Little Man!

Here's the ultrasound photo from today. Everything looks great! I'm so happy. Monkey also did really well during the ultrasound. He pointed at the screen and said "baby," but that was about the extent of his participation. That's pretty much what I figured. It's just amazing how much we can see now. Just for a fun comparison- here was one of Monkey's ultrasounds from about 18 weeks.
I think they look a lot alike! :)

Ultrasound Monday

I have my official 20 week ultrasound on Monday. I'm pretty excited to see little man again. This time Superdad and Monkey will be coming too. Although Monkey may be unaware of what's happening, I'm really wanting to take him and see how he acts. Hopefully little man is still a little man, and they were not wrong at the last u/s. And more importantly he is healthy and everything looks good.

Half-way there! 20 weeks!

I really can't believe I've finally made it to the 1/2 way point. Although, May still seems SO far away. I don't know why, but it just does. However, I am sure that the next few months will fly by. We've got Christmas and New Year's approaching so quickly. Then, it'll be my birthday, the big 26! After that Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, two holidays I really enjoy. Then we'll have MONKEY'S 2ND BIRTHDAY! I cannot believe he'll be 2 already. The party planning will definitely occupy my time. Plus I really have not done anything to prepare for this little guy. I figure around March I need to start pulling out clothes, bottles, etc. to get them ready for this little man. Then we also will celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary at the end of April. Gosh, looking at all I have to do, it really doesn't seem all that far off...

Here's my 19 week, 6 day belly bump. Also, I've been feeling lots more movement from my little man!

18 weeks!

I cannot believe I'm already 18 weeks along. This pregnancy seems to be flying by now. Although I'm still getting a little sick on some mornings, it's not too bad. I'm still exhausted all the time though. Monkey is starting to kiss my belly and say baby when pointing at my belly. It's so darn cute! I have my next appointment set for the 21st. We will be doing the big 20 week ultrasound then. I can't wait to see this little boy again. Superdad is also coming, and I want to bring Monkey. I don't know if he'll really have any clue what's going on, but I still feel like he should be there. I'm feeling more and more movement from this little guy. I can't wait until Superdad and Monkey can feel it too. As far as a name for this little guy... we are still completely undecided. I really like Weston, but Superdad is completely against it. He loves Luke, but I'm completely against that. He is getting me to sway more towards Austin, but I don't know. I feel this little guy isn't going to have a name for awhile...

It's a BOY!

We just found out little bean is a little boy! I had my 16 week appointment today and was not expecting an ultrasound. However, this little bean was not cooperating. Both the nurse and doctor were unable to get the heartbeat on the doppler, again. I was a little worried, but had been feeling movement, so I tried not to worry too much. I waited and they got me in for an ultrasound. The tech got the heartbeat (I love hearing it!) and said everything looked great. Then she asked me if I wanted to know the sex??? Unfortunately Superdad wasn't with me! I decided to just ask her if she would put it in an envelope so we could open it together. So, that's what she did. I closed my eyes while she printed out the "gender" shot. She then sealed it in an envelope. I waited until Superdad got home from work tonight and we opened it together. I'm so happy! I really wanted a little brother for Monkey!!!

16 weeks! Woo-hoo!

I cannot believe I'm already 16 weeks. It's been such a long road, but I feel like I'm finally getting into the "fun" part of pregnancy. I still am nauseous in the mornings, but that's a big improvement. I'm also starting to show, and just a couple days ago I felt the baby moving. I thought I felt something a week ago, but this was definitely a few good hard kicks. I'm getting so excited now. I really cannot wait to find out the gender of this little bean! Monday I have my 16 week appointment, and hopefully will schedule the date of my BIG ultrasound!

Bump- 14 weeks, 4 days

I finally got around to taking a belly pic! I'm surprised at how much I'm really showing. I really just feel FAT! But, I guess I'm starting to get a little bump. :) Today is a good day, I'm actually not feeling nauseous. I hope it keeps up. I was feeling pretty nauseous last night.

14 weeks!!! Woo-hoo!

I've finally reached 14 weeks, so I'm officially into my 2nd trimester. It's been a long road, but I've started to feel better. I still got sick the last two mornings, but at least I'm not nauseous for the majority of my days. I've spread the news at work, and can't wait until I really start showing. I think my belly is kind of starting to stick out, but I really just look fat. I weighed myself this morning, and I'm actually down 7lbs. from when I first got my BFP! Which is good, because I'm really trying to not gain too much. Every pound is just more I have to get rid of after this baby is here! I need to update with a belly pic today, since I have not taken once in weeks! I'll try to get that up today. I finally feel like I'm getting a little energy, during the day at at least. I'm still exhausted at night, and have a very hard time staying up past 9. But, I'm really starting to get excited. Hopefully it won't be long until we find out the sex!

12 week, 2 day ultrasound

I had my first appointment at the new doctors office. I actually met with a midwife. She was very nice, and my VBAC sounds promising. They will let me go to 42 weeks before I'd have to have a c-section. Which is awesome. Although, I am going to meet with one of the doctors next time, because I still have a few questions about the actual labor process. The midwife did mention I have to be monitored the entire time, so I'm wondering how easy it will be for me to get up, walk, change positions, etc. I think that will be most important to a successful VBAC. I did get a little scare at my appointment. The midwife couldn't find the heartbeat with the doppler. It really freaked me out. So many thoughts of losing the baby ran through my head. But, then I got in for an ultrasound (pretty quickly) and immediately the tech pulled up the heartbeat. Hearing the heartbeat was so neat, it almost made me tear up.
The office has 2 doctors, and 3 midwives. It will just depend whose on-call when I go into labor, so I would like to meet with each of them, at least once before D day! So far, I'm getting really excited. I've also contacted one doula, and have information on a couple others. I just need to actually talk to them and see if I connect with anyone. I really think a doula could be a big help. I also told my supervisor today, she was very excited. I'm SO happy to have that over with. I now feel like everyone knows! YEAH! It just makes it official!

12 weeks!!!

So, I'm finally 12 weeks. It has been a miserable 7 or so weeks. I've been nauseous almost constantly, throwing up randomly, and exhausted! Oh my, how easy we forget how terrible this really is. And, oh boy, how much I envy those women who have no morning sickness!!! You all suck! Ok, yes, I'm incredibly jealous. But, now I've finally made it to 12 weeks, and I'm feeling a little bit better. Hopefully this is the end of that horribly nausea. I woke up today, it's Superdad's birthday, and although I felt a little nauseous, it's passed. I'm hoping I'll be able to eat some breakfast here soon. I still have not told anyone at work, which I hope to tell them ASAP. I also have my first appointment with the new doctor tomorrow. I actually just found out I'm going to have to meet with the midwife, which I think might actually be better. If I really like the midwife I might just stick with her. I have so many questions though, about the vbac, how far will I be able to go, what things during labor would require a c-section, etc, etc. Well, I just wanted to take a minute to catch up, and now I really need to go get some food.

Bump- 10 weeks, 4 days

Strange dream

I almost forgot I wanted to post about the weird dream I had the other night. I was in a shopping mall like hospital. I was in labor, and Superdad was not going to make it in time for the delivery of little bean. So, little bean was born, and looked a lot like Monkey, but had some differences. And then I noticed... he had 6 fingers on one hand! It was freaky!

Intelligender test

So, I took the Intelligender test today. I'm exactly 10 weeks today. Which, according to the test, is the earliest you can take it. But, I think my results are pretty inconclusive. I guess I'm leaning towards the GIRL results. But, it's really kind of hard to tell. I'm kind of tempted to wait and take it again in 2-3 weeks, but I really don't want to spend another $30. Oh, well, it was fun. I still think little bean is a boy, so I'll be surprised if the ultrasound ends up saying girl.

Almost 10 weeks!

So, I'll finally be 10 weeks tomorrow. I cannot wait for this morning (all day) sickness to end! I actually threw up in my garage a few mornings ago! And now for the past several nights I been throwing up after dinner. It's absolute hell! I've also been having really bad backaches. The only thing that's been helping my nausea is diet coke. I've really been trying to drink only caffeine free, and only 1-2 a day. Which I know is still not good, but it helps! I'm mostly worried about the aspartame in diet coke. I've tried regular coke, but it just doesn't cut it. I don't know why, I completely gave up diet coke last pregnancy. I caved, and maybe had a few in my last month, but other than that nothing.
On a happier note I picked up my Intelligender test today. I was going to take it with Princess, but found out it requires first morning urine. So, instead I'm just going to take it tomorrow. I've mostly heard that it's not very accurate. Specifically that it can give you false "BOY" results. But, we'll see. I'm pretty much expecting it to say BOY, and if it comes up GIRL I'll be pretty surprised, and excited! :) Results to come tomorrow!

9 weeks and counting...

Here is my 9 week belly. I don't really see anything happening. Maybe my stomach is sticking out a little, above my belly button. I can't really tell. Still feeling miserable.

Switching Doctors

I guess while I have a moment I should also post about switching doctors. When I saw my Dr. on Monday, she said that there would be no way for me try a VBAC at XYZ hospital. I'd only be able to try at an out-of-network hospital. Which, for monetary reasons, is out of the question. So, I've now made an appointment for Oct. 26th with this other Dr. She was recommended to me from a member of ICAN. So, I'm excited to meet Dr. B, I hope I like her. I'm still going to have to cancel my next appointment w/ Dr. G and get my records from Monday's appointment. I hope that goes smoothly, I'll probably wait until next week. It kind of stinks because I really do like Dr. G, but I think I need someone a little more understanding of my needs and wants. I'm also going to ask Dr. B what she thinks about me getting a doula. It's still something I'm highly considering. I just want to wait until I'm feeling better and I can call around and speak with a few different doulas. If you are wondering what a doula is, this site has great information!

All day sickness!

Ok, it really seems like this time around I'm getting every symptom to the max! I've been feeling sick constantly, and on top of that I've had awful constipation! I'm really starting to think this may be my last pregnancy. I just can't imagine going through all this pain again. I know in the end it is SO worth it, but it's still awful! I just keep praying... only 5 more weeks! I REALLY, REALLY hope I start feeling better at 12 weeks. I honestly can't remember when the m/s stopped last time, but I know it was right around the 2nd trimester. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! I got a prescription for Zofran, from my Dr, so I'm going to get that filled today. Hope I can get some relief! I'm also taking stool softeners to help with the constipation. I'm trying to up my water intake too. It's been really hard because water, and almost all drinks, make me sick. I hope I can have some more positive posts in the weeks to come! :(

7 weeks, 4 days

Here is my belly shot from today. I really don't see any changes yet.

Madame Zaritska predicts...

The day you deliver, outside will be misty. Your baby will arrive in the mid morning. After a labor lasting approximately 48 hours, your child, a boy, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 11 pounds, 3 ounces, and will be 19,19-1/2 inches long. This child will have dark gray eyes and a little patch of black hair.

Madame Zaritska

I really hope this baby won't be 11lbs! And 48 hours of labor doesn't sound too good! LOL.

First peek at little bean!

Here is my ultrasound from Monday. I'm 7w2d, but by the u/s my due date would be May 9th. But, I'm still sticking with May 8th unless the Dr. tells me different. Little bean's heart rate was 166, and everything looks good.

Still feeling awful...

I'm now only 7 weeks, and this morning sickness is really killing me. I still have not thrown up, but I've been very close several times. I'm feeling nauseous almost constantly. It's not only the nausea, it really just wears me down emotionally. I feel like I just need a break, even a day without the nauseous feeling would be SUCH a relief. It hasn't helped that I also have a cold. I've been coughing, sneezing, and just aching all over. It's been miserable! And I haven't been able to take a day off. I guess I technically could have tried calling in sick, or leaving early, but I really hate to ask. So, instead here I sit trying everything under the sun to get some relief. So far I've tried:

1. Preggo pops
2. Ginger ale
3. B6
4. Crackers
5. Sea sick bands
6. Ondnaestron (Zofran)
7. Ginger gum
8. Peppermints

But, nothing seems to help much, or for very long. I just keep praying it will go away, at least by 12 weeks. YIKES! 12 weeks, that means I have 5 more weeks of this hell! :(

Feeling awful!

:( UGH! I'm starting to think our bodies are wired to forget how awful we felt during the previous pregnancy. I mean I remember feeling bad morning sickness, but it's just AWFUL! NOTHING sounds good, I can hardly eat anything, and feel nauseous almost 24/7. THANKFULLY I have not actually thrown up, yet. I really hope that it doesn't get any worse. I'll be 6 weeks tomorrow, so at least 6 more weeks of this, if I'm lucky! I really hope the m/s will end in the 2nd trimester. In addition to the awful m/s I'm also having all kinds of aches and pains. I'm peeing all the time, and not sleeping well at all. At least during my last pregnancy I could sleep, and sleep. It was a nice relief. Now, it seems I'm waking up constantly, and so uncomfortable in bed. I just can't wait to get through this part! Oh, and btw! The BIG NEWS is Princess, my bff, is pregnant!!!! I can't even believe it! We are both due right around the same time As of now, we've both figured our EDDs for May 8th! Wowza!

5 week belly!

Ok, so here is my belly today. Nothing new happening, except I still feel a little bloated. Morning sickness really started hitting me this morning. I felt so nauseous I had my head hanging over the toilet. I didn't actuallly throw up, but felt close. It passed relatively quickly, but I felt nauseous around lunch time. I think I have to avoid getting too hunrgy. But, also nothing sounds good.

5 weeks!

Deep in your uterus your embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he's about the size of a sesame seed, and he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He's now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his organs and tissues.The neural tube — from which your baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.His heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.The third layer, or endoderm, will house his lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already on the job.
From-babycenter.com

Morning sickness

So, I think the morning sickness has officially started. Last night, after dinner, I started feeling a little nauseous. Then I felt it again this morning, and during lunch. But, thankfully, so far it's been very bearable. I can only HOPE that it will stay like this- just a slight nauseous feeling, that passes quickly. Hey, a girl can dream can't she?! I'm also starting to freak out a a bit about weight gain. I've gained 5lbs in the last few weeks! And I really was hoping to lose 20lbs (from my last pregnancy) before getting pregnant again! I can't even imagine what the scale is going to look like when I'm 9 month! I'm going to really have to make an effort to not gain too much weight. Last time I gained about 30lbs, but I'm hoping if I start excercising and eat sensibly, I can maybe only gain 10-15. I'm determined after having this little bean to lose all the weight, plus some! But, every pound I don't gain, helps!

Fortunebaby.com

I almost forgot to mention I took the Gender Predictor test at Fortune Baby. This is the same test I took with Monkey, and it was accurate that time. So, who knows. :)

Congratulations It's a Boy
Due Date:
May-08-2009
Child's Sign:
Taurus

So tired!

Symptoms seem to be kicking in sooner this time around. Not only am I feeling SO bloated, but I'm peeing constantly! I also have been having a very hard time sleeping. It seems I'm tossing and turning all night, plus waking up every few hours to pee. I also have been having very vivid/strange dreams every night. Thankfully, I have not really had any morning sickness yet, except this morning, after eating toast and cereal I felt a little nauseous. Then, just an hour ago I felt a little throw up in my throat. YUCK! I really, really, hope morning sickness isn't starting this early. Last time it didn't start until about 7-8 weeks.

I told my Mom and Dad!

So, today I called Crazy Mom and told her the news. She was very excited. Then, I went to lunch will Silly Dad and he didn't quite understand Monkey's shirt at first. But, then he got it, and surprised we were having another so soon. LOL.

4 Weeks!

This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when she'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with her development.Right now your baby is an embryo the size of a poppy seed, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of her organs and body parts will develop.The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of your uterus, creating spaces for your blood to flow so that the developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby when it starts to function at the end of this week.Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house your baby; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion her as she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces your baby's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty.
From: www.babycenter.com

Belly Pic- 3W6D

Ok, so here is my preggo belly pic. I have only a few pics of my belly with Monkey, so I promised myself I'd take more pics this time. This can basically be my starting photo. Although my pants are already starting to feel tighter. I'm blaming most of it on feeling so bloated.

We told MIL and FIL!

We just got back from dinner with MIL and FIL (mother and father in law). I put Monkey in his Big Brother t-shirt. It took them only a few moments to see the shirt, then realize what it meant! They are very excited.

I told one of my BFFs!

Tonight I told one of my bffs, Princess, and she was happy, but I could tell a little disappointed maybe. I'm not sure if disappointed is the word, but I know she really wants to have a baby. And we'd talked about being pregnant together, since before Monkey was conceived, so I think she's just feeling a little down. I really tried not to make a big deal out of it. And I'm going to try to not talk about it around her, unless she brings it up. I just think its best, just to be considerate of her feelings. Although, she did say she's going to be waiting about 10 months, after a vacation she's planning, to start trying again. So, we'll see.

1st Dr. appointment set

I called Dr. G and made my first appointment for Sept. 21st. I'll be just about 7 weeks at that point. I really hope they do an u/s. They did when I was pregnatn with Monkey. I also kind of hope Dr. G will be able to give me some good news. I'm wanting to do a VBAC, but she can only do those at one hospital, which my insurance requires me to deliver at a different hospital. When I was in for my annual exam, I asked her about this, and she said she'd see what she could do once I got pregnant. So, I'm hoping to work something out, otherwise I'm going to have to go with another Dr. I really want to make an attempt at a VBAC.
If you are wondering what a vbac is- here is some information.

Such a big secret!

So, I still have not told a single person IRL. I can't believe I've kept this secret for 3 whole days! I think it has helped to have my online friends to spill the beans to. I really can't wait to tell my 2 BFFs, but I want to tell them in person, so I have to wait for the right opportunity. Superdad just HAD to tell someone, so he called his BFF, whom he's know since elementary school, and told him the news. But, other than that it is our secret. Which is kind of nice and special, but I still can't wait to spread the news. :) I'm still feeling pretty good, seeing as it's still so early, but I'm having this horrible numbness and wrist pain. I bought a wrist band today, and it seems to be kind of helping. I really should try to limit my typing, but all my time is spent online.

Carpal Tunnel???

Since Sunday I've been having a aching/tingling/numbness in the middle finger of my right hand. I think it's Carpal tunnel syndrome. Ugh!
"Tingling Hands (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
That telltale tingle… Here's why aching hands are common during pregnancy, and what you can do about them.What it is: Numbness, a "pins-and-needles" sensation, or aching in the hands and wrists, especially noticeable at night. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome: Pregnancy swelling puts pressure on a key nerve in the wrists and causes the same aching and tingling symptoms most often associated with ergonomic strain and repetitive motion. (Of course, if you're pregnant and having ergonomic strain or doing repetitive motion, you're twice as likely to experience it.) What you need to know about tingling hands: If you're feeling these symptoms more at night, it's because the fluids that accumulate in the lower part of your body during the day are redistributed elsewhere, including your hands, when you lie down. (Kind of reverse gravity.) And of course, if you've been at a computer all day long, nighttime leaves your carpal nerve with a double whammy. Luckily, though, this symptom should disappear after delivery as your swelling diminishes. What to do about tingling hands:
If you work at a computer, or do any other activity that requires repetitive motion, like playing the piano or filing, take frequent hand-stretching breaks. If typing, type gently, making sure your wrists are straight and your elbows are higher than your hands.
Try not to sleep on your hands.
Use a pillow to prop up your arms at night.
Shake your hands and wrists out frequently. At night, you can hang your hand over the side of the bed and shake it.
It may help to limit or avoid caffeine and stay away from tobacco (which you should definitely be doing, anyway).
If you're in a lot of pain, try a wrist brace. Ask your practitioner which kind to buy.
Acupuncture might help — ask your practitioner for a recommendation."
From http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/carpal-tunnel.aspx

3W3D.. I still can't believe it!

I just can't believe I'm actually pregnant! I just had it in my head it would take us at least a few months this time. But, here I sit, pregnant! Woo-hoo! Little Bean is due 5/8/10.

I'm pregnant!!!! BFP today!

Aug 22-Aug 26

Sat, August 22nd ,2009
22th day
luteal
5 days to your next cycle.
• A fertilized blastocyst will implant itself into the uterine. The point of implantation becomes the origin for the placenta and umbilical cord. Note that impantation can occur several today, but also several days from now...

Sun, August 23rd ,2009
23th day
luteal
4 days to your next cycle.
• Shortly after implantation, the growing embryo will signal its existence to the maternal system. One very early signal consists of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that pregnancy tests can measure

Mon, August 24th ,2009
24th day
luteal
3 days to your next cycle.
• The level of hCG is increasing, but still too low to measure with a home pregnancy test. The level will double every 2 or 3 days.

Tue, August 25th ,2009
25th day
luteal
2 days to your next cycle.
• a hCG blood test may now see an increased hCG level. It is still too early for a home pregnancy test measuring the hCG in the urine test.

Wed, August 26th ,2009
26th day
luteal
1 days to your next cycle.

What is an implantation dip?

The term implantation dip is often used to refer to a luteal phase dip that occurs around the time of expected implantation (7-10 days past ovulation). While this pattern does not always result in pregnancy, the term is often used because of the timing of the dip and because this pattern appears with greater frequency on pregnancy charts than non-pregnancy charts. There are a couple of factors that may help to explain why this pattern appears with greater frequency on pregnancy charts.

Research on implantation dips-

11% of charts that showed ovulation but did not result in a pregnancy displayed this pattern.
23% of charts that showed ovulation and did result in a pregnancy showed this pattern.
Of the pregnancy charts that showed this pattern, the most likely days for the dip to occur were between 7 and 8 days past ovulation.
The data suggest that this pattern is indeed more likely to result in a pregnancy.
Remember, though, if you have this pattern, it does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant. It is just increasing your probability.
No matter your chart pattern, you can still be pregnant as long
The above information is from http://www.fertilityfriend.com/Faqs/Implantation_dip_study.html

8DPO, implantation dip?

Here is my chart so far. I'm really hoping that today's dip is an implantation dip. My bbs have been extremely sore and tender, and I've been very tired. Other than a little cramping, bloated feel, I've been feeling pretty good. I can't wait until Monday. I almost poas this morning, but I know it'd be a waste. I mean, Monday may be too soon anyways. I'm just really hoping for an answer soon!!!! • A fertilized blastocyst will implant itself into the uterine. The point of implantation becomes the origin for the placenta and umbilical cord. Note that impantation can occur today, but also several days from now...

CD 21

The morula's rapid cell division from 16 to 32 to 64 now reached 128 cells. A cavity is formed within the ball of cells. It is now called a blastocyst or blastula. Very soon the blastocyst will have so many cells that individual cells are no longer recognizable

Going crazy waiting! 5dpo

So, now I'm 5dpo and really can't wait to test. I told myself the earliest I will test is 10dpo, so Monday. And I now have a pee party buddy. A friend from online is going to be testing Monday with me! It'd be really nice to get a BFP, but I really think it'll be too early. Oh, well, at this point I'm just hoping I can make it to Monday! Tomorrow I'm going to visit Crappy G-ma (my Mom). I guess it's pretty mean to call her crappy, but that's the first thing that came to my mind. Anyways, that's a whole different story, but at least visiting her for the day will keep my mind off this dreaded wait. 4 days to go...

CD19

The zygote's rapid cell division from 2 to 4 to 8 now reached 16 cells. By this day the ball of cells is called a morula.

CD 18, agonizing 2ww

I don't know why, probably because last time we tried to conceive we got pg the first time, so this time I think it'll happen again. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I really feel pregnant! I know, it's probably too early to "feel" pregnant anyways, but I still do. My bbs hurt and I'm so tired, plus food and drinks have just been tasting different. And, it also seems like I'm peeing frequently. Plus, my ovaries have this full feeling. Weird, I know, but that's just how it feels. Here is my chart up to today. It's very promising that my temps are staying up, I hope it continues.

CD 17, Fertilization?

• If fertilization of an egg has occurred, the egg and sperm united are called a zygote. It will travel through the fallopian tube, making its way to the uterus.

CD 16, What may be...

• 24-30 hours after fertilization the first cell division (mitosis) takes place.
• Progesterone raises the body temperature to provide a fertile environment for the ovum by 0.25 °C to 0.5 °C (0.5 °F to 1.0 °F), thus women who record their basal body temperature on a daily basis will notice that they have entered the luteal phase.

Monkey is 16 months old!

I can't believe it's been 16 months since my little Monkey came into the world. At times I wonder if I'll be shorting Monkey of something, by having another baby while he's so young. But, I mostly think of all the things he will be gaining. I think giving him a sibling will be one of the best gifts I could ever give him. At least I really hope so! With our timing, I'm really thinking blue! I'm hoping they will be the best of buds!

New site I found...

I just found this new site, FertilityTies, and entered my information from FF. It says I ovulated yesterday, the 14th. YAY!

Start of the 2ww

During the next 10-12 days I know I'm going to be agonizing over this! Am I? Am I not? What's going on??? These are some of the Early Pregnancy Symptoms I'm going to be looking for, and (over)analyzing.
Specific early symptoms of Pregnancy:

1. Frequent urination: There occurs a feeling of frequent urination as a sign due to the related hormonal changes inside the woman’s body because there happens a stretching of the ligaments over the bladder and thus bathroom trips are common signs for her to b occupied every time experienced inside the house.
2. Implantation bleeding: The egg attaches to the wall of the uterus and a pregnant woman experiences a spotting where usually as discussed above the bleeding isn’t so much strong or heavy by nature.
3. Tender Breasts: The breasts become painful to touch upon due to excessive tenderness and soreness. The size of the breasts also slightly increases by nature as the breasts become increasing sensitive to environmental factors which are responsible for the sensitivity of a pregnant woman.
4. Cramping of the muscles & Joints: There is experienced a slight contraction in the uterus with slight cramping at the joints and muscles. It is according to gynecologists the very first symptom of pregnancy.
5. Sickness in the morning: An another iconic attempt as an early sign of pregnancy syndrome is the way how a specific body is telling you mentioning about excessive but sudden changes of hormones of the body-building cells. A pregnant woman in morning sickness difficulty has an increased sensitivity to smells and tastes of certain peculiar food dishes available. The symptom which is synonymous with pregnancy causes the morning sickness to happen at any time of the day till night.
6. Tests of Pregnancy: A safe home testing kit for pregnancy is non-intrusive and rather a cost effective method available in hand confirming that a woman is pregnant. A pregnant woman if isn’t assured of conception can have herself tested with a blood or urine test by any physician or urological clinic where she is confirmed to have positive results about pregnancy.
7. High body-temperature & dizziness: The basal body temperature increases substantially after conception due to pressure atop the uterus reaching the cervix of a woman’s body. If the body temperature remains high even when she is not menstruating then it mans she is having early sign of pregnancy. Even dizziness and fatigue grapples her out of working schedules which is normal or even abnormal for her to demand rest every now and then. Many women have had the spells filled with unusual fainting or unconsciousness.

No-no's during pregnancy

Smoking, Alcohol (including beer and wine), Raw and undercooked meat, Radiation (x-rays, video display terminals), Caffeine (coffee, black tea, colas, chocolate, mate), DES (diethylstilbesterol), Aspirin, Antihistamines including Ephedra, Excesses of vitamins A, C, D, Heavy metals: lead, nickel, cadmium, manganese, Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. , Contact with cat feces, Prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures
Avoid water skiing, snowboarding, surfing over the wave pool or exposing herself directly over the sea or ocean waves; horse-riding; playing her passionate part-time or full-time indoor or outdoor sport; excessive cycling whether indoors or outdoors; amusement park rides; Jacuzzis.


A short list of some of the top things you have to avoid during pregnancy. All worth it for that little bean!

CD 15, 1DPO

Ok, so my temp went up this morning! It's not quite as much as I was hoping, but up is up. I'm going to go ahead and figure myself at 1 dpo. If I get 2 more high temps, FF will give me CH and an O date of yesterday! Woo-hoo! That would be perfect timing since we BD yesterday morning. Now, on to the 2ww! Ah!

After ovulation, the follicle which held the egg transforms into the corpus luteum. It will produce progesterone for approximately the next 2 weeks. Progesterone helps forming a lining receptive for implantation and supportive of the early pregnancy.

CD 14, Did I miss it?

So, my opk today was negative (photo later) and I'm wondering if I missed my surge? If I didn't miss it, then that means I'm still waiting to O, and if I don't O in the next day or two, my LP is going to be too short, again!! Ugh! This is so frustrating! At least we BD this morning, so hopefully we've had pretty good timing. It just shows how dedicated I am, BD at 7:30am! My sleep is precious, but figured I'd squeeze it in before getting ready for work. LOL. Well, we'll just keep up the BDing and hope for the best! 13 days to T-day! Af is due the 27th, so if I don't test before then, I'll definitely be testing that day.

CD 13, still waiting for a positive opk

Above are the opks from today, at noon. I can't really tell if they are darker or lighter than yesterday. Superdad and I made love last night, so hopefully the timing will be right. It was a very sweet, romantic night, even though the end of The Dark Knight was playing in the backgroud. Superdad's choice. LOL. Well, I think we should stick with every other day BD, especially since I have not got a positive opk yet.

Thinking of names

We've already decided on Alyssa Rose for a girl, but are very up in the air if we have another boy. Some of the names I like are Levi, Owen, Cole, Colton, and Weston.

Superdad's opinion

Last night I brought up our pending conception, and once again Superdad says he feels like I'm pressuring him. He says he does want another child, but wants to wait until January or so. BIG SURPRISE! He keeps pushing the date back further and further. I've been ready to start trying since before Christmas! I thought we'd both agreed on the end of Summer/August! So, after a long discussion he conceded to saying we could give it a try! I said since I don't really know when (or if) I'm going to O we'd need to start baby dancing tomorrow and at least do every other day, if not every day. He was pleased with that. :)
Some of my reasons for trying now:

1. Age spacing I want- I think 2 years is P-E-R-F-E-C-T!
2. I LOVED being pregnant in winter and having a spring baby
3. Re-use the same maternity clothes and some baby clothes b/c of the season
4. My job has the flexibility I need for both pregnancy and a newborn
5. In the next few years I'm going to be finishing my associates degree and it won't be the ideal time to be pregnant

CD 11, another negative opk

This one has a very faint line, kind of hard to see, but still negative. This test was taken at 11:30am. Also, my temp went up this morning, but I'm 99.99% sure it was a fluke. Last night I had one too many glasses of wine, and stayed up too late. So, I didn't sleep well, woke up at 5am feeling sick, then when I woke up at 7am to take my temp I felt really hot. Don't know if it was our room, or me, but the temp definitely doesn't count.

CD 10, negative opk

This test was taken later in the day Sunday, about 4pm, no line at all. Pretty much what I was expecting.

CD 9

Today is CD9 and my opk was negative, but I did have a very faint line. For some reason I'm feeling like I will ovulate earlier this month, but I don't know why. Today I believe my CM was on the creamy side, a little bit sticky.

Short Luteal Phase

While I had a moment, I wanted to post about the issue I've encountered. I've been charting for a few months, on fertilityfriend.com. It's the same site I used to chart when I was trying to conceive Monkey. This time, however, I've been notice my luteal phase is shorter than the 10 day minimum. It could be an error, or just a fluke, but for 2 months my LP was only 6 and 8 days. With an LP that short the egg does not have time to implant. Here is a little more detailed explanation, for anyone interested. This information is from http://www.ovusoft.com/.

The luteal phase is the time from ovulation to the next period. It is typically 10-16 days in length, but it is usually fairly consistent in length for an individual woman, differing by no more than 1 or 2 days from cycle to cycle. During this time the corpus luteum secretes progesterone while attached to the ovarian wall. Progesterone is what maintains the thickness of the endometrium to support implantation by a fertilized egg. If implantation does not occur, the corpus luteum runs out of progesterone and menstruation soon follows. If implantation does occur, the implanted zygote secretes hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a chemical signal which tells the corpus luteum to continue producing and secreting progesterone.
Luteal phase lengths of less than 10 days are considered too short for implantation to occur, and may thus indicate a problem with successfully achieving pregnancy. In such an instance, the egg may be fertilized, but the endometrium is sloughed off before implantation can occur. This condition is sometimes referred to as a luteal phase defect. If you suspect you have a short luteal phase, you should see your healthcare professional about it. Short luteal phases may be corrected with progesterone treatment.

One treatment for LP defect is B6. So starting on CD1 I've been taking b6 (I actually started about a week before that). I'm really hoping it will correct this issue, and extra B6 really can't hurt.

Ovulation Tests (OPKs)

Here are the OPKs I am using. You can purchase these at Dollar Tree, for just a $1 each. Which is about the cheapest I have found them, except for ordering test strips online.

Below is my opk from today, cd8. I just HAD to POAS, so I tested a little early. It came back negative, which is what I expected. For positive results there would be a line under the test "T" that was as dark, or darker, than the control "C" line.

Books for Momma

Right now I'm reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility, which is like the bible on the trying to conceive forums. You will often see it referenced as simply TCOYF. So far it is a very interesting book. It has a lot of technical information about your body and cycle. The Conception Chronicles, seems to be more for laughs, I think I might check it out too.

Books for Monkey

I'm going to try to start compiling a list of some good books for Monkey. I want to try to make the transition easier for him, and explain what's happening, as best I can.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0688170439/dayspacked-20

Boy or Girl?

Here is a new test, that tests your pH levels to determine if you are having a boy or girl. For the price of $34.95 it is kind of expensive, but I'll probably just do it for fun! Gotta get that bfp first! :) http://www.intelligender.com/

Chinese Gender Calendar

I used this same chinese gender calendar when I was pregnant with Monkey, and it said boy. It's now saying:

Results: It's a Boy if you conceive in Aug at age 25.

http://www.fortunebaby.com/chinesegenderpredictionchart.html?action=Y&age=25&month=8

TTC Supplies

Here is a list of everything I've purchases so far, for our trying to conceive journey. This list also includes the opks I used last month (just to get the hang of it).

1. Fertilityfriend.com subscription
2. 15 opks
3. 10 hpts
4. Taking Charge of Your Fertility (TCOYF)
5. Prenatals
6. Dha supplements
7. B6 vitamins
8. Only Child
Big Brother T-shirt

CD 8, Still waiting

Cd 8 here, and I'm just waiting to start using my opks tomorrow. I think I will plan on testing around 11am and 5:30pm.

Cycle:
Aug 01, 2009
Cycle Day:
8
Ovulation Day:
Not Detected
DPO:
N/A

CD 7, Waiting to O

Today is cycle day 7 for me, on our first cycle of trying to conceive. If we get pregnant this cycle my estimated due date would be May 8th. I think May 8th would be so perfect! Since I am planning on a vbac (vaginal birth after cesarean), I do expect to go past my due date, which is just fine by me! My chart as of today- is below.

Introduction

Hi! I'm Momma, this is my new blog for my adventure in trying to conceive, while also raising Monkey, my almost 16 month old. Superdad, my dear hubby, has finally given the green light, and hopefully we will have a bfp (big fat positive) soon! I work full time, while also going to school one night a week. So, life keeps me pretty busy, but that's the way I like it!