tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48876663290877755812024-03-19T13:52:49.976-05:00a drop in the bucket...Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-19281342984267925632018-09-18T07:35:00.000-05:002018-09-18T07:35:51.334-05:00A letter to my baby girl on her 1st Birthday...<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My Dear Willa Kay,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is the day that you turn ONE!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope that one day you will be able to read this blog and understand that your<br />
story began long before September 18, 2017.<br />
<br />
The first time I saw you, I couldn't contain my love for you. The tears were streaming down my face and nothing else in the world mattered. You were finally here. While I was pregnant, I always wondered what you would look like, if you would have any hair, what your cry would sound like, and what you would smell like. When the nurse brought you to me, I couldn't stop staring at you or touching your sweet face. You were beautiful... those dark eyes and all of that dark brown hair...<br />
you were perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PvStW1EXjW3WXPExsC34rNjoWPNGlmxbv12zz8TFuFzW6fjUCSg1JPwY2ai-SuZXEmZAJ5uPUx1-7oeTYYZmpKc_nfXhjiTBMZaZVREo4_SbCA_RYjOgqPy_49D-EBEk3TdLBPMQzBI/s1600/IMG-20171016-WA0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PvStW1EXjW3WXPExsC34rNjoWPNGlmxbv12zz8TFuFzW6fjUCSg1JPwY2ai-SuZXEmZAJ5uPUx1-7oeTYYZmpKc_nfXhjiTBMZaZVREo4_SbCA_RYjOgqPy_49D-EBEk3TdLBPMQzBI/s320/IMG-20171016-WA0086.jpg" width="240" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCt1mfHrtATB9PZcLJF4Navxw6j95FanDHj4zAdAYPD_C1XXLL1NIClt-j-snGfIla-QyP5jS9_Bhv6H2j4NKQjblJUk0ZesCakVY-JSV3_NPjhIFw8Eye7CXPgP1wzjR6K25twYidLc/s1600/Resized952017091895212146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCt1mfHrtATB9PZcLJF4Navxw6j95FanDHj4zAdAYPD_C1XXLL1NIClt-j-snGfIla-QyP5jS9_Bhv6H2j4NKQjblJUk0ZesCakVY-JSV3_NPjhIFw8Eye7CXPgP1wzjR6K25twYidLc/s320/Resized952017091895212146.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved the way your daddy stared at you when you were born. It was like the world had stopped and it was just us. He looked at you like you were the most amazing thing in the world...<br />
because you are! <br />
We knew that night that our lives were never going to be the same. We knew that there would never again be just the two of us. But we also knew that for the first time in a long time we finally felt whole. You were a missing piece in our lives.<br />
<br />
This year has been full of firsts. Your first night at home, your first bath, your first time nursing, your first car ride, your first visitors, your first snowfall, your first... everything. This was also a year of firsts for your daddy and I. For everything you learned this year, we were learning something as well. I remember the first time you learned to sleep through the night... I think I slept worse that night than when you were up all night! I learned that it is ok for you to sleep in your own bed and not need me all night long... that was a tough one for me! Or how about your first bath after you learned how to sit? I remember being so nervous, but learned very quickly that you didn't want your face in the water any more than I did! Your first time eating solid foods was interesting for mom and dad! Every time you gagged we jumped. Every little face you made... we jumped. We learned very quickly that you were learning what it feels like to eat and you sure learned quickly to love food. There are so many more that my mind can't even keep them all straight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8627I6tSfRHirijoukpu9GoIvoOAwg8nWzI2I7uRZX0xhqopbf5PuHrlfVOzT4bfOgb5Snn6cDitdwoMmqTodgtuUpjQhWr45r7Xk5qxTA8KhlarQV4ratRnve-oYVX6ZW8EsHSxmNBQ/s1600/IMG_20171117_061716_263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8627I6tSfRHirijoukpu9GoIvoOAwg8nWzI2I7uRZX0xhqopbf5PuHrlfVOzT4bfOgb5Snn6cDitdwoMmqTodgtuUpjQhWr45r7Xk5qxTA8KhlarQV4ratRnve-oYVX6ZW8EsHSxmNBQ/s320/IMG_20171117_061716_263.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVV4_eon4rBJXkI42Rn4iyrM799T_dt-x1Ghc0GtxY4qgPDXRLbN_m8CBGJx480U0hzHqOSzaXnSO8aWZa0Ga5C3xfKKYDcaSKt9AzI1i5vM9YBWTTw9reJTPARTmFsnmVDZRwtT4P_o/s1600/Snapchat-155101459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVV4_eon4rBJXkI42Rn4iyrM799T_dt-x1Ghc0GtxY4qgPDXRLbN_m8CBGJx480U0hzHqOSzaXnSO8aWZa0Ga5C3xfKKYDcaSKt9AzI1i5vM9YBWTTw9reJTPARTmFsnmVDZRwtT4P_o/s320/Snapchat-155101459.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
You have grown so much not only in size, but personality in this last year.<br />
You are sassy and sweet all rolled into one beautiful soul.<br />
I love the way you get excited when you see your daddy come inside after work.<br />
I love the way that you reach your arms up to me when you are sad.<br />
I will never forget hearing your first words... Mama... then Daddy... and of course Kitty<br />
Your sass is strong when you are determined to do something. You don't like to be told no, which I think will suit you well someday... but for now, I hope you learn that we are just trying to protect you.<br />
You are so smart, my sweet girl. Every single day you amaze me with the things that you are learning. It feels like just yesterday you were snuggled on my chest for hours, it was the only place that calmed you. Today, it is still that place, but you need it less. You are becoming much more independent everyday, but I hope you never forget that mom gives the best snuggles. We love to see you come into your own. You love to stand up on your own and scare mommy. You love to play with anything that looks like an animal. You like to watch Micky Mouse. You are so close to taking your first steps and we are so close to "Willa" proofing everything around you! You love to sit with daddy and drink his smoothies. You wave at every truck you see and say daddy. You love to dance to music and spend endless hours outside. So many changes in the last 12 months. This mama's heart is warm as I sit and think about all that has happened over this year. I have tears as I realize that I can never get that tiny snuggly baby back, but I also cry because I am so proud of all the things I know you will accomplish in the future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciWHosK4ScwfNhrUMKIWAVJbenzPDEk1efbgxXEMN2hijRPciz6S77rSgkDooIS-gZJ7zuguE1pezn96qt-7GHWvcG9D3_mc6eQJipuBMob728qVWxe8SLGWtwNSNbJCAmX1eStZ7Z88/s1600/Willa-93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciWHosK4ScwfNhrUMKIWAVJbenzPDEk1efbgxXEMN2hijRPciz6S77rSgkDooIS-gZJ7zuguE1pezn96qt-7GHWvcG9D3_mc6eQJipuBMob728qVWxe8SLGWtwNSNbJCAmX1eStZ7Z88/s400/Willa-93.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
God has great plans for you sweet girl, always remember that.<br />
You are the most amazing thing that has ever happened to us and we love you more!<br />
Happy 1st Birthday Lovey!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMmBl6Dra2-zQaPxZYkBGpsoCnUo_WZg0nqENEp4L1J0HZ8NmcEgCkYgsBMCdH-quyr6mK0bY7tsFoRAJAATckQUpVP_FnYLd28pvZNAOA8nXGQVfldcQUknXNmCnlyIU50r8ojwQai4/s1600/Willa-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMmBl6Dra2-zQaPxZYkBGpsoCnUo_WZg0nqENEp4L1J0HZ8NmcEgCkYgsBMCdH-quyr6mK0bY7tsFoRAJAATckQUpVP_FnYLd28pvZNAOA8nXGQVfldcQUknXNmCnlyIU50r8ojwQai4/s400/Willa-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-37619395903619414682017-12-04T17:02:00.003-06:002017-12-04T17:04:45.680-06:00Holy Colic... It ain't for the faint of heart...<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't worry, I am still here!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been slowly working on this post for the last... well... 5 weeks at least.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you all read, Willa came into this world making quite the entrance.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a great time in the hospital, she slept great, ate great, pooped great, did everything, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
well, GREAT! We thought "awesome, this is going to be a breeze" HA! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who were we kidding?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was in denial that colic was the answer to what was going on with my perfect little rainbow baby.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Denial is exactly what it was. She's breastfed. Breastfed babies don't get colic. They just don't.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Man was I wrong and I wish I had come around sooner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
We suddenly found ourselves with a baby that found her voice and seemed to have the most awful tummy ache you could imagine. She would be completely happy and suddenly pull her knees up to her chest, hands flailing, head back, and scream... I mean really scream. Purple face and tears would be the start then suddenly she would hold her breath. Oh my it was the scariest and most awful thing to watch daily. Sometimes it would be numerous times a day. Everyone kept saying that this will pass, she will just one day wake up and have grown out of it... well what do we do while we wait?!<br />
<br />
There is so many different things that seem to cause these problems, colic, reflux, lip/tongue tie (watch for my next blog post on this!), gas, food allergies, etc. I was determined that it was something I was eating so I removed all my vices, dairy, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruit, green vegetables, and spicy food. It seemed to help some, but just as I thought "yep that was the ticket... NOPE!" I doubled up my probiotic, always remembered to take my vitamins, gave peanut a probiotic herself... ugh makes me sleepy thinking about everything we tried. Convinced it was reflux, was put on prilosec (let me say, that is the most AWFUL tasting medicine for infants ever! She hated it, and it was like wrangling a very tiny screaming monkey to give it to her!) Gripe water, gas drops, swaddling, essential oils, and yes, I was adjusting her almost daily...<br />
nothing . was . working. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The only thing that seemed to calm her at all was babywearing! Holy moly it was like sleepy dust as long as she was wrapped up tight, had her pacifier, and I kept walking! One of the bonuses to babywearing is that you can walk around with them but have 2 hands to do what you need to do around the house! Lets just say that I burned off a lot of baby weight by all the walking, bouncing, and babywearing I did! It didn't "cure" her, but it helped keep me from crying with her quite a few times! I am so glad I have a friend that was able to help me out and teach me because it was seriously a sanity saver during the last 11 weeks! Plus, it is a great chance to get your snuggle time in! Did you know that having your baby close to your chest will also help maintain your milk supply while nursing? How great is that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOSPFw2yG4aiWWcKAV2NWFNXNsXZvJqmJZAmp9It6CFmVtaXAzpQbTCkGBj8RJHMpGv79wNoyfaDF4WYoREdUAoFTgSsf7H8ST6swaoazpuCeE52UGUWzf5L0ZZY9AMXrU4BCMMSY8gA/s1600/Snapchat-166100473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOSPFw2yG4aiWWcKAV2NWFNXNsXZvJqmJZAmp9It6CFmVtaXAzpQbTCkGBj8RJHMpGv79wNoyfaDF4WYoREdUAoFTgSsf7H8ST6swaoazpuCeE52UGUWzf5L0ZZY9AMXrU4BCMMSY8gA/s400/Snapchat-166100473.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The crying started out at random times of day, but when it finally started to settle in between 5:30 and 9 pm, I had to admit that I was wrong and it must be colic. I was starting to feel so defeated. Like seriously, defeated. I would try to explain to people what I was feeling and I hated to feel like I was complaining because "You wanted a baby, you asked for this." Yes, someone actually said that to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well you are right, I did want a baby, but I didn't ask for a beautiful little face that I could no more than snuggle for 5 minutes before she was screaming her face off for hours. She wanted nothing to do with anyone other than me, not dad, not grandma, nobody. Mom, that is it... But this mom was getting exhausted. My husband had to work on the road for most of my 8 week maternity leave, so I had to make it work to do it all. I won't say that I was depressed, but I will definitely say that I was very stressed and EXHAUSTED both mentally and physically. I remember thinking, how do women do this by themselves? I give you huge props mamas! That was so tough!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are currently sitting at 11 weeks old today for miss Willa. And let me tell you, she is getting better! Thank the Lord! We finally decided that we had to do something different, which was also very hard for me to do... we decided to take her to a different chiropractor. I see babies, but not daily. It was something that I was afraid to admit having to do, I don't know why, but I had to do it. And man am I glad we did. We found a chiropractor in Sioux Falls, South Dakota who is certified in pediatrics and sees more kids in two hours than I see in 2 weeks! She was amazing! It is a hard thing to do, taking your child to someone else that does the same career that you do, especially when you feel like you should be able to do it yourself. Needless to say, we have had some awesome results! The day after her first visit was like we had a new baby! Hubs and I sat on the couch that night staring at the clock waiting for the meltdown to start... it never did! We were so relieved! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next day was Thanksgiving, meltdown city, horrible next few days (found out that lots of people from Thanksgiving got the stomach flu, so I think that had something to do with her too, she just wasn't right), then baptism on Sunday (meltdown there), crabby Monday for daycare, and Tuesday another visit to <a href="http://drashleychiro.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Ashley</a>! This time the visit went much smoother and she didn't even cry! She has had a great week since! A few meltdowns here and there, but that is to be expected with an 11 week old! But no crying for hours! Hallelujah! I am so optimistic that we are on the right track!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now like I said before, colic is not for the faint of heart! It pulls at your heartstrings and makes you feel so incredibly helpless. Your baby appears to be in horrible pain and you just can't take it away. All of this while listening to screaming for hours. So please, the next time you hear someone say that their baby has colic, be considerate... give them a hug, that's what they need and deserve!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQMmzsxzj0Qrb3l3vhM_Cl8C4OaUWju2jIE6a5yrHF1v1_VA81DXUWeMkBWL3ADUQOmQf20M8yi812AGPJT8ucyHntFv3_TrYi_c7GSA0iEi2rAgTTjx-Y1gxgSxWoXTvKEleC97-7cY/s1600/This-Too-Shall-Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="564" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQMmzsxzj0Qrb3l3vhM_Cl8C4OaUWju2jIE6a5yrHF1v1_VA81DXUWeMkBWL3ADUQOmQf20M8yi812AGPJT8ucyHntFv3_TrYi_c7GSA0iEi2rAgTTjx-Y1gxgSxWoXTvKEleC97-7cY/s320/This-Too-Shall-Pass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And for those of you that are going through the same things I have described, look into the use of craniosacral therapy and chiropractic adjustments for colic. We also have been using a wonderful probiotic especially for infants that seems to be a great help as well! I am hoping we are on the upswing of things! But if not, we will be headed to Sioux Falls until we are! :)<br />
<br />
Here is the info for Dr. Ashley, she is amazing!<br />
If you visit her, tell her I sent you!<br />
<a href="http://www.drashleychiro.com/">www.drashleychiro.com</a><br />
<br />
I will try to not stay away so long this next time! I am back at work, Willa is going to daycare 3 days a week while I work, daddy is back home, and life is crazy! I wouldn't want it any other way!<br />
I am working on another great post on lip/tongue ties that those of you who have had or are having problems with your nursing baby you'll want to stay tuned! I have some great info for you!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-65107314459095888052017-10-16T18:41:00.001-05:002017-12-04T16:10:23.116-06:00Our Journey... Part 12, An unexpected birth story... but a perfect ending. <div style="text-align: center;">
I told you that the next time I would be posting, I would hopefully be announcing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our little one's arrival... Well she is HERE!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Willa Kay Rupp!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Born 9/18/2017</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7lbs 15oz</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
20.5 inches long</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gV5R5I6qiRFPlYLLjk-e8SMJYzvicMmvhnZ4XeyBN2KK-O4GbSLgTq7e1e-NLWSiQSDtQl2TRudqvZJLOtfK7N_MuNJGCWd8bLDjduywyvgVZRYkgUa_kvm15XM7dtHXaqo7tSAX2YA/s1600/IMG_20170919_150413_549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gV5R5I6qiRFPlYLLjk-e8SMJYzvicMmvhnZ4XeyBN2KK-O4GbSLgTq7e1e-NLWSiQSDtQl2TRudqvZJLOtfK7N_MuNJGCWd8bLDjduywyvgVZRYkgUa_kvm15XM7dtHXaqo7tSAX2YA/s320/IMG_20170919_150413_549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have had a lot of questions regarding Miss Willa's birth story, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so for those of you that want the details... here ya go!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As the title of this post suggests, Miss Willa had her own plans about how she wanted to make her arrival that she forgot to mention to her mama beforehand!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On Sunday, 9/17/17, daddy arrived home from working over the road for 2 weeks. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were 39 weeks and I just prayed everyday that our peanut would wait to arrive</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until he was home, thank goodness she was on board with that request! Before going to bed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had noticed what the medical world would call a "bloody show" needless, to say it </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wasn't anything spectacular and I honestly didn't think much of it. I informed the hubs, but he didn't really want to know all the "gross details" lol! He did however rub my belly and told little miss that he was home and that she could come any time now! :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At 12:45 am I awoke to the sound and feeling of a pop (yes, just like in the movies...<br />
and like my Dr. said probably wouldn't happen to me!!), needless to say there was sudden rush of very warm fluid and I waddled/ran to the restroom as best as I could. Women say that they feel like they are peeing their pants, and they are completely right! Only difference is, there is no stopping it! A couple bath towels later, I decided that I was feeling good yet so I was just going to get some rest because this could still take quite awhile to do anything. Now I can't remember the exact times of everything as my mind was elsewhere!!! lol! I went back to bed and within half an hour another gush of fluid and sudden cramping. I knew this was it! I started keeping track of the contractions and they began at about 30 seconds long and about 5 minutes apart, but within the hour they got stronger and began to last about a minute each. I called our Doula, Kari, and she informed me that it still could be awhile so try to get some rest. Rest was not happening for me as the contractions were strong enough to keep me awake. At about 4:30 she messaged me and asked for an update on where my contractions were. At this point they were around a minute long, 3-5 minutes apart and pretty consistent. She said it would be best that we get a move on and get to the hospital! I woke up the hubby and told him that this was it and we needed to get moving! I have never felt so excited and anxious about anything in my whole life! THIS WAS IT!<br />
<br />
We had a good 40 minute drive to the hospital and I felt every single bump on the road!<br />
We got to Orange City and met Kari at her office so she could check back in to make sure we needed to go to the hospital. The contractions were definitely strong, but I could manage them. They were pretty consistent at 3ish minutes apart, so we headed to the hospital. When we arrived, we got checked into a triage room and the nurses started an IV and locked it (I didn't want anything attached to me so that I could be as mobile as possible for my natural birth plan). The nurse checked me and I was at a stretchy 8, but my uterus was still felt to be high... I could still feel it up under my ribcage on the left side (remember that tidbit ;) lol). Dr. Moeller came in about an hour later and rechecked me but found me to only be at a 6-7. Everything seemed to be moving right along and I was able to breathe through my contraction and move around the room to comfortable positions. They continued to monitor me while I was near the bed. Baby was doing wonderful, heartrate stayed perfect through all the contractions! We really thought that this labor was going to go quick, but boy oh boy did little one have another plan...<br />
<br />
One of the things that I continued to feel through the last few weeks of pregnancy and into labor was a pressure on my right pelvic bone in the front. I had asked Dr. Moeller about it at our last appointment and she indicated that little miss's head was up high yet and putting pressure on my pelvic bone. I started to do stretches and exercises the last few weeks to help get her to move, but they were difficult for me to do regularly due to the significant amount of acid reflux I had at the end of my pregnancy. I had only had it here and there depending on what I would eat during the early and mid pregnancy, but towards the end it was significantly worse and nothing was helping! During the labor I was still feeling that same pressure and due to not being able to eat much, the acid reflux would not allow me to lie down long enough to do the exercises for long. I spent time in the whirlpool tub, on the exercise ball, using the peanut ball in bed, on the toilet (no joke that felt like the most normal position ever...), kneeling on the bed, and walking/holding onto the Hubs.<br />
<br />
The hours seemed to just keep passing by without a lot of progression. A couple times there were indications that transition was happening, but then it would subside. Kari was so confused. All the exercises we were doing that should be progressing the labor and moving baby down, just were not working. As the afternoon rolled around, the reflux seemed to get worse and caused me to vomit everytime I had to lie down. This did not help with the progression of labor at all. The doctor returned numerous times to check me, and as I dilated slowly, I was also thinning. She didn't seem too concerned as she kept stating that often times, first time moms have long labors. BUT she did remind me that their policy is that baby MUST be born within 24 hours of my water breaking, so we had a timeline... come on baby girl! The afternoon time ticked away and I continued to labor. I felt pretty good, granted I couldn't have done it without the positivity that Kari brought to the room! She was amazing, she continued to know exactly what to do to decrease the pain. She would have John put pressure on my hips during the contractions while she used heat and compression on my tailbone. That felt amazing! I know now that she and John were both getting concerned about how long the labor was taking, but they never gave me any indication to worry!<br />
Thank goodness, because I would've!<br />
<br />
Sometime around supper, the contractions really started to pick up. They got to the point that they were not stopping, the monitor showed they were "on top of eachother". This was exhausting as I couldn't catch my breath and the pain was never ending. The doctor gave me the option of an epidural as I was still only progressed to an 8, but I refused. About a half an hour later, she returned and said that she wanted to begin pitocin in order to get the baby to move down and finish dilating. I knew that there was no way at this point that I could handle that without the epidural. She did allow it since I was progressing so slowly. Thank Goodness!!! I was shaking so horribly that I had a very hard time sitting still. I was exhausted, I was hungry, and man I was in pain. 18 hours of active labor was more than what I could handle. I had to reach inside myself to be ok with the epidural. John was concerned because he knew that I didn't want it, but that it had to be bad if I was willing to go for it. I prayed very hard for help controlling my body so that they could do the epidural, you can NOT move at all! Prayers were answered and I was feeling relaxed almost instantly. I slept for about 15 minutes and when I woke up, I felt refreshed, but soon I felt the urge to push!<br />
<br />
They called the Dr. and she confirmed I was finally a 10 and completely effaced! AMEN!!! She said we were ready to push! I was given instructions to push, but luckily even with the epidural I could still feel pressure and the urge to push. The other thing I still could feel.... that pressure on my pelvis and the uterus still riding high under my ribs... Why is she not dropping! I am pushing and nothing is happening... Dr. Moeller stopped me and said that something wasn't right, she ordered an immediate ultrasound. Now I started to worry! Baby was still looking good, heartrate stayed steady, she was a trooper! When the ultrasound tech began, she immediately stated "Here's the problem... that isn't her head, that is her butt..." WTF?!! Are you kidding me?! I knew immediately what that meant. Cesarean Section... That was something I had NEVER even contemplated happening... Baby girl was nice an cozy this whole time with her butt down and head and feet up by my stomach!<br />
<br />
I began to cry. I was sad. I was exhausted. I was also afraid.<br />
This wasn't in the plan. But then I remembered... None of this was in the plan. I didn't plan to need surgery, I didn't plan to have endo, I didn't plan to need hormone shots, I didn't plan any of that... Why would this be any different?!<br />
But this is it, this is our birth story, the good the bad, all of it.<br />
Let's do this! I want to see my little girl! So we did!<br />
<br />
Miss Willa came in to this world her own way, screaming and perfect in every way!<br />
I heard her cry immediately and couldn't hold back the tears. I have never been so happy in my life!<br />
John got to go be with her and cut the cord. The nurse was able to bring her to me to see and also to get as close to skin on skin as possible. It was perfect, in our own way. It may not have been the way we planned, but for a change of plans, it was perfect. Kari wasn't able to be in the OR with us, but she met John in the nursery while I was in recovery and when she met me there she helped me get one of the things I wanted to badly... to be allowed to nurse as soon as possible. Little girl knew exactly what to do and crawled her way up to nurse. It was incredible!<br />
<br />
I can't begin to thank every single person at Orange City Hospital enough.<br />
They treated us so well and I feel that even through all of it, they gave us the utmost respect and care! I would recommend Orange City to anyone looking for great OB care! I also have no words to describe how grateful WE are for what Kari was able to do for us. She helped keep me positive and helped John to know exactly what was going on and what to do. She also helped to make sure he was eating and taking breaks. Lastly, I am more than grateful for my amazing husband. He did everything I needed him to do. He is my rock and my soul mate. I wouldn't have been able to do any of it without his support. He stood by me with all my crazy needs throughout my pregnancy, and he was there through all the appointments leading up to it. He was there for my surgery, took care of me after, and didn't bat an eye at giving me shots in the rump twice a week for 32 weeks! He's an amazing daddy already and I can't wait to see this little girl wrap him even further around her finger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHKWmPlhGDoCYw35oyfp8T1fM6DCTozGTf-VtYxgBQ-wiDhuJi1i1U8sPb9SG8_OQYUNktXAeAcigB3G0Bjf36QU-E_JlQWwi0ceNun1VLQzhr1NEP-d0rDi7ml5JZYQvOWhLJt2Pfvc/s1600/170105-Where-There-Is-Great-Love-There-Are-Always-Miracles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="500" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHKWmPlhGDoCYw35oyfp8T1fM6DCTozGTf-VtYxgBQ-wiDhuJi1i1U8sPb9SG8_OQYUNktXAeAcigB3G0Bjf36QU-E_JlQWwi0ceNun1VLQzhr1NEP-d0rDi7ml5JZYQvOWhLJt2Pfvc/s400/170105-Where-There-Is-Great-Love-There-Are-Always-Miracles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So there you go, there's the story.<br />
Willa is our miracle rainbow baby.<br />
After she was born, I searched for a quote to use in my blog and this one came up first...<br />
Considering who it is was written by, I thought it was more than perfect!</div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-1896857214049102262017-08-31T16:09:00.000-05:002017-10-10T09:53:38.642-05:00Our Journey... Part 11, What in the heck is a Doula?!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've officially hit 37 weeks!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I honestly can't believe it is here already! This pregnancy has honestly gone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so incredibly fast! I feel so lucky to have been able to have such a great support team</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
behind me this entire pregnancy to help everything go so smoothly so far! This team includes Kari Beadner; our FertilityCare Practitioner, Dr. Pakiz; our NaPro Technology Physician and first OB, the entire staff at Pope Paul IV Institute in Omaha, and Dr. Moeller; our OB in Orange City. They have all done such an amazing job from charting help, to surgery, recovery, thyroid monitoring, hormone monitoring, and amazing prenatal care! All of those things have gotten us to this point and I truly can't express how grateful we are to have been able to work with all these amazing people!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So what is the next step? Well here we are at 37 weeks and learning yet more patience on my part!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been doing a lot of reading and self reflection over the last trimester regarding what I am hopeful to have happen with this birth. From the beginning I have hoped to be able to have a "natural birth". Now this means something different to everyone, and it also isn't what everyone wants... honestly no judgement here whatsoever! Each woman should make decisions based on what is right for her and her family at that time. And I do fully understand that what I want may not be possible, but I also know that the more I prepare myself for what I want, the more likely I will be able to achieve it. One of the first decisions that we made was to hire a Doula. It shocked me that so many people are not aware of what this is!!! Seriously?! I absolutely knew from the moment I was pregnant that there was NO WAY we were going to do this without one! Lucky for us, our FertilityCare Practitioner (that we have gotten to know incredibly well over the last year) is a Doula! I can't even begin to describe how much of a relief it was to know that we would have someone there to support us, but most of all to support my husband!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, ok, so what the heck is this Doula thing she is talking about???! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, best experience possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now this is a very broad definition, but let me breakdown a few things for you that made us decide this was what we needed! You know how you researched and worked hard to decide on the best Dr. to deliver your child? Well that Dr. is only with you in your labor sporadically as they are likely also seeing many other patients as well. They also are extremely important, obviously, for the birth and to make sure that you and baby are safe throughout the labor, but as for support in your labor... they aren't going to be there for that. Those OB nurses... yep, they aren't there the whole time either. And if you are in the boat we are in, being our first child, your significant other may not be able to give you the support that you need. Think of it this way... You do not want pain medication during your labor (for whatever reason you have), but when you are in pain and your significant other feels as though they are not able to help you in managing your pain, what will they want you to do to get relief? The moment that the nurse gives you the option, they are likely to be on board. Your significant other wants to take away your pain, and seeing you in that situation may be very difficult for them. This is the NUMBER ONE reason that we decided a Doula was for us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We knew that we needed help managing my pain without medication and that we, very likely, weren't going to have enough information at our disposal to do it on our own! Our Doula is there to support me, but moreover she is there to support my hubby! I don't want to hold her hand, but I do want to hold his, but I also want him to be able to stay calm and understand what is going on at each stage so that he can feel in control as well. A Doula has pain management techniques at her disposal and understands when each may be beneficial. They also help you to understand some of the interventions that might be necessary and when they ARE actually necessary. Often, things are not explained well to moms and dads in labor, so you often hear women say that they accepted interventions but later realized they didn't need to do it and regret it. If something goes wrong and there is an emergency, your Doula is NOT going to stop that from happening, but she will educate you and explain what needs to happen so that you are all understanding. I understand that birth may not go "as planned", but having someone by our side the ENTIRE TIME to help you through it was what we knew we needed!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpVisb7I4aAB8S2pTz0e8JO4TG7Uk1o81SmhI26zUv4afDa-NSSwmySL_eFLRRNw02xq-iSqLYaNrw1-mNzT4I1QgTbQDmOK2iLQWJgTRf2dWqw8-MitUTsFgQvCkuiWy3rlrBEly4FM/s1600/00184eb1937d732952169642fabc64a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpVisb7I4aAB8S2pTz0e8JO4TG7Uk1o81SmhI26zUv4afDa-NSSwmySL_eFLRRNw02xq-iSqLYaNrw1-mNzT4I1QgTbQDmOK2iLQWJgTRf2dWqw8-MitUTsFgQvCkuiWy3rlrBEly4FM/s320/00184eb1937d732952169642fabc64a6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_170782406"></span><span id="goog_170782407"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also know that I needed someone to help keep me mentally prepared for what was happening. I know that I live in my head too much and if I start to panic, the hubs will panic, and then we are definitely SOL ;) I need the emotional support more than anything. I needed to hear that what I am feeling is normal and that I can do it! I know for a fact that pain medications and my body don't mix well. I have had plenty of times where I have had reactions to pain medications (kidney stones... that was a bad situation that lead to one very sick and delirious girl with many more meds to control the reactions to the pain meds...) and I do not want to have that happen during my labor. Honestly, that fear is bigger for me than birth. The other fear that I have is an epidural... Seriously gives me the sweats just thinking about it... AGAIN, for those of you that choose those options, no judgement... for me, they are a huge fear... I hope to avoid them if at all possible. Another reason to hire a Doula. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Studies have shown the effects of having a Doula present for your birth include: </div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">shorter labors with fewer complications </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">reduced rates of intervention and augmentation, including the use of forceps, pitocin, epidural, and Cesarean-section </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">more satisfaction with partners and the birth experience </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">less postpartum anxiety and depression </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">better breastfeeding outcomes </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">reduced cost of obstetric care </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We wanted to have options when it comes to pain management during labor.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We wanted a "coach".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We wanted a cheerleader.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We wanted HELP!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I said that I would rather hire one and not need her than to not and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
regret it because I was not able to achieve the birth that I was hoping for!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our Doula is certified by <a href="http://childbirthinternational.com/" target="_blank">Childbirth International</a> and also has a special certificate in <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/" target="_blank">Spinning Babies</a> (which is a program that works to achieve optimal fetal positioning to ease pregnancy and birth).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are pregnant and/or just want more information on hiring Kari, go to <a href="http://www.ocfertilitycare.com/doula.html">http://www.ocfertilitycare.com/doula.html</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I honestly can say that I am ready! At least me personally, I am ready. I feel mentally prepared and excited to meet our little miss! We officially narrowed down our name list from 30 to 4! That is HUGE for us since we have such different tastes in names! We were so blessed to have some great friends throw our little girl a shower and even more blessed by all the gifts that we received that will help us prepare our house for a new little human! Cloth diapers are all washed and ready to go. Got a few meals in the freezer. Got my bag packed for the hospital. Got the carseat all ready to go. Now we just have to get the remodel on our house done! EEEK! Nothing like starting a remodel of every bedroom in your house and one bathroom when you are 4 weeks from due date! I guess that is just how we roll! Honestly it is actually a relief that I don't have to worry about getting a nursery ready when I know we won't be needing one for awhile. My new mantra when it comes to the house is "it is what it is". I am sure it will be awesome when it is done! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well I am off to go back to "patiently" waiting to meet little miss! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next post for you all will hopefully have our new bundle of joy!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so excited to share her with all of you that have shared in our journey thus far!</div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-61882018229569503342017-07-10T11:40:00.000-05:002017-07-10T11:48:27.979-05:00Our Journey... Part 10, 3rd Trimester and More Shots...<div style="text-align: center;">
Good Monday Morning Gang!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well we are currently 29.5 weeks and into the 3rd Trimester!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How crazy is that?! We are so getting very excited, nervous, and nesting is<br />
in full swing! We might be crazy, but we are about to undertake a huge remodel<br />
to the entire 2nd level of our house with almost 10 weeks (hopefully) left!<br />
That will include all 3 bedrooms, bathroom, and stairway! I am excited to<br />
get a move on and finally have a room for baby...<br />
even if it isn't done when baby arrives! It is what it is.. right?!?!<br />
<br />
Pregnancy is going smoothly! Doc says I am gaining weight perfectly, my blood pressure is just as perfect as always, no major food cravings, sleeping like a champ (even though I pee a lot! lol), baby is right around 2.5 lbs, and she is moving around like crazy all day, but seems to sleep all night :)<br />
We got all registered for what we need for baby. We are cloth diapering, which makes me extremely excited (hippy maybe?). But I have been stocking up on those so we are ready when baby comes home! OMG, let me just say that they are the CUTEST little things I have ever seen! Cloth diapers are not as scary as people think they are, I promise! I will be posting about them coming up soon! Got my breast pump already, so that is exciting! We decided to go with the <a href="http://www.spectrababyusa.com/store/p20/Spectra_S1_PLUS_Electric_Breast_Pump.html" target="_blank">Spectra S1 Pump</a> with rechargeable battery. It has seriously great reviews and cost the same with insurance as the Madela! (HINT: call your insurance company, they should be covering your breast pump!!)<br />
<br />
You don't realize all the things that go along with getting ready for baby<br />
until you sit and actually start writing it out! Here are a few hints on things that<br />
you SHOULD make sure you have figured out before baby comes.<br />
<br />
1. Call your Health Insurance to find out what you need to do to add baby to your policy.<br />
<br />
2. Think about a life insurance policy for baby! Even if you don't have one for you, you will want to have something set up! Just in case something would happen (heaven forbid it does) or if your child would happen to end up with some sort of complication that later in life might make it more difficult for them to get life insurance.<br />
<br />
3. Call the hospital to find out if you can pre-register for your birth. If possible it would be nice to not have to be filling out paperwork while you are in full on labor!<br />
<br />
4. Make sure you have a car seat that FITS in your car! Trust me, we drive a very small car and they don't all fit! Get it and try it out beforehand in case you need to exchange it! Also as someone reminded me, really, a car seat is the only thing that you MUST have in order to take your baby home from the hospital, it is kind of a requirement ;)<br />
<br />
5. Have a good idea how you are planning to announce to close family and friends about your new arrival! Sounds kind of dumb I know, but if you are like me and want to be able to have time with baby and daddy alone before visitors ensue, you may want to talk to hubby to make a plan!<br />
<br />
6. Have a plan for your other kids or pets! You don't know for sure how long you will be in the hospital or even WHEN! Have someone on call that you can call anytime and they<br />
will know what to do!<br />
<br />
7. Have meals ready in the freezer for when you get home. We are going to have at least 20 freezer meals ready to go at home and also have quick snacks available such as your favorite bars, protein shakes, nuts, fruit strips, etc. Here are a few items I won't be without: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LUNA-BAR-Gluten-Chocolate-Coconut/dp/B0074CDYI2/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1499696425&sr=1-1&keywords=luna+bars" target="_blank"> Chocolate Dipped Coconut Luna Bars</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ALOHA-Plant-Based-Protein-Vanilla-Servings/dp/B00X4PSVZO/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1499696524&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=aloha%2Bprotein%2Bpowder&th=1" target="_blank">Aloha Chocolate Plant Based Protein</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Diamond-Roasted-Almonds-Ounce/dp/B018FRYCWG/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499696589&sr=1-3&keywords=oven+roasted+almonds" target="_blank">Oven Roasted Almonds</a>, <a href="https://www.target.com/p/pomegranate-fruit-strips-25ct-simply-balanced-153/-/A-14576069" target="_blank">Pomegranate Fruit Strips</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Croix-Naturally-Essenced-Sparkling-Variety/dp/B00851GRW6/ref=sr_1_13_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1499696850&sr=1-13&keywords=la+croix" target="_blank">La Croix Water</a>, as well as plenty of fresh fruit and veggies for snacking!<br />
<br />
8. Make a list for your hospital bag so that you don't forget anything! I am one to not pack too early because I need most of the items, so a list and and an empty bag ready to go will help me pack last minute if I need to! Don't forget your phone charger, car seat, and DAD'S BAG! <br />
He will need some necessities also!<br />
<br />
I know that there are things that I am forgetting, but this is my list of things that, so far, I am working on getting accomplished! What are some things that you moms can add to my list? I would love to hear what else I need to be sure to have done!<br />
<br />
Ok, so "More Shots". Man do I wish that these shots were the alcoholic type, but unfortunately they are less fun that that. These are the IM injections of Progesterone that I receive twice a week right in the rump. I have had a lot of questions regarding why these are needed and what they are for, so I thought I would give you all a little background on the importance of Progesterone in pregnancy.<br />
<br />
So what is Progesterone?<br />
Progesterone is a steroid hormone that a woman's corpus luteum produces during the 2nd half of her menstrual cycle. It is the hormone responsible for thickening the lining of the uterus after ovulation so that a fertilized egg is able to implant. If there is not enough progesterone, the lining will not be able to accept the fertilized egg and menses will begin (menses also happens if no fertilized egg was available to be implanted). High levels of progesterone does not allow ovulation to occur, this is why it is only available AFTER ovulation. Estrogen is high before ovulation and progesterone rises after. Make sense?? Ok, so what happens if a person is not producing enough progesterone to start with? You will likely not be able to conceive as the lining of the endometrium will not be thick enough to accept an egg. This is when a Dr. may prescribe Post-Peak Progesterone supplementation, usually in the form of a cream or oral capsules (my case).<br />
<br />
Some symptoms of non pregnancy related low progesterone include missed or abnormal menstrual cycles, abnormal bleeding (premenstrual and postmenstrual spotting), frequent miscarriage, PMS symptoms, and infertility. My cycle changed drastically with the addition of post peak progesterone. I no longer had spotting, I had a cycle, boom, there it was... and it was shortened drastically due to no more spotting. I also had better symptoms in regards to my mood pre-menstrual.<br />
<br />
If you are able to conceive and continue to have low levels of progesterone, you run a higher risk of miscarriage or pre term delivery because progesterone is also the hormone that helps to maintain pregnancy! Normally, the placenta begins to produce progesterone during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters which should help to maintain your pregnancy, BUT 1. you have to get that far, and 2. this doesn't always happen to the level necessary to maintain the pregnancy. This is where our IM injections have come in to play. NaPro Technology has a scale that they use throughout pregnancy to monitor progesterone levels every 2 weeks. I have labs drawn bi-weekly, send them to the National Hormone Laboratory in Omaha, Nebraska and they determine what my levels are. From there, Dr. Pakiz will decide if I am where I need to be on their scale. We started out great and needed only 1, 100mg dose a week, but that changed constantly during our pregnancy. At one point we were up to 200mg dosage 2x/week plus 300mg suppositories nightly... Let me just say, I HATE needles, but those suppositories are for the birds! Forget that crap! I couldn't even explain how much I appreciated my body finally not needing that junk anymore! I will receive progesterone as long as deemed necessary this pregnancy, but will likely need until 37ish weeks. Keeping this nugget cooking is all I care about!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6AsxSz44RWldncDI0__RzytNvYNx7N7O2SSJKd0BvUbuZTGDTZpDP5g_Ddt_SPg4_4GP4Fx48LGQUfZwCXRpmUjpCivVfrS5Y_vHd2UoJP55U1Ukl6zL3nlCoyT1OioCGYnHUIBMrj8/s1600/20170710_114735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6AsxSz44RWldncDI0__RzytNvYNx7N7O2SSJKd0BvUbuZTGDTZpDP5g_Ddt_SPg4_4GP4Fx48LGQUfZwCXRpmUjpCivVfrS5Y_vHd2UoJP55U1Ukl6zL3nlCoyT1OioCGYnHUIBMrj8/s320/20170710_114735.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So for now, this is what I get to have done twice a week! <br />
Thank goodness the hubby is such a great nurse and can do them for me!!<br />
<br />
<br />
The NaPro Technology website has a great article regarding the use of <a href="http://www.naprotechnology.com/progesterone.htm" target="_blank">Progesterone Support During Pregnancy</a> and the safety of it as well. There is also a copy of the chart they use to determine what level you should be at during each 2 weeks of pregnancy. This is something that many Docs are not aware of the benefits, so they may question it during your pregnancy. If you have a NaPro physician monitoring your levels, they are a great resource for your OB to discuss your case with.<br />
<br />
If you have symptoms that you feel are related to progesterone insufficiency, I highly recommend you find a Creighton Practitioner that can teach you how to chart your cycles which will very likely show any progesterone related issues as well as many other health related conditions that may be affecting not only your fertility but your day to day life! I truly believe that our bodies are amazing at showing us what is going on with it, but we just aren't always looking at those signs! I am slowly working on a blog post regarding Creighton Charting, bear with me, it's going to be a good one :)<br />
<br />
If you want more information on Creighton Practitioners in your area check out the<br />
<a href="http://www.fertilitycare.org/" target="_blank">Fertility Care Centers of America Website</a><br />
or if you are in Northwest Iowa, please check out<br />
<a href="https://guidingstarorangecity.org/" target="_blank">Guiding Star Orange City</a><br />
<br />
This is so much more than your fertility! This is about quality of life!<br />
You know your body better than anyone else! Do NOT accept "it is normal" when you<br />
know that it is NOT normal for you! You have options!<br />
<br /></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-64538773071627439372017-05-16T22:08:00.002-05:002017-05-16T22:10:54.280-05:00Our Journey... Part 9, It's A...<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow! It has been quite the ride the last 21 weeks!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You heard that right, 21 weeks!!! HOLY GUACAMOLE! We found out we were pregnant at 4 weeks and I can say that for the most part it has flown by! Quick update on my pregnancy...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First Trimester...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Honestly for the most part was a breeze in regards to morning sickness, I only had minor nausea (thank the lord!). I feel terrible for any of you mama's that have had morning sickness and all the yuck that comes along with that! I was extremely exhausted and hungry all the time, but definitely had some pretty strong food aversions... the smell of ground beef cooking was enough to make me want to run for the hills! Oofta, nope, nada, no thank you, I will stick with chicken! I didn't gain much weight in the first trimester either, about 4 lbs total. The other symptom that I suffered from was constipation and let me tell ya, might not believe me, but at times I think I would've rather had the morning sickness. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we found out that we were pregnant, one of the first things that they did was to determine what my progesterone levels were. If you remember right, my levels were low prior to becoming pregnant and I needed supplementation in order to achieve pregnancy. Well we found that my levels were low yet so we had to supplement progesterone in the form of IM injections twice a week. My hubby stepped up (without a single complaint) and has given me all but 2 injections throughout the last 17 weeks, he is pretty much a pro at this point! (Keep an eye out for another post soon regarding progesterone levels in pregnancy and more info about supplementation...) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Second Trimester...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baby has been growing like a champ almost as soon as we hit the 2nd trimester! Crazy how I would start to have some new symptoms and the next day my baby tracking app would state that those symptoms would start soon. Makes you really feel like you are on the right track! Again we continued the progesterone injections and even had to add vaginal suppositories for a week as my levels dropped by almost half. That was a very scary time for me and emotionally I was an absolute wreck. Once my levels got back into range I truly started to feel more like myself. We also found that I needed to add Synthroid to my daily intake. I basically rely on my fitbit alarms to tell me when I have to do what! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My food aversions went away almost immediately in the 2nd trimester and my appetite came back, which was both good and bad! I haven't been as "strict" with my diet that Dr. Pakiz put me on thinking that now that I was pregnant, I didn't need to worry about it so much... WRONG!!!! Dairy and gluten especially bother me still, sometimes worse than before. I'd be lying if I said I learned my lesson... Damn CRAVINGS!!! Mentally food has been a huge struggle for me. I can't say that I have any "weird" cravings... But, when I want something, I want it... RIGHT NOW! Ha! Chinese food? Now. Tacos? Now. Donuts? Now, now NOW! But other strong cravings have been for fruit of all kinds, which is great, because this is the best time of year for that!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dr. Pakiz approved our move from Omaha to someone local at week 12. We struggled with the decision, wanting to be sure that we chose the right place and Dr. for us. Hubby made the comment "do you feel like we are cheating on Dr. Pakiz?" I mean, yeah... She is our saving grace! After seeing doctors since I was 12 years old with no answers to any of my complaints, she gave us exactly what we needed to heal my body so that we could finally have a chance at having our baby. On top of that she gave me my life back... so yeah... we basically wanted to either steal her and bring her to Iowa or even contemplated me staying in Omaha the month of September to be ready when baby was. That shows how much we are indebted to her, I can not even begin to thank her enough for what an amazing job she does. She will ALWAYS hold a special place in our hearts. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So what did we decide to do??? We decided that Orange City was where we started on our Creighton Model and NaPro journey, so maybe it should be where we finish it! We decided to visit with Dr. Moeller there and are so happy we did! She is amazing and we are so happy that we have found 2 great doctors after all these years! We started with Dr. Moeller at 16 weeks and as of today we had our 21 week appointment and ultrasound!!!! So what did we find out? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzvOrCbzdPR0O04Sj4uWTDSoHnzewICLJe9vNeTbil9oEZMtPktGpWiGVJ4Ml2qyuiKZd6x7uiqrZcq_IO178JAnGHQkyXQqFGEiFfbmdHgMcvy5KjoEAMTALskUH2KJM3oEsOlyrWAc/s1600/Image81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzvOrCbzdPR0O04Sj4uWTDSoHnzewICLJe9vNeTbil9oEZMtPktGpWiGVJ4Ml2qyuiKZd6x7uiqrZcq_IO178JAnGHQkyXQqFGEiFfbmdHgMcvy5KjoEAMTALskUH2KJM3oEsOlyrWAc/s400/Image81.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well Baby Rupp is growing PERFECTLY! We got to see everything, heart, diaphragm, legs, feet, arms, hands, brain, face... all of it, and all of it is absolutely perfect. Honestly, I was so incredibly nervous for this visit, I couldn't even cry, I just stared at the screen in awe of what we have created... this perfect little 1 pound person. It felt surreal, it still does. I honestly was also very shocked, because I just kept having this crazy feeling that we would be having a boy... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well this mama was WRONG! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are so excited to announce that we will be welcoming a beautiful baby GIRL in September!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcdOiZSdZoJtNFUSyGMUa3JjbG517tHfQ1RKh-ABFZ0cqZ7PBBQ_AK3jTd4a4Nsrxw8VjOkvPw8jzFAOv7t0f336cRayavByFp2N2RPQAsH6zfGwiDFI6p9DzLKzEFbIhQm8QtGbW1-8/s1600/20170516_203650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcdOiZSdZoJtNFUSyGMUa3JjbG517tHfQ1RKh-ABFZ0cqZ7PBBQ_AK3jTd4a4Nsrxw8VjOkvPw8jzFAOv7t0f336cRayavByFp2N2RPQAsH6zfGwiDFI6p9DzLKzEFbIhQm8QtGbW1-8/s400/20170516_203650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-39891842447083445242017-05-14T07:48:00.000-05:002017-05-14T07:48:14.538-05:00If you think today should include you... it should!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Happy Mother's Day!</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wake up this morning feeling extremely blessed because there a lot of mothers </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out there that have had such a huge impact on my life. I can't begin to express the gratitude </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have for them and most especially for my own mom. I wouldn't be the woman that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am today without her and I love her to the ends of the earth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkQRZBRhHMlySaQsfp5JvjYGHZt90FVU8FZSO6_9YmxMI2rBSc5OFuqi7Dpl8OOzLOj2fI1fXKo8tBfDiQwk517Kx7dDV6PuYdked4QJq1_YMZZNsy7rA5bcldHsB2o2mwKXKaLaLCEw/s1600/scan0159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkQRZBRhHMlySaQsfp5JvjYGHZt90FVU8FZSO6_9YmxMI2rBSc5OFuqi7Dpl8OOzLOj2fI1fXKo8tBfDiQwk517Kx7dDV6PuYdked4QJq1_YMZZNsy7rA5bcldHsB2o2mwKXKaLaLCEw/s320/scan0159.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been reading so many blog posts recently about mother's day and for the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
women that feel as though this day doesn't include them because they have not gotten </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the chance to actually hold their babies in their arms or have lost them in other ways. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know last year was a hard Mother's day for myself as we had our miscarriage before that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But this year I have both joy and sadness as I mourn the fact that this would've been my first Mother's Day with my baby in my arms, but I am also incredibly happy to be pregnant with our rainbow baby at 21 weeks! Miscarriage and infant loss makes women feel like they are less than a mother because they have "nothing to show for it". You know what... I call BS! You ARE mothers. Every one of you... You deserve this day just like every mom that is currently chasing around a toddler, feeding their newborn, watching their kids graduate high school, or enjoying brunch with their grandkids. Losing a child doesn't take away your motherhood, it changes it, but it doesn't mean that you shouldn't be celebrated. I know, I know... But mom's should be celebrated everyday. Well duh! But you know what so should dads, veterans, our freedom, and Jesus! But today is a day dedicated to MOMS! So take today! Embrace it! Love on your babies, your moms, all the women in your life that have influenced you and made you want to be an amazing mom like them!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This post is for you. If you are questioning whether you should be celebrated today, you should! As mom's we all need to stick together because this world gets crazy. We need to raise each other up and cheer each other on in our victories. Home birth, hospital birth, natural, C-section, breastfed, formula fed, crib sleeping, co sleeping, cry it out, baby wearing, cloth diapering, disposables, it doesn't matter. These are all decision that we each are making for ourselves and our families that makes each of our lives easier, but may not be someone else's cup of tea. At the end of the day we have done what we thought was best for us, end of story. So today I ask that we all join together and spread love to ALL MOMS. Because I am learning already that this is a very crazy ride and we all need the support and appreciation for our journeys, no matter what they look like.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9isbe88LWXwEPLj_kPgx9UO2Y2THYqJWnbXsKnV5CTfHwf5INcex2dUTAXp9EgOIqTCbqXLtQV465FDl2qATTAoiHu2rUOv5mP9MNwUHhSWi8WVDBVcSOmwlUX6o06ZN0l1uOMshl_c8/s1600/ddf2b1c49ecabe48ecd5c85bbbdeabbe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9isbe88LWXwEPLj_kPgx9UO2Y2THYqJWnbXsKnV5CTfHwf5INcex2dUTAXp9EgOIqTCbqXLtQV465FDl2qATTAoiHu2rUOv5mP9MNwUHhSWi8WVDBVcSOmwlUX6o06ZN0l1uOMshl_c8/s320/ddf2b1c49ecabe48ecd5c85bbbdeabbe.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-81580817399466787002017-02-21T20:27:00.000-06:002017-02-21T20:27:56.726-06:00Our Journey... Part 8, A Rainbow.<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I read something recently that feels perfect to start with...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVQlKmKxJ1DH6VRrN8VLD3BmZFEPZTKuVokUmbZDf21UIhkzCg3WaDvNpIw_kHju7whdaPDSXxZetT1yOViA8i61q6CK5M-ba5-w96lCVp6sydeSvGQiDvLVM11kvtVx3J0vIb8fr5C8/s1600/black+rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVQlKmKxJ1DH6VRrN8VLD3BmZFEPZTKuVokUmbZDf21UIhkzCg3WaDvNpIw_kHju7whdaPDSXxZetT1yOViA8i61q6CK5M-ba5-w96lCVp6sydeSvGQiDvLVM11kvtVx3J0vIb8fr5C8/s640/black+rainbow.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This has been such an amazing and exhausting journey at the same time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have had to learn so much about ourselves and our marriage. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me say I believe this to be wholeheartedly true. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like I have grown so much as a person and wife in the last year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the world of infertility you will often hear about Rainbow Babies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For those of you that don't know what that means, these are babies that are born following a miscarriage or stillbirth. The quote above says it best...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No rainbow can take away the pain from the storm, but it can give you </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
something beautiful in the midst of the darkness. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This last year has been such an incredible storm full of thunder, lightning, and steady rain. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From our miscarriage in January 2016, finding Creighton Model and NaPro Technology in March, our diagnosis in May, what would have been the birth day of our baby in September, my surgery in October, personal healing and big life decisions in November, Job changes for my husband in December.... We made it through... Like I said in my previous post, stronger than ever. We were ready for what was next... for what was to come... Our Rainbow! <br />
That's right... We're Expecting our Rainbow Baby in September 2017!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNavF4Octm0WbtW0-Th4JiTrGnR_WN06wOPiwo1E1qjSzQcFmS_v4PPrU182l38p1uKOBawX4hzu0SOq8-0FQABdqhjc27dlgwHtvzup70vWrKQqLIaMuXyC9L3MxHLL-NMise1ouJFA/s1600/20170213_115712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNavF4Octm0WbtW0-Th4JiTrGnR_WN06wOPiwo1E1qjSzQcFmS_v4PPrU182l38p1uKOBawX4hzu0SOq8-0FQABdqhjc27dlgwHtvzup70vWrKQqLIaMuXyC9L3MxHLL-NMise1ouJFA/s400/20170213_115712.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This last month has been a whirlwind! We found out we were expecting on my birthday!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is the most amazing birthday gift I ever could have been given! NaPro Technology has given us the strength and hope that is able to overcome most of the fears lingering from last year. Anyone having a previous loss will tell you that the fear NEVER goes away. Every single symptom, every single lack of symptom, every . single . day . there is fear. I feel so blessed to know that we are doing EVERYTHING possible to help my body grow this amazing and beautiful little human being. We were able to go to Omaha the day before Valentine's Day for our first ultrasound. This was the absolute most amazing thing I have ever heard... a strong heartbeat! Next was to see our baby, 2nd most amazing thing in the world! Perfect baby, moving around, and even sat perfectly still for the heartbeat to be read. I knew the risks of miscarriage went down once these things could be checked off the list. But I also know that we still have a long ways to go! We were so excited to tell our parents and families! They got a very exciting Valentine's surprise this year!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We decided that you are all a part of this journey with us and wanted to let you all know! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to give hope to those going through loss that there is a light meant for you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't give up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And don't worry, this is far from the end of our Journey... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are just getting started!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-62155052615198899922016-12-28T17:36:00.000-06:002016-12-28T17:36:52.552-06:00Our Journey... Part 7, On To 2017!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well! Feels like forever since I have posted!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life has been absolutely crazy! The last time I posted, I stated that I was hoping it was going to be my last trip to Omaha, well that was a no go. I had 2 more visits after that totaling 13 ultrasounds! Oofta, that is a lot! But oh so worth it! I have been asked numerous times what exactly they were looking for on the ultrasounds, well they were watching my ovaries and measuring my dominant follicle all the way through ovulation. They wanted to be sure that the follicle was growing appropriately and also that ovulation was occurring... and it was! Yay! <br />
<br />
So that is one awesome piece of news that we needed to hear! Next up, Progesterone!<br />
<br />
I had talked in another post regarding my progesterone levels and how they were so incredibly low. Well we have started taking compounded progesterone supplementation on days P+3 through P+12 with a lab draw on P+7 to check my levels. I know that all this talk about P+whatever is confusing for those of you that don't do Creighton Charting, but basically P stands for your last day of Fertile Mucus. This is known as your Peak Day. The numbers after that stand for exactly that, the number of days following your Peak Day. These are the days that your progesterone should be highest before falling and your wonderful Aunt Flo rears her ugly head again. Before starting this supplementation, my progesterone at P+7 was 11.9, normal is 15.7, but for fertility they would like to see it much higher than that. I would like to proudly say my level at P+7 during my last cycle was 31.3! YAHOO!!! That is so extremely exciting in itself, BUT there is more! Prior to my surgery and progesterone, I ALWAYS had horrible PMS symptoms. I discussed these in previous posts, but a run down would be consipation, bloating, cramping, migraine headaches, acne, mood swings... 10 fold. Since the surgery and the progesterone I now have ZERO... did you see that? Nil, none, zilch, zip... NOT A SINGLE PMS SYMPTOM! Oh, and my 5 days of premenstrual spotting is also completely gone! <br />
<br />
Seriously, I can't even describe to you how amazing this is for me and my husband<br />
(mood swings remember!). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next hurdle we had to jump was the 21 days of antibiotics for both of us. Any of you that know me, I am not one to take antibiotics, especially not for 21 days, holy moly! But we did it, 500mg a day turns out to be quite the diet plan if you are trying to lose weight in non-fun ways! ;)<br />
We finished those about 2.5 weeks ago. Another AMAZING update after this is that my 5-6 days of tail end brown bleeding (this is brown spotting following your period, and no it is NOT NORMAL!) has STOPPED! Now, I am no mathematician, but between the progesterone and the antibiotic, the bleeding portion of my cycle has shortened by about 10-12 days! What the What?! I can not even describe to you how wonderful that is. Anyone that has horrible PMS symptoms and long bleeding cycles understands how much life that takes away from you! I seriously feel like a new woman! I am currently still having a lot of cramping and heavy bleeding with my period, and to this my doctor believes it is due to inflammatory foods in my diet. I will be honest, I have been working very hard on eliminating inflammatory foods from my diet, but the holidays are HARD MAN!! Another reason to look forward to 2017! I WILL DO THIS! I mean, I know how much dairy and wheat make me feel like total poo, but man those Christmas Cookies are tasty! Ugh!<br />
<br />
One of the worst parts about all of this is that you have to wait until you get your period to determine if the treatments are working or not. When you want to get pregnant and have a baby, waiting and wanting your period is the last thing you want to have to do. But more patience is being learned by this girl than anything else! I recently have started on the T3 supplementation for the Thyroid System Dysfunction and am working on being patient until we can get the dosage correct! I have been taking it for a little over a week and have no change in temperatures or symptoms. The next step will be to likely up my dosage, but we shall see what the doctor wants to do! <br />
<br />
Patience... that is a word that keeps coming up in all things in my life. Patience in my health, patience in my job, patience in our fertility, and the biggest is patience in dealing with how others are reacting to our fertility. I know that sounds like something that has nothing to do with me, but it does. The holidays are tough all around, but something that makes is harder for people going through infertility are all the "baby's first christmas" ornaments, the "when are YOU going to finally have kids" question, the "practice makes perfect" comments.... All of those things are really tough for someone who wants nothing more than to have a positive test and a fun way to tell their family that their new bundle is on the way, but time after time it just isn't in their cards. I understand both sides, I have been on both sides. I NEVER expected to be in this position of regretting because now I understand, we have all said things that we later regret, even though at the time we honestly meant no ill will. You know what, it is ok! I know, I know, "how dare they say those things, they don't have any idea what we have gone through!" You are right, but you are also right! They don't know what you are going through. Infertility has such a stigma around it that it isn't talked about. Infertility, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, trying yourself to tears... all those things are happening to you, me, your sister, your daughter, your aunt, your friend, your cousin... But often we don't even know it! Why? Shame? Society? Stigma? Fear? Guilt? All of the above?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC4W44gNty_sKh1WRH-FgG8MNLLGaz8e7qwsRKKiAn1gXshNYS6DDr95qE4ijEoqqTMiGAQkxiTJLdROgQ1wcaB5_xlWypBqNwwZcaN3188vTq2iY6rYRrdvEVCKnkNGvuhyphenhyphenRuETibw8/s1600/9970007bed6851106bc21416facebe3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC4W44gNty_sKh1WRH-FgG8MNLLGaz8e7qwsRKKiAn1gXshNYS6DDr95qE4ijEoqqTMiGAQkxiTJLdROgQ1wcaB5_xlWypBqNwwZcaN3188vTq2iY6rYRrdvEVCKnkNGvuhyphenhyphenRuETibw8/s400/9970007bed6851106bc21416facebe3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Am I ashamed that I haven't been able to have my own child yet? Yes. Am I ashamed that my body couldn't keep my growing baby? Absolutely. Am I afraid of getting pregnant again in fear of losing the baby again? Of course, BUT I also can't blame anyone for asking questions when for many of us, the topic comes up about having kids and we awkwardly blow it off as though we aren't trying or wanting kids in hopes that that will stop the converstation. I have found that for MOST, now there are always those people that are missing that empathy gene, but again for most people if you explain that you would love to be able to have children but you are working through infertility, they will either understand themselves, know another family member in your shoes, or at least understand that it is not in your control. Now, that doesn't mean that the questions don't hurt, or that people shouldn't be a little more considerate, we all know that they should be, but we don't have control of that. When you stop allowing the Infertility diagnosis BE you, you start to regain strength and feel more in control. I know that everyone is different and deals with their pain in different ways, but I honestly have found that being open with people has made me a happier and stronger person. I have learned to have patience with the fact that people just don't think before they speak, including myself sometimes. That is NOT including those people that just choose to be buttheads and continually say things they know better than to say... to those I like to say "Bless and Release". If they don't care enough to listen and have empathy towards you, they really shouldn't matter in the first place. Sorry to be blunt, but it is true. Bless and release those people, those comments, that fear, that anger, that shame... all of it. <br /><br />I truly am more excited for this coming year than I have ever been in the past. I am just ready to leave 2016 and my grief, sadness, disappointment, frustration, and self loathing behind! Onward and upwards. To whatever 2017 has in store for me, for us, I am ready. I have finally come to a point that I feel I am able to think much more clearly about this whole entire process. I feel that we have taken the path that we had the most faith in and fit into our belief system. Whatever happens after this is where we are meant to be. I pray daily that my husband and I will be blessed to become parents, however that is meant to happen for us. But I also know that if that is not meant for us, we are going to be ok. We are leaving 2016 with the strongest relationship we have had since meeting in 2008. I can't imagine any other person I would rather spend my good and bad days with. He completes my life and makes me the best version of myself that I could be. I am truly happy with my life, even in light of where this journey has taken us! I won't give up on this journey, but like I have said before, there are always twists and turns in the path. <br />
<br />
Which way will 2017 take us? I am not sure, but I am optimistic that it will be OUR YEAR!<br />
<br />
I think it is a sign that these are the words to our First Dance Song from our Wedding...<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>"This Will Be Our Year"</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>(Foo Fighters originally by The Zombies)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>The warmth of your love's</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Like the warmth from the sun</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And this will be our year</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Took a long time to come</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Don't let go of my hand</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Now darkness has gone</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>This will be our year</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Took a long time to come</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>I won't forget </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>The way you helped me </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Up when I was down</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And I won't forget</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>The way you said</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Darling I love you</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>You gave me faith to go on</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Now we're there </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And we've only just begun</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>This will be our year</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Took a long time to come</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>The warmth of your smile</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Smile for me little one</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And this will be our year</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Took a long time to come</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>You don't have to worry</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>All your worried days are gone</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And this will be our year</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Took a long time to come</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And I won't forget </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>The way you helped me </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Up when I was down</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And I won't forget</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>The way you said</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Darling I love you</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>You gave me faith to go on</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Now we're there </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And we've only just begun</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>This will be our year</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Took a long time to come</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And we've only just begun</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>And this will be our year</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b>Took a long time to come</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;">I hope that 2017 will be your year as well, in all things.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.4px;">Melissa</span></span></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-32206126193759863032016-10-21T11:26:00.001-05:002016-10-21T11:26:57.358-05:00Hormones... they are everywhere...<div style="text-align: center;">
So I have decided to throw in a little educational post today, so for those</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of you looking for mind numbing info, you are in for a treat! ha! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just kidding! Honestly, this is actually really interesting info!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So in order to talk about this, I first need to go back... back to our first and very short pregnancy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now if you remember right, we had decided to stop the fertility drugs and get healthy. Well, part of that meant supplementing some of the areas in my body that I KNEW were an issue, even if the numbers on my lab results didn't say so. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a list of some of my symptoms, many of them you might relate to!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fatigue, weakness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Depression, irritability</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mind fog, memory loss</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Digestive issues – usually constipation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dry/rough skin, dry/brittle hair, HAIR LOSS... holy clogged drain!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eczema</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cold intolerance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Low body temperature (I knew this from our first try at "charting")</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slow pulse (our life insurance nurse caught this!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Menstrual cycle abnormalities</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Difficulty conceiving or carrying pregnancy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of these were things that I didn't realize were even symptoms at all, I just thought it was me. It was normal to be tired, irritable, full of crap (lol), unable to lose weight, itchy, going bald, cold ALL.THE.TIME, have extreme PMS, and unable to get pregnant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NOPE! It is not just me, and it is not normal either! Like I said last post, our bodies are made so intricately to work that when one aspect is not functioning, it can have detrimental effects on other areas. <br />
<br />
Guess what problem also has all these same symptoms? And then some actually...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyone? Thyroid System Dysfunction. Did you know that if your thyroid is not functioning properly, you can actually be considered in the medical world to be infertile, even if all of their thyroid tests are "normal"?! That was the boat I was in, I knew that something was wrong with my thyroid, but my Dr.'s kept saying it was fine. I begged to have a full hormone panel run, but never got the tests I asked for. So I decided to take it into my own hands. I decided to do whatever I could to kickstart my thyroid. And I did. I started to take a supplement called Thyromin by Young Living and I also started using oils including Endoflex and Sclaressense to help support my Endocrine System. Guess what happened? I lost weight, my skin got a little better, my temps started to go up along with my pulse, and WE GOT PREGNANT. Now mind you, I stopped taking the supplement when I was pregnant because of the extremely high amount of iodine in it, but I truly believe that it played a huge part in us getting pregnant! John admits that I was a totally different person when I was on this supplement and he believes wholeheartedly that my thyroid is affecting my health and our fertility! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How does it exactly help with that you might be asking?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well here is where the nerdy educational part comes in...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your thyroid is a gland that sits in your neck around your windpipe. It produces thyroid hormones which control your body's metabolism and control the growth and development of your fetus while pregnant. But healthy thyroid function is also needed for controlling heart rate, blood pressure, and brain function! Now I won't go into complete detail, but here's a quick rundown on how the thyroid works:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hypothalmus tells the Pituitary Gland to make TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You guessed it, TSH tells the Thyroid to produce Thyroid Hormone, mainly T4.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
T4 is carried into the cells and produces T3 (this is the active form of the hormone and tells your cells what they are supposed to do)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So that's the basics. Now most doctors will diagnose Thyroid Dysfunction based on your TSH and T4 levels. Any numbers too high or low could be caused by the thyroid itself, OR any other problems upstream such as the hypothalmus or pituitary... Problem is, sometimes these numbers are within normal ranges, but many of the symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction are still there.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is another form of T3 that is OFTEN never looked at. This is called rT3 (reverse T3) and this is the INACTIVE form of T3. Why would you need this? Well your body makes this as a way to get rid of any unnecessary T4. Your body is continuously making T4, but as T3 levels rise, you may not need that much of it so it has to have a sort of "shut off" system in place. Long term medication use, chronic inflammation (endo?!), physical injury, stress causing Adrenal Dysfunction (causing too much cortisol, which inhibits conversion of T4 to T3 and increases rT3, THIS IS THE MOST RECOGNIZED CAUSE!!!!), illnesses, starvation or severe calorie restriction, diabetes, Lyme Disease, and even low iron levels (decreases your bloods ability to carry T4, so it gets elevated equaling excess rT3) can cause elevated levels of rT3 in your system! Often times when your rT3 is elevated, your T4, T3, and TSH levels will be normal. <br />
<br />
This rT3 dominance causes decreased metabolism and is associated with decreased body temperature. This occurs because rT3 and T3 both bind to the same receptors in your cells, but with too much rT3 it is able to bind to the receptors and block your active T3 from being able to do it's job. This causes many of the chemical reactions in the body to slow down. When these reactions slow down, less heat is produced and the body temperature starts to decrease. rT3 is a blood test that can be run, but often is not. The best indicator is T3/rT3 ratio, this needs to be above 10, but many homeopathic doctors like to see that number to be above 20 for optimal function. The last thing that is done is a series of body temperatures. This is done using a Basal Body Thermometer. Average body temperature needs to be above 98.2 for normal thyroid function and body function. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are my labs:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXGA850-dt_B-0ieUPJGAzu0JvWUxINEXhqTORQaGHNo7Woy6m_lgcDDEL9bGv1vhwAxWPZ_sjULxLupf9oXcFpjW4WSeQPrDwHxNu40MqTVV4inXM4Ng4f_mLtUjJLT8owurUl06ovQ/s1600/20161018_120748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXGA850-dt_B-0ieUPJGAzu0JvWUxINEXhqTORQaGHNo7Woy6m_lgcDDEL9bGv1vhwAxWPZ_sjULxLupf9oXcFpjW4WSeQPrDwHxNu40MqTVV4inXM4Ng4f_mLtUjJLT8owurUl06ovQ/s640/20161018_120748.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thyroid System Dysfunction is a very controversial condition. It is sometimes referred to as Wilson's Syndrome, but the American Thyroid Association does not even admit that it exists. This is why it is so hard to be diagnosed. So now what? Well I do know a few people that have been able to find naturopathic doctors and SOME medical doctors that have treated this with great success! At Pope Paul VI Institute they are working to evaluate a select group of patients that have not responded to other forms of treatment, but are being selected for treatment of this condition. They are labeling it Thyroid System Dysfunction because they believe it to be a result of the thyroid hormone on a variety of different organ systems in the body. WELL!!! That was a LOT of science, hope you are hanging in there! I got just a little bit more for you!<br />
<br />
So, how does the thyroid affect your fertility? I knew you would ask!<br />
In men, this can cause decreases in sperm production as the body needs a certain temperature for sperm to be produced and survive. In women, there are a lot of effects (both on mom and fetus)... I won't go into them all, but want to talk about one specifically. <br />
<br />
If a woman is estrogen dominant, this means that their estrogen levels are much higher than their progesterone levels during the duration of their cycle. Now, mind you, your estrogen levels may be totally normal, BUT the problem is that there is not enough progesterone to oppose the activity of the estrogen. This excess estrogen causes the liver to produce a hormone known as Thyroid Binding Globulin. This binds to T4 and inhibits cells from being able to use it. Thus you have enough T4, but are not able to use it. Also did you know that your ovaries produce the majority of your progesterone? It does, but if it is not keeping up, your body has a "back up" system to help out! Did you know that your ADRENALS also produce progesterone? Well now you do! They make SOME progesterone, read that again, SOME. Now, remember how we said that stress causes adrenal dysfunction? Well when your adrenals get overworked they make too much cortisol trying to keep uo with everything... Go back up 4 paragraphs and read that again! Eventually your adrenals will give up (adrenal fatigue) and you will not have a back up for making progesterone. Remember how I said that our body is so intricately made?! It is all a vicious circle!<br />
<br />
Here are my progesterone levels during the 2nd half of my cycle. Notice they are low!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaqYaWZIcfQguWiNyeCQegQd_euK7FuSf2YphQS0iE4D0k-sGV6vZLVFd9za5CvmT2Gq4br7wUWS_vJXD5guWbrq247rzmOsVM_L-FSdZm8azUERxeM9-SNnXK-QDpMKeMV8HEh5SWAs/s1600/20161021_112123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaqYaWZIcfQguWiNyeCQegQd_euK7FuSf2YphQS0iE4D0k-sGV6vZLVFd9za5CvmT2Gq4br7wUWS_vJXD5guWbrq247rzmOsVM_L-FSdZm8azUERxeM9-SNnXK-QDpMKeMV8HEh5SWAs/s400/20161021_112123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are so many things that you can do to help protect these systems from dysfunction! CONTROL YOUR STRESS! I know, easier said than done, but it needs to be done... for your health! There are also supplements that can help your adrenals (note: talk to your doctor before starting any supplement regimen or find a naturopath!). Diet, diet, diet! That is one! Avoiding inflammatory foods that cause your system to be overworked, this includes things like dairy, red meat, alcohol, wheat and gluten, to name a few. Do your research on Anti Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diets. For your thyroid be sure you are getting enough sleep and also concentrate on low impact exercise and weight training as opposed to extended cardio! (I believe this is why I hate to run, it just wasn't meant to be! ha!) I truly believe that the best thing you can do is to get a correct diagnosis! The thyroid has such a grave effect on so many other systems in the body that you want to be sure you are treating it with what it needs! Find yourself a doctor that you trust and doesn't throw away your concerns! I feel so lucky to have found this path we are on! I am excited to get my life back! <br />
<br />
Right now we are working with our Doctor to record my basal body temperatures for 10 days and that will determine where we go with my thyroid dysfunction. But we are also working with her to start taking a compounded bio-identical progesterone in order to get those levels to where they need to be to achieve pregnancy, but also to hopefully attain a normal menstrual cycle! That sounds like heaven! Ok, I have bored you enough for today! I am glad I got that all of my brain! It was getting full in there ;) I am headed to Omaha today for hopefully my last time and will have all that fun info for you on our next Journey post! </div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-48349295846174607872016-10-14T11:21:00.002-05:002016-10-14T11:25:35.882-05:00Our Journey... Part 6, Post-Op! <div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8 days post-op...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What a crazy week it has been. I am not even sure where to start... speechless I guess!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crazy thought huh? I have been mildly speechless both from nerves and in awe often this last week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since this entire process began 6 months ago it has been a whirlwind and I haven't had a lot of time to actually think about what I was doing or what this would mean for us... or John. I have always known that I had an amazing husband, but this last few days has proven why I married him... and why I am so happy that he chose me. I know that I am not always the easiest to "deal" with, and that is on a normal day, let alone on anesthesia! haha! But he stuck around, lucky for me! And lucky for us we have some pretty amazing people on this journey with us! (psst... that means you!) I can't thank you enough for all the calls, texts, and messages in the last while. You are all amazing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where do we start...<br />
<br />
We headed to Omaha last Wednesday for all of our scheduled pre-op visits. We had one at the hospital where the surgery would be performed and another at Pope Paul VI Institute. This is the first chance we had gotten to actually meet any of the people we had been talking to on the phone for the last 6 months, including Dr. Pakiz. It is a surreal feeling finally getting to meet the woman that could potentially give you your life back! I was nervous and excited all day, so much to take in and honestly a lot of it is a blur.... So glad I had John there, I am pretty sure I have asked him the same questions a million times because I apparently wasn't listening! My mind was definitely spinning and I was trying to keep it all together emotionally. <br />
<br />
When we had our pre-op with Dr. Pakiz she explained everything that would be happening the next day and in the following week. We knew that there was a possibility, if my case was moderate to extensive, I would need another surgery. We were told that with the new technology it was a 50/50 chance. There is so much more that they are able to do with the robot, so often they will require another surgery to use that technology instead. I prayed and prayed that even with my symptoms I was a mild to moderate case, because remember, with Endometriosis the symptoms don't always mean squat! We also found out at our pre-op ultrasound that I had some peri-tubal cysts that were generously large. She noted that they are not likely causing any pain or symptoms, but if they are weighing my tubes down they will have to be removed. <br />
<br />
Dr. Pakiz explained that they would have to fill my abdomen with Carbon Dioxide to allow for room to work, that they would be removing the Endometriosis that they find, possibly removing the cysts, doing a Hysteroscopy (looking into the uterus to determine if there are any signs of abmormalities there), and doing a Selective Hysterosalpingogram (this is basically where they push dye into your Fallopian Tubes to make sure that they are not blocked and that the pressure inside them is sufficient to allow your eggs to pass). I would be under for the entire procedure and it should take approximately 1-2 hours to complete. I would have 2 incisions for the Laparoscopy, one in my belly button and one above my pubic bone that would allow them to have the camera in to view everything and the laser to do the work. Ok. I think I got all the details... I am ready... Let's do this!<br />
<br />
Thursday... Today is the day! 4:30 am... That is early, but I knew that, lucky for me, I would be getting a good nap in soon ;) I was ready this morning. I was feeling good, nervous, but good. They got me all hooked up and by 7:40 they were wheeling me to surgery. I remember moving from my bed to the table and then it was lights out. Dr. Pakiz told John that she would keep him up to date on how I was doing throughout the proceedure and if anything changed. The surgery took longer than expected, the nurse informed John that they did not want to have to come back for another surgery so Dr. Pakiz was going to do all of it this time, without the robot. They ended up needing 6 incision sites instead of 2, and she ended up needing to place permanent stitches to close up some of the areas where Endo and the cysts were removed. In all, 3 of 4 cysts were removed as well as what she called "mild" endometriosis. She did not find any endometrial adhesions, nor did she find it on any other organs. She also found that there is a significant amount of inflammation inside my uterus and cultured that to determine if there is an infection there. She also informed John that she needed to place a tube into my left Fallopian Tube to clear it out as the pressure was elevated there. Everything went well and I would be in recovery soon!<br />
<br />
She got it all... No More Surgery... Those were the words that I remember John telling me when I woke up. All the other stuff was a blur. But those words... those were what I needed to hear.<br />
<br />
I want to share some pictures from the surgery that Dr. Pakiz shared with John while I was in recovery. We also were able to watch the surgical video at our post-op visit and see her in action! Let me say, that was really interesting for me, but I could also feel my insides hurting as I watched!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7zxHIEJfylNlU8RvpGw4fvWUEVpkZDiPWLnuUm5mQ4P9xVCE4fqXPq7cNBJY4ImeNGwZdTe7jdBHlo9amlV7yIm791zIFJiE1IHfyjDLJlzhJkrV1lCySZrQfsnKzBKqgjiuVFV4uq0/s1600/IMG_20161014_101244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7zxHIEJfylNlU8RvpGw4fvWUEVpkZDiPWLnuUm5mQ4P9xVCE4fqXPq7cNBJY4ImeNGwZdTe7jdBHlo9amlV7yIm791zIFJiE1IHfyjDLJlzhJkrV1lCySZrQfsnKzBKqgjiuVFV4uq0/s400/IMG_20161014_101244.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are a few of the images of the Endo that was removed. <br />
The top right is called a Halo Lesion. These were located on the front side of my sacrum (tailbone), behind my uterus<br />
The bottom right are lesions that are attached to my right ovary. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMc_DvxRELJYhyphenhyphenAj0ymU2R2R2KaZ2e0j8GNcv8FpIjWSW-cpTcuSCv1wNNX8kfhw8HYLRypmHSUgZm98ssmuKEo2gCu588sVHCy35oahca7FdajR2KiSkwRw7of32P4hpua4OhAjY_Rg/s1600/SmartSelectImage_2016-10-11-17-20-30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMc_DvxRELJYhyphenhyphenAj0ymU2R2R2KaZ2e0j8GNcv8FpIjWSW-cpTcuSCv1wNNX8kfhw8HYLRypmHSUgZm98ssmuKEo2gCu588sVHCy35oahca7FdajR2KiSkwRw7of32P4hpua4OhAjY_Rg/s320/SmartSelectImage_2016-10-11-17-20-30.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are 2 of the 3 cysts on my right Fallopian Tube </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5fxyD9Mi9mzYKRgiTsj_USZDu1XNi_nthzPrraOiUCvGFnPlIfUu8AZp06m8iE6Pzp14q74zKZBZF_YnlfuQxC0hoOOpDX_xftOKzmSMwxrfyFbVSYhQ92VbJLoS4hQy-ci-hrNkAVI/s1600/SmartSelectImage_2016-10-11-17-16-59.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5fxyD9Mi9mzYKRgiTsj_USZDu1XNi_nthzPrraOiUCvGFnPlIfUu8AZp06m8iE6Pzp14q74zKZBZF_YnlfuQxC0hoOOpDX_xftOKzmSMwxrfyFbVSYhQ92VbJLoS4hQy-ci-hrNkAVI/s320/SmartSelectImage_2016-10-11-17-16-59.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the cyst on the left Fallopian Tube </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KDY0XR4N4MMaKniS5by9c5n-WRT13-rr-MRyKmv0tb4RzteALRbBWhgfc3e54mYIln30k4mtZwjmaTSk97YZMCjbpTEQ8tx5bVy9aBDX6qNm06gKGQxITxFDHuCdkLjUK_gFV4R-0mk/s1600/IMG_20161014_102208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KDY0XR4N4MMaKniS5by9c5n-WRT13-rr-MRyKmv0tb4RzteALRbBWhgfc3e54mYIln30k4mtZwjmaTSk97YZMCjbpTEQ8tx5bVy9aBDX6qNm06gKGQxITxFDHuCdkLjUK_gFV4R-0mk/s320/IMG_20161014_102208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Right ovary and tube Post-Surgery<br />
Bottom: Left ovary and tube Post surgery<br />
Can also see the posterior abdomen where they sutured after removing some of the Endo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w6a9Um2Pb9ZdHZjSZ7Tcp_UFaI4ubEyU3sYNzvcaQUKhZ2TCj24cEcuUusGZsl6ZGksnSxJgm9GeYUvfJ-eSAM3X7Lc2wFJDzcWG5OUwfh1HMvDHqG4Fy4TizCSYtwGOPMs6fy6mGm0/s1600/SmartSelectImage_2016-10-11-17-18-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w6a9Um2Pb9ZdHZjSZ7Tcp_UFaI4ubEyU3sYNzvcaQUKhZ2TCj24cEcuUusGZsl6ZGksnSxJgm9GeYUvfJ-eSAM3X7Lc2wFJDzcWG5OUwfh1HMvDHqG4Fy4TizCSYtwGOPMs6fy6mGm0/s320/SmartSelectImage_2016-10-11-17-18-06.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left Ovary: Appears Mildly Polycystic. Size Normal, but smooth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There you have it! Isn't that crazy that such a small little lesion can wreak so much havoc on your system?! Makes you feel like a little bit of a wuss! But you know what, Endo is real, and it is definitely something that can play a detrimental effect on your body! Right now I am just taking some time to heal, I have gone back to work part time and let me tell ya, you don't realize how much you use your core until you have numerous tiny holes in it! I am healing well, still having some pain on the left side from the extra incisions, but overall feeling really good!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am continuing my trips to Omaha as we speak for ultrasounds. They are watching my follicles within my ovaries change and grow as we near ovulation. They want to watch the process and be sure that it is all working properly. I am also beginning the process of treating my Thyroid and also my Low Progesterone. I have all kinds of fun lab stuff for ya in my next post! It is so incredibly interesting how intricate God created our bodies to work in a specific way. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This journey isn't even close to being over... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We're just headed down another road.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcaZUH4wg7UYp4FQ1CT0YTZYHQN4uJys-fwKJbFZfXIiFu9e3a7pHq7FDI9g_r60SQpLQ8A1TfTgPkXzNr5kPetP7ZgNSkTa8Bq4Pec-YPQSIRxAvp2L_Sw2Ske2v0LDeCzHRKTBovl0/s1600/oak_two_roads_robert_fro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcaZUH4wg7UYp4FQ1CT0YTZYHQN4uJys-fwKJbFZfXIiFu9e3a7pHq7FDI9g_r60SQpLQ8A1TfTgPkXzNr5kPetP7ZgNSkTa8Bq4Pec-YPQSIRxAvp2L_Sw2Ske2v0LDeCzHRKTBovl0/s320/oak_two_roads_robert_fro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-48764384386612111682016-10-04T12:18:00.000-05:002016-10-04T12:24:14.772-05:00Our Journey... Part 5<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SURGERY WEEK IS HERE!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oofta... I have had every emotion under the sun the last week. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But today... I am ready. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am beyond ready. Let's do this!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I am packing today for our trip, we leave tomorrow and as long as everything goes well, we will be coming home Friday. I am praying that things go as planned and I will be able to rest and recoup at home. I cleaned and washed everything, I felt like I was nesting lol! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mentally preparing for your pre-op "to-do" list is a whole other story. Labs, ultrasounds, financial department visit, drink water to pee in a cup, drink more water because you need a full bladder 3 hours later, light on the food because you know you have an enema in your future... yep you read that right. UGH! So gross lol! I told the hubby he should have to do one too, just for moral support (I mean "in sickness and in health" right?!)! He wasn't too keen on that idea! Ha!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will be sure to update you all as soon as I am feeling up to it! Let's do this!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to share a Guest Blog Post from my friend Kari for today. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to talk a little about discretion. I know that we all say things thinking, well actually not thinking at all, that we understand each person's journey. Kari has a great story and I think it is perfect for people to know that just because you choose your journey and it doesn't "fit the norm" of society, it is still YOUR JOURNEY! Who chooses this "norm" anyway? Why do we feel like we have to fit into a specific mold just to make us feel like we have completed our worldly duty? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Discretion... the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information. Be considerate of other's choices, you may not always understand their reasons behind them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OolaLife/?fref=ts" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrg8tk_fq9QQsO5O1Kz3xestcMe8Fkl0Ck1QxsMaBzfabVLzFP1FcyCkjf6920AABGLkSRh_MJPwm-AM5-1Fq6cJqBWPRUIwzSYsYa3hxzN5UPEmW7sYWrfOGMbiWpQOI6Fydzg7lOoIk/s400/14484982_1256104987754400_3037100515716158998_n.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the words of Dr. Dave and Dr. Troy, "You are designed by God for greatness and a purpose"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not everyone's purpose is the same as yours, no judgement, just love. And I love this story. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is Kari's Journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Different Kind of Infertility Story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“So, you mean you don’t have any kids of your own?”..This question is usually accompanied by a surprised or condescending tone of voice. And then usually followed up with something trite such as, “Well at least you have 3 stepkids!”, or “Want to watch mine sometime?..Haha!”, or the worst, “So what do you do with all of your time?!” (I keep plenty busy, thank you very much.) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me explain. I was born with a heart condition known as Transposition of the Great Arteries. It means that my pulmonary artery and my aorta are switched around. It changes the way blood circulates throughout the body, and leaves a shortage of oxygen in the blood. It was discovered 3 days after I was born and turned blue one night while my mom was feeding me. I had my first open heart surgery at 4 days old, my second surgery the next day, and my “big” surgery (where they opened up my chest and re routed the vessels and arteries in my heart) when I was 11 months old. I had a pacemaker implanted when I was 19 and have had that redone twice. If you would meet me, you’d think I was pretty normal and healthy until you saw the big scars across my chest. (And you’d notice them too; I’m not shy about wearing a tank top or a swimsuit.) Having TGA isn’t easy. I have to think about it every time I workout and make sure my heart isn’t beating too fast, every time I get sick (Any sort of flu like symptoms could put me in the hospital if I’m not careful) and every time I weigh myself as my doctor doesn’t want me getting too heavy. (And you thought you had it rough just hoping you’d fit into your favorite pair of jeans!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of that is easy compared to the way TGA has impacted my life the most. I can’t have kids. I’ve kind of known about this all my life. (Thanks for all those safe sex lectures, Mom!) Being pregnant would be too hard on my heart. When I was 21, I had my tubes tied. I know a lot of people thought my mom was crazy for letting me go through with it, but I’m glad she did. After that, I had a lot of female problems and got a hysterectomy at age 29. While in the operating room, the surgeon found varicose veins behind my uterus. If I had taken the chance and gotten pregnant, the pressure on those veins would have been too much. I probably wouldn’t have survived (Thank you Mayo Clinic!) . </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I always assumed I’d get married and either adopt kids or have them through a surrogate. When I was 28, I married a man who had 3 kids from his first marriage. Being a stepmom was challenging, and I was starting to have “baby fever” and wishing for one of my own. After my hysterectomy, I got depressed. Like, really depressed. I was turning 30, most of my friends were pregnant or had small kids, and I had just had a hysterectomy. I’m sad to say, I started taking it all out on my husband who definitely wondered what had happened to his normally happy and content wife. I finally went to my doctor and asked about antidepressants. She said that with the changes in my body and the circumstances, she didn’t feel the medicine was warranted. She explained that even women with 5 babies grieve after a hysterectomy because of the changes in your body. She also suggested (much to my husband’s dismay) that I get a dog or another pet so I had something to nurture. Being an animal lover, I was thrilled that a doctor told me I needed a pet! On Christmas morning, my dear husband surprised me with an adorable Shiba Inu puppy who has provided a lot of love and has been known to drive me crazy from time to time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We looked into adoption and I wanted try surrogacy, but my husband wasn’t as easily convinced. Plus, have you looked at the costs for that stuff? Wow- I’d have to give up shopping and eating if I wanted to save up that much $$! (Neither of those will be happening!) And, as my stepkids grew older, I found myself enjoying them at their respective ages and questioning whether I’d want to have a little kid again. I didn’t love the idea of diapers, car seats, and being woken up in the middle of the night to soothe a baby. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can’t pinpoint the exact date or time that I decided I wouldn’t be having children. I know it was sometime between my 34th and 35th birthday. Maybe it was when my oldest stepdaughter turned 18 and was getting ready to graduate and go to college. Maybe it was when we bought a Harley and I realized having a baby would mean we couldn’t go on trips as easily. Whatever it was, I had always assumed if I didn’t have children by age 35, it wouldn’t bother me as much because most of my friends would be done having babies. I figured as I got older, I’d feel more “ready” and be pushing toward adoption or surrogacy. But then I turned 34 and didn’t feel the urge as strongly as I’d felt before. I was happy with my life as it was and didn’t feel the need to change it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I ever feel sad about not having a kid of my own? Not as much as I thought I would. I have a pretty great life. I have 3 stepkids and I’m fortunate to be involved in their lives and even have a good relationship with my husband’s ex . I have an awesome husband who loves me like crazy and is always up for a spontaneous date night. People ask me all the time if we are going to have more kids or if I regret not having any. I really don’t. Once in awhile, I wonder about “what if?”. Sometimes when I hold a friend’s baby, I think it would be fun to have one to snuggle. Sometimes my dog wakes me up at 3:30 AM and I’m glad I don’t have a baby to wake me up! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are reading this and you want to have kids, by all means, go for it! If you don’t want to have kids, then don’t. And if you’re not sure, that’s ok too! It’s a personal decision and it’s a bigger decision than some people make it out to be. But know this; having kids or not having kids doesn’t make you any less of a woman. I hate the idea that we have to procreate to earn our “woman card” or not to be looked down upon. (That’s a whole ‘nother blog post!) What matters is that you’re a good person and that you’re happy with your life- however you choose to live it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Kari</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you so much Kari for sharing your story!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so proud of you for opening up your life to us!</div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-54535909492777688952016-09-27T14:22:00.006-05:002016-09-27T14:22:58.930-05:00Our Journey... Part Four<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since writing our first post we have had so many awesome responses AND we even got featured on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OCFertilityCare" target="_blank">Orange City FertilityCare Center's Facebook Page</a>! You guys are all so amazing and thank you so much for all of the beautiful stories and messages you have sent our way! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are so blessed by all of you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So we are still in our mode of waiting... We are kind of getting good at it actually! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok that is a lie, I am still not very good at it, but my hubby is patient enough for both of us somedays! Through all of this process even though all of the testing, treatment, talk, all of it, has been about me, I have not actually done anything, mentally, to prepare myself for it all. I tell myself that I am ready to feel better, I just want it to be over, It is fine, we are fine, it's all good... But inside I am a complete mess. I know that this is a burden on us financially, I know that this is going to be hard on my business depending on what we find out, I know that it has been tough on my husband and family emotionally, I know that my changes I have made in my diet are difficult for my friends to understand, I know, I know, I know.... All of these things are weighing on me and all the oils in the world aren't helping me sleep without thinking about it all. What if this or what if that? Why can't I be like this person or that person? Why us and why not us? I needed something to help me figure my life out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I read a book about a year or so ago called Oola: Find Balance in and Unbalanced World. Since then I have been in love with the concepts in the book and have followed their plan to help find my balance, but the follow through has always been less than stellar! I had the opportunity last weekend to go to an event called Oolapalooza in Minneapolis and it couldn't have come at a better time. I wasn't going to go, but the hubby told me I was going, no matter what. So I went, and he was right. I needed this more than any other time in my life. I believe that God works in a very strategic way. Like a wonderful woman said today "I truly believe that there are no coincidences in life... EVER". God had this planned all along, he knew that in order for me to have the strength to get through all of this, I needed a plan... This weekend I made my plan. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I learned so much about myself and how we all lie to ourselves on a daily basis. We are not fine, I am not fine, I am angry, I am judgmental, I am not always a good friend, I am terrible at anything related to finances and I put it off like the plague, I am full of guilt for not wanting the type of business that others make me feel like I should have, I feel guilty because I can't make my husband a wonderful father and have to drag him through all of this along with it, I am carrying so much crap... plain and simple. There you all have it! That is me, in a nutshell. I am a mess, but you know what? I also have a plan. I know what I have to do to get out of that mess and get where I want to be for me, for us, and for our future family. This weekend taught me that this is just where you are, not WHO you are. I know that I deserve better and those around me deserve better. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So how does this relate to this situation right now? Well, it gave me a sense of control where I sort of feel like I don't have any. My surgery is scheduled for October 6, but that is about the only thing that is certain right now. I have to have a pre-op ultrasound the day before and based on the measurements of the follicle, that will determine our schedule for our Ultrasound Series. This will be a series of daily ultrasounds to watch my ovaries and follicles to make sure that I am ovulating and to watch for that dang PCOS diagnosis that they also gave me. So for the daily ultrasounds, I have to go to Omaha to have them done, that is where my Type A personality wants to know right now when they are and so I can schedule my life around the 5 hour round trip each visit... The other uknown is how significant the Endo is. This is completely unknown until they actually do the procedure. Will they be able to get it all at this time? Will I have to return for a robotic surgery in the near future to remove the rest of the endo? Is the PCOS worse than I am thinking and we need to do something about that as well? They found on my lab results that I have an underactive thyroid as well (which again, in my head I already knew this!) so what do we do about that? My labs show I have low progesterone during my cycle, this could very well be the actual reason for the miscarriage and the endo had nothing to do with it... what do we do about that? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, Patience Melissa... I can hear my husband saying it in my ear as I type! Ha! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a crazy thing about Endo, symptoms don't always mean crap! You could have a minuscule amount of endo and have some of the worst pain, extremely heavy cycles, you name it you got it kind of symptoms. BUT you could also have extensive endo, for example lesions on your colon, adhesions between organs, or even on areas such as your lungs or brain, and have MINIMAL SYMPOMS, with a NORMAL CYCLE! This is also one of the reasons that it takes so long to be diagnosed! It reminds me of when I had kidney stones years ago. Let me tell you, that is some serious pain!!! But when they removed the stone and showed me how tiny it was, it almost made you angry that it was so small, bc the symptoms you had were so big! Each body is different and your inflammatory response to the Endo is also different. Some women's only symptom is infertility. Some women were diagnosed with IBS, but it was Endo. I read a testimony of a woman that would get a seizure every time she would have her period because the endo had spread to her brain (which is extremely rare by the way!) In a way it kind of puts things in perspective that it could be much worse, but it also reminds you that this is your one body you are given in this lifetime, and it is yours. These are your cards you've been dealt. How you play them is your choice. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had to make a goal this weekend that if you could accomplish one thing and everything else would start to fall into place, what would it be. But the bigger question in that goal was, what is keeping you from accomplishing it? My goal was to overcome this and become a mom. However that is meant to happen for me. What is keeping you from it? Some of that answer is uncontrollable, but the scary part of it IS under my control. Fear... Anger... Guilt... All those same things that I said earlier, I have allowed them to get in the way of this process. What if it doesn't work? What if because I was on the pill for so long, I did this to myself? What if I am a terrible mom? What if this is Karma? I realized that the reason that I can't completely be at ease in this is because I have allowed my head to speak louder than my faith. There is always something bigger at play. It was no coincidence that my surgery was scheduled for almost a week after this event. It was no coincidence that this was also happening right around the time that I would've given birth to our baby. This was all planned as part of this journey. I needed to accept that this is where we are and that there is a bigger plan. But I also needed to remember that this Endo Journey is just where I am, it is not WHO I am. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFmQ-D0GWhyphenhyphenth5ECgUtMmYJpIEvp0ahqhf-H0nltmveMfQJbcadaqTAgHLZPTAox0ur3GfJQK9K_B8nVS9PP8S6wryM2xMfsw6bU2qZJtbQRC0G6O8JexmypeucTssoewxbUwhv86Rjc/s1600/13895355_1203482886349944_8840673234578996058_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFmQ-D0GWhyphenhyphenth5ECgUtMmYJpIEvp0ahqhf-H0nltmveMfQJbcadaqTAgHLZPTAox0ur3GfJQK9K_B8nVS9PP8S6wryM2xMfsw6bU2qZJtbQRC0G6O8JexmypeucTssoewxbUwhv86Rjc/s400/13895355_1203482886349944_8840673234578996058_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are going through something please remember that, no matter what it is, it does not have to define who you are as a person. The only thing that can do that is YOU. What are you going to let define you? I refuse to let this be me. I am better than that. God believes in me more than that and I know that without our miscarriage or any of the other things along the way, we wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be writing this and hearing from women EVERYWHERE that are also going through the same things. Be grateful and have faith... That is something that has stuck with me from the first time I read the Oola book and always will. No matter what you are going through in your life, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be grateful and have faith. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next week is surgery week, I am ready. I've got this, whatever they find. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Want to know more about Oola?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out their website <a href="http://www.oolalife.com/">www.oolalife.com</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Their mission is to simply change the world with a word. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We do this by making us better as individuals, and as we become better, our families </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
become better, our communities become better, and the world becomes better. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oola is a state of awesomeness, I will get there... I am on my way. </div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-90333089378100423182016-09-19T13:24:00.001-05:002016-09-19T13:24:03.793-05:00Our Journey... Part Three<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow! I have had such an amazing response from so many of you readers! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It truly makes my heart happy! I feel that I need to find something in this journey </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that has meaning, and I am starting to believe that my meaning is to help spread</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
awareness and hope for many other women going through similar situations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You aren't crazy. I tell people everyday in my office that you know </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your body better than anyone else could ever expect to... trust it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that some of you have been hanging on the edge of your seats for part 3, so here goes! lol!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, so where was I? Oh yeah... I knew... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walked out of the appointment and my head was spinning. I was sad, distraught, confused, and most of all angry. I told myself when I did this blog that I wasn't going to sugarcoat any of it. So I should say that I was seriously PISSED. I wasn't angry with Dr. Hanson at all, for the first time I had found a doctor that was honest and real, as well as more caring than any other I had ever met. I was angry because I knew. I knew that I had endometriosis. I had known it for years and just took the doctors words for it. I had almost all of the symptoms.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://happyhealthyendo.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/symptoms-of-endometriosis-2/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrfuKTRc_vjUZzB36SlTd9gK6QQIFxYizUbj0ym0isLHKVqw_uhNtw9GM_qGapHoQtdqx9tCOjqzqXJyJ9YBwo1kV9s17IoeTqfEuslJOrdaqJiaJqR9qAPsZKa3SpuzhPMl4-SrOQ6c/s400/symptoms-of-endometriosis-happyhealthyendo1.jpg" title="" width="267" /></a><span id="goog_1307257083"></span><span id="goog_1307257084"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now remember, most of these symptoms fall under a category that we all call PMS. I would like to say that I truly believe that PMS is NOT NORMAL! I believe that it is a symptom of underyling issues, most often hormone imbalances. Also remember that most of these symptoms are occurring constantly during a woman's month, but they are exacerbated when they get their period. Let me tell you, YOU AREN'T CRAZY. The cramps are real and they are severe, the headaches are there, the mood swings, the extremely heavy flow, the food cravings, the skin rashes... all of it is real. I remember wanting to crawl into a hole and never come out. A cold, dark, quiet hole that served Excedrin as needed. I believe you, I feel sorry for you, and I hope that you can have enough strength to not take "it's normal" as your answer anymore. You deserve better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So what exactly is Endometriosis anyway? Why should we care? Never heard of it? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That is why we should care! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8THIELdAZYL7up3YBxxHcuA0aGj4KRXABLi2U7ozq1-yfh6xE5ps-ncSCmdxrGvvE0ilwkvCIoxFE8liHJC2sAqUfVuvgQtEl7aTqxPHHS-oB386uaSzf37rWF4GozAJuHYhqIPs5gc/s1600/Endometriosis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8THIELdAZYL7up3YBxxHcuA0aGj4KRXABLi2U7ozq1-yfh6xE5ps-ncSCmdxrGvvE0ilwkvCIoxFE8liHJC2sAqUfVuvgQtEl7aTqxPHHS-oB386uaSzf37rWF4GozAJuHYhqIPs5gc/s640/Endometriosis.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This IS a big deal! 10 years on average for a diagnosis?! This shouldn't be happening!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sorry guys, don't want to sound "sexist" but if this was happening to men, we would be all over it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why is this not a big deal? Why are we, as women, continually told to repress our bodies? That our bodies will continually let us down and cause us pain, and that is just normal?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't relieve it and I refuse to take that as an answer any longer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NO CURE... That is so incredibly scary.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, we do have options and that brings us to now...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So here we are. Waiting. 6 months I thought would be forever, but it has gone so quickly. During that time, we continued to chart and to meet with Kari to go over what we were finding. Also during this time we were talking with Pope Paul VI in Omaha regarding preparing for surgery. They were extremely helpful and thorough, making sure we understood what to expect as per the surgery as well as the costs. They let us know what things are likely not going to be covered by insurance and why (I could write a whole post on how our insurance industry is letting women down in this country, but I will save that for sometime when I have nothing else to write about! ha!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also got a name for our doctor, Dr. Pakiz. I have heard wonderful things about her from other women who have worked with her. As much as I loved Dr. Hanson, I am so happy to have a woman to doctor with. Personally it makes me more comfortable. After signing our lives away for surgery we also had to do our Complete Hormone Panel lab draws, he had to do his thing (you all know what that is) again, and at this very moment we are awaiting the start of my new cycle to begin our trips to Omaha for our Ovulation Daily Ultrasound Series. We are hoping that it will fall during the time we are in Omaha for Surgery. OH! I just realized, I never told you all the date of the surgery! OCTOBER 6! It feels surreal! I has come so quickly, but yet also at the perfect time for me to wrap my head around what is happening and to prepare our lives for some time away from work. Both of us owning our own businesses makes it very difficult to be away at the same time, but John just keeps telling me not to worry, he has it all figured out. Ok, I trust you ;) </div>
<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
So like I said before, NO CURE. Here is where our surgery comes in. <a href="http://www.naprotechnology.com/surgical.htm">NaPro Technology's</a> website states that "surgical removal of endometriosis carries with it the best chance for success, both in terms of pain relief and in subsequent pregnancies. However, if the surgeon is not adequately trained to be able to provide a good surgical approach which will remove the endometriosis while preventing subsequent adhesions, the chances for success are quite limited." NaPro Technology gives us that trained surgeon. They use what is known as Near Contact Laparoscopy. This allows them to see the most minute Endo that regular laparoscopy would very likely miss. They also use an excision technique that not only removes the surface lesions, but removes the lesions deep into the tissue while reducing the risk of adhesions and recurrence. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will be having a laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and hysterosalpingogram performed on the 6th. They can not tell me the severity of my Endo until after the surgery is complete. It is not able to be seen on ultrasound, films, or even pelvic exams. This surgery will determine if there is need for further surgery (if the endo is extensive...) and also if there is anything else to be concerned about relating to my uterus and fallopian tubes. Oh and did I forget to mention that they take a video of the entire surgery? During our follow-up with Dr. Pakiz, she will walk us through the surgery and explain everything that they see and do!</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
THIS IS WHY WE HAVE WAITED 6 MONTHS!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is there still risk of it returning? Yes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Am I afraid of not knowing what they are going to find? Oh lord yes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I have faith that no matter what, we are in the right place? yes, YeS, and more YES.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So now we do just a little bit more waiting. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband says I need to learn patience, so maybe there is something else to learn from all of this...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To be continued... yet again!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-74696599040010917262016-09-12T11:35:00.001-05:002016-09-12T11:56:50.762-05:00Our Journey... Part Two.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Even with all of those feelings I was having, I was also determined to follow my heart. I was determined to get myself well and find out what was really going on in my body. I felt that the road we were on was not working and there had to be a better way... A better journey...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Determined... that is exactly what I was. I was not going to lie down and give up, nor was I going to sit back and ride the ride. I needed to feel like I was in control and that my doctor wanted to figure out the cause of my concerns as much as I did. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">After our miscarriage, we had a follow-up with our OB. We were very devastated and at a complete loss for where to go next. We felt as though this was an everyday occurrence to him. I do not say that to sound angry with him, but I do say it because I feel that this IS something our doctors are seeing so often that they start to also become numb to the pain of what their patients are feeling. He basically said he was sorry, we should return for a follow-up in a month or so, and that they would call me with my lab results (I requested to have a full thyroid panel performed as well as a full hormone panel run). He also told us that we had two options to think about, we could go back on the Clomid or we could get a referral for a Reproductive Endocrinologist... Seriously? Those are our only options? Clomid... the drug that made me a crazy person and did NOT help us get pregnant. Or a referral to a doctor that was likely going to discuss IVF as the next option even though we had just recently gotten pregnant on our own? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">I was confused, my husband was frustrated, and we were both done... There had to be something better. There had to be some kind of reason for what was going on and someone willing to help us figure it out. We both knew that even if we did get pregnant and have a healthy child, my cycles and body were still a far cry from normal. We decided to find another option... I scoured journal articles, blogs, websites, threads, and anything I could find. I was looking at local hospitals that had OB care and came across one not far from us. Orange City Area Health System. They had a phenomenal OB wing of their hospital and I had many recommendations to see them. I just wasn't sure they were going to be any different. Then I found it. I found <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OCFertilityCare/" target="_blank">Orange City Fertility<i>Care</i> Center</a>. I started looking through their facebook posts and read about <a href="http://www.naprotechnology.com/" target="_blank">NaPro Technology</a>, all this time I just felt that this was it! This is what we have been looking for! "Treating underlying conditions to help naturally enhance a woman's fertility." I told my husband about it and he said to make an appointment, let's do this. We were feeling a glimmer of hope before we even made the appointment. I messaged them and made an appointment for the next month. <br /><br />I didn't really know what to expect, but I was hopeful. We met with our Creighton Model Practitioner and learned everything that you should ever need to know about the female and male reproductive system. The hubby was thrilled haha! But you know me, that kind of stuff doesn't phase me in the least. We did both comment that it is something they should be teaching in schools for Sex Ed instead of teaching about Birth Control and Condoms. There were so many things that I didn't even know about as an adult, and had I known these things when I was 12 years old I truly believe I would be on a whole different journey today! We learned about how the birth control pill actually works... let me tell you, NEVER AGAIN. Morally, ethically, NO, it is definitely not for us. After our introductory class we were given homework to read before our next visit. This was homework to help teach us how to chart our cycles. You heard that right, OUR CYCLES. Something that really resonated with me and I remember very vividly is when she talked about how this is OUR FERTILITY, not mine, not his. OURS. Without my husband I am infertile, without me he is infertile, we are only able to be fertile when joined together. We were in this together and both carry the responsibilities on this journey. I stinking LOVE THAT! Seriously! I mean how true is that?! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">At our first class after the intro session, we met with Kari. She has been our lifesaver on this journey. We are so incredibly lucky to have met her and have her teaching us. This is when we starting learning to chart our cycle. Now, this is going to sound a little scary to some of you, but I was ready, whatever I have to do I am in! With the <a href="http://www.creightonmodel.com/" target="_blank">Creighton Model </a>you learn to chart your cervical mucus. Yep, you read that right, say it with me... cervical mucus... it isn't really as scary as it sounds. I mean come on ladies, every time you go to the bathroom you wipe, now you just have to wipe before AND after as well as look at the tissue to determine what it looks like. They teach you what each thing you see means and how to chart it. It is a lot to learn at first, but it has become habit and I don't often have to even think about it. We were told that after a few cycles of charting we would be able to get an idea of what was going on inside my body. Not only will we learn that, but we will also know when is the best and worst times to get pregnant based on your chart. This can also be used when trying to NOT achieve pregnancy! Also, guess what? ZERO SIDE EFFECTS of this form of "birth control." I hate to call it that, because it really is not that, but it an essence it is! When done correctly it has over 99% success rates! I was shocked that I didn't even know about this! Why are they not teaching this to young women?! The pill teaches us nothing, but gives us a "sense" of security. With Creighton Model, you are in control of your reproductive health! Not only that, you are able to see so much more information about your body than you would normally see! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">OK OK, I promise to do a post about charting and what it is, and all that jazz, but back to our journey!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">We charted for I believe 2 months and had a referral to see a Napro Certified Physician at Orange City Hospital. This is it, this is what we have been waiting for... I was so nervous that day we walked into the room. What is he going to say? What does my chart say? What does it all mean? John, my husband, was there with me, but I could tell he was also nervous. Dr. Hanson had a copy of my chart and all of my health history information. He came in and I was immediately at ease. He was so incredibly caring, we need more physicians like him! We honestly thought that we were going to start progesterone testing because from what we saw on the chart, I had low progesterone. This would be an "easy fix", take progesterone to get your levels up, will help regulate your cycles and also help decrease chances of miscarriage. The wind came out of our sails rather quickly when Dr. Hanson uttered three words... Endometriosis and Surgical Referral... I didn't know what to say... He said based on my charting and my symptoms he is sure that I have endometriosis and possibly PCOS. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Now what? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Well... then came the rest of it... 6 month wait for surgery...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Can we go anywhere else sooner? We will drop everything and just go! But his answer was real and honest. No. <a href="http://www.popepaulvi.com/" target="_blank"> Pope Paul VI Institute</a> in Omaha is the best of the best and there is nowhere else he would recommend. If I was his wife or daughter he would say the same thing... ok, Omaha it is. I sat there with tears in my eyes and the rest of the appt was much a blur. He talked to me about things I needed to do prior to surgery to help. He talked about diet changes to help with the inflammation, don't gain weight or it will get worse, but losing weight could help the symptoms... He gave us hope amidst my sadness. I mean come on people, I KNEW that thinking progesterone was the only problem was a shot in the dark. I knew that there was more to it. And I also wasn't that surprised when he said endometriosis. I knew, I had asked my doctors for YEARS if that is what it could be and they all gave me the same answer... No Way. Just stay on the pill, it'll fix your problem... mmhmm... yep... I just did what they said, like I was a puppet on a string. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipagI27l_EI9JBnRyLTsEWtosUK8x__Cg6fspES_zTLifOO0xjM5xC1GMPj1kWFwvJRIK0hpFk88OyE5hEc6P24C42sF80L8RVOvH35iH9sOojwTzZpLRZSe6_cV0JhiKyE3EU9-ZTae8/s1600/77feae33be881edb985e60ff95760cab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipagI27l_EI9JBnRyLTsEWtosUK8x__Cg6fspES_zTLifOO0xjM5xC1GMPj1kWFwvJRIK0hpFk88OyE5hEc6P24C42sF80L8RVOvH35iH9sOojwTzZpLRZSe6_cV0JhiKyE3EU9-ZTae8/s640/77feae33be881edb985e60ff95760cab.jpg" width="441" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">I knew... Dang It... </span></span><span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">(to be continued... again...)</span></span></b></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-17149911200194784342016-09-06T10:00:00.000-05:002016-09-06T10:00:27.535-05:00Life is a Journey... and it ain't always pretty<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I look back and I have not been here since 2014! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life has definitely flown by in the last few years! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a little update on our lives:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"> I am still at my office and truly love my passion for helping people get well.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I still am a Wildtree Representative and love using their products daily in our kitchen.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I am also still a Young Living Distributor but more than that, I am an Oil Addict...</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">John is now the owner of his own business and keeping very busy.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Jack and Penny are still driving us crazy on a daily basis and are still escape artists!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">We are on an infertility journey that we never expected to be on. That is where we start...</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the next few weeks I will be writing regarding what has brought us to this point, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but today I want to begin with May 2015...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the day that I decided I wanted to take control of my own fertility... or so I thought. I had been having a lot of female related problems for years, but they had gotten much worse over the past few months. I remember having a period so heavy and intense that when my husband came home from work I was sitting in the chair in a complete daze. He was worried, said I was incredibly pale and for him to worry was the last draw for me. I made an appointment the next day to see my doctor. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I met with my doctor, who referred me to another physician and so the fertility journey begins. I was informed that I had 2 options, become pregnant or go on birth control (again). I knew that I would not be going back on BC, after so many years of being on it and the horrible effects it had on my mood, I just couldn't do it again. I also felt that it just wasn't the right thing for me. We had also been trying for quite some time to get pregnant but to no avail. I was tracking my temps, ovulation, and my symptoms like a hawk, but something wasn't right. I was not ovulating... at least not when I was "supposed" to be according to my charting (more on that another time!). My doctor decided that I should try Clomid, so we did. We jumped through the hoops, just like anyone else would feeling like this is your only shot at the one thing that you want more than anything else in the world. Let me tell you though, Clomid is not for the faint of heart. It made me angry, I mean really angry, depressed, uncomfortable in my own skin, my hair fell out, my face broke out, my body was a disaster, and I gained 12 lbs in the first 2 months. I have not considered myself "overweight" until my doctor decided to put me on a different medication on month 4, because I was now in a higher BMI bracket. (Due to the Clomid mind you!!!) We did all of the meds as directed for 4 months. Did they work? Technically Yes! But ultimately NO, because they were not treating any cause, just effects. Did I ovulate, Yes. Did I get pregnant, No. Were the side effects worth it? In my mind, for me. No. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After month 4 I just couldn't do it any longer. I had this feeling in my gut that there was something else going on. The fact that I am not ovulating at 32 years old was not ok with me. I also was not ok with believing that my heavy periods, intense cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and mood swings (to name a few) were "normal." I just wasn't buying it. As a woman, I knew my body and knew that there was something else going on that was not being addressed. So we took a break to get healthy again. I did a lot of research and started taking better care of myself again. I was eating right, taking some supplements to help enhance my fertility and I was continuing my charting. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We get through the holidays, which was NOT easy on my diet, let me tell you! But I was determined to prove my doctor wrong, to prove that I could get pregnant without Clomid. And guess what?! We did! We got pregnant in December. I remember taking the first test, I always took them, but honestly never knew when I was considered "late" since my cycles were so abnormal. I glanced at it as I went to throw it away (I just assumed it was negative like every other one) and holy moly, it was positive! It was only faint, but it was there! I waited a few days and did it again. POSITIVE! I was so excited, and scared, and more excited. We both were! I was right, I didn't need the medications, I could do this! Then everything changed in a few short weeks...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I remember it like it was yesterday. I started spotting... waited a day for it to stop, but it didn't. Called the doctor, he wanted an ultrasound that day, we went in and they confirmed that we were indeed pregnant! Spotting can be normal in some pregnancies is what we were told, but if it gets worse to call. Well this was Friday and by Sunday it was definitely worse. I was in a lot of pain and the bleeding was intense. Visited the doctor again on Monday and my HCG levels were dropping. Needless to say, the doctor tried to be optimistic, but I knew... I just knew this was a miscarriage. I was so devastated. I cried constantly for days. Everything we wanted, gone... we felt jipped. You have all of those questions... Why me? What did we do wrong? What happened? Why Why Why? I still feel all those questions. I would have been due September 14. This miscarriage was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. To be told that you very likely won't get pregnant without help, to having it happen without it, to having that joy ripped away so quickly... it sucks... no better way to say it. I was sad, angry, frustrated, and most of all very depressed. I remember feeling like people were going to judge, saying "but you were only 6 weeks, you weren't "really" pregnant yet" But to anyone that says that, you sir, are a jerk. The moment that you find out that you are pregnant, the moment that test is positive, you see it on ultrasound, you are pregnant. Just because that child could not survive being born makes it no less of a child, and it makes you no less of a parent. I will never get to see, hold, or know my first child. That is a very sad fact, as it is for so many other mothers and fathers out there. A fact that breaks my heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdFWAq5QjhjnNIrdS5DSAeU1QkVNOVR0xqn-f3VotulazXLhMExVF0i2RS6YNsfErb7UfI33alK8P3BYb7Y6sOZdafp9afJmLWRkCSA_qrPrxiKRz8SwH_JEX8OMMQhUrh4gUvuK3oAE/s1600/01f3cacef6258e8fbc718b25a99a9aa4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdFWAq5QjhjnNIrdS5DSAeU1QkVNOVR0xqn-f3VotulazXLhMExVF0i2RS6YNsfErb7UfI33alK8P3BYb7Y6sOZdafp9afJmLWRkCSA_qrPrxiKRz8SwH_JEX8OMMQhUrh4gUvuK3oAE/s1600/01f3cacef6258e8fbc718b25a99a9aa4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even with all of those feelings I was having, I was also determined to follow my heart. I was determined to get myself well and find out what was really going on in my body. I felt that the road we were on was not working and there had to be a better way... A better journey...<br />(to be continued...)</div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-68797980880133977082014-12-10T11:10:00.002-06:002014-12-10T11:42:04.306-06:00Reflecting on my blessings...Well.... I said I was back and I wasn't! Life has gotten even more crazy since I last wrote! We survived our first year of marriage, I started 2 home based business opportunities, my husband is working a ton of hours, and we are loving life even if it is a little crazy sometimes! I am returning to blogging mostly because I have so many things going on in my life and many of them, I think, you might find apply to you! So, here goes... again ;)<br />
<br />
There are times in your life that you need to take a step back and reflect on all that has been given to you over your lifetime... I have had a chance to do that recently, whether I did so purposely or not. This time of year is a time that many people are concerned about the gifts and the pricetag that seems to come with making sure everyone is "getting their fair share". I am one that for my own personal reasons has not really "loved" Christmas for awhile now. I don't like to do all the decorating, I love to see everyone elses, just not my thing. I remember as a kid, loving Christmas time. I loved to help my mom decorate our tree and our house, she has always had the spirit to decorate for every time of year. Then things changed for me. I guess you could say that I have lost that Christmas spirit. <br />
<br />
Upon my reflecting I realized that all the worry and stress that often go with this time of year is a big part of it for me. I realized that I had lost the "reason for the season" or so they say. Christmas is not about what tangible items you will be given or receive this year. It is about the love that Christ has given to us and that he wishes for us to give unto others. Remember that not everyone has family and friends to celebrate with this time of year. Nor does everyone have the ability to spend money on holiday gifts this year. I think we all need to take time this year to remember why we are celebrating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj6eAU35-CH8ahhLoX48V-qMz6VfV_iu7ValUI6LGbqlBkNM6P49dTFBrUgu_NJd2H3PdEPwFCj2Q8r5oUPlLUxcWsjv3i4fUyhAqMcdBAGxWrVVXymSibDxpmHe13pBG5ddbYn7Kp2w/s1600/04f5d0380a4e2074260848ab98bc1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj6eAU35-CH8ahhLoX48V-qMz6VfV_iu7ValUI6LGbqlBkNM6P49dTFBrUgu_NJd2H3PdEPwFCj2Q8r5oUPlLUxcWsjv3i4fUyhAqMcdBAGxWrVVXymSibDxpmHe13pBG5ddbYn7Kp2w/s1600/04f5d0380a4e2074260848ab98bc1317.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been so incredibly blessed this year and in my lifetime. I am blessed with an amazing family and group of friends that understand me and love me. I am been more than blessed by wonderful husband who supports me and all my crazy decisions. He trusts me and believes in me more than I have ever believed in myself. I am also blessed to be able to work in a career that legitimately helps to heal people everyday. I may not make a great deal of money like many others in my field, but I feel great knowing that I get to help people get well and I get to do it my way. I have been blessed by another company called Wildtree that has helped fuel my fire for helping people understand what health can mean for them. It also has helped me be able to bring families back together around the dinner table. I love that I can help families have more time together! Blessed, blessed, and more blessed... We so often take the little things for granted. I feel blessed to live the life I am choosing to live. We may have our crazy days and our ups and downs, but at the end of it all I feel blessed to be able to have those times. I am blessed with the fact that I believe there is something great ahead of us all. We are all meant for great things and no matter how big or small they seem to us, they are great things. <br />
<br />
What makes you blessed?<br />
<br />
Take some time and reflect yourselves. You might find you have more blessings that you ever even imagined.Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-78398532204858206772013-11-05T14:00:00.001-06:002016-08-31T14:53:43.919-05:00Step Right Up!<div style="text-align: center;">
Good Tuesday Morning!! So we are supposed to be getting the dreaded "S" word today in our little neck of the woods! I don't dread it as much as most others do, mostly because I think that it is beautiful and makes everything look so clean and fresh after a dusty harvest. BUT ask me again in March and I will have a very different response for you all! As of now though I don't see it coming so we shall see! </div>
<div>
I thought that I would give you a little tutorial today of one of my FAVORITE things I made for my wedding! I loved it so much that I kept it and it is now hung in our dining room! (actually quite a few things from our wedding have found a place in our house, sorry Johnny!) </div>
<div>
We (my mom and I) decided that we would like to have a photo booth at the wedding. I have been to a few weddings that have used them, and let me tell you, they are a BLAST! It is an awesome way to remember your night and it helps to get guests "out of their shell". I decided that I wanted to make a large sign for the booth so that when people came in they would know what it was. Here is the tutorial for this project!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was able to use a large frame that I had gotten from my Great Grandmother. I did not particularly like the picture in the back and initially thought I would use chalkboard paint and magnetic paint and have a large "memo board" in our dining room. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First I taped off the frame and painted to back using a flat black exterior house paint. I used ACE brand. This took a couple coats and I let it dry for about 2 days before moving it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While this was drying I designed a template for what I wanted the board to say. I don't use all that fancy photoshop stuff, I use Microsoft Word! I download a lot of fonts that you can find on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mismolitor/fonts/" target="_blank">Fonts Pinterest Board</a>. The fonts I used are Ar Bonnie, Rosewood and Young Love. Here is the <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hxjm3ha0gftsrkg/5bI-Y8KqRd/photo%20booth.pdf" target="_blank">PDF</a> of the file I designed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhf3mOUtGU8wkw60nPqyBJEvt8earGar46Av3PjJLlRJk7HNqWPf-oCAoNlfucPFWQ_JhQCnGxxzwABjFZuB3laswV4DeIxk35HhwTt82T_qfsvZLNchA8ebrkaCVyILeWe0X8pm8SFY/s1600/photobooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhf3mOUtGU8wkw60nPqyBJEvt8earGar46Av3PjJLlRJk7HNqWPf-oCAoNlfucPFWQ_JhQCnGxxzwABjFZuB3laswV4DeIxk35HhwTt82T_qfsvZLNchA8ebrkaCVyILeWe0X8pm8SFY/s400/photobooth.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once this was designed I used a projector connected to my computer to put the image on the frame. I then used a pencil to trace the letters onto the black background. I did have to move the projector sometimes in order to get the correct size of font I needed to fit within the frame. I also added our Initials and Date on the bottom of the frame to fill up the space.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahus1KB3AhKu-6My_cXBGsR0K8hXDiA-364xRzDxYyVhXj-MTLfo9m4IlyFhw9oB0W1P0WFMR_DC3gu4i5hBJU3JjPpenxr5ozbBRkpXMyjF7JNTQpxlDddQPe4AG60hg24KvWYQBJIM/s1600/20131006_115927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahus1KB3AhKu-6My_cXBGsR0K8hXDiA-364xRzDxYyVhXj-MTLfo9m4IlyFhw9oB0W1P0WFMR_DC3gu4i5hBJU3JjPpenxr5ozbBRkpXMyjF7JNTQpxlDddQPe4AG60hg24KvWYQBJIM/s400/20131006_115927.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After all the tracing was finished I began to add the color! I used Sharpie Gold Markers as they were cheaper than buying the Paint Pens for that. I used white and silver paint pens for the rest of the letters and for the lips I used Red everyday craft paint and a paintbrush. Paint pens make life so much simpler!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0nElsPXAFELMZyr_Mo7SF7LORG8zEPtAd0uluKK8THctY7TsfGj34UzU0fSuCl5Gkc4GpPkgNZSMkGG3BzFoqrRFh_AEvzPAKVXqdPZnrnoFNvnONNpZbDsK1RVIoSTtIfmvzsqB7yI/s1600/1381109948928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0nElsPXAFELMZyr_Mo7SF7LORG8zEPtAd0uluKK8THctY7TsfGj34UzU0fSuCl5Gkc4GpPkgNZSMkGG3BzFoqrRFh_AEvzPAKVXqdPZnrnoFNvnONNpZbDsK1RVIoSTtIfmvzsqB7yI/s640/1381109948928.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This project took very little time or money! I spent a total of $10.00 on the supplies. I had the black paint from another project. All I had to purchase were the paint pens and the red paint (which was less than $1.00 at Walmart!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We set this up at the wedding next to the photo booth and had a lot of compliments on it!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a few of the pictures from the Photo Booth that night! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLddhghOcUy6JVwrA5B-MxUa4b8x7c6S3CwTi-Mvh_47YvYAjOcLORbteg5R_6UmLvMVY00KKO6Db2QnS8-nEQ7q8WAgaQ0wkxzNGEKXPNGTPzRkzuos0W4QbrEXKWrtnqO92ys6j8vA/s1600/539623_10152043163214714_1966314134_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLddhghOcUy6JVwrA5B-MxUa4b8x7c6S3CwTi-Mvh_47YvYAjOcLORbteg5R_6UmLvMVY00KKO6Db2QnS8-nEQ7q8WAgaQ0wkxzNGEKXPNGTPzRkzuos0W4QbrEXKWrtnqO92ys6j8vA/s320/539623_10152043163214714_1966314134_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9abLcoZL-RbbRgjwRMjq0EY2ifNpq_bIi4XqLhYfJUx78EpWakh2i6ewF5gsy8rN7_BDS_isg8cm-8nPBH1NGTFKWsZmoxUvwR3rlcb836Y9oX1Oiq5Ga_6_0vNuG0-6c67l-h-f45Vo/s1600/603980_10152043166059714_1046551522_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9abLcoZL-RbbRgjwRMjq0EY2ifNpq_bIi4XqLhYfJUx78EpWakh2i6ewF5gsy8rN7_BDS_isg8cm-8nPBH1NGTFKWsZmoxUvwR3rlcb836Y9oX1Oiq5Ga_6_0vNuG0-6c67l-h-f45Vo/s320/603980_10152043166059714_1046551522_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrNDOSswuYRuzbkuTeQ6A45jHVOmSu0HUF9OZxH7j6144dBSA5ZpKmrfuMTrd-eg2dFQZbYelepU4bZn_GjGmsb4cq3cqx5cFN6fqH43EAPlCeAtsVNQlBmxBSKZ5tHRICexqW-QQPDs/s1600/994047_10152043178124714_1304006384_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrNDOSswuYRuzbkuTeQ6A45jHVOmSu0HUF9OZxH7j6144dBSA5ZpKmrfuMTrd-eg2dFQZbYelepU4bZn_GjGmsb4cq3cqx5cFN6fqH43EAPlCeAtsVNQlBmxBSKZ5tHRICexqW-QQPDs/s320/994047_10152043178124714_1304006384_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EMLut3QFSpPOUip0nCTjvCi8UJR5NHGHBbzC66Kn6DMnp-5RJ4dJ9xYspfA2C4U8V4nE5vHlNIT-qZRzKn6ESVhHJy68bEMjFN_totrI7wIUv1bw-Sz4Q0mKW1GAOBDLLmAE7tDDa74/s1600/996049_10152043198609714_989840725_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EMLut3QFSpPOUip0nCTjvCi8UJR5NHGHBbzC66Kn6DMnp-5RJ4dJ9xYspfA2C4U8V4nE5vHlNIT-qZRzKn6ESVhHJy68bEMjFN_totrI7wIUv1bw-Sz4Q0mKW1GAOBDLLmAE7tDDa74/s320/996049_10152043198609714_989840725_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoqICY8gzSrba_ZfLIfXnURPNFVCsPR4nSXs0nttCDL1hMw97efdqUkDQ7MOgRcTSMkcjDmZF00BvvHMcm802a0fhTmqLZ1vs-tFfKioYUlbhc_41CSP9L_fOtdEQKuYonJyf3ofA3Uo/s1600/1005001_10152043195759714_422340682_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoqICY8gzSrba_ZfLIfXnURPNFVCsPR4nSXs0nttCDL1hMw97efdqUkDQ7MOgRcTSMkcjDmZF00BvvHMcm802a0fhTmqLZ1vs-tFfKioYUlbhc_41CSP9L_fOtdEQKuYonJyf3ofA3Uo/s320/1005001_10152043195759714_422340682_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOIIFxVYkNlVFBSAMaY8-0UgcTHNhT8Mp79MvtorlWuN771ZiiQSupQi-smYrpXT6BCRlRnr8XgENp1mr9MfpveAP5wz0wuoO2yfC41uDTZ_cmvPvaTmF9haiHywTGmKclkIhCZxPEYQ/s1600/1394413_10152043189774714_112749124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOIIFxVYkNlVFBSAMaY8-0UgcTHNhT8Mp79MvtorlWuN771ZiiQSupQi-smYrpXT6BCRlRnr8XgENp1mr9MfpveAP5wz0wuoO2yfC41uDTZ_cmvPvaTmF9haiHywTGmKclkIhCZxPEYQ/s320/1394413_10152043189774714_112749124_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQl5Huyq88vSLWwzabLeJjo1GamOv0aa70PNAKPSHnqXNF1ejbZZ7S0JF1dh1n-FOh-4MoGOu-msLc6jcSBBkhGcsb_K2rFXpZddkp5lXSKwoR_p7bH86b5-oPZgt3Hiisq8mfa_WcdI/s1600/1391699_10152043194514714_1314617121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQl5Huyq88vSLWwzabLeJjo1GamOv0aa70PNAKPSHnqXNF1ejbZZ7S0JF1dh1n-FOh-4MoGOu-msLc6jcSBBkhGcsb_K2rFXpZddkp5lXSKwoR_p7bH86b5-oPZgt3Hiisq8mfa_WcdI/s320/1391699_10152043194514714_1314617121_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
HOW FUN ARE THOSE??!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone should have a Photo Booth at their wedding!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So if you are getting married or know someone who is, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
go ahead and download the link I gave you to make your own sign! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a great day... and by the way it is now snowing :)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-72896077026157988692012-03-12T10:32:00.000-05:002016-08-31T15:00:33.168-05:00Happy Monday All! Sunday was a rough day, so today I am happy it is Monday, write this down because you will probably never hear me say it again! I planned to clean the kitchen and get some things organized yesterday, but that got delayed when I opened my refridgerator to see all the shelves covered with water! The freezer froze up and had nowhere to drain except the fridge.. ugh! So everything had to be taken out and put in the "beer fridge" in the garage and deep freeze so this one could thaw. Then Jack (our avid hunter of anything that runs) decided to come in contact with a skunk! EWWW! Needless to say I did not accomplish everything I wanted to yesterday! But Saturday I was able to tackle one project!<br />
<br />
So I showed you last time how I removed my Wall Words and wanted to be able to reuse them on another wall, well...... I combed my house to find a wall to put them on and since we painted, all the walls that I would want to put it on were painted the same color as the words! Now what do I do?? Well being "crafty" as John calls it, I found an old poster frame in storage that had a bunch of pictures in it from college (sorry becca, the pics will have to go in a scrapbook now instead :) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PStvwJhyHtUt15F0q-IB-OCNAx_3G-ibQeVrlp9S5-jTVu6Eq-umEuR9Cj_cgE_b13LLMxsENRB7MH1Wa2QJdm4U5IQ5WUkv5yYginw50jGnj1iD4HpdvD6b342asepSxFzxb3Ryxs8/s1600/2012-03-10+09.17.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PStvwJhyHtUt15F0q-IB-OCNAx_3G-ibQeVrlp9S5-jTVu6Eq-umEuR9Cj_cgE_b13LLMxsENRB7MH1Wa2QJdm4U5IQ5WUkv5yYginw50jGnj1iD4HpdvD6b342asepSxFzxb3Ryxs8/s320/2012-03-10+09.17.32.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
For being a poster frame, I was suprised to find that it had a white matting around it even.. hmm nice! I had some Natural Cotton Fabric that I bought to recover some pillows in the living room and decided that it was the perfect color to put behind my quote.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2I17YKyBDIpA8hdRKp3V2vnAh2OTPZX5DqlUdaVo8BXtMhqjHqoQ4s7wC5JiuMjyAon_kgBCNU8VvM_In7SweJRmmdb1gC3nBEFX9G96YEIYS4urFb_uzPBAhuDtqWwWrTSLPr8B6PuE/s1600/2012-03-10+09.30.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2I17YKyBDIpA8hdRKp3V2vnAh2OTPZX5DqlUdaVo8BXtMhqjHqoQ4s7wC5JiuMjyAon_kgBCNU8VvM_In7SweJRmmdb1gC3nBEFX9G96YEIYS4urFb_uzPBAhuDtqWwWrTSLPr8B6PuE/s320/2012-03-10+09.30.13.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
I cut it big enough so that once in the frame I could pull and tug on it to make sure it was tight and there were no wrinkles, I then flipped it over and hot glued the edges to the back of the frame. Sorry, no pictures of that, but I think you are all smart enough to figure that one out! haha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgOshkizRgpEza7dvDMfuSmUn_z5F6m-E0a8zq_x_JV5h7xM4IFaC6JYzRTnGJcC7SdtlP5dQG7w1Yuz5MxYTfDGwrr5D5oQ7bi1CvukLd1QVATunOGfG9j04s7P8K1OvUvNK82oDSJ0/s1600/2012-03-10+09.51.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgOshkizRgpEza7dvDMfuSmUn_z5F6m-E0a8zq_x_JV5h7xM4IFaC6JYzRTnGJcC7SdtlP5dQG7w1Yuz5MxYTfDGwrr5D5oQ7bi1CvukLd1QVATunOGfG9j04s7P8K1OvUvNK82oDSJ0/s320/2012-03-10+09.51.37.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
I first laid out the letters on the frame to decide whether I liked the colors or not and I think its going to turn out pretty good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_18nJ50KLXhqczYcGK_dp3R2oKgQGoupp4OZXJqzmIBTBwlVh89WquILEMDB_J91Y25Xo2laXH1HWuxCv5k3Vw8_28druVjPJFaHXDi0hy4jD2GCeS6Z8N-PeNq7pdSuTIJLNKMUo2w/s1600/2012-03-10+10.10.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_18nJ50KLXhqczYcGK_dp3R2oKgQGoupp4OZXJqzmIBTBwlVh89WquILEMDB_J91Y25Xo2laXH1HWuxCv5k3Vw8_28druVjPJFaHXDi0hy4jD2GCeS6Z8N-PeNq7pdSuTIJLNKMUo2w/s320/2012-03-10+10.10.41.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
I then eyeballed everything to make sure that it was even on each side (I HATE to measure, I know its a terrible habit, but it usually turns out pretty decent so until I epically fail at something this is how its going to be done! haha) But here is the finished product!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp6UkWKz_WnyONeTEPuzEjm6RFIbmCVXDy8lpnsIK5z4hTC9meX-cgEmCKwR_AFAOfqaBiL1ujGvbD29oRpPxMU_LuLJokKjtCFLpSclIMmp4GoWy5I6xIJkXXX8NJzwu5V5wPCSpQJY/s1600/2012-03-10+10.55.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp6UkWKz_WnyONeTEPuzEjm6RFIbmCVXDy8lpnsIK5z4hTC9meX-cgEmCKwR_AFAOfqaBiL1ujGvbD29oRpPxMU_LuLJokKjtCFLpSclIMmp4GoWy5I6xIJkXXX8NJzwu5V5wPCSpQJY/s320/2012-03-10+10.55.53.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xNsk9ud_4I-Bs59bQ07_5sWqYXm4tFbE2Bae5AdgnD2TeViqluoqJXpSm_GqDMvXSdTYZ1GuWM4xWUVNc4nDX_v8FjORz5A-1FKpQbA38rbaedhXC-HR_XlP2CwqOlgQM1bAvWbQRZA/s1600/2012-03-10+10.56.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xNsk9ud_4I-Bs59bQ07_5sWqYXm4tFbE2Bae5AdgnD2TeViqluoqJXpSm_GqDMvXSdTYZ1GuWM4xWUVNc4nDX_v8FjORz5A-1FKpQbA38rbaedhXC-HR_XlP2CwqOlgQM1bAvWbQRZA/s320/2012-03-10+10.56.48.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
I think it looks awesome in our newly painted brown hallway!<br />
<br />
Since I put the words on a frame instead of another wall they stuck pretty good and I did not need to use a heat gun or torch to make them stick. But here is a short how to anyway. I will say that if you ever do have to use one, test a small area first. I used a handheld blow torch to put up the trees in my office shown here:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vc-XWq3PTeg4hrOg3aHoMIWNZ2Y-e20vFU1s2tSl600ARnMs8qjCo2L55nG-qW_UBHNXbxeJy8aEyRIrd9jov8tQ-7DqXO0T6RbU7KoI3yBczsq-o4g7jSNXAfPVtWIsnCau2t4vG3c/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vc-XWq3PTeg4hrOg3aHoMIWNZ2Y-e20vFU1s2tSl600ARnMs8qjCo2L55nG-qW_UBHNXbxeJy8aEyRIrd9jov8tQ-7DqXO0T6RbU7KoI3yBczsq-o4g7jSNXAfPVtWIsnCau2t4vG3c/s320/IMG_1463.JPG" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhdPGdo21SgHhuXiMdy7WQB1U8NAgoPgk1SsdcmJR0K94QePd0y-JeDOQeeI8_8lJ5vPxp-BdTN31qwxTz1umNmUA9yp_55tgSMqBCBwBpBLv50Eqmii3VTmXU5x2PP9biiqeyr2wKHU/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhdPGdo21SgHhuXiMdy7WQB1U8NAgoPgk1SsdcmJR0K94QePd0y-JeDOQeeI8_8lJ5vPxp-BdTN31qwxTz1umNmUA9yp_55tgSMqBCBwBpBLv50Eqmii3VTmXU5x2PP9biiqeyr2wKHU/s320/IMG_1464.JPG" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPEZdMQ3ir650KjPqiJNRoeCaVLV5ia9v9eq1m4ByQWpQ_UskDUVCshYPJWT1ILXITmCMLtEzUFWQWVa9c006G5C6QjWxMVJzkcgG34pE2exn_Am303wmhaFOTZS5QrysWeacT-Yf5KI/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPEZdMQ3ir650KjPqiJNRoeCaVLV5ia9v9eq1m4ByQWpQ_UskDUVCshYPJWT1ILXITmCMLtEzUFWQWVa9c006G5C6QjWxMVJzkcgG34pE2exn_Am303wmhaFOTZS5QrysWeacT-Yf5KI/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" width="240px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOV5QZvyYs2MC3-2Orvm0Rli5lDTOmFSLQwygfQbqTaN_FtdwsFlqx91-RwhxupK7jOoCirGAxmo2SeOv8H5BWY2NjtUg-GFp3M2gjaxw4kJI8zBOcvp3Ii1DUMGStOEghzh18ZIiFzBQ/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOV5QZvyYs2MC3-2Orvm0Rli5lDTOmFSLQwygfQbqTaN_FtdwsFlqx91-RwhxupK7jOoCirGAxmo2SeOv8H5BWY2NjtUg-GFp3M2gjaxw4kJI8zBOcvp3Ii1DUMGStOEghzh18ZIiFzBQ/s320/IMG_1468.JPG" width="240px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
I also used it on the white words in the first picture and it did not change the color of the vinyl or anything like that. When I first put these up (with some extra help of course) they kept falling back down. They each came in pieces and had to be put together yourself so it was a pain in the you know what! So when they started to fall down someone gave me the tip to use a heat gun or blow torch. Only use the tip of the flame and move quickly so that you do not completely melt the vinyl. I went over each part a little at a time and as soon as the vinyl started to ripple (when you do it you will know exactly what I'm talking about) I removed the flame and used a gloved hand (or towel because the vinyl gets hot quickly) to push the decal down into the grooves in the textured wall. Now I was told that you should not do this unless you plan to leave it on your wall because it may damage the pain and possibly even the wall. I didn't plan on changing them so I went for it! I get so many compliments from people who think that the trees are actually painted on the wall because you can see the texture through the vinyl! (PS we first tried a blow dryer and it just didn't work very good at all). I also had to remove some vinyl words from the wooden awning on my office and this was also done using a heat gun. So obviously the heat works both ways!<br />
<br />
Alright well I was pretty excited about my project so I had to show you that it worked!<br />
<br />
The big "Cheers for Beers" party is this weekend for Johnny boy's 30th Birthday! I will post some great recipes that I am planning to use as well as some fun pics from the event! Busy week ahead! And our new pub table and stools gets delivered tomorrow! So excited! Have a great Monday!!!Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-27982356823056218582012-03-08T15:40:00.000-06:002016-08-31T15:00:55.000-05:00Sailboats, Seals and Palm Trees... In Iowa :SFinding time to blog is more difficult than I first thought! But by gosh I WILL do this! Life has been absolutely crazy for us the last few weeks! We've done more painting and John has been changing out all of our outlets and switches in the living room, dining room and kitchen. I even talked him into helping me paint! He doesn't quite have as steady of a hand as me, but when it comes to needing a ladder on the stairs or letting him do the trimming along the ceiling I think his shaky hand sounds perfectly fine to me!!! He also is replacing 3 light fixtures and 3 ceiling fans with new lights, hopefully in time for his 30th Birthday Party coming up! :D <br />
<br />
Ok ok as I promised I will take this post to show you what a little paint can do to change a tiny bathroom from a trip to Sea World to a more calming room! haha Now mind you this is one of the rooms that we painted within a week of moving into our house... almost 3 years ago! Some day the plaster walls in our upstairs will be gone and we will have a fully updated 2nd floor to go with the 1st. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwl3HX2CW25SnFwW7vW2Mg63hlwffRYM6we817a1_5UdlIMn5kCv0zJVEP0vvYbToQo2Llyp8ZukxrY5AZ2gWDOp4wWjzyOnhQH_NFFoQ0pdrb_R97aQuD7L3w-GYrLmRQ73ZnJHKgps/s1600/bathroom+before+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwl3HX2CW25SnFwW7vW2Mg63hlwffRYM6we817a1_5UdlIMn5kCv0zJVEP0vvYbToQo2Llyp8ZukxrY5AZ2gWDOp4wWjzyOnhQH_NFFoQ0pdrb_R97aQuD7L3w-GYrLmRQ73ZnJHKgps/s320/bathroom+before+2.bmp" width="234px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-a62_Ox0YISRK-MwrNPFhW88JkCwmnjBkVmvRAzEEwmInKM-ZDLIjKCPZIkJgylpTvyAqag7koDDYsMZCULQNXIM0CTVI5SIeWzWEh4xGyVtSBgkeHSEm5-uRXUEsYBnqWmDR8wEOB4/s1600/bathroom+before+3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-a62_Ox0YISRK-MwrNPFhW88JkCwmnjBkVmvRAzEEwmInKM-ZDLIjKCPZIkJgylpTvyAqag7koDDYsMZCULQNXIM0CTVI5SIeWzWEh4xGyVtSBgkeHSEm5-uRXUEsYBnqWmDR8wEOB4/s320/bathroom+before+3.bmp" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_cQ1T6oCK_CJkhJG0ToRNHm13BIGW4LNt0ma6LRM7Gwi-l-gEN5WfK0Cr02wvYKzuRL01Lm3itWwgXRAxQc5rYxhNyGCplyHDqWPAoxavwjEob4Lc72jU8m4ZiiIYVdNWNSDDR8Abxo/s1600/bathroom+before.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_cQ1T6oCK_CJkhJG0ToRNHm13BIGW4LNt0ma6LRM7Gwi-l-gEN5WfK0Cr02wvYKzuRL01Lm3itWwgXRAxQc5rYxhNyGCplyHDqWPAoxavwjEob4Lc72jU8m4ZiiIYVdNWNSDDR8Abxo/s320/bathroom+before.bmp" width="234px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
Now when I said this bathroom is tiny, I meant TEANY TINY! like maybe a 4x5 room if were lucky, plus it has the angled ceiling due to the eves of the house. I first painted this room a mustardy green color, but that was almost worse than this! haha So I gave John full reign of choosing a different color in which he chose "Watering Hole" by Valspar. Fitting I would say :D<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaCVJqQWDgmJRG1rXcDap8fWj1qaN6aAkYFbmOdKeA2by5Mon8KnFZwZeGuIN81Heoj3b_pkSmhgbMkJ7Et0jSqiVyLGjU1k8XrnF8z95dIXbNdFXydt9mdSIY9GzaToe_xMWEoHpmvE/s1600/2012-03-07+18.59.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaCVJqQWDgmJRG1rXcDap8fWj1qaN6aAkYFbmOdKeA2by5Mon8KnFZwZeGuIN81Heoj3b_pkSmhgbMkJ7Et0jSqiVyLGjU1k8XrnF8z95dIXbNdFXydt9mdSIY9GzaToe_xMWEoHpmvE/s320/2012-03-07+18.59.37.jpg" width="240px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6amTZ6PQ2S87i-rHlA49zffy88VhdXThmhunhYSRwyHSxQGY3SrfniQLryLEzI4aqQe7eRsdODIwhMVZBS2y2-aF0_ry_KHmXPBBrfD3UI75SCbFEZbpG1nF7yMclwqoS7F0MFX1W2i4/s1600/2012-03-07+19.00.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6amTZ6PQ2S87i-rHlA49zffy88VhdXThmhunhYSRwyHSxQGY3SrfniQLryLEzI4aqQe7eRsdODIwhMVZBS2y2-aF0_ry_KHmXPBBrfD3UI75SCbFEZbpG1nF7yMclwqoS7F0MFX1W2i4/s320/2012-03-07+19.00.46.jpg" width="240px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
I got the awesome Giraffe Rug at the Family Dollar for $5.00 and the towels also have giraffe print on<br />
them and they were a graduation gift from high school! So much better than before!<br />
<br />
Since I am feeling like giving you all some more pictures I will show you the spare bedroom, which we did nothing to. Love rooms that you can just move right into! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHh6KbEkQdwwoZRF5DhyRWc8DBRBamKJteVlpBEensB3H538bOPq3EyG_Nbx5vOi4i1ppy4wZP_pFeTOpFOIa5IA0Vqy7__q_atI5RrohE_7w0Efs1INzB1of3S6Br-wF2T3nTq1zgyM/s1600/IMG_1192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHh6KbEkQdwwoZRF5DhyRWc8DBRBamKJteVlpBEensB3H538bOPq3EyG_Nbx5vOi4i1ppy4wZP_pFeTOpFOIa5IA0Vqy7__q_atI5RrohE_7w0Efs1INzB1of3S6Br-wF2T3nTq1zgyM/s320/IMG_1192.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeBpWoSATdulLANvyyCSQaVyjsGM3rFpMDiMbxdWBHVXg30ChqYP2lR2iORmJ49Omf6p1fsRl9rEPgaL98inpzQMVeRhHHvIpFHsfu9pPk2gfqaz0DkUyuJGZr_zPPfZtYkf9Fw2Eymw/s1600/IMG_1193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeBpWoSATdulLANvyyCSQaVyjsGM3rFpMDiMbxdWBHVXg30ChqYP2lR2iORmJ49Omf6p1fsRl9rEPgaL98inpzQMVeRhHHvIpFHsfu9pPk2gfqaz0DkUyuJGZr_zPPfZtYkf9Fw2Eymw/s320/IMG_1193.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh505k5JF0GF0CR-hw5b3mDCNa5GSqfm6grssQTaatGT4MlCxVDruNLEa_PTZWXMLJmwX8zhChc2kCGHo97en0meHswXssVcO01jqwWHXiIsR1QZajR6GQ3C1wy-JYmuBnnDQujSYd2EHQ/s1600/IMG_1194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh505k5JF0GF0CR-hw5b3mDCNa5GSqfm6grssQTaatGT4MlCxVDruNLEa_PTZWXMLJmwX8zhChc2kCGHo97en0meHswXssVcO01jqwWHXiIsR1QZajR6GQ3C1wy-JYmuBnnDQujSYd2EHQ/s320/IMG_1194.jpg" width="240px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
That room will probably stay that way until we have children and hopefully by then we will be able to remodel anyway! Next up is what I like to call "my bathroom". I honestly LOVE the fact that we have 3 bathrooms in our house! Sharing a bathroom with a male is probably one of my least favorite part of living with them! hehe! This room we have not done anything to either, I am still deciding what color I want to use, but I think I would like a Grey and Yellow combo.. yes?!? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdDTUUgBiHJETKXRpi9G5XF1F3JeQPPiOuanjgf1s1CuEKQUbjEwtgjx1SYWyIjE6-1QvhGtgd9cXx1jsbl0707hGhJfmq23DhyphenhyphenQgjqUtmXIGbld4vL88nZcFUVeVD7yLZQA4FbFgRFs/s1600/IMG_1182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdDTUUgBiHJETKXRpi9G5XF1F3JeQPPiOuanjgf1s1CuEKQUbjEwtgjx1SYWyIjE6-1QvhGtgd9cXx1jsbl0707hGhJfmq23DhyphenhyphenQgjqUtmXIGbld4vL88nZcFUVeVD7yLZQA4FbFgRFs/s320/IMG_1182.jpg" width="240px" yda="true" /></a></div>
There is a small linen closet (with no shelves... wierd) and a standard Tub Shower on the opposite wall with clear glass doors... yes I must emphasize CLEAR. When we moved in, I thought that the doors were frosted, but nope! They were just that covered in soap scum and hard water! ew right?! After a whole lot of CLR and elbow grease I have clear doors agian! <br />
Ok... Thats all I have for the rooms that we did nothing to.<br />
<br />
I did want to give you a little DIY tip! So when I decided to paint the dining room and kitchen, I was pretty bummed about the fact that I had put up some Wall Words when we moved in and I really did not want to take them down, nor did I want to have to buy them again (I'm a little frugal...). I thought about doing what my brother did to keep his, which was put a frame around them and then just paint the walls around that a color that somewhat matched.. hmm.. but that just was not going to work for me. The wall needed to be touched up in spots under the words so I had no choice but to take them down. <br />
Here is the words before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69Xb3koD6AXdpUykYk-8f34Qe_a7IHYF0P4RETii8Sx4K1fdsx4Rn0iyyJMSJ-zYxiSUbrt-MdxVgsrLUCc1_0wUd3tjaYJ3nGfj2NvULXSaK0uTDjFSQ4nI4b-4BLxqHFYPbp-axueA/s1600/IMG_1183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69Xb3koD6AXdpUykYk-8f34Qe_a7IHYF0P4RETii8Sx4K1fdsx4Rn0iyyJMSJ-zYxiSUbrt-MdxVgsrLUCc1_0wUd3tjaYJ3nGfj2NvULXSaK0uTDjFSQ4nI4b-4BLxqHFYPbp-axueA/s640/IMG_1183.jpg" width="640px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
You can even see in the picture how there are spots on the wall :S<br />
I remembered being told when I put up 8 foot vinyl trees in my office (yep pretty sweet!) that kept falling down that if you heat them up with a heat gun or torch when putting them on the wall they will stay (may not be able to remove without damage)... Perfect! So here is how I removed them... Carefully!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDcHG5SpAxrfzp1DkZq2PEkayllTkL7KK6ssi90DKVCdVqOvgCGOEgg7Vd-vPq1z-As95NwXtRi_NgAa8ZqgC5pmpwIhRgwqJpt2IEiHLN4KVXMWRDdLB0O8OUlvr63Bh2LmB7Ikk5ww/s1600/2012-02-25+10.14.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDcHG5SpAxrfzp1DkZq2PEkayllTkL7KK6ssi90DKVCdVqOvgCGOEgg7Vd-vPq1z-As95NwXtRi_NgAa8ZqgC5pmpwIhRgwqJpt2IEiHLN4KVXMWRDdLB0O8OUlvr63Bh2LmB7Ikk5ww/s320/2012-02-25+10.14.00.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
I used Blue painters tape and let me just say, the words came off the wall way better than I ever thought they would!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGndphajPDioBv6vcWeM9QF_wFrX_8jDSpzQ5FMl9zCZxFgC2OmSWD1BRpAUJdWZSJvTkTEyvBCgevy67LS7Ue6tKcGmVnUV7pWAsry2PqvtoxcpiCE2aLuM4XNVueHhOz4aurLaSo9Xw/s1600/2012-02-25+10.31.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGndphajPDioBv6vcWeM9QF_wFrX_8jDSpzQ5FMl9zCZxFgC2OmSWD1BRpAUJdWZSJvTkTEyvBCgevy67LS7Ue6tKcGmVnUV7pWAsry2PqvtoxcpiCE2aLuM4XNVueHhOz4aurLaSo9Xw/s320/2012-02-25+10.31.11.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I put them on wax paper and rolled them up to be put up somewhere else. I have yet to find a place to put them. I found a place, but them we painted the wall dark chocolate brown so that isn't going to work anymore! But I did check them the other day and the tape still comes off of the letters clean so we should still be good to go! Maybe this weekend I will find a place and then I will be sure to show you how to re-attach them!<br />
<br />
Ok well I better get a move on! Hope everyone has a fabulous afternoon and thanks for reading about my life :D<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887666329087775581.post-15209314899928920452012-02-24T11:05:00.000-06:002012-02-24T11:05:01.801-06:00The first of many...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well yesterday was a snowy day in Iowa! We didn't get the 10 inches projected, but we still got quite a bit. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I just wanted to give a little info on some things going on in my neck of the woods lately. We recently bought our house... ok ok John recently bought our house! It has been a long couple years trying to know the ins and outs of buying a house on contract (which I NEVER recommend anyone do!) only to find out that we "officially" did not buy the home. Long story short and many grey hairs later for the both of us, we are now homeowners! Let the fun begin! We have recently begun the laundry list of remodel plans and all other ideas for the house. Now mind you we have lived in our house now for almost 3 years and have still not done a whole lot to "make it ours". Not only do we know what we would like the house to look like, we also are realizing many things that are just plain crazy that have already been done! Don't you sweat it though, I will be sure to post plenty of pictures to help you all understand :D</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Over the next few weeks I will be posting a few of the diy projects that I have done and am in the process of completing. First thing I wanted to do was post pictures of our house, both when we first moved in and after many many MANY coats of paint in a few rooms. For today the pictures you will get to see is our lovely bedroom before and after. Enjoy :D<br />
<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL4I2Ycfd5yLQp8jZPEsY2tcCyGGKuN5KAInyVz6PFmV6dVsGQZuXoAIgGXDCJkxnm0Be1w3sJ9DTuIW-rDHWripvZkV74bnuGYOxvod-ePAZpuesYNCwD4g7YR8Qt_nfX6fItFoW0lM/s1600/Bedroom+1+before.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL4I2Ycfd5yLQp8jZPEsY2tcCyGGKuN5KAInyVz6PFmV6dVsGQZuXoAIgGXDCJkxnm0Be1w3sJ9DTuIW-rDHWripvZkV74bnuGYOxvod-ePAZpuesYNCwD4g7YR8Qt_nfX6fItFoW0lM/s320/Bedroom+1+before.bmp" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6J1SrQ90CvkZhfMgQBlw3ozWP6D469rPlXapd7OJlHMBI_ZCLyk_eAiVWSDWTGtfFdqhvZO1INFCKlmHANQYOZyzfYbDfuXoVdxA7PtOCPYf_Vdb9yJZqVBYVPnCVTAxed6rYklZUCg/s1600/bedroom+2+before.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6J1SrQ90CvkZhfMgQBlw3ozWP6D469rPlXapd7OJlHMBI_ZCLyk_eAiVWSDWTGtfFdqhvZO1INFCKlmHANQYOZyzfYbDfuXoVdxA7PtOCPYf_Vdb9yJZqVBYVPnCVTAxed6rYklZUCg/s320/bedroom+2+before.bmp" width="234px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI14-GJuQ72jKQFL0P9Pz4BmSBe2HavPZwb14D1i4qGVlN9MFnQbsf_ccf63khju4CLW0aomTXxJ20LPMjtPuItX6BdrUpyWtsZeXJAJc4jDvKAW1culRjZzqTF_NVFUayrnvhAp46_yI/s1600/bedroom+3+before.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI14-GJuQ72jKQFL0P9Pz4BmSBe2HavPZwb14D1i4qGVlN9MFnQbsf_ccf63khju4CLW0aomTXxJ20LPMjtPuItX6BdrUpyWtsZeXJAJc4jDvKAW1culRjZzqTF_NVFUayrnvhAp46_yI/s320/bedroom+3+before.bmp" width="234px" /></a></div> Now don't get me wrong, I like to sleep amongst the wilderness as much as the next girl, but one night under a sponge painted evergreen was plenty for me. :D After loads of primer and lots of paint, the finished product! (and yes Roxy is very photogenic)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuyzmb4J64zMteUiF25poAa09C_hVDFHt8tXxqSZkp-KLyYL0x4A4j4pQtnXEEqzKhG-EoqSQgAAMnpPcOIlbt78w_toJRMgjzt2_MVcjHZxv35xm7e10U4XVq7jcKYJ4OLdLBsMN12c/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuyzmb4J64zMteUiF25poAa09C_hVDFHt8tXxqSZkp-KLyYL0x4A4j4pQtnXEEqzKhG-EoqSQgAAMnpPcOIlbt78w_toJRMgjzt2_MVcjHZxv35xm7e10U4XVq7jcKYJ4OLdLBsMN12c/s320/IMG_1195.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHqDE_Kk5Hqt5EAUb7dpiVpi6vt22CeTsGHigIGQxnC1QWDj0-vUfNL316VVvHZnyyw_4i9izUIJ1BEC_uMITHyuqzVIHk1NMUvlMn_HCh5DrTmV2PeTgGMf42j3EwSJkcxY2vUzOG4E/s1600/IMG_1196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHqDE_Kk5Hqt5EAUb7dpiVpi6vt22CeTsGHigIGQxnC1QWDj0-vUfNL316VVvHZnyyw_4i9izUIJ1BEC_uMITHyuqzVIHk1NMUvlMn_HCh5DrTmV2PeTgGMf42j3EwSJkcxY2vUzOG4E/s320/IMG_1196.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5HdCt_Ei5oi-6hqQ1F5FchqqnGne7GtfrNuLFtVDh3FCBlBEOtDCeqzC4XYpVX-sx3So3jGxeFupz4riLWJHFJ6UOV23tSmxxK6pT9o27BrjaszEU42gwsTvRwuT02cqMAqYtPHn65E/s1600/IMG_1197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5HdCt_Ei5oi-6hqQ1F5FchqqnGne7GtfrNuLFtVDh3FCBlBEOtDCeqzC4XYpVX-sx3So3jGxeFupz4riLWJHFJ6UOV23tSmxxK6pT9o27BrjaszEU42gwsTvRwuT02cqMAqYtPHn65E/s320/IMG_1197.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The ceiling fan is going to be the next thing to go! The wall words were a steal at Hobby Lobby for $10! I must say that it is much better than before! Maybe in the next posting you will get to see seals, palm trees and a sailboat.... in Iowa you ask? But of course! Stay Tuned :D</div>Mis R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10747922255449864796noreply@blogger.com2