Small step

We got the results of our hormone counts from yesterday, and it was well within the healthy range. So now, tomorrow I do another blood count test. The count WILL go up and then it's just another step. Thanks for your support, girls!

NOT GIVING UP

Hey girls -

So what's the harm in holding out some hope? Some research behind me, talking with some nurse friends, etc. and there really is more hope this time than last. I'm not bleeding, cramping and there was a yolk sac. It is possible that my baby isn't as far along as we thought and could just be hiding in there! I know that there are good chances that this could go wrong, but I'm not willing to give up yet. Not this time. Say lots of prayers please - and hold on to the hope with me a little longer. . .

Not good news

Hey girls

I went for what I thought was a normal amount of spotting. And came out, shocked, frustrated, and devastated. It appears we're in the same boat again as last time. There was a yolk sac, but no baby. Another blighted ovum is what they're expecting it to be. They're not 100% sure. They said that the fetus could be developing late. However, it's not very hopeful at this point. We are looking at the possibility of a specialist next time to see what is going on to make sure this doesn't happen again. Something's happening at implantation, it seems. Please keep us in your prayers. Needless to say, we're totally crushed. There is a shred of hope, but it's just not looking good.

Send some prayers and I'll update later. . .

So this morning I had some spotting. It was brown, not pink or red like last time, but still different. I called the doctor, because little things make me cautious right now. They said it would be fine and to call them if anything changed. I couldn't get it off my mind and I'm going int to check to make sure everything's ok. I know. I'm a crazy, stupid pregnant person, but my peace of mind is worth it! I'm hoping to get an ultrasound, too, since I've had "spotting". I'll update later. However, if you read this Monday before 3 - send prayers my way around 3 o'clock.

Vacation #1 - Done

It's been a quick week....our first vacation week off from work this year.
It wasn't a vacation....

• trip to a quiet resort
• filled with romantic music or dancing
• filled with 100% privacy

But it was a vacation...

• in our new home and we had time to rest after being sick
• filled with time we spent sitting on the deck watching the sunset and making smores around the campfire
• where we spent time with family and grandkids
• that we ate out a few times, by ourselves and with friends and enjoyed each moment
• where we completed projects together and held hands while walking into Home Depot
• filled with together time and that's what count in my book!

I'm very thankful for this time and all it's blessings. Any "together" time we spend with our spouses will give us the opportunity to build our relationships stronger. We need to pray for each other's marriages and relationships. We are all truely blessed and I'm sure we're all anxiously awaiting those next vacations.

The good and bad of summer...

I LOVE these kids at school! As we are winding down the year, I realize just how much I'm going to miss these little guys. (The "bad" of summer.) Robert (4 yrs. old) and Sophie (5 yrs. old) just came to the office to bring me "Robert's Map." He has punched out the continents (from construction paper) and glued them onto a flat globe. They brought it to me to laminate. I told Robert (who was VERY proud) that is would take awhile for the laminator to get hot enough. He looked me, very concerned, and said, "but then I will go home." I assured him it would only take about 20 minutes and I'd be sure to get it back to him before noon. He also told me that his name was upside down on the back. I jokingly flipped over the map and said, "but the world would be upside down!" He just grinned and had this devilish sparkle in his eye. I said, "how about we just let your name be upside down?" He thought that would be best. I absolutely love being part of their learning world and seeing their pride in accomplishing these amazing tasks!! Where's a B.A. degree when you need it???

HI there

Hey ladies, just saying a quick HI as Bill feeds the girls their lunch. The weather has been so great, we've been working outside a lot and I am still trying to play catch-up from our trip so haven't had much time online. I am looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow for a nice visit! Looks like the weather should cooperate again!

Anway.......who watches Grey's Anatomy?!?!!>!> WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will have to talk about that tomorrow as well! Man, what an ending!

See everyone tommorow!

Melissa ------

Strangely enough we did go swimming this past weekend.
I did debate weather or not to "suit up" - and I took the plunge and got
in with the girls, as it was the first time this year that Lauren had been in the pool she was very nervous.
I am glad I did -not of course to the whole of Massillon to see me- but to enjoy the time with the girls. Once I got in the water I felt much better. But even if I was as toned, minus the stretch marks and several more pounds i still would have been nervous.

But I say do it !!!!
I did, not for myself for my girls and we had a blast!!!!! and that is what counts!

Dr. Appointment

Just a quick update -

Went to the doc this morning and everything went well. The pregnancy test we took there showed positive very quickly and very strong - she said that's a really good sign of high hormone levels. . .that and my nausea. . .yay me! She said all signs point to higher hormone levels than last time which is great news. We have not scheduled an ultrasound yet. We are going to wait and see how we feel as we get closer to 9 weeks, which is where we were last time. If we really are feeling anxious, she said there's no problem scheduling it as long as we're ok with paying. At 11 weeks, we hear the heartbeat, so if we can make it to that - I think we've done well! We're just taking it one GOOD step at a time! Wanted to update you all!

And we're off...

Well gang, at about 11 pm tonight Bill, the girls and I are heading out for Charleston, SC. Bill's brother is getting remarried on Saturday evening. I hope all goes well. He went through a nasty divorce about 4 years ago. This new woman is the only serious woman he's dated since. They are both strong-headed and opinionated. Bill's family is worried that he's getting married again just so he's not alone. He just says "we are compatible". I hope he finds happiness. She's a nice girl, but has already had some "issues" with the family. They are getting married on a boat, I hope nobody ends up getting thrown overboard. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband (frustrating as he is sometimes).
I may or may not have time to blog while away, probably during the girls naps or something. If not, see you on the other side!!

Do I Have To?

Ok, here's a scary thought to me. Anna's been taking swimming lessons (started last week) and wants me to take her swimming tomorrow after school. This means that I must finally face the swimsuits in my closet...HELP! I haven't even looked at them, much less try them on. And she wants me to wear one in public??!! As I get older, nature is NOT kind to me! This is cruel and unusual punishment for moms. Is anyone else dreading the approaching season as much as me?

Jen-I think you should call and ask them if they do that for
anyone who has lost in the past -have you called to check ?
Maybe they would move up your first ultra sound and then give
you anther later if you want to find out the sex of the baby?
They gave me two but all insurances are different so not sure-

Need Your Thoughts

Ok girls. So Em and Melissa asked me about my preg. update and first appointment, etc. My first appointment is Monday. I'll be almost 6 weeks by then. Em and Melissa both asked if I would be getting an ultrasound at 8 weeks, especially for my peace of mind. I know it's not covered by my insurance and the cost would be $200 out of pocket. Sue - did you have an ultrasound at 8 weeks? Do you ladies think I should ask for one and just pay for it? I have to admit, I would love to have one and see the baby and ease my worries, but am not sure what to do.

Update on the teacher situation. He's leaving the school. There were other circumstances as well, but I'm still saddened that he's going. This was going to be Anna's first grade teacher and she loved him! He's so good with the kids and it makes me sad to think that he doesn't believe he did a good enough job. Anna has been going to "first grade" on Friday mornings and I just don't know how I'll tell her that there will be someone new. I just keep reminding myself that I'm happy with our decision to keep her there--I still believe highly in their method of teaching! I know she'll be fine. So, for all you educators--keep up the good work!!! You DO make a difference to lots of kids!

Wet Oatmeal Kisses

Hey Melissa, is this the "Wet Oatmeal Kisses" poem you were talking about? VERY NICE, and I have a feeling.....oh so true!

http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/texts/topics/children/wetoatmealkisses.shtml

Happy Monday to all
Hope everyone is doing well--
We had a great weekend, I went shopping for furniture for Jeff's
new house, it is wonderful that he's officially home.
We are thankful that he will now be able to
enjoy some small things like coming over a few times a week and spending time with the girls
and also his mom. We visited his new house yesterday with the girls and they loved it!!
He will be eventually getting a dog and maybe even a trampoline( the girls are never going to want to leave his house!!!)-
But today's blog is about being thankful for what I have.
The time we spend with our friends and family, the memories we make, the fun we have in life.
I am glad that we have a place to be able to share our joys and good days with each other, and also place to be able to vent and get all that is bothering us out it helps me see that while life could always be better it also be far worse----Love to all have a good day!!!!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!

It's on!!! WE'RE PREGNANT AGAIN!!!! This time, it's going to be great and we're going to have a beautiful, healthy baby come January 2010. We appreciate AS MANY PRAYERS AS YOU CAN MUSTER!! :) Love you!

Dieting Tip

I certainly should be the last person giving dieting tips! Geez, I've struggled alot with this. However, I have one great tip! Don't listen to your kids!!! My little "angel" said to me this week (in the middle of my weight-loss campaign I have going) "Hey, mom, you know what would be REALLY good? If we got brownies with ice cream..." See what I mean? Don't listen to the kids! Just for the record, we did NOT get the brownies and ice cream! :-)

So, have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE Anna's school? They have the coolest things for the kids to do--I want to go to school all over again! Thought I'd post a fun picture from Tuesday--it was Cinco de Mayo, you know! One of the "stations" in the classroom was a "Make-Your-Own-Taco" stand, complete with the outfit!!! Anna has never eaten a taco in her life, but maybe now I can convince her to make a run for the border with me!