If Your New Start Here

Monday, February 28, 2011

Pink or Blue

I have been slacking on my photo challenge.  I have realized this weekend how all the "little" things can wait till later and spending time with loved ones is what should be first on your priority list.  Saturday was spent celebrating my husband's birthday with family.  It was great to have so many people we cared about together. 

Sunday I spent the morning with my husband shopping for a friend's baby shower gift.  Her party was later that afternoon, I know... talk about procrastinating.  I found myself wondering the aisle's at target looking down at the list and then back at the items in front of me.  I felt in a trance, my husband tried to call off things from the list next to me for suggestions of gifts.  I went back and forth between the aisles not knowing what items to pick, wishing I was shopping for my own baby.  I finally decided on a few items, went to get some other things my husband needed and found myself thinking I needed something different.  So I went back alone to the aisles to pick out a new group of gifts.  I was so indecisive.  It was hard to focus on the reason I was there. 

When leaving the store I found my eye's welled up with tears.  It is a hard set of emotions that hit me like a huge wave crashing down.  I gulped back my sobs and blinked away my tears.  My husband looked over at me and said, "One day it will be us too". 





In Kait fashion, I arrived late to the shower.  The room was filled with little blue decorations everywhere you looked.  My friend, Megan was having a baby boy.  I felt surprisingly happy while there, I didn't think about the ups and downs I have been going through with my fertility treatments or the why not me's. 























I sat next to another friend, Shannon and her two week old daughter, Kinze.  It was so surreal to see the tiny little toes and fingers.  She made the sweetest squishy faces, some with anger then followed by happy faces.  So many emotions already.  Shannon was so cute to watch, already a protective mother to her sweet little angel.






















Today I had a follow up appointment with my doctor's office.  I was hoping this new medication, and the fact that we have now doubled the dose, would have resulted in the results we needed.  Instead it was more of the same, no good news, yet.  Tonight I get to increase my medication to a triple dose.  Let's pray for larger follicles by wendnesday's appointment.

A poem I found on another blog is one that I find fitting for today's post.


Pink or Blue

God, pink or blue, I do not care
Its sex is neither here nor there.
I pray you see my longing heart,
And in motherhood, let me take part.

I ask this out of selfishness,
But pray you grant it none the less.
I will do my best to raise them right,
To ignite in them your holy light.

And if it not be, Comfort me please.
Mend my heart and give me peace.
And help me to see and understand,
Your will is much greater than what I had planned.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Double Dose Friday & Photo Challenge Day Six

Today was my first follow up with my doctors office since I started the Bravelle injections.  It is a great feeling to be so welcomed every time I step foot inside the office doors.  I have grown a special bond with one of the nurses, Sally Ann.  In the times of doubt and being worried about things she and the rest of the staff are always there to help.

The ultrasound didn't go as great as I had hoped.  The words, "They may want to change your dosage" don't sound like a positive thing to me.  Although it is still early enough, I hope things change.  My right ovary is not producing follicles well.  I was told to start doubling my dose of medications which I need to inject each night.  Let's keep our fingers crossed for better results on Monday.  As for the rest of my day, my head was in a bit of a fog.  This emotional roller coaster sure can be hard at times.

Photo Challenge Day Six - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Some could call me crazy, but I think it would interesting to change places with Kate Gosselin or Jenny Masche.  I bet it was one of the most amazing days to realize they had 6 little life's inside them.  I can honestly say I'd love to trade places with any mother.  I think the gift of motherhood is one of the best gifts given to a woman in life.  It is something I have known I have wanted to be my entire life.  I always knew I wanted to have children.









(Pictures found via Google image search)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Hubby turns 30 & Photo Challenge Day 5

Today my husband is celebrating his 30th Birthday. I guess you could say the real celebrating part is going to happen this weekend since he is working all day today. But I always want him to know how much I care so I planned a quite, realizing evening with just me and the "girls". Which for those of you who don't know, the "girls" means our Mastiff Heidi and 2 Chihuahua's Daisy & MacKenzie. I hope he wishes for the same thing I did on my birthday... I'll keep you posted if it comes true soon!

Being in the normal fashion which I have been in.. which is late.  I waited till the last minute to get the "Rauch" tradition Heidi's Cake.  So we ended up with one that day pink and blue roses on it. hehe.  Please god tell me it's a sign for what is yet to come.


I find myself in anticipation for tomorrow as well.  I have another appointment with my doctors office in Hoffman Estates.  I will be having the "usual", which basically means bloodwork and ultrasound. 

My mother was watching TV this morning and the Today show was featuring Fox News Anchor, Alisyn Camerota.  Like me, she suffered from Infertility.  For a long time she kept is a secret.  Since I am still dealing with infertility, I have discovered how supporting it can feel to talk about it.  It helps to hear other people's stories who have or are going through the same things as myself.

If you missed the special on the Today show, you can catch it here:



I can't forget Photo Challenge Day Five - A picture of your favorite memory


I'd say this ones goes to the day I met Ms. Adrienne.  We were both brides-to-be and sharing that bond we met on Project Wedding.  It's a place brides can go to share anything & everything having to do with your wedding.  


I have found myself another life long friend.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Photo Challenge Day Four

Day Four - A picture of your night.

There comes a point in your day when the sun goes away. The stars sometime will peak out from behind the city glow and the world seems calmer. The morning and afternoon rushes subside.

Tonight was injection number 2. You are supposed to switch the injection site, between 3 locations about 2 inches below your belly button each day. Today it was directly below about 2 inches. That feeling of the needle sliding in was intense. The first big sting followed by more stings as the medication slowly slipped through the needle tip and into my body.

How do you prepare yourself for this? How do you keep trying new medications and procedures which may not always have the outcome your looking for?


My Willow Tree is blooming tonight, and tonight I am reminded just how precious life is.  This week I have been minutes from 2 car accidents.  There was 2 fatal injuries in 1 accident that happen on Monday night.  Then this morning Route 47 seemed to stop for what felt like an eternity as medics tend to another accident. 
 
Why is is that bad things happen to good people?  Why do you get faced with the toughest decisons after already feeling like you've climbed a mountain? 

Sometimes there are people waiting for you at the top of that mountain and it's the start of something new.  Othertimes your making that climb alone and you soon realize you are only 1/2 way there.  It is those times I feel like you come out stronger than ever.  Tonight I pray that I am near the top of my Infertility Journey.  I know I still have many things to learn, but I am ready for what is next.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Injection & Photo Challenge Day Three

Today I had a doctors appointment with the Fertility centers of Illinois.  I am on day 4 of my cycle, and got the go ahead to start injections tonight.  The morning appointment brought such a high to my day.  I felt like I was walking on air.  Back to work the day flew by, and I was ready to be home.

How does one prepare themselves for an injection?  I went over the "steps" on mixing the Bravelle and also how it should be injected.  I also watched the help videos on their website.  I felt ready, ready to mix that is but, not ready to stick myself with a needle.  Joe was more than willing to help.  He was too cute, joking with me about what could happen if he tripped with the sharp needle.  Wondering what the doctor would say if he called and asked if the medication had the same affect if he used it on himself.  The joke he thought was the funniest was if he tripped and it got shot into one of my Chihuahua's (note to animal lovers he was joking) instead.  It was good to see him finding this so much fun!!


The aftermath wasn't painful.  I was scared and worried for nothing.  Although, I did keep wondering, did we do it in the right spot.  So many what ifs.

Also I can't forget...
Photo Challenge Day Three - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

My favorite Show had to be the Ghost Whisperer.  Although I have to admit, I never knew about it till after it was cancelled.  Which is so sad.  Why on earth would they ever want to stop making these amazing episodes?

Monday, February 21, 2011

Photo Challenge Day Two

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

Photo taken by RB Photography

It's really not a single person which I have been the closet with the longest.  It's 2 people.  Which is very fitting with this being day two.  My parents have been by my side through every moment I can possibly remember in my life.  I am so blessed to have two parents who could not love me more. 
 
They have given me and my siblings a perfect childhood, and didn't stop there.  They are still here to support us all through life's up's and down's.  I can remember all the family camping trips we took, all of the trips my mother took us to the community pool, all of the cross country and track meets my dad made it to... I am blessed!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Thirty Day Photo Challenge - Day One & A Giveaway from Between You & Me

Who doesn't love a challenge?  I love to Blog and take pictures.  Any challenge which involves the two sounds like a perfect idea to me!!  One of my fellow bloggers, the stylish and lovely Jaime at Fried Pink Tomato, posted this challenge and I became inspired to participate in the 30 Day Photo Challenge!

The goal is to post a different photo every day, based on instructions from a list.

Good Morning list:

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts


Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest


Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show


Day 04 - A picture of your night


Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory


Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day


Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item


Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh


Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most


Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with


Day 11 - A picture of something you hate


Day 12 - A picture of something you love


Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist


Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without


Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die


Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you


Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently


Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity


Day 19 - A picture and a letter


Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel


Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget


Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at


Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book


Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change


Day 25 - A picture of your day


Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you


Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member


Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of


Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile


Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss


That leave me with today, Day One: A picture of yourself with ten facts.



Photo taken by the talented Studio by Carmen
...and my ten facts:


1. I love to love but, even more than that I love to be loved.  It's such a fulfilling feeling.

2. I became a bridezilla at moments during our wedding planning.  So much so I became obsessed with needing to have my teeth perfectly straight for our big day. So, I got invisalign.  Of course my alignment had other plans and they were not complete come December 5th.

3. I would move to Estes Park, Colorado in a heartbeat.  Maybe open my own Antique store?

4. I long to be a mother.  As long as I can remember I envied those who were able to experience holding a new life fresh in there arms.  A new life they were part in creating.  Still patiently waiting for my day to come.

5. My perfect day would be a day horseback riding.  It is such a relaxing moment for me.  I long to do it again soon.

6. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother who I love more than anything in the world.  I wish I could see them more.  People grow old, get busy and life flies to quickly.  You've got to grab onto all the time you can.

7. I love to listen to the rain.

8. I could spend an entire day driving with no destination.  I love to get lost.

9. Antiquing has become more of a regular thing for my husband & me.  It's our little time together, doing something that we enjoy so much.

10. I purchase books and start reading them.  Then I get busy with other things and forget about them, until I have to start over again.

Ciao!
ps. I'll still keep up with my random posts here and there, but the photo challenge will be (hopefully) daily through the next 30 days!


Can't forget about this AMAZING giveaway.  Some of you may have heard of the company Initals, Inc. can we say HOLY amazing gifts and personalized home items.  I could organize my house up with this stuff!!  Check it out, Tonight's the last night to try for the giveaway.  Don't worry if you missed it, you could order anything of your pick!!!  I love my Blogger girls!! Another new friend!!!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Introducing Lilies and Dandelions

I have found it so inspiring to find so many great woman and friends through the blogger community.  I love everyday reading their new experiences in life and sharing mine as well with them. 

I recently fell upon the Blog Lilies and Dandelions.  The writer is Brianna, can I just say that she has amazing taste!!  Brianna is currently having a Giveaway on her blog.  It runs until 9:00 p.m. (PST) on Friday, February 25th.

Included in the giveaway is the DW Lavender Package




Your package will include


1~ 10" x 12 1/2" bag filled with 3/4 pound of dried organic lavender, which can be used to refill your sachets


6~ 3"x 4" lavender dryer sachets

1 bundle of dried organic lavender



Total weight of lavender in the package is 1 pound.

If I could imagine the scent of Heaven, this would be it! It smells A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!


In addition, because I have a love affair with Restoration Hardware, I wanted to include a little something special from there, as well...


The France Post Large Lumbar Tarp Pillow Cover (measures 16"x 28")

So there you have it... Total combined value of over $120.00!!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Snowman's Melting

I like to act like I have it all together.  Like everything is going exactly as I planned.  Exactly as I dreamed.  Truth is it doesn't always.  Tonight is one of those nights.  The nights which hit me like a sack of bricks.  I find myself crying for no reason.  But is infertility really no reason?

Some think I'm crazy for loving the snow.  I think people are crazy for not taking the time to enjoy what snow brings.  No matter how quick you try to keep going time just slows down.


I just pray my dreams of starting a family don't end up like this.


Tonight's post is full of prayers.  Prayers that I don't have to stay on this journey much longer.  My heart aches more and more.  As my mom says, "I was on a hill, and tonight I am having a valley moment." 

Please family & friend's pull me out.

Dinner for two

So I didn't think it was so funny at the time, but last night my husband & I enjoyed a quite dinner for two all because he's a hunk!



Appetizer was bruschetta & fresh mozzarella.  What a perfect pair.


I can see your still asking yourself what I meant by "Dinner for being a hunk", Well it's true.  We went out for a nice dinner with family at Maggiano's.  That night 2 waitstaff went out of their way to make gesture's towards my husband.  I was offend at how they did it... and the next day complained. =) I was fumed for days and vowed never to go back.  The manager called and apologized, also offering a free dinner gift card.  I was a happy girl again.


What a perfect night.


"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
-John 13:34-35

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Tree of Enchantment

There are many times in life you will open your heart. 

Passion for A New Job. Your First Love. Your Family. A New Friend. A Perfect Purchase of a Puppy.


This morning I work up and was reminded why I love my life.  Imperfections and all, Life is good.


Today I found my missing flag, it was a gift from my mother.  The blizzard took it away and I thought it was lost forever.  The sun shined high and melted the snow... hidden under a thick blanket of snow yet it was still close to home. 


It looks good back where it belongs.  Although spring is around the corner and soon I will tuck the flag away until next winter.  Next it was onto my morning tea, in the new mug from my BFF.



Just over a year ago I made an appointment to see my Gynecologist.  I took the next step to see why I was not pregnant after months of trying.

Today I am still on the same journey.  Looking for the little key which unlocks my mystery of Infertility.


February is a perfect month.  The Month of Love.  In lieu of Valentines Day and the start of a new trial of medications, I found it fitting to buy "The Tree of Enchantment".  The weeping pussy willow is among the most graceful of trees.  It is connected with all that is feminine-dreaming, intuition, emotion, enchantment, healing and revitalization.

Now I must leave you to finish a romantic dinner for 2.

Happy Valentines Day!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Reflection Day

Today I was spending the day lost in thought.  Lost in the thoughts about what could not be.  And lost in the thoughts of what I hope to be.


Today is my reflection day.

What Will Matter
By Michael Josephson

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no days, no hours, or minutes.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten will pass on to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevant.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.
So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will all expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won’t matter where you come from, or on what side of the tracks you lived.
It won’t matter whether you are beautiful or brilliant.
Your gender, skin color, ethnicity will be irrelevant.
So, what will matter?
How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built. Not what you got, but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage and sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter is not how many people knew you, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.
What will matter is not your memories, but the memories of those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.

I have another appointment tomorrow.  I am excited to get more medications which will help me get 1 step closer to be a mother.  Since the past few days have been filled with some ups and downs of emotions.  I was super happy to see my "retail therapy" had arrived.


I had wanted these earrings since I first laid eyes on them.  Another Project Wedding bride had purchased them from the Etsy seller BeautifulEars.  Nikki had known I wanted these so bad so she went above and beyond to help get me a paid of Love Knot earrings, even when she ran out of stock on them.


I'm feeling the love!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Blizzard of 2011


When the winds pick up and the snow falls fast a blizzard is born.  People huddle in the warmth of their home, watching movies and spending time with their loved ones.  The roads become empty and the drifts get taller.




Those were just the start.  As you can see below it got way worse.



There is always a calm after the storm.  Life goes on.

People come together to help clean up.  They make the roads safe again. 


In the meantime, everyone else gets a SNOW DAY.   Families were sledding.  Couples were rolling in the snow.  What a perfect way to start our February.