Crystal and Eric McGowan's Blog

Isabella Irene

2011-01-29T15:47:00.000-05:00

The waiting begins...

2009-09-24T12:08:00.003-04:00

Well, the Egg Retrieval went as planned. We arrived and Eric did his thing in record time. ;-) Then we went and ate at IHOP. Got back to the doc's in time for me to take my Valium. When it was time for me to go back I was starting to feel the effects from the Valium already. We went back into the "surgical room" where they pumped some IV meds into me... Pain killers and an amnesiac (or something like that). Eric told me that the needle that they used was literary a foot and a half long. With that same needle they stabbed both ovaries to take out the mature eggs. After that was done they sent me to recovery for a little bit and asked how I was doing. Since I appeared to be fine, they sent me along my way. When we got home I was still under the effects of the IV meds. Once they wore off... OMG, I got sicker than a dog! And I was in so much pain! It hurt to walk, sit, lay down - just about everything. Eric finally called the nurse on call and asked for something stronger than Tylenol. She sent in a script for Vicodin. I only used that right before I went to bed, so, I could sleep.

Sunday I was feeling a little better I was getting around easier, but still in pain. We ended up going with Eric's parents for dinner (since it was my MIL's birthday brunch).

We got the call on the fertility report - they retrieved 12 eggs, 1 was not mature enough. So, that left us with 11. ALL 11 FERTILIZED!

Monday we went back in the morning for the Transfer. The doc said that the two embryos that he was putting back in were really good and gives us a better chance of them sticking. After he got done I was put over in recovery for an hour with my legs propped up. During this time Eric ran to Meijer so he could get some pillows for the car for the ride home. We traveled home and I was in the backseat on the way home.

I've been taking it easy since then. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers! :-)

Here is the pic of the embryos that the doc gave us on the day of the retrieval.

Another Update

2009-09-15T11:26:00.002-04:00

I went to the doc appt yesterday and things are going along as planned. The biggest at the moment is 16.5 and there's quite a few right behind. I stay on the same meds and go back on Wednesday. I'm already starting to feel some pressure from the ovaries and I have to pee all the time! Thy think the Egg Retrieval will be Friday or Saturday, but we will know for sure tomorrow with the ultrasound.

Over the weekend Eric had to go into ER since his ankle was swollen and he couldn't put any pressure on it. Comes to find out that he has a sprained ankle. How did this come about? Well, last week (Wednesday) we went to a friends house for dinner. Well, the 2 year old and 4 year old was playing around with Eric. One of the times the 2 year old kicked Eric in the ankle... Eric didn't think anything of it, since it was just sore. When he woke up Saturday he couldn't really put any pressure on his ankle. I tried getting him to go to the doc before we went to moms, but he refused. While we were at moms he told me after the Michigan game he wants to go. We got there around 8pm and left about midnight. The hospital was not that busy, I think they were just super slow! He now has a fiberglass splint on his leg and he goes to the doc today. He was instructed not to get it wet and not to put pressure on it at all! So, he's been on crutches! Poor baby!

Well, I will update more tomorrow when I know what happens with my doc and the outcome of Eric's doc visit.

Another Update!

2009-09-11T20:25:00.002-04:00

The Ultrasound went good... I have 9 on the right side that are getting bigger...
1 - 11
4 - 9
4 - 7-8

On the left side I have a lot of small and about 6 that are between 8-9. Dr Young thinks Thursday or Friday for the ER (Egg Retrievial).. So excited!! I go back Monday morning to see how I'm progressing. He kept me on the same medication dosage. So, we will have to wait till Monday. But I'm doing good. I can start feeling some discomfort. I have for the most part stopped lifting heavy things and having other people do that for me. I've been trying to be good, no lifting, no caffiene, trying to take it easy and little stress. Well, more updates are to come..

Update

2009-09-09T06:08:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! I had my one wedding this past weekend. That went well. Everything went so smooth and the couple was so wonderful to work with. It was a pleasure to work for them. Desma was suppose to give me my shot, well, she chickened out last minute. Thank god for the Mother of the Bride who was a nurse. She offered her services. She was a lifesavor!

Well on Sunday we started the "Heavy drugs". I went in for an ultrasound yesterday. I have 10 in one ovary and 6-8 in the other one. They are small at the moment, but that's where the doc's want them to be at. So, so far everything is going good. When they tried drawing blood though they had problems. They had a poke me a few times - finally they got a spot on my hand. Ouch! Well, I'm starting to feel a little crampy here and there. But nothing too bad. It's coming up so soon. I just hope the 2WW will go by fast when that time comes. I go back on Friday for another Ultrasound. So, we will see where that takes us.

It's been forever, so sorry!

2009-09-02T10:27:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone, sorry for not posting in like forever! Like a few months! HA! Well, I'm back! Well, since then there has been a lot of stuff going on. I have two wedding's coming up to do. I have one this coming weekend and then another one two weeks from then. Which, I'm not even sure if I will be able to make it to that one. I just might have to pass on it and have Desma get one of her old friends to help her out. You maybe asking yourself - why would you miss the wedding? Well, I might have to take a "Medical Leave". :-)

If you don't know by now. We are on our way to doing IVF. I have been on Lupron for the past 14 days. I went into the doctor's office to get an ultrasound and no cysts! That means I'm free and clear to start for IVF. I continue on the Lupron and on Sunday I start the heavier drugs. The nurse said that the IVF could take place anywhere between the 18-21st. I'm getting SO excited! I just hope and pray that this works for us. Eric called me on his way into work today and he said he was thinking.... Oh boy, he was thinking... :-) That if this does work out he doesn't want to tell that many people until we hit the 3 month period, due to just in cause something happens. Well, I don't see how we would be able to keep our mouths shut for that long... And with having so many people know what we are going through... It's going to be hard not to say anything at all, since everyone will be asking if I know anything yet. I'm not one to be able to hold many things in. How am I suppose to keep my mouth shut about it, either if we are or not. Oh well. I've been rather impressed with my boss though. I didn't think he would take me having to leave all the time for the doctor's visits very well, but he has! Which is a very good thing.

I can tell that the Lupron has taken affect. I have the hot flashes. One moment I'm hot then the next I'm chilly. Just not really a even playing field. Then, I've been getting headache's every once in a while and only taking Excedrin when I can't take it anymore. I know that I'm not suppose to take anything at all, if I do I take Tylenol. Tylenol doesn't do anything for me.

Oh well, I will type more later!! I swear! :-)

Things are starting to look up...

2009-05-12T17:16:00.003-04:00

First of all, I've been trying to clean out the closets and storage unit - everything that is worth anything, I've been trying to sell them on Craigslist. Thus far I have sold my games, end tables, and bike. We'll see what else we can sell. If you are interested in anything here's the link. http://picasaweb.google.com/DivaCrystal/Craigslist?feat=directlink

We bought a Tony Little Gazelle.... So far, I have been on it everyday. Yesterday I was on it for a total of 1 HOUR!! I'm not even sore today! It's awesome! Hopefully I can keep up with it.

I have my first client with Events by CAM! I'm doing a baby shower! I'm excited about it! I know that it's small, but we all have to start somewhere. I have ordered some stuff from Vista Print and the stuff turned out really nice. So, if you want a business card, magnet or something else, let me know and I will get some to you. :-)

I had my appraisal today at work and I got a decent raise along with a promotion, kinda... I'm now the Administrative Assistant / Office Lead (a.k.a. Assistant Manager). I got a $1 raise from it, so that works! And you have to know the company that I work for. You are lucky to get a 20 cent raise. I even got to take part in an interview today. And all I can start off by saying is tramp! Her outfit for the most part was fine, besides her shirt! Really LOW neckline. It was not interview attire! She's young and I'm not sure about her. The boss on the other hand didn't want to see other options! Damn Male! We'll see how she works out!

Well, we have about a month before we head to NC for a week in a half. I have to get either Justin or Anna trained on how to do my job before I leave! I really don't want to come back to a huge mess! Which I'm sure I still will. Oh boy!

Well, I think that's going to be it for now. I think it's time to go on the gazelle! Time to get physical! :-)

My new "job"...

2009-04-19T20:51:00.002-04:00

After being talked into it, I'm working on my own business now. It's called "Events by CAM". I already have a website created for it. http://www.eventsbycam.com and I have an assistant whenever I need her. She's been in the business for YEARS and got out of it and now wants back in. She is a good friend and helped me with my wedding. It's something that I love to do, so, hopefully by word of mouth this will kick off for me. This would be a good way to save up some money for IVF too. I have done my research and my cost are cheap compared to others out there. But unlike them, I'm willing to put in 100% into any event that I will do! Since - that's what I do anyways.

Well, work sucks as usual. Not this past week, but the week prior I worked 62.1 hours. I like getting paid for overtime, but come on now! I just got stuck with timelines that I couldn't keep up with, so, I ended up having to bring work home with me. Ah well, I got the work done and that's all that matters. This past week, I tried to take it a little more relaxed, well, I still worked 52 hours or something like that. So, not as bad, but still a lot.

We had a friend of the family's bridal shower to go to today... That was interesting. I felt SO out of place. I have only met the people a few times and the bride I had only met once before. Eric isn't to happy with the groom, since he wasn't asked to be in the wedding at all. I understand why his feelings are hurt. Espessally finding out today that he has 7 groomsmen and he was one of ours. So, he's trying to get through that. I'm trying to get him through it.

I got this wonderful computer cabinet from craigslist this weekend for only $30! It's really nice, it's got some dings and scratches, but it all works nicely!

So, this coming weekend, after Eric and I get out of work we are heading up to mom's to give her back some of her stuff and give her my old desk. This coming weekend is also the Walleye Festival. Which is a HUGE event for most Freelanders... For me it just means GARAGE SALES! Too bad I won't be up there in the morning to go to them. Oh well, maybe later on we can go around and look.

Well, I should get going to bed. I will update more later. GOODNIGHT!

We have a plan!

2009-04-04T19:31:00.002-04:00

After receiving the bad news yesterday... We sat down to seriously think about what we are going to do. We have decided that we are going to be very careful how we spend our money now-a-days. And try our hardest to save as much as possible. And I have worked out our budget up until we go to North Carolina to watch dad's shop in June. By then we should (if everything goes as planned) I have it worked out that we would HALF of what is needed for the IVF! Which is AWESOME! That would work wonderful, since we don't want to start any of the IVF treatments until after we get back. And who knows, maybe I can convince daddy dearest to help out some, so, he could have some grandkids in the near future... But you never know... We are hoping that some of our family is willing to help us out too. We will just have to wait and see.

And the answer is in...

2009-04-03T15:03:00.002-04:00

So, I called the doc's office and told them I need lab work since I haven't started yet. She said if I were to go in the morning they would know by the afternoon if I was or not. Well, I got the call about 1:45 and they told me my answer... Unfortunately I'm NOT pregnant this cycle. So, after I got the call, I called Eric and told him. We are both shocked with the news. We thought that I was for sure this time. Since I had a lot of the symptoms, but it wasn't enough. Now to try to raise some money... I'm sure they will say IVF will be next. If anything we will just have to wait a year and save until then, unless we can get the money, somehow.

Trying not to go crazy!

2009-04-02T14:57:00.004-04:00

So, as you all can guess we had our IUI Saturday (March 21st). I'm now in the two week waiting period. I'm just waiting for the two weeks to pass. Here's the instructions that I was given... If I don't start my period within 14 days of the IUI to call for a blood pregnancy test (which they will fax to the lab of my choice). Then they will call with the results. I'm really trying to think positive about this cycle, but I do have my doubts... BUT.... Then again, I am having some signs that I'm pregnant (it could also be caused from all the hormones in my system).

Symptoms

Moody as HELL (the WORST I have ever been).
Tired ALL the time.
Always hungry or feeling sick and not wanting to eat.
Sore nipples!
Some Cramping
Some Spotting, that's not deep red (it's brownish/pinkish).

I do think that I have a chance, since I haven't started my period, yet. I know in the past I have started my period right after I took a test (10 days past the HCG injection). Tomorrow will be 2 weeks from when I got the shot. This cycle I do feel a lot different than what I have in the past, so, that's a good thing. I did take a test at the 10 day mark, eventhough it was early... It did come up negative though, but it was a CHEAP test and it was EARLY. So, I'm still trying to be patient and wait. I have told myself and Eric that I'm not going to test until Sunday morning, if we don't get a call back on Saturday with the results from the blood work.

It has been a little easy to not think about it though, I have had work to take my mind off of the trying to get pregnant. It's been a mad house at work lately. With the so-called new system, that is from the same decade as the one that died. It's not that much more up to date. If anything it might be worse. We are having SO many problems with it that I might even get hooked up here at home that I can connect remotely from here at home, if something happened after I left work. Wonderful, right? Then, I would either want to be salaried or a pay raise, but is that going to happen - I doubt it. But my evauluation and review is coming up this month. So, I'm going to try to push for one, since I do SO much for them! Oh well, at least I have a job and I can get over time to get more money. I will just log my hours when I'm here at home when I have to work from home.

The policeman's ball is coming up on the 18th of this month. I'm excited about that. I haven't been to that in many years. We have to go out and get Eric a suit coat or a suit period, since he doesn't have one. I figured he needs one since he should wear suits to special events. I have a dress that I got for a new years eve thing, but never wore it. I'm thinking about wearing that, but I haven't decided. I think I'm going to look around while we are looking for Eric's Suit and see if I could find anything cheap. Otherwise I will just wear the back up dress that I have.

Well, I think I have typed enough. Once I know if this IUI was a success I will try to post it asap! Cross your fingers and toes! Even say a little prayer! I so hope everything works out!

It's been FOREVER, I'm sorry!

2009-03-19T18:48:00.002-04:00

Talk about major slacking, that's me! I've been slacking so much lately when it comes to the blog! I figured since I'm home alone with the animals that this is a good time to write a long blog with out Eric bothering me. So, in the last blog I wrote that we are not pregnant. Since then we were told to check out another fertillity doc. Even though they are in Grand Rapids, but they are HALF of the cost! So, I checked the website out to get more information about them (www.fertilitycentermi.com) and they have so much information on their website, it's so helpful! I then checked out other sites that have forums to see if there were good/bad comments about them. I didn't find anything negative, only positive. We decided to switch after thinking about it. And since we have gone there - OMG! Such a difference from the other doc. They think much differently than what the other doc did. So, they had me start on Gonal F and I was on it for a while, actually tonight was the last dose of it for the month. I have to get my HCG shot tomorrow at work (8am), so, Eric is going to come into the office to give me the shot. Whoo! Then, we go for the IUI on Saturday morning. Then we have to head off to mom's for the rest of the day. So, I will know 2 weeks after the IUI. So, cross your fingers! Cause if this doesn't work, we will have to do IVF, which is roughly around 5,000! It's not as bad as the other at 10,000, but it's still bad. It's not like we can just come up with that much money! Like I have said in the past... Want to make a donation to the Crystal Hope fund?

Let's see what else has happened in the past little while that I haven't written a blog... The computers are still "down". They have gotten a "new" program, but it's still not working up to par. We had one test store and there were errors! Go figure, right? We will see how quickly they can fix all the problems, if they will even fix them. I'm sure since the stores will be bitching they will end up having to do something about it. I did get a new computer though! So, now I have Windows XP! It's so much better than my old computer that had the 98! The only bad thing with the new computer is that I can't do anything anymore! They now have software that they can watch what I'm doing at anytime OR they can operate my computer from a remote location! Like I was having problems connecting to my network drive to get to some files. They logged onto my computer and were messing with the computer through theirs. It was weird! So, now I'm SO nervous about doing anything now... Oh, well. That just means that I have to work when I'm at work. HAHA

My mother was in the hospital... She was sick and had went to Redi-med and got meds, well, after taking the meds for a few days, she got worse. Come to find out the meds were having a bad reaction with her - body rash, not being able to eat, almost passing out, no strength. Come to find out after having to be hospitalized for 5 days. She got admitted after finding out her blood sugar was SO high and they found out that her kidney's were not working propperly. She's back to her normal self now, so, that's good. She has even moved into her new place, which we haven't seen yet.

I had my 11 year high school reunion... I had worked on it for a while and spent some of my cash planning it. It was a bummer when not that many people showed up for it. It was a good thing that everyone that showed up for the most part got along. They were thinking about starting something over the summertime, but I'm not up for that. I'd go to it, I just don't want to plan something like that since I had put so much time into this one and not getting that much for it. Oh well, such as life.

We finally got a dishwasher! It's so nice having a dishwasher and having clean dishes! I no longer have to dread doing the dishes anymore! THANK GOD! I'm so glad that I had one the guys from work install it than spending the extra money that Best Buy was going to charge to install the dishwasher!

It's been so nice out the past couple of days (besides today, it was kinda chilly) that I have been grilling out for dinner. That's the best! Having Steak, BBQ Chicken, Cheeseburgers and Hot dogs though the week has been nice too (not many dishes)...

Well, I will try to keep this blog a little more up to date than what I have been doing lately.

For those dying to know...

2009-02-16T11:45:00.002-05:00

Well, we went to the doc's office to find out that I'm NOT pregnant, but I have cyst's!! The doc said that we could try one more round of IUI, but he feels like IVF would be the next step for us. I feel the same, but the cost for it is $10, 000! We don't know where we are going to come up with the money to get it done. I wish we had the money, but we don't. I just feel like we are hopeless now since IVF is what we should do, but with no cash to do so. We are taking donations for the procedure if you are willing to be so kind and donate some money. We need all the help that we can get. I'm not really in the talking mood at the moment. So, if you need to get ahold of me, send me a text or message.

Thank you everyone for the hopes and prayers. Hopefully next time, whenever that is, will help us then.

I know, I know, I know...

2009-02-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

I've been slacking A LOT on the blog. I have so much to update...

Jan 2nd was Eric's birthday. We went out to eat at Red Lobster, where he wanted to go. On that Saturday his sister, Heather and I set up a birthday party thing since he was turning 30! First of all we started at the Mason Bowling Center for bowling and cake. Then afterwards we went to Buddies bar and grill, then since we were kinda getting kicked out of the place we went to Champions bar and spent the rest of the night there. I was a fun night! :-)

I came back to normal after having my ovaries the size of CANTALOUPES! I went back in the 20th of Jan to see how I was doing. Doc was surprised to see that everything was back to normal. I started the clomid and the gonal f injections for this cycle. We then went in to find out that I had 5 MATURE EGGS! Everything is starting to look up now. And I was to get the HCG injection that night and come back on the 4th of Feb for the IUI! We are so excited and hoping that this works! We are now in the waiting period I have to go in on Monday to find out if I'm pregnant or not. I do feel different, but I'm not sure! My boobs are sore, I'm running to the bathroom all the time to piss, I'm more tired than normal and I've had some cramping going on. You never know, I might be pregnant, than again, maybe it didn't take.

Work has been nuts for the past 2 weeks. We are used to running AS/400 (a 20-30 year old program), but 2 weeks ago, that DIED! So, we have been doing everything by hand. I tell you - it's hard and stressful! But I think it's starting to come around. I guess we are going with another system called RAMS. I don't know what the hell that is. I have never of heard of it. I can't really find anything on it. UGGG!!! Oh well, I guess we all will be learning the system together. Yippie - until then I get to have paper pile up everywhere. By the way, my company is killing FORESTS now! We are going through SO much paper!!!

Well, I should be going for now, I don't want to bore you. :-)

We are now on HOLD!

2009-01-05T20:00:00.002-05:00

We had everything planned for having an IUI done the Monday before Christmas, but I was not able to go into the office the Friday prior due to the funeral. So, instead I was going in for blood work and they were watching my levels through my bloodwork. You should have seen my arms. I looked like a druggie that kept on missing! I had SO many bruses on my arms! Everything was seeming to be fine, up till Sunday when I got the call from the doc that states that my levels are over 3,000 and it should only be at 2,000! Also, that I need to keep moving - I can't sit or lay for longer than 4 hours. I am HIGH RISK and have a higher chance to getting a blood clot! I was told to take a baby asprin a day. I had my ultrasound on Christmas Eve, only to find out that my Ovaries were the size of cantaloupes! Yes, you read that right - Cantaloupes! He states that I responded too well to the meds. He said that most women that he deals with can have 4 vials a day and only produce 2 or 3 eggs, while I was on 2 vials and produced 12! I was scheduled to go on on the 6th, but that is now canceled! Since the Sunday after Christmas my body decided to go ahead and start the cycle without no meds... I NEVER start on my own!!! I always have to take meds to get they cycle going. So, because of this, my appointment is now not till the 20th! I guess we will have to wait till then. Just by what happended this past month makes me think it's more possible - since now my body is reacting the meds, since when I was on the clomid by it's self I didn't respond very well. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The Christmas Holiday...

2009-01-03T10:28:00.001-05:00

The holidays came and went TOO fast. I swear that I didn't have time to enjoy it at all with everything going on. Well, after the funeral, mom came back with us to stay until we went back on Christmas day. I think it was good for her to stay with us - it was a chance for her to get out of the environment for a little while. I was working a lot, due to the holiday schedules - I unfortunately was not home for long.

Christmas Eve
We went over to Eric's aunt and uncle's house to celebrate Christmas with his side. We took over a meat and cheese tray. OMG! I didn't think it was going to cost so much for us doing it ourselves. Next time I will spend the $25 to have someone else do it. All the food was good, as usual. Mom had gone along with us.

Here are some pictures...

The kids playing together...

Brandon being the little helper...

Watching the kids open their gifts...

Aunt Nancy...

Mom (in-law) and Dana..

Christmas Day
Morning
We started off by heading over to Eric's parents house to have them open gifts. It was entertaining watching Heather open our gift. Well, it all started with Eric's idea of rolling up cash. I took it the next step... I used a ziplock bag and filled it with powdered sugar and made sure it was airtight. I made a "starter kit" consisting of a mirror and a credit card. I had tightly rolled up 25 dollar bills and each of them were taped together. Along with some loose money in the box. We were all cracking up over it.

Here's some pictures:

Hannah - all dressed up!

Heather counting the rolled money...

Mom(in-Law) opening her gifts..

Afternoon
We headed up to Saginaw to celebrate Christmas with my side. We first went over to the house, set up the cage for Hannah, make the green bean casserole, and finish getting ready. When it was about time we headed over to Uncle Don and Aunt K's house. Once again - good food. Eric enjoyed Aunt K's holly cookies. Eric seemed like he was kinda bored. It was more low key then what it normally is. Since grandma was still so fresh in our memories. We did the white elephant gift exchange and Eric and I got left with the crap! So, not fair! Oh well, I'll use the one I got for next year. Since I don't want it. Usually after Christmas we always played cards, BUT this year it all changed. Everyone decided to do their own thing. Which was rather lame - since Eric and I were planning on spending the night just do we didn't have to run around and leave to come back home.

Here are some pictures...

Sitting around for the White Elephant Gift Exchange...

Jennifer not wanting her picture taken...

Playing the white elephant gift exchange...

Eric and TJ being bored...

Jenn and I (I love this picture!)AWESOME WINE!!!

Evening

Since there was nothing else better to do - Eric decided that he wanted to go see a movie. And since I was bored too, I said sure. We took along my 14 year old cousin - Jennifer. We went to go see the Spirit. At least tried to... We went into the theater and we were waiting for the movie to start... It was rather loud, but thought that it would quiet down after the previews started... WRONG! The theater was filled with rude, immature, little gangsters or wannabee's. I'm from that area and it was NEVER that bad! They were SO loud, walking all the time (even in front of the screen) talking on their cell phones, kicking chairs, throwing popcorn. When the little punks behind us started shaking Jennifer's chair - we decided to go. Eric was SO pissed. He asked to talk to the manager. Before we could even tell him what theater we were coming from he had already guessed. We got our money back - took Jennifer home and then went back to the house and went to bed.

Day after Christmas
I didn't feel very well from the time that I got out of bed, but we were still keeping our plans to go meet Steph for lunch. We met at Hunan for lunch. I couldn't really eat - I just felt sick. Then we went over to the mall. I just felt like I was getting worse. So, we had to call it a day. We said our goodbyes and we went back to the house to start packing. I tried taking some pepto while Eric was packing and loading up the car. I still wasn't feeling well and Eric just wanted to get me home. Well, on the way home - yeah - didn't make it home before we had to take a little detour. I had gotten sick IN the car! All over myself. Eric helped me the best he could by getting me a change of clothes out of the trunk and stood cover as I got changed on the side of the road. I had to sit in the back with Hannah for the remainder of the trip... Poor Eric, he could barely handle the smell. Yeah, it was rather bad!! I did start feeling better from that point. As soon as I got home. I took the LONGEST shower ever! I was a big ol' prune afterwards, but it was worth it!

The Funeral - the goodbye...

2009-01-02T10:43:00.005-05:00

Grandma's funeral went over well. The day of the showing was long but we all got through it. The day of the funeral, it had snowed overnight. And OMG it was bad! All of the roads had at least 10 inches of snow and the snow continuted to fall. Eric drove to the funeral home and when we finally got there it was NOT plowed! When we parked and I opened the door the snow came to the door... They decided not to have the continued service at the gravesite, except for immediate family members. So, after the funeral service was over with we went over to the cementary. We stood around the gravesite shivering in the cold watching grandma's casket be lowered into the ground. As Eric, I, Aunt K and Uncle Don were walking back to our cars, Eric slipped on some ice (since his shoes had NO traction), then as I was trying to help him up he slipped again and then fell face first into the snow. Poor Guy! It was a little humor on the dark day. We then were off to the church for some food. As we were trying to get out of the cemetary - we got stuck! Stupid snow! I was the one that was chosen to drive to the church. OMG! The roads were so horrible - One lane on a major road with no salt or anything with white out conditions. The food at the church was decent. It's always nice the church does so much for the family when something happens.

Now it comes to - everyone coping with the loss of a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a sister.... R.I.P. - Barbra Lou Morse - I will miss you and love you forever, my grandmother. I know that you and grandpa are together now looking down watching over all of us.

Things are starting to look up.

2008-12-18T06:48:00.000-05:00

Even in this dark time of Grandma's passing we are seeing a little light.

So, I went in for bloodwork before I came into work yesterday. By 8 am the Doc already had the results and asked if I could come right in. So, I did... They did an ultrasound to see how many eggs there were and the sizes. Well, I have 1 that's the size of 13 and 4 the size of 12 then a bunch of smaller ones. I was told that it almost looks like a honeycomb! The mature size is 15, so, almost! I had to get bloodwork done before I came into work today too. You should see my arms, they look horrid. Thank God it's wintertime so I can cover it up! Then I have to go in for bloodwork on Saturday when we get back. Then either the doc will call me once he gets the results or I have to call him by 1. He will then give us directions on how much HCG to use and when to give it. It should be given either Sat or Sun. Then, the IUI on MONDAY! I plan on working only 1/2 the day and then going home afterwards and resting. Hopefully I can! I should know 2 weeks after the IUI which if it's on Monday will be Jan 5th. Just past Eric's birthday. I only hope that it's going to be positive! That would really spread some light to the family. Since this Holiday is going to be really hard on everyone!

Grandmother and Update!

2008-12-17T06:26:00.002-05:00

I was on the phone with Heather on Monday around 10 and my mom kept calling me, I didn't know why, so, finally I told Heather I have to get the other line. When I went over to that line mom was hysterical - She told me that Grandma got killed in a car accident on the corner of Tittabawasee and Center Roads in Saginaw (not that far from her house). What we think happened... The roads were slick and Grandma tried stopping for the red light, but slid right though the light and the GMC truck that hit her was going TOO fast for the weather conditions. If you look at the impact of the accident, you would understand. She was hit hard. I'm going to miss her! This is just so hard, since it was totally unexpected! The whole family is taking it hard.

Here's the information for her funeral and showing...

Funeral Services and Showing will be held at:
Cunningham-Taylor Funeral Home (same as my grandfather's)
310 E. Washington Ave.
Freeland, MI 48623
989.695.9431

Showing will be Thursday from 2-8pm
Showing for family - Friday at 10am
Showing for Public - Friday at 11am
Funeral Services will be held Friday around Noon.

Link of the article in the Saginaw News...
http://www.mlive.com/saginawnews/news/index.ssf/2008/12/saginaw_township_woman_dies_in.html

Link to her Obit... (please sign the guestbook - Thank you!)
http://obits.mlive.com/Saginaw/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=121459150

Update on the Infertility...
I got the phone call on Monday for the instructions. I keep on taking 150mg of the Gonal-F, go in Wednesday for bloodwork (and since today is Wednesday - I went in to the lab before I came into work). Now I have to wait till 10 to find out what's going to go on from here.

Gotta love the waiting game. We seem to be doing it all the time!

The latest update.

2008-12-15T09:29:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a few days since I have posted. I've just been so busy! I've been trying to get the house around for the christmas party, get shopping done, christmas cards and not to mention all of the doc visits. Which I just got home from one not that long ago. So, we had our class this past Thursday to show us how to inject the meds. That was interesting. I thought I would be able to do it easier than what really happened. I nicked myself with the needle four times before the assistant helped me push it in. When the time came for Eric and I to do it at home - He did it for me. Which does make it better! I'm surprized that he's handling it so good. There is hope yet! We have been giving the injections since Friday night. We have to do it at the same time every night. I had my dr visit this morning where I had to get blood work done beforehand then go in for an u/s to check the size of the eggs. The biggest one was at 10, but they have to be at 15 to be considered Mature. So, depending on the results of the blood work they might up my dose to 3 vials or just let it stay the same at 2 vials. I keep this for a couple of days then go back in to check the size in a few days, but I won't know when until later.

So, Saturday was our Christmas party. That went over well! I forgot to get out the camera though. BOO! I always seem to forget the camera at the parties that I throw. At least for the New Years Party that we are going to I will remember the camera, since it's not here! YAY! Like normal, we had TOO much food, but it was all good! The White elephant gift exchange went over well - it seems like everyone liked what they got. Eric got a bar set, which suits him now, since he has figured that he like some drinks. Then I got a margaritta mix along with glasses and the salt. So, when I can drink again - It's so mine!

Well, it's time for me to take a nap. Since I haven't been feeling so well lately. I think it's from the injections, but I can't say for sure. The doc isn't sure either. Anyways, I will write more when I know more.

2008-12-02T18:45:00.006-05:00

Some snow has fallen - I wasn't able to catch Hannah's first time in the snow, but she's funny as hell in the snow. She prances in the snow... It's a sight to see! Here are a few pictures from last night (as it was snowing heavy and it was COLD!) we were taking a nice longer walk. Did I mention it was COLD? LOL!

She likes to shove her nose and head into the snow...

Just look at all the paw prints that she left behind!

After receiving my Christmas Party invites, Raja and Deeann were so impressed... Deeann asked me to go ahead and make her invites! I did - I made 29 of them. They all looked a little different. And as I went along I think the better I got. Here are a couple of examples (the pictures do not do any justice to the invites at all)...

So, I took old Christmas Decor and took into my office to decorate. Here are some pictures from my office after it had been decorated (notice the paper snowflakes hanging from the ceiling? I made those too - I'm so crafty! haha Thanks Mr. A for all the arts and crafts classes back at FHS!)...

Now about the ongoing drama also known as Infertility...

We had a doc appt on Wednesday the 26th. That told us that the surgery showed that nothing was wrong - everything looked normal. Other than - I'm starting to get a hernia (however it's spelled). Whoopie! Thanks QD, for the help! LOL! The next step is I had to take Prometruim for 7 days to get my cycle started and get all the perscriptions filled - all SIX of them! . I go back on Friday (the 5th). I have to take my meds in with me to my next appointment. This cycle is going to be the following:

Ultrasound (12/5) to make sure no cyst.
Clomid (for 5 days)
Gonal F (injections)
Mid-Cycle Ultrasound - to see if I have Mature eggs
HCG Injection (If I have mature eggs)
IUI (If I had mature eggs, within a day of the HCG injection)
Then wait!

I will keep you posted on all of the latest developments.... Waiting sucks! haha BTW - I need some of the water that seems to be getting all the chicks around here pregnant! Within the past Month or so, I know at least 4 chicks that have gotten pregnant! And one of them is with her 3rd! I wish it was that easy for us! Damn Manchester side of the family - I blame you dad! haha - I have to put blame somewhere!

Make My Baby Results.

2008-11-23T16:59:00.005-05:00

There's a site out there called http://www.makemybaby.com that you upload your picture and your spouse's picture up and it comes up with a result. Here are ours...

If the pictures won't work...
Baby Girl - http://makemebabies.com/viewbaby.php?bid=8790564
Baby Boy - http://makemebabies.com/viewbaby.php?bid=8790825

2008-11-20T18:34:00.007-05:00

So, you might be wondering how I'm doing... Well, I went back to work on Monday and just have been trying to take it easy. Not lifting any heavy weight, but trying to move as much as I can. The pain for the most part is gone. Now it's just more tender to the touch and to press up against anything. I just wish the body would get back to normal. I had one of the stitches come out. I called the doc to inform them, but they told me to keep an eye on it and if it gets any worse let them know. Anyways, as you can tell by the pictures that follow, I haven't lost the gas/bloating/swealing that happened since the surgery. I tried on some "Fat day" jeans the other day and I could BARELY get them on. I'm still wearing the 2 pairs of maternity pants that I bought before the procedure. And if you look at the pictures... I look like I'm pregnant. Maybe soon! I can only hope!
.

We dropped mom off on Saturday, on the way back we stopped off to Bavarian Inn, for their famous chicken dinners. It was VERY yummy with not a pretty price tag along with it. Oh well! After we ate we were off to Bronners - We got a few things! We walked out of there with only spending $22! That's a record for us!

Here's a few things that I got:

I also got a few more Snowman Ornaments and a banner. But I have been going around looking for a snowflake, snowman or a star Tree topper. No success, yet! But I will find one! I have though gotten a few other things. Take a look and everything that I'm getting is $10 or less! Can't beat that!

Christmas Invites DONE! They are even mailed out now too! I worked on these for a couple of days and I think they turned out really good! I liked using my scrapbooking skills!

Here's how they turned out!

When I was at Micheal's looking for the supplies for to make the invitations - I found some recipe cards that had the snowflake design. I thought it would be interesting to put them in with the invitation to have everyone bring a recipe and exchange them at the party - whomever was interested.

I went to the dentist today to get a filling. The numbing took FOREVER to fade, but finally it has! I also went to Goodwill to buy another pair of Maternity Pants. Since as I said earlier - I can't fit into my own pants. Which SUCKS! But I'm hoping it won't take that much longer to get back to normal.

I don't get another day off till Black Friday. Which is alright I guess. Considering that two of the days are only 4 hour shifts. That being Saturday and Thanksgiving. I know Saturday I'm decorating my office. That should be fun. Mom gave me a little Fiber-optic Christmas tree, which I'm taking that into work. Now, I just need to load all of the Christmas music back onto my Ipod, since it's becoming that season! Where did this year go, honestly. This year has just flown by!

Here's a picture of the small tree!
Isn't so cute? It comes with the ornaments!

I was hoping that there would be some good sales this year, since money is a little more tight than it was last year, due to all of the doctor visits, co-pays and medications. Hopefully we can still get some nice things for a good deal, without seeming cheap. I have taken a look at the flyers for this black friday. The good site that I like going to, since I like to "look" at the ad and not look at a list is http://www.blackfriday.info/ Great Site! There's nothing that really catches my eyes or Eric's eyes. He did see a Blue ray disc player at Sears and Kmart that he was interested in, but I'm a little resistant on that. I just don't want to switch everything over to Blue Ray. Does that sound stupid or no? The best thing that I saw was movies and more movies for dirt cheap! That's what we are getting! That's fine by me! :-)

I have been working on the class reunion stuff lately. Trying to find some of the people that I haven't been able to get the addresses for. I think I still have 22 people left for addresses. I need to really get a move on it, since I have to have the list sent in sometime in December.

Well, I think I'm done for now. I will write more, when I have more to say! :-P

Gotta love Vicodin!

2008-11-14T15:59:00.002-05:00

I know I do at the moment. Even though - I feel like I'm kinda drunk. It does make the pain go away though. And that's the best thing EVER!

Mom is still is coughing a lot and isn't doing any better. So, Eric took her to the Urgent Care here in Mason. Hopefully she will start feeling better by the time the she has to go to work tomorrow. I told her NOT to do anything at all today. The past few days she's been doing dishes, vacuuming the floors, doing laundry. Which is really nice and all, but she needs to take care of herself too. I just wish I could focus a little more. It took me about all I had to do the bills today.

Hopefully I can finish the Christmas Invites tonight - I have to get the pictures of them up. I hand crafted the Christmas invites. I think they turned out really good. And maybe I can work on some work that I brought home. I don't need to fall super behind again.

That's all for now. Stay Tuned for more updates.

Well, the wait is over

2008-11-13T10:08:00.002-05:00

I'm now home... The surgery went as planned... All the staff was very nice and helpful! I couldn't have asked for anything more while I was there. I left the hospital about 3. I got home and tried to eat, but the soup or the crackers didn't work. That came right back up. So, I laid down for a little bit. Then I tried eating again - just saltine crackers. That didn't work either. So, once again - I laid back down. Later on in the night I was able to drink some broth from chicken noodle soup with some saltine crackers. When I started feeling some pain I asked Eric about the pain killers, he said when he signed me out of the hospital he never got a prescription for me. So, now I'm playing phone tag with the doctor, but still nothing yet. Hopefully soon I will get a call saying that the prescription has be called in.

Well, I'll keep updating once new stuff comes up.

Nervous!

2008-11-11T08:15:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day and I'm nervous as hell! I've been trying to calm down by listening to calming music. It's helping a little bit. Just not helping as much as I would like it to. It has been nice having mom around. I came home from work yesterday and all the dishes were done and she was washing towels. I just wish she was feeling better. She's had this nasty cough that she can't get rid of. I took home the Zicam stuff for her to take during the daytime. It seemed like it started helping by the end of the night. I hope so. I don't want to see her sick.

Anyways, I will be going in for the surgery's tomorrow. I'll be at Sparrow's main campus, wherever the out patient surgery is located. I'm scheduled at 12 - noon, but I have to be there at 10 to go into pre-op.

I got the call from the nurse yesterday and she gave me some strict instructions.
-No eating after 12, midnight tonight.
~No water
~No Ice Chips
~No gum
~No NOTHING!
-Remove all jewelry, but wedding ring can stay on.
-Wear comfortable loose clothing.

Well, this is going to be the last blog until after the surgery. I'm sure that I will have the laptop in bed if I'm feeling up to it and if the pain killers don't make me groggy...

Wish me luck! And for a quick recovery time!

Date Set

2008-10-31T04:25:00.002-04:00

My Surgery is set for Wednesday November 12th at Noon. The surgery will be performed at Sparrow Hospital (main campus). It's an out patient surgery, so, I will be home that night to sleep in my own bed. I guess mom will be coming down, but not sure for how long she will be able to stay since someone else has vacation during that same week to go deer hunting. I am for sure taking the day of the surgery off and the day after and I told my boss that we will see how I'm doing after that.

I am super nervous about it. I just don't know what to expect. I'm trying to be optimistic about this whole ordeal, but it's hard. I just hope the ending to the story is that I have a wonderful blessing (if not more) since I could have up to 8!!! I don't know what the hell I would do if I did have 8! It's just like John and Kate plus 8, but all at the same time. OH MY GOD! The nightmares that running through my head right now.

Update on how things are going...

2008-10-30T05:44:00.002-04:00

Well, yesterday we went in for our Mid-Cycle Ultrasound. They found that there were no mature eggs. He said that I'm just not really responding to the clomid.

So, now we are moving on to the next step which is "Super Ovulation" This is where I will take clomid or something like it again (for the 5 days) along with Injectables (for 7 days). Then following the same routine after that. Having to go in for a mid-cycle ultrasound then if I have a mature egg then I will get the HCG injection at that time and then follow it with IUI - Artificial Insemination (which is going to cost a chunk of change).

BUT, before we do all of that I have to go in for "minor surgery"! Mind you that I have NEVER had any surgery done before at all! I have to get four procedures done at once. They are as follows...
1. Laparoscopy - a modern surgical technique in which operations in the abdomen are performed through small incisions (usually 0.5-1.5cm) to examine the internal organs

2. Hysteroscopy - looking inside of the uterus with a scope through the cervix.

3. D&C - Getting a sample of the lining of my uterus.

4. Tubal Perfusion - Injection of die into tubes.

At first it was set for Nov 12th at Noon, but they called later on yesterday afternoon asking if they could move it up... TO MONDAY! I will know sometime this morning on when it's going to be. Depending on if mom can get time off - she's going to come and take care of me! Yay! That's the only good thing about it.

I told my boss about the procedure and he EXPECTS me in the day after the surgery. I have talked to a few people that have had the Laparoscopy done and they told me it's going to hurt and I'm not going to be able to drive very well. Most likely I will just end up taking off the day of and the next day. Since I'm already so far behind here at work as it is. I SO need an assistant! Maybe one day I will get one. My boss told me that he had hired a guy, we will see if he passes standards. I just hope that if he does start that he's not an idiot. I'm so SICK of working and dealing with IDIOTS. I swear as of late that's all that they can hire at the pay they are willing to pay. Oh well, enough of my bitching. I will end it for now. Once I know when I will post it. It will be later on today, since I have to work (since we are starting inventory today) and then go to my Chiropractor at 2:30 then hopefully be home by 3 (since we are getting the carpets cleaned today).

Catching up....

2008-10-19T14:31:00.007-04:00

So, it's been a little while since I last posted a blog. And we've been kinda busy. Last Sunday we went to Turkeyville with the in-laws...

Here are some pictures from that (in the gift shop).

Eric holding up a sign that we thought was funny, but he didn't.

Heather playing with toys!

Me standing next to a sign that suits me! :-)

We visited our friends in the Hospital. Amber and Jeff had their baby Joey! Congrats! I'm so happy for you.

Eric has had a bad week at work and getting very flustered! I also, had a bad week. I'm just sick of having to deal with people who don't care!

We went to Owosso Yesterday to go to Carrie and Ryan's baby Celebration! That was fun! And Kaila is so adorable! After the celebration, some of us went over to Gary and Rhonda for drinks and the bonfire. I of course didn't drink, since I'm clomid again (that's coming later), so, I drank virgin fuzzy navels! haha - We watched the game, but it wasn't the ending that we had hopped for. Eric was enjoying his citrus drinks that Garry was making just for him. I got to hold Kaila for a while. Long enough for her to puke twice. And one of them was projectile! Landed all over the couch, the floor and my sleeve. Just missed the jeans! As soon as she did that Eric jumped out of his seat and ran to the kitchen. I can only imagine how he's going to deal with our kids, if we have any..

Here are some pictures from the Baby Celebration...

Raja holding Kaila and Deeann watching...

It's my turn to hold her!!

What happens when you leave a puppy alone in a room and a box of tissue on the headboard?
This is what happens....

Also, if you leave candy around, she will find it. If you leave meds like PROZAC around, she will find it. I stayed home from work one day and I was in bed for most of the day. I had walked out to the living room to check the puppy... only to find her on the couch just looking at me with a pill bottle next to her bitten to pieces and the pills that were in it all over! But she was alright... Then on top of that... When Eric got home he checked the living room a little more and noticed that there was a candy wrapper on the floor (a chocolate bar)... Stupid puppy!

My car started acting funny.... It started off with no heat (or only when on the highway). Then I noticed on my way to work that the heat gauge was all out of wack. After I knew my dad was in the shop I called him and asked him. He told me to check the coolant. It was low... I had Eric drop me off coolant - I filled it. The next day I check it again and it was leaking somewhere, so, I called our mechanic to see when we could get in. We got our car in on Friday and it was a water pump! Thank god it wasn't anything more than that!

We were sad to hear that our tattoo parlor, Inkporuim, has now closed. Hopefully our tattoo artist, Kevin, opens up a shop of his own.

I'm still working on the Class Reunion. Trying to locate people are becoming a hard task. It's so time consuming! I wish the class would be a little more helpfull, besides the ones that have already helped out. If they are still friends with the people why don't they give me their address! AHHHH!!

Update on the baby making thing...
From the last time that I wrote I said that I didn't have any mature eggs and he was going to put me on prometruim and then check me before I start taking clomid. Well, the exam came and went - he told me that I will be going back on it and will follow the same schedule as last month. So, my ultrasound is on the 29th. I so hope that there is a mature egg in there!! So, maybe that we will have a chance to bring a miracle baby into this world. For me to hold and to love.

And the beat goes on...

2008-09-29T09:59:00.002-04:00

That's one thing that I have keep repeating today after the appointment with the doc. Today was the day with the doc to get an ultrasound to see if I have any good mature eggs. Well, there was not even one good egg! The doctor said it looks like you aren't really responding to the meds. So, here's the plan. Instead of waiting the normal amount of time for my cycle to over with - he gave me a script for Prometrium to start it today. That way, within a week I'll be starting a new cycle. I go back in two weeks to find out if I have any cysts on my ovaries. If I'm clear then I'm going to be taking 200mg of clomid and doing the same steps as this month. If it doesn't work this coming month - he said we will have to talk about other options.

I feel really disappointed that there was nothing there. I was having high hopes, since the meds have been working (or at least the side effects have been working wonderfully).

So, I'm allowing myself to be down for the day, but only for today. I have to still believe that it is possible to get pregnant. It just makes it kinda hard to believe that when there was nothing there.

At least now I have a reason to drown myself in the chocolate and ice cream! Turtle Toms, you are calling my name after dinner!

Follow-up from Doctor's Appointment

2008-09-24T09:54:00.002-04:00

So, the appointment went fine. He went over all the test that had been done and what they should be at.

HSG test - was clear as the tech had told me the day of the procedure.
Blood work - Everything is where he expected it to be at with the PCOS.
Eric's Test - His test came back okay - not good, like we had hoped. The Doc says that it's not bad and that stress can cause it to be down. He has to get rechecked in November.

So, the game plan...
Take the daily - Metformin and Prenatal Vitamin
Cycle day 5-9 - Clomid 150mg/day
Cycle day 13 - Ultrasound, if good egg, inject Noveral

And we will go from there.

So, once again, it's a waiting game. I at least feel like there is a big chance for us to get pregnant now. Beforehand I wasn't so sure. I was even starting to think that maybe we weren't able to have kids at all. I'm just now worried that if I do get pregnant if anything will happen with it or if I will happen to have multiples. I'm not sure if I can handle having more than twins.

Well, I go in for my Ultrasound on the 29th. I will update more when that comes around.

Wish us - a good egg! :-)

Long OVER DUE Post

2008-09-16T09:09:00.002-04:00

Sorry everyone! I know it's been forever since I posted a blog.. Lets see what all has happened in the past month or so...

Our Specialist Doctor appointment has been canceled a total of 5 times and we still haven't gotten in yet, we are scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9, so, we will wait and see.

Eric had his test done - everything went fine, now just waiting for the results when we go to the doctors appoointment.

We visited Shanna and Travis in Holland, one Saturday. While Hannah stayed over at Joel's house with Diva and Aspen (2 white boxers).

We got our tickets for the Metallica Concert in January!

Over the Labor day holiday I had a 4 day weekend. Which was nice, I don't get those very often. I moved some things around the house and spent time over at the in-laws..

My in-laws have given their old computer to me to clear it out some so I can give it to my mom to have, since their laptop isn't operating like it should be.

Work - It's a CRAZY mad house. I'm like a month and 2 weeks behind on all of my paperwork. It doesn't help when Joel has me working on the floor and also doing work for him. AHH!! I told him that while Stan is gone (he's out due to health problems) that we need to get a temp in to help me out so I can help him do his job so he can do Stan's job too. He said he will check into it. Which mean just about JACK SHIT! Stupid Idiot!

When I was visiting Shanna we decided since nothing has been planned for the 10 year that we would go ahead and plan it. So, I've been crazy with all of that. I have made all the plans for the event (that need to be made as of now), located about 30-40 classmates on either Facebook or MySpace, Created a database with all the information stored, Created a group on MySpace (Freeland Class of 1998), Created a group on Facebook (Freeland Class of 1998), Created a website for our class (http://www.freelandclassof1998.com), Created designs for t-shirts and posted them on an online site for classmates to buy them and all the proceeds go to products and services not included in the ticket cost (http://www.cafepress.com/Freeland1998)

That's about it for now... I will post after the appointment tomorrow with an outcome of the meeting with the doctor.

Stay Tuned! :-)

1st Item on Craigslist sold!

2008-08-15T06:01:00.003-04:00

Eric and I couldn't be more thrilled. Eventhough it took about 4 days, but the couch is now out of our condo and we have a lot more space! Eric has always hated the couch, but I can't complain it was free for me - at the time it was perfect. Now that it's for the most part just us, we have the loveseat (until I can find another one that's nicer) and two gliders (that I currently thinking of how to recover them). We bought both of them from two different sellers on Craigslist. There's nothing wrong with them at all, the chairs just don't match the decor. At the moment mine is covered with a blanket. Eric is fine with his, but I have told him that I'm going to try to turn it into a Michigan glider. He's thrilled about that. It's partly since I'm now adding come color to the Black, white and gray decor. The base of the chair is either going to be White or Black, so, it will still tie into our current decor.

I have other things on craigslist that haven't sold yet... James Bond movies, some books, PS2 Games, a floor lamp. That might be all for the moment. The next things to go are the tables in the living room. I'm going to get some tables from Ikea. We already have one, but I would like to see the glass tables gone. Then after that, when we can get a replacement, the black and white dresser.

Specialist Appointment, Resceduled, yet AGAIN!

2008-08-15T05:56:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I got the call. GRR!! I just want to scream from the top of my lungs! Do they know not to mess with a woman with her hormones all out of whack? I just hope that I haven't made a wrong decision with going with this specialist, just because of the location. Cause now I'm starting to wonder that maybe we did. I just don't want to waisting precious time just waiting. But, I guess we will have to wait and see. This line is starting to get a little old. Hopefully our new scheduled appointment doesn't have to be rescheduled again!

Metallica Tour announced....

2008-08-12T09:12:00.003-04:00

Eric and I are super excited about the tour coming to Michigan. They will be here Jan 14th. (or something like that). I don't know how much tickets will be for it, but we already know that we are for sure going. I saw the you tube video for it. AHH. I'm so geeked about it. Watch the video for yourselves.

Metallica - Cyanide (at Ozzfest 2008)

Specialist Appointment, Resceduled.

2008-08-11T12:09:00.001-04:00

Our appointment for tomorrow, Tuesday, has been rescheduled to next Tuesday. Due to the doctor had a emergency come up, so, he'll be out of the office for the rest of the week. Once again, we play the waiting game.

Dumpster Diving!

2008-08-11T12:03:00.003-04:00

Yesterday someone in our condo complex was moving out. I noticed that they had put some stuff in the dumpster. One of the items of interest was a 3 drawer tower (eventhough it was pink). Eric and I were out walking Hannah and I had Eric get it and see if it was alright. There was NOTHING wrong with it. It doesn't even look like it was cheap. Now all I have to do it clean it off and repaint it, black. I do have to say that it was worth it. Thank goodness it was sitting on top!

McGowan Family Reunion

2008-08-11T11:59:00.004-04:00

This was on Saturday. It went over very well. They were calling for rain, which it did come, but it had held off for a while, so, we had a few good hours outside in the sun. Not everyone was able to make it. But there was TONS of food. I guess this is going to be a yearly event for now on. At least this way everyone can see each other more than once a year.

2 YEARS! Yikes! :-)

2008-08-11T11:48:00.003-04:00

I know I have been putting this off, but I just haven't had the time to sit down and write some blogs. We celebrated our two year anniversary on Tuesday the 5th. We both cleaned up after work and then went out to eat at Mitchell's Fish Market. I had the Lobster tail and Eric had the Mahi-Mahi, since they didn't have Rainbow trout like they had listed on the online menu. The Portion's were kinda small for the price that we had paid. After dinner we stopped to turtle tom's for some ice cream.

Instead of going out and buying Eric a card - I thought since I had so much scrapbooking stuff that I could make my own card. I think I did a good job.

Wicked....

2008-08-01T15:08:00.002-04:00

Wednesday Night we had tickets to go see Wicked at the Wharton Center. We met up with Mikey and Erik for dinner before the show. After eating a very yummy meal we went over to the Wharton Center.

All I have to say, eventhough we saw it last year - this show was awesome! It was even better than last year.

The only bad thing is that we didn't get home till about 11:30 and I only got about 2 1/2 hours of sleep before going to work on Thursday.

Bath Night

2008-07-28T20:16:00.002-04:00

So, while I was going through somethings tonight I found the kitty brush I brushed buggie all nice and pretty. Then tried with Dante and OMG! Did he stink! I tried the pet wipes, that didn't do it. Then I pulled him into the bathroom thinking that I'd do the foam bath, since he hates water. Since his stench was getting worse we decided to just fill up the bathtub and throw him in and shampoo him. So, we did - he really wasn't that bad in the bath I've seen him a lot worse just going to the vet for a check up. Then after he was done - we thought might as well move onto Hannah. She hadn't had a bath in a while. So, we rinsed out the bathtub and filled it up a little bit again and did the same thing. The last time that we tried giving her a bath she sounded like we were killing her. Suprising once again - she wasn't that bad. She started to play in the tub attacking the dixie cup along with cap to my shaving gel. The only time she really starting wining was when we were spraying the shampoo off. When we dried her off Eric thought it was a good idea to take her outside. I thought I would be a good idea to get Buggie while we were at it. So, I took her in the bathroom cleaned out the tub and filled it again. She struggled at first then finally gave up in the middle. I for the most part gave her the whole bath (besides rinsing) myself, while Eric was walking Hannah.

I took some after photos of them:

Early Anniversary Gifts...

2008-07-26T18:29:00.003-04:00

So, for an early anniversary gifts to each other - Eric and I both decided to get tattoos. I've been wanting to get one of a lighthouse in honor of my grandfather. Eric wanted one of a bridge. We went to Inkporium in Lansing to see our Tattoo guy - Kevin! He's awesome and his work matches that.

Eric's Tattoo (Mackinaw Bridge - taken after it was done)

My Tattoo (Tawas Lighthouse - taken at home from an odd point of view)

Results from HSG...

2008-07-26T18:20:00.002-04:00

From what they told me right after the test - Everything looks fine! Yay! So we will find out in two weeks that. But OMG, I hurt so bad afterwards it was hard for me to walk at first. I am feeling a lot better now through.

What is HSG?

2008-07-25T05:29:00.001-04:00

I've had a few people ask what it is, this is what I found on webmd.com...

Hysterosalpingogram

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray test that looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and the area around them. It often is done for women who are having a hard time becoming pregnant (infertile).

During a hysterosalpingogram, a dye (contrast material) is put through a thin tube that is put through the vagina and into the uterus. Because the uterus and the fallopian tubes are hooked together, the dye will flow into the fallopian tubes. Pictures are taken using a steady beam of X-ray (fluoroscopy) as the dye passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes. The pictures can show problems such as an injury or abnormal structure of the uterus or fallopian tubes, or a blockage that would prevent an egg moving through a fallopian tube to the uterus. A blockage also could prevent sperm from moving into a fallopian tube and joining (fertilizing) an egg. A hysterosalpingogram also may find problems on the inside of the uterus that prevent a fertilized egg from attaching (implanting) to the uterine wall. See an illustration of a hysterosalpingogram.
Why It Is Done

A hysterosalpingogram is done to:

* Find a blocked fallopian tube. The test often is done for a woman who is having a hard time becoming pregnant. An infection may cause severe scarring of the fallopian tubes and block the tubes, preventing pregnancy. Occasionally the dye used during a hysterosalpingogram will push through and open a blocked tube.
* Find problems in the uterus, such as an abnormal shape or structure, an injury, polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or a foreign object in the uterus. These types of problems may cause painful menstrual periods or repeated miscarriages.
* See whether surgery to reverse a tubal ligation has been successful.

HSG Announced..

2008-07-23T15:14:00.002-04:00

I found out today that they have scheduled the HSG for this Friday at 11:30. Starting today I have to take some antibiotics. She gave me a list of instructions over the phone. Everything should go fine. I hope so at least. This is the closest thing that I've had to be hospitalized, I've been rather lucky up to this point.

I'll keep you updated. Stay Tuned to The McGowan InFertility Struggle for further details!

After the Specialist Visit...

2008-07-22T18:25:00.004-04:00

So, here's the run down on what happened at the visit. Eric stayed out in the waiting room. I went back and the nurse asked me some questions regarding my history and cycle. She was quite pleasant and easy to talk to, which was nice. After the vitals - it was time for the exam... I had to get undressed and put on the paper cover-up. Then the Doc came in - introduced himself then started checking the breasts... and so on. When he was done with the exam told me to get clothed and go down the hall to his office where I would be joining Eric.

So, I make it down to the office - shortly after the doc walks in. He asks Eric a few questions about his history and so on.

He then moves to asking me questions on what I've been on and if I'm still taking any of the medication.

He said before he can set up a plan on what to do next he'd like to know what's going on. There's three things that we need to do before our next visit.
1.) I have to get a series of blood test done - 10 of them!! (that was to be done after we left, which it was)
2.) I have to get a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) this is where they inject a liquid into me and then they will x-ray down there to see if the there's is anything wrong with the tubes or the uterus. (this should be done within the next week or so, they are to call with the appointment
3.) Eric has to get a Sperm Analysis with Morphology with Kruger Strict Criteria (which was to be done within a week, but the earliest appointment for the fertility center was August 29th!! Don't know what the doc is going to say about that).

I'm suppose to start taking my Metformin again (even though I HATE to take it) and take the prenatals. The one that he's giving me are HUGE! And on the package it states that they are "Small film-coated prenatal vitamin" Yeah RIGHT!

Anyways we are to meet back there in 3 weeks to work on the plan. We were told to get a copy of our insurance policy. I guess the office doesn't want to do their job and get any of that information. Oh well. One of the ladies at the front desk was a crotchety old woman looking like she wanted to retire. Arg! The other lady though was really nice though.

We are just in another waiting stage until we find out when I have the HSG done and go from there. Yippie! I HATE waiting!

Specialist

2008-07-21T20:14:00.002-04:00

So, tomorrow we have an appointment with the fertility clinic. I'm kinda nervous about it. I don't know what to expect. I don't know if they plan on doing any testing tomorrow or it's just the consultation tomorrow. Who knows. I'm just worried I guess that he might say that we are better off with the procedures than using any of the meds first. We just can't afford any of the procedures at the moment. I know they do financial plans for them, but I don't want to think about that if we don't have to. Well, I'll write tomorrow with what the specialist has to say.

Finally got something done!

2008-07-21T19:42:00.002-04:00

I feel like I have done some around the house. I did some of the dishes (I'm slowly working on it). If you didn't know our dishwasher is just for looks, since we don't like to hear the high pitch squeal that comes from it when it's running. I cleaned out the cat box. Took care of the water dishes since the kitties and the puppy like to drop food in the water, cleaned the eating areas, gathered everything that I think I will need for tomorrow.

Now I just need to finish the dishes and clean out the fridge and I will have some of what I want done. Besides the papers that I still need to file or shred. Arg... The payback for procrasinating.

Dark Knight

2008-07-19T07:29:00.005-04:00

Last Night Eric and I went to Celebration Cinema's on the chance that there were still tickets available for the 4:55 showing of Dark Knight. There were! Too be honest - it wasn't that cramped in there. I'm sure if we would've went to the later showing it would've. Since when we left the theater there was long lines.

But anyways, about the movie - it was good. If you haven't seen it yet - I'd recommended it. I would like to see it on IMAX next. But that will be sold out on the weekends for a while. It was all around great performances! Just a great movie!

Buggie needs a shrink!

2008-07-19T07:10:00.002-04:00

Does anyone know of a kitty shrink in the Greater Lansing area?

I don't know what is wrong with Buggie, she's always been needy and has shown it before we got Hannah, but as of late - She's been pooping (not just on the rug outside of the cat box, which was her spot when she was pissed) We have found it on the kitchen floor, by Eric's bathroom door and by my tub. Then again she decided when I was in the bedroom getting ready for bed - to piss all over it. And the biting that she has gotten worse as well. I know the vet was trying to say that she has allergies, but I think it's mental even more so now. So, I guess we will just have to take her into the vet and see what Dr. Main has to say. Maybe she can get some prozac! That'd be nice. Maybe it'd calm her down a little bit.

IDIOTS!!!

2008-07-19T06:58:00.002-04:00

I swear that I work with a bunch of idiots that drive me up the wall. And the one that's been here the longest (longer than I have been alive) is the looniest of them all and he's going to drive me over the edge. I swear he does what he can to get under my skin (as in aggervating me). When you talk to him and try to explain anything he gets on his defensive side and gets all mad. He's got to research EVERYTHING! He cares too much about nothing. Things that aren't a big matter - he worries. Then on top of it that drives me the most batty - he has his own computer to do cost invoicing, but does he use it? Maybe 25% of the time. Where is the other 75% done?? My F'ing computer! Not only does he log me off and he's not the cleanest person around. So, not only do I have to periodically wipe my desk area down with disfecting wipes (kinda like Monk). Also, in the morning when I have to log in it takes like 10 minutes because the system is SO old! (I'm still running 98 and the program that I use AS/400 the last update for it was 97 I think). Yeah, everything down here is basicly prehistoric that also makes it a wonderful work environment. Not including in the winter time it's FREEZING and in the summer time we don't have A/C and it's usually at least 82 degree's in my office (that's not even the "HOT" point).

Ok, enough with my vent. I just needed to let some of it off my chest.

Knocking at 30's door....

2008-07-15T18:07:00.002-04:00

Well, today is my 29th Birthday. I went to work as normal and on Eric's way to work he stops to Biggby and gets me a coffee and a scone. He delivers it to me at work along with a birthday card that's from the cats and the puppy. Guess what kind of card it was! It was a Hannah Montana card. What a shocker!?! haha! It was a nice suprise though. I didn't plan on him doing anything like that. I kept on working throughout the day as normal. After work I was picking up Eric from work (why pay for two cars to park downtown when we could just pay for one). We went to lunch at Troppo's that is located downtown. I've never been there for lunch, but I have been there for dinner and their menu had a lot more variety on it than what the lunch menu had to offer. So, I was rather disappointed. Oh well, I ended up getting the chicken sandwich and it came with a specialty salad. The food was good and filling. It even came with chocolate chip cookies with the bill.

After lunch I dropped Eric off to get his car. And I have been home relaxing since besides the usual pet owner stuff like the following...
Cleaning up cat puke.
Watching Hannah puke (Eric offering to clean it up)
Cleaning up cat turds spread across the floor (due to Hannah getting into the litter box)

Now Eric is at the Condo Association Meeting. I decided to stay home this time. I didn't want to be bored. Since though half of it - Co-owners can't talk just the board members. So, why even bother.

I received cards from My mom, Grandma, Granny and Auntie Connie & Uncle Bob

I got birthday wishes from friends on Myspace and Facebook. Along with a few text messages. I did get a phone call from mom at 11:04am (during my lunch break)... she asked me if I looked at the time. I was dumb - I didn't know what the hell she was talking about. "You were born at 11:04". So, I ended up talking to mom for a few minutes before she let me go. Later on in the afternoon I did get a phone call from dad (eventhough we had to play phone tag for a few hours).

At least with Eric gone I might be able to take a bath or a long hot shower and relax before I go to bed early. Hopefully the pets are willing to cooperate with my plan.

B-Day Dinner with In-Laws

2008-07-14T13:47:00.004-04:00

For birthdays (the closest Sunday to the Birthday) you get to choose where you would like to eat. So, I choose Stillwater Grill. My father-in-law was unable to make it, since he has been sick and has no appeite. I had the Prime rib... MmmMmmm... Good.. After dinner we decided to go shopping at the Eastwood shopping center. Until it was getting kind of late. So, we left Eastwood and headed back to the in-laws house to be able to eat my Dairy Queen Ice cream cake - MY FAVORITE! How could you not love Chocolate Ice Cream, Fudge, Chocolate Cookie crumbles and Vanilla Cream?? So, now my in-laws for my birthday they always get me the cake... And now I have just a little less than half of it left. We'll see how long that can last. I doubt that it can last till Wednesday. hehe

So-called Company get together

2008-07-14T10:42:00.002-04:00

Earle (one of my co-workers) decided to throw a picnic/pool party at his house. I had created a sign up sheet for him and we hung it up in the break room. Well, people had signed up. I think there was a total (on the sheet) of 6, besides family members. Well, Eric and I were the first to show up. And a little later Rusty and his girlfriend and thier baby showed up. So, there was 6 adults, 1 baby, 1 puppy and 1 dog. It was nice though. We all got along and took advantage of the pool! Towards the end of the night we did play with the Wii. Which I had never played a Wii before then. It's a lot of fun. I like it. Then again... I'm not going to spend that much on a game system. To expensive for me. What can I say, I'm cheap at this moment in my life.

But all in all it was fun. Good food + good company + good entertainment = Good time.

Giving it up.

2008-07-14T10:40:00.002-04:00

So finally yesterday Heather said she wanted her Guitar Hero back. Boo-hoo! Oh well, at least I didn't get totally addicted to it. I don't plan on buying it anytime soon, due to I don't want to spend that much on a game. Even though it's on sale. At least I still have it on my phone! :-)

OMG!!! BAD KITTY!

2008-07-11T06:10:00.002-04:00

So, last night right before I was going to go to bed, I was fixing the sheets, Buggie was under the loose sheet as I was trying to fix it. Didn't think anything of it, since she has done it in the past and just plays. This time is different though! She gets out from under the loose sheet and then starts to pee!!!!!!! Yes, she was pissing on the bed! Thank god for mattress pads! It didn't let any of the pee get onto the mattress! She's never done anything like that before! I don't know what's brought this on. I swear she needs some prozac or something. That cat is just mental with LOTS of issues.

Any Ideas?

Whoo-hoo!

2008-07-09T19:52:00.002-04:00

I'm so proud of myself. I'm getting better at Guitar Hero. We have been borrowing it from my sister-in-law since Jennifer was down here visiting. And while Jenn was down here I didn't get a chance to play it except for once. I'd been trying to beat one song and I just couldn't do it. I beat it today! YAY! Then I went on and passed another level (clearing 3 more songs, not including the intro's). Eric tried to play it again tonight. Yeah, not so much. He can't do it at all. He's really good at the version for his phone, unfortunally can't be played on his phone, but it can on mine. Oh well, at least I'm getting better. I guess practice does make perfect. :-)

Changing insurance?

2008-07-08T05:27:00.002-04:00

Eric and I aren't sure if we should change our Insurance to PHP (Physician's Health Plan) HMO. We don't know if they would cover anything differently than Blue Cross Blue Shield. We tried calling, but once again - the insurance company was very limited on what they could say. Why can't the insurance companies just be up front with what is covered and what isn't?

Do you have any advise? I'm just trying to figure out what would be the best bet since we have to go through the treatments. UHH.. I HATE my body!

Bad Puppy!

2008-07-08T05:15:00.003-04:00

OMG! Yesterday I was about to scream from the top of my lungs (if I could have). I had taken Hannah outside to do her business when I got home, well, she went pee then just sat in the grass watching the birds. So, I let her for about 10 minutes. Since it was so hot I took her back inside. NOT EVEN 10 minutes as I'm sitting on the love seat reading the mail - I smell shit. So, I start looking around. Oh yeah - right by the fireplace. But no, that's not where it stops - she had stepped in it and wherever she went there was a paw print, it wouldn't have been so bad, but it was all over the living room carpet, the rug, the blankets I keep on the couches and a pillow! So, I had to take her in the bathroom and put her in the tub to try to get it off. And then I left her in the bathroom while I tried to clean the mess. She didn't stay in there long, since she was SO loud. I ended up putting her in her crate until I was done cleaning it up. It took me 1/2 hour just to clean the living room area! Ugg... Sorry - Just needed to rant about it.

Thank you for reading! :-)

4th of July Weekend...

2008-07-07T06:30:00.003-04:00

So, the weekend has now passed. I had to work Friday and Saturday. That was fun, NOT! After work we went over to the in-laws for a BBQ on Friday, but we ended up going over there on Saturday too during the day, so, I could lounge in the pool and get some sun. Friday Night we went to the Ingham County fairgrounds to watch the fireworks. The display was alright. We got kinda bored during the show. I guesss after having seen Bay City's fireworks this wasn't very good. The fireworks were very sparse and had moments of black sky. And it didn't seem like they were in order at all. Oh well, it was free entertainment! haha. Saturday night we left with Heather to go to Coldwater to go the DRIVE-IN movie theatre. Which was awesome. It was a double feature and we saw Hancock and Don't mess with Zohan (or something like that). Eric had never been to a Drive in before, I have but it's been a while ago and not in this state. :-)

Then on Sunday Erik and Mikey came over for dinner. Which was a spur of the moment thing to do. So, Sunday morning I was going around trying to make sure everything was clean. It was nice to see them it's been a little while and now Mikey has met Hannah for the first time and LOVES her. It was so funny watching him play with her. All I have to say is Mikey is a little bit crazy! haha!

Now it's back to the work week. Ugh.. Is it Friday already?

Blue Cross Blue Shield

2008-07-04T09:12:00.006-04:00

GRRR!!! I think I HATE BCBS! Trying to get information out of them is HORRIBLE! I have to try to figure out what is covered with our insurance, we are going to go to the specialist now. And they are not willing to go the extra step to help me at all. When I called the first time immediate response was, "Oh no we don't cover that" and when asking if they covered anything at all to due with it all she could say was no.

So, when Eric got home he called. He had a little better luck with the person that he got. But she was talking way to quick and Eric only got some of the information. Then she says that she will send out a hand book of what's covered.

I received the book and look it over. I don't think I ever seen such soemthing that was as vauge as this book was!

Ok - There's something not right with being able to terminate a pregnancy or getting "fixed" for both male and female, but it DOESN'T cover infertility treatments! I mean WTF! They don't even cover the minor stuff!

Since Eric's co-worker has been though some of the same stuff that we have been through and are going to go through, but has the other insurance that the state offers and at least with that it's got a slightly better options. We just don't know if that's going to be the best bet for us. With the meds that he needs and everything. There's just too much to think about at the moment. And I need not to stress myself out about it.

Our TTC battle is still Ongoing.

2008-07-04T09:12:00.003-04:00

So, here's the story... (if you didn't already know it)
-We decided to actively start trying March 2007.
-Last year I was diagnosed with PCOS (after trying for six months or so and having problems with my cycle).
-After the finding out about the PCOS my regular doctor put me on Metformin to try for a couple of months.
-After that was a dud, she referred me over to Alliance OBGYN. Where I saw Dr. Halverson (or something like that).
-Got an Ultrasound to take a look down there to see if there was anything wrong. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Everything looked normal.
-While meeting with her she had decided that Clomid and the Metformin would the starting point and moving up the dosage from that as the months go by. She said we would try it for three months and if nothing came about from it that she would refer us to a specialist.
-We are now being referred to Lansing Infertility. Our Appointment is for July 22nd! We'll just have to wait and see!

Welcome

2008-07-04T09:01:00.003-04:00

This is the first posting for this blog. I knew it was about time to start blogging...

The latest news (from like a month ago)...
I hit a deer with my Chevy Malibu - the insurance totaled out my car.

We ended up getting a newer car - 2005 Chevy Impala. We got a good deal on it that we couldn't pass up.

We got a new addition to the family - a Puppy!

The Puppy is now 18 weeks old and is a Terrior! Her name is Hannah Montana McGowan. She's 1/2 Beagle and 1/2 (we think) Rat Terrior. She's a ball of energy and loves attention.

My mom Visited us for a week May 30-June 7th. It was nice having her around. She helped me out while she was here.

My Cousin came to visit for a week June 20-28th. That was an experience! We took her to Cedar Point (where we met up with Heather, my sister-in-law). It was nice that Heather met us there, so Jenn would have a partner to go on some of the rides with. We took her shopping and she got some new clothes. She even got Eric to buy a Hollister Shirt, but he hasn't worn it yet. He has worn the the American Eagle shirt that she mistaken it for the Hollister shirt.