Our IUI

Today was such an amazing day.  Gorgeous sunrise, gorgeous weather, and my first IUI!!

Even though the day started out early and I didn't get much sleep, because of anticipation for today's appointment, it went perfect!  You can read about the procedure, IUI (intra-uterine insemination), and hear about people's experiences with it, but to really do it yourself... It's indescribable.

In route to Chicago, I enjoyed my breakfast of champions!  A carrot cupcake from The Latest Crave, and some fresh strawberries.  Can we say yum!!

We made quick time, and didn't hit much traffic.  Hello Chicago!!

We even found quick parking, with the huge garage for the 900 N. Kingsbury location.  Then the hunt was on for the office.

The office was hidden along the most peaceful riverwalk.

The office was decorated very nice, I loved these photos that welcomed us. I think they can really be interrupted in many different ways. I look at them as, life. New life... with help from the Fertility Centers of Illinois. What do you see in them?

Once we were all checked in.  We waited in a room filled with people, it was so busy.  But truth be told, your "cycle" doesn't always hold off for the weekdays.  Unfortunately, due to the location, we had to get the goods at the office.  We were lead to a Collection room.

Yes, they really are called that!  We couldn't help but giggle at the set-up inside, a TV with DVD player.  We were not sure how to take the artwork.  I wondered who picked it!

What fun would the TV be without a source of entertainment!  Not to worry, there is magazines if you'd perfer.  he he  What a way to make it romantic!

 

A nice comfy chair! 

 

 

 

And some lovely containers!!! 

 

 

After you are done, you have to wait around for about 1 and 1/2 hours.  They "wash" the sperm and get it ready to insemination.  To kill some time, we walked to a local coffee shop.  The hubby loves his coffee.  

 

 

The procedure itself was pretty quick.  We have great odds, my husbands sperm count was in the 93 percentile.  They like it to be over 50%, so we were golden!  We also had 6 follicles ready for ovulation, as of Friday.  That part makes me a bit nervous, we had to sign consents for things like this.  There is the possibility of too many eggs taking, and then you are advised to have a reduction.  Reduction = abortion in my eyes.  I could never even imagine such a thing!  For as long as I can remember I have been against it.  So fingers crossed, for a good outcome with all of this... I don't know I could make that decision if it comes.

 

Tomorrow we will be headed to my normal office for a 2nd IUI.  Wish us luck!!!

Worth a Thousand Smiles

I am editing the photo's from my first gig as a photographer.  It is pretty exciting, but frustrating at the same time.  I never realized how much time can go into editing until now.  I am such a nit picker, and want everything to be perfect.  Since I am in the learning and growing stage of my business, I really want everything to be perfect. 

Of course when I get to the point where I can print my label for the cd, I am out of color ink.  I run to walmart and am ready to go, or so I thought.  The last wipeout I had on my computer, made me have to re-install basically every program.  Well tonight I couldn't find the label making program.  Can we say OMG, I was ready to rip all of my hair out.  So instead of doing that, I am taking a mini break and posting my Photo Challenge for the day.

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

I'd say it's more of a group of photos.  My engagement photos.

I can't tell you how much fun I had while doing them with Joe and my parents.  My dad used my little sisters camera, and my mom came along a an assistant.  They turned out too cute.

Quick Side Note:

Bridget was asking me what nail polish I was wearing in my post from the March 19th Post.  It is by Elle, and the color is Fiji  and you can get it at walmart.

Day Thirteen & Fourteen

I am still posting on my photo challenge.  Although it is hard to be on here everyday.  You know life, it has it's way of keeping you busy.  You don't always have time for the things you plan on doing. 

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

This one was an easy one, Did I mention that I am going to see him on concert on the 9th??? I am so excited.  I have never been to a Bon Jovi concert but have loved his songs for years. 

Since I didn't post yesterday, I need to post another day today.

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

Again, another easy one.  This man has always been there for me when I needed him.  He has been a good friend, and amazing husband.  We met over 6 years ago and went through many bumps in the road to get to where we are today.  What doesn't break you will make you stronger.  I believe that saying!!

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:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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.

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?

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!!!

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

It's a Date Night

The hubby has been working in Indiana, which means being in the car over 3 hours a day.  Being in the construction industry always has it's down falls.  Once a week they have started staying in Cedar Lake to make the days not so long.  In the mean time I have a zoo at the house to take care of.  The house usually ends up looking a mess and i get to none of the "projects" I had planned. 

Joe came home on Friday just in time for date night!  Tonight's menu was a Turkey Cranberry Braid.  I made the new recipe from fellow blogger Kendall, you can get the recipe off her blog here.

It was a recipe originally from Pampered chef. I love their recipes because they always have you use utensils from them. Let me tell you I've got a lot of pampered chef kitchen utensils.

I made a few variations to the recipe.  I don't like Swiss cheese, so I used an Italian blend instead.  I also used the "southern style" Dijon mustard.  It turned out perfect.  I served it with a small tossed salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. 

Date night was finished with the movie "The Social Network".  It was a good movie, and pretty amazing to think about how much money this kid who start facebook is worth now.

Helping Time Pass

It's days like today I feel so lucky to have so many people in my life who care about me. 

My Mom & Dad came over today.  Joe helped my Dad install the cable in our kitchen.  Something I've been hassling my poor husband about for too many times.  They tacked it in such a short time together.  I think Joe was super happy to have another thing crossed off the Hunny Do List.

I made the boys a Ham for lunch.  My dad wanted to get home and relax for the rest of the day, so he headed out shortly after the project was accomplished.  Joe stayed home and watched the Bears game.  My mom and I set off to Sandwich for some Antiquing.

We went to a new place.  Prindi's Antique Mall.  What an amazing new place!!!  Rooms and Halls full of items.

It really is amazing all of the treasures a person can find.  I have always thought that someone elses trash was someone elses treasure. I know a bit goofy when you really think about it.

My mom and I found many cute things.  There was a few items that really stuck out, Like the precious white rocking chair.... for a little child.  A gorgeous white distressed dresser that would make an adorable changing station.  All of these items felt like signs.  Would tomorrow's appointment throw me for a loop and prove me wrong finally?

We headed over to the Old Timers Antique Center, it's one of our favorites.  While rummaging through the basement we found a damn near identical table to one I had fell in love with at Prindi's.  There was also items I have never seen before.  A purple mason jar, wait more than 1 purple Mason jar!! Who knew there was such a thing!

The day was finished with my mom making us a home cooked meal! How spoiled was I this weekend?  She made her mom's swedish meatballs. 

The Trophy Wife?

I’ve heard the terminology a time of two. According to yourdictionary.com the definition of a trophy wife is “a wife, often, specif., a second wife, who is attractive and younger than her usually wealthy husband and regarded as symbolizing his success.”

I've been called a trophy wife and I'm a lot more than that, I am the powerhouse which keeps him running!  In return he keeps me running,  I work full time while keeping our bills organized & all paid on time, cleaning, doing the laundry, making dinner (almost every night), taking care of our dogs (Joe helps too), planning vacations, arranging get togethers with our friends, hosting parties, hosting family holidays... the list could go on.

My husband may not be a rich man by means on money, but he is rich in the love he give to me & his family.  I love my life and I love being his Trophy.

Viva Las Vegas.

Honey (aka MINI) moon was Divine!! I knew Joe would love LAS VEGAS!! We stayed at the Bellagio for 4 days and 3 nights. Spent our evenings and days just the 2 of us... talking, walking, gambling, dinners, shows (Phantom and the Venetian), and just enjoying our alone time.

The reason I loved flying SouthWest...

And then there was the reason I hated flying SouthWest... NO ASSIGNED SEATS We were not able to sit next to each other for our flight there. In fact he was stuck 2 rows behind me. :(

The flight was good otherwise and we arrived to a gorgeous entrance!

Our room was over looking the fountain. My favorite part had to be the fact that the draps were controlled by a button!

We spent many evenings walking the strip and taking in all the gorgeous scenery the different hotels had to offer.