thursday we go to the doc for an u/s. I'm really nervous, but I'm ready to see if this stuff is working. I'm feeling something going on around my ovary. It's not pain--it just feels like there is something going on. Kinda hard to explain. I don't think I'm trying to overstimulate...I'm assuming I would have some pain with that? I guess I will find on on Thursday!

Two Down! How Many More Left?

Number two is said and done. Just as easy as last night. Mom showed Alan how to do it. Tomorrow Alan will give the shot while Mom watches. So far the only side effect I have is being a little weepy. Dr. D said it will probably be like bad PMS. Alan is looking forward to that! We think that the u/s and IUI being scheduled around our anniversary (nov 17th) is a good sign.

About a week and half ago, one of my boss' (Dr. M) had surgery to remove his prostate (due to cancer). On his way home from a doc apt in Memphis, he stopped by the office. When he walked through the door, his face just lite up. It was nice to see him. He is sore, but is improving.

As far as our weekend is concerned, we are doing nothing. I am tired and with not knowing how I'm going to respond to the shots, I told Alan that I just want to stay at home, do the few things I need to do and spend the rest of the time lounging around. We see if I stick to it!

I DID IT!

I didn't even feel the shot! I could not believe it! It took longer to prep for the shot then it did to get it! Mom said "Are you ready?" I looked down and saw that the needle was in me. Then it was over. So far, the worst part has been is that I've been feeling warm spots (like icey hot)go over my belly and back. It doesn't hurt it--just feels weird! I hope the rest of the shots go has easy as this one!

Dr. D is the Best!!

Angela (Dr. D's nurse) called me today with GREAT news. Dr. D is going to come in on his day off and do my IUI!!! How many docs would do that? We are excited because tomorrow is the day I start my shots!! The last few days, my heart has been beating fast and I've been having some headaches. I started checking my blood sugar today--it was all over the place. I don't really know what is going on. Mom thinks it is from the bc and going off it or from the Slim Fast that I drink every morning (it can cause your sugar to go up and then drop quickly). I'm going to change my breakfast habits and see if that works, if not I guess I will ask Dr. D. Please pray that just changing things around will work!

WHOO-HOO

Auntie Flo finally showed up! This means on Thursday, I will start my Gonal-f injections! We are so excited!! Alan won't be here to watch the first one...meeting in Wheatley. I guess he will learn on Friday. I called Dr. D and talked to his nurse Angela (she is great!). I go in Thursday, Nov 16, 2006 for an ultrasound(u/s) for them to check the progress of the eggies. If everything is going as planned, then Monday the 20th i go in for the IUI. The only problem is that Dr. D is supposed to be out of the office that day. Another Dr. may have to do the IUI...which I don't really like, but I will do if it I have to. Dr. D is going to check his schedule and see if he can come in and do it for me. I think that is really nice and hopes it works out!! Cross your fingers for us!

Waitin' on Aunt Flo;Bub's Neuro Visit

Tonight I took my last bc pill...now I'm just waitin' for Aunt Flo to show her face. I've been spotting (just a little bit) for a few days. I don't think it will take very long. Once I start, it will be CD3 before I start my injections. I have to call Dr. D's office so I can set up my ultrasound and IUI. Once we got the meds in, Alan said that he didn't think he would be able to give me the injections. CHICKEN! My Mom is a nurse, so she is going to give me the first one and he is going to watch. I guess if he can't do it I will try and give it to myself!

Bub had his follow-up with the neuro on Wednesday. His spinal pressure was 380--3 times the normal limit. He said to up the Diamox and come back in 6 months. All his blood work came back normal--which we were so glad about!! He is to follow-up with the eye doctor in about a week (which is going to be the easiest way to check the pressure). The pressure should be lower and therefore hopefully improve his vision!