13 weeks 1 Day! Skull Theory Gender Preditions?! Whaaat?!

 

 

I'm telling you....surfing the web will uncover some crazy things about pregnancy! lol I learn something new allllll the time. Well, last week I stumbled across something called the "Skull Theory" as it relates to gender predictions. Skull theory?!? Never heard of it! Well, according to the "Resident Google fetal Development Scholars" aka BabyCenter chicks (hehehe) you can predict the gender based on the skull structure.

 

 

Sooooooooooooo.............armed with this intriguing piece of information I did a pic-stitch of Baby C's NT scan (Baby C is a girl for those who do not know) and Sprouty's. lol {Sprouty top - Baby C bottom}. Any Skull Theory Specialist in da house wanna take a guess at it? If i were to guess, I would have predicted Boy for Baby C and Girl for Sprouty. lol Of course I would have guessed wrong so I think I will leave this one A-Lone! lol Now, Baby C's NT was done at 12 weeks 1 day and Sprouty's was done at 11 weeks 1 day (but Sprouty was measuring 12 weeks 5 days) not sure if that makes a difference but it's worth mentioning. What do ya'll think? I think this would be a good thread for my secret group :-)

 

 

How Far Along? 13 weeks 1 day!

Total Weight Gain: The Last time I built up the courage to check I was up 5lbs. So based on my weight BEFORE I got pregnant I'm going to say up 8-9-10ishlbs. At this point I'm just trying to not deny myself BUT be mindful that I have a long way to go before I'm due. Slow Ya roll Nell :-)

Maternity Clothes: Nope. But I'm noticing my boxers are leaving visible marks across the lower region of my belly. Not cool. Still wearing my regular clothes thet just don't fit/hang the same way they used to.

Symptoms: Same as last week ---Heartburn. Exhaustion. But still no morning sickness. Last night my wife thinks I had my first Braxton Hicks. I had a tightening across my stomach and once she had me drink some water and lay down on my left side it went away. It didn't hurt it was just a very weird and uncomfortable feeling.

Stretch Marks: No more than I already had on my stomach.

Belly Button In/Out: Nothing yet. Still in.

Sleep: Great and all the time.

Best Moment Last Week: Getting good news about my MaterniT21 genetic test results and hitting the oh so wonderful 12 weeks! That call from the genetics counselor meant everything to me! It was an amazing moment.

What I Miss: Being active, not requiring as much sleep & Bud Ice Beer. Well, all kinds of Beer. 

What I’m looking forward to: Feeling the baby move. Hitting 13 weeks I'm on pins and needles as to when I'm going to experience that awesome moment! My 18-20 week BIG ultrasound.

Food Cravings: Same ---Salads, pineapples, apple sauce and oranges! Salads make the belly soooo happy. Here lately I've also been craving Mexican food!

Food Aversions: Although I still can't eat them scrambled I did eat a fried egg. But eggs are still a bleh for me. Ick!

Gender: **Confession - I hit 12 weeks and all of a sudden it really doesn't matter what se.x Sprouty is. I realllllly just want to take a healthy full term baby home** ------Team Green……for now……But internally I feel like this is a calm, cool and very chill BOY! 
  
Movement: None

My Concerns or Questions:  I guess it would be cervical issues. I've read stories (I know I know I shouldn't be reading anything at this point) but reading things about early cervical shortening and dilation I just wonder if there are any signs or things I should be looking out for in the coming weeks.

Goals for the week: Have more se.x, Maintain my healthy diet & don't stress over when I will feel the baby move.

Now that I've reached my focus goal of 13 weeks I will now re-shift to focus to 20 weeks! As I've stated in previous blog posts focusing on 40 weeks is too overwhelming for me so I have to focus on incremental goals. 20 weeks! The half way mark, Feb. 13th, 2014!!!!!! My coworkers officially know I'm pregnant so that too is a heavy burden lifted off my shoulders. Plus I'm appreciating the little gestures of HELP I'm getting since no one wants me lifting or doing too much :-)


I hope you all are having a peaceful, loving & blessed holiday season! Until Next time.....

Meditation:

Surrender.

You cannot control the outcome of life or death so instead of worry, opt to Pray.

Your body was created for this so trust it & Trust God.

12 weeks 0 days. The results are in: Genetics Testing Update.

Update: (This May be Long)

 

So, on 12-13-13 my wife and I went for my genetic counseling appointment and we decided the night before that we were going to have the NT scan as well. I initially wasn't going to do it. After speaking with the counselor we also decided to move forward with the MT21 instead of the Harmony. I just never really felt comfortable with the Harmony and after going over several items we opted to just pay whatever it will cost out of pocket, whenever the bill comes. I was at peace with this decision and so was my wife. I was kinda turned on how my wife was, "Mrs. Full of Questions" during our counseling. lol It felt good to see just how into this process she really is. It was comforting to me in that moment.

 

They initially thought I was too early for the NT. Based on my LMP I was 11 weeks 1 day. But the Tech said that depending on my measurements they may just ask me to come back in a few days. There was no need. This appointment was so AWESOME!!!!!! They weren't busy on the day I went so I felt like she was taking extra long and we loved it! Seeing Sprouty for almost an hour was amazing. I cried so hard when she first started. G's cry too ;-)

 

The baby measured 12 weeks 5 days!! Whoa! The NT measurement was 1.14. Normal & good. The Doctor & the Tech said that everything looked perfect, congratulated us and sent us to the lab for the Maternity 21 Plus blood test.

 

 

I wasn't worried at all while waiting for the results. The NT scan did give me some comfort & peace. I'm glad I had it done. I was however concerned about how long it might take for the results to come back. With Christmas being next week I was really praying to get "the call" before the holiday. I had the test done around 10am on a Friday morning, 12-13-13 and I received "the call" this afternoon, 12-19-13, at 12noon. Pretty damn fast! 5 business days. I was impressed & so glad we decided to go with the MT21 instead of the Harmony.

 

Results: The Baby is perfectly healthy. Negative for T21, T13 & T18. Also we opted to have ALL the additional testing done that looks for mutations etc (MaterniT21 Plus) and all were negative! Thank you JESUS! She did ask if I wanted to know the se.x but I declined. I just told her to seal the results and mail it to us. We are planning to have a gender reveal party in late January/early February. I don't want to know the se.x until then.

 

This is really all I wanted for Christmas and my heart is ever thankful. I can enjoy my holiday knowing this little life inside of me is okay. I give thanks and Praise. I'm truly blessed and there are really no words I could use to describe my feelings and emotions right now. Thanks so much for ALL the prayers, light, love and amazing energy you all have sent my way. I feel it & it's working :-)

 

Have a Happy Holiday everyone!!!!!

11 weeks 0 days! Pregnancy Updates.

 

 

Today I'm officially 11 weeks 0 days. I'm so very thankful to have made it this far. Things have still been uneventful and I'm thankful for that as well. I'm almost done with my progesterone suppositories and that will be a major milestone for me. I'm so over those messy things! I should be finish in a few days! Thank God! My wife and I have lots of se.x to make up for once they are out of the equation! Helllllz yeah! I'm telling you...I think those suppositories have sleeping components in them because as soon as I insert two I'm gone! *sighs* Did I say I will be so glad when I'm done with those things?!? lol

 Since my last post I discovered my health insurance will not cover the Maternit21 test...they will only cover the Harmony. So, harmony it is. I'm scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9am. It's still up in the air as to whether I'm going to have the NT tomorrow as well and the ONLY way I will get it is if they assure me that 11 weeks 1 day is not too early annnnnd it will not impact the measurements/results. I have my 12 week OB follow-up on the 18th.

I think I'm going to tell my coworkers in a few weeks. Like, after I get the results of my genetics testing. I wanted to tell them at our Christmas party on the 17th but i'm not so sure now. Either way I plan to tell them in the next 2 weeks. Jaws are gonna hit da floor! lol

How Far Along? 11 weeks today! Yippee!

Total Weight Gain: Only the Good Lord knows but I’m still fitting my work uniform cargo pants & I don’t particularly feel like I’m huge, yet.

Maternity Clothes: Nope. I wouldn’t wear girly maternity clothes anyway. I’ve already invested in some comfy jogging bottoms and I have my “Big Belly” wardrobe already picked out courtesy of the men’s department at Target.

Symptoms: Heartburn. Exhaustion. But still no morning sickness. I’m starting to believe that the pregnancy gods have smiled on me. I think I’m one of those lucky women who escape the dreaded morning/all-day sickness. This is a super awesome kid I’m carrying! *knocks on wood*

Stretch Marks: No more than I already had on my stomach.

Belly Button In/Out: Nothing yet. Still in.

Sleep: Great and all the time.

Best Moment Last Week: Hitting double digits at 10 weeks.

What I Miss: Being active and not requiring as much sleep. I miss having the energy to do more than just go to work and come home. I will be so thankful if the second trimester brings me some much needed energy. I'm sure my wife will appreciate it also.

What I’m looking forward to: My genetics screening tomorrow (maybe the NT scan) and most of all getting the results. In a few days....NO MORE progesterone suppositories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Food Cravings: Salads, pineapples, apple sauce and oranges! Salads make the belly soooo happy.

Food Aversions: EGGS! Ughhhhhhh! I hate them now. *gags* I used to LOVE eggs. Now they make me so sick! Ewwwwwwwwwww

Gender: Team Green……for now……can’t wait to find out! I've said this from the moment I found out I was pregnant....I think this is a BOY! 

Movement: None

My Concerns or Questions: I have elevated blood pressure readings at the OB’s office so I’m going to ask the nurse if they can take my pressure at the end of my visit instead of at the beginning. Oh, and I just need to hear Sprouts heartbeat. I haven’t heard it since 8 weeks 1 day and I need reassurance. 

Goals for the week: NOT stress over waiting for the genetics results. 


Anyway, that's all for now. Prayerfully I will have good news/updates next time. I'm hoping it won't take long for my results to come back. Until then....continue to send positive energy, light & prayers my way.

Meditation

 

Surrender.

Relax.

Enjoy.

 

9 Weeks 6 Days. Belly Shot & Second pregancy feelings.

I'm thankful to announce that my pregnancy has been pretty uneventful. Thank God. Besides the few episodes of heartburn, hip & butt bone pain and still lots of exhaustion, I'm doing very well. Thank GOD for my wife. She's been amazing helping me, letting me rest and explaining things along the way. I have no idea how much weight I've gained and I don't intend to find out. As long as my work clothes still fit.....I'm good. Well, I did get the next size up shirt yesterday but I feel so much better! It's amazing how simply having a shirt that fits comfortably will change your entire mood. I'm happy at work today :-)

I was thinking the other day about just how different this pregnancy is compared to when my wife was pregnant with Baby C. When she was carrying everything was so new and so damn exciting! We were so new to the whole process and in some areas so naive. Oh to be naive again. *sighs* We couldn't WAIT to buy stuff, tell people, go for ultrasounds...just everything! It was just different, the first time.

Now onto baby #2, my pregnancy. Me being the oven. While we are so happy, very thankful and excited....there are different sets of dynamics in place now. One - my age and having to submit aka worry about, genetic testing...blah. Two - we are caring for a busy infant who demands a lot of time & she's so stinkin' cute! Three - it's just not new, the whole lesbian couple having a baby thing. lol Like, we've exposed all of our family & friends to it with my wife so it's not so much a shocker this go'round. lol

I'm really trying to think if we felt these feelings in the beginning of my wife's pregnancy. Like, maybe as the months move forward it will be all exciting and new. Perhaps when we find out the se.x of Sprouty or when I start to really get big. Up until this point it honestly just feels like I'm going thru the motions. Crossing off the days, counting down til the big 12/13 week mark. Kinda like the jailhouse pictures of calendars when inmates are counting down til release. *sighs louder*

Going thru the motions is the best term for where I am right now. I think I will feel more present once we get the results of my MaterniT21 genetic testing. Or, maybe once I feel flutters. Or, maybe when I get big....arghhhhh! Going thru the motions. I'll accept that. One day at a time. I'm scheduled for genetic testing on Dec. 13th.

I really hope this entry isn't reading in a down tone. Because I'm really not. I'm in a good place emotionally, spiritually and physically. I just have to trust God. I guess I'm still in this place of, "I know I'm pregnant, I've heard the heartbeat, I'm getting bigger....but I still just don't feel like I have a human inside of me!" It's really weird. Maybe I should go buy a Doppler? lol I wasn't going to have the NT scan done. I was just going to go for my MaterniT21 test and be done with it all. But now I'm starting to feel like I want to have the NT scan {AFTER I get my genetic results} just to SEE this little baby again! I need to see him/her in there because as I sit here one day shy of 10 weeks pregnant. It still doesn't. seem. real.

 

Double digits tomorrow! Whooohooooo! Grow Sprout, GROW!

 

Meditation

God is in control.

It's all out of your control.

Lean on your faith.

This will be a healthy happy pregnancy.

Update: 8 Weeks 5 Days

Sprout at 8 weeks 1 Day

I'm a little delayed with updating but SO much has happened since my last post. Soooo much!

 

1. I was called for an interview (11/15) and it went really well. BUT....also in the same week my boss announced he is leaving so that means a BIG promotion for me with an increase in pay. Once I weighed all the pros & cons {and after researching the government agency I interviewed for} I came to the conclusion that it's in my best interest all around to stay put. At least for now. Yes, the new job would offer more money but my current job offers ALL the other perks of being a loyal employee for the past 7 years. Annnnd no worries about fmla, sick leave, vacation time, slacking because I'm preggers, stability and most importantly I know the culture here. I know the folks I work with and I know my job is safe. Nothing like the devil you know, huh? lol With the change in leadership I'm now second in command. I won't reveal the line of work I'm in because it will surely uncover my identity but second in command is a great place to be at this stage of my life and my career. I look at it as a blessing.

 

Soooooooooo.....on to the baby stuff!

 

I had my 1st OB appointment on my birthday, 11/22! I was officially 8 weeks 1 day. I was so nervous. I guess because the last time we actually saw the baby was during the 5 week 6 day ultrasound. I just prayed everything would be okay. Meaning there was still a heartbeat, since the last time we only saw it we didn't get to hear it since it was so early. The baby measured 8 weeks 3 days, 2 days ahead, and had a strong heartbeat. Yay!! Also the highlight of the visit was having an abdominal ultrasound and not an internal vaginal one. Double Yayyyyy! Now for the low-lights of that visit. I had to get a pelvic exam. Yes, with the speculum. Ugh! It was so painful. I thought I was bleeding! It felt like she was pushing a razor blade inside me. I'm so thankful I don't have to go thru that anytime soon. Prayerfully. My blood pressure was really high but I already knew it would be. I'm going to ask them if they can start taking my pressure at the end of my visit instead of as soon as I come in. I will continue to have high readings if they keep doing it first. I always have high readings during my OB/GYN appointments! They are a source of anxiety for me. Have any of you experienced this? Crazy thing is my pressure is always normal at my primary care and foot doctors offices. lol

 

She gave me a bunch of paperwork and answered all my questions. She also left my due date as July 03, 2014. I contacted the genetics department and I'm scheduled for the MaterniT21 test on December 13th. I will be 11 weeks 1 day. I'm not sure if I'm going to have the NT scan. I was thinking of having it done after I get the results of my genetics test JUST for the extra peek at the baby. But again, I'm not sure. All these appointments are kinda overwhelming so I'm just gonna take it one step at a time. I actually didn't realize how overwhelming it all was until this appointment. So many test, appointments, bloodwork etc! I just told myself I'm not focusing on 40 weeks. It's too much for me right now. I will only focus on day by day...week by week. That will keep me sane. So right now my eyes are on 13 weeks. That's my goal for right now. Then after that I will re-shift my focus.

 

I'm still feeling realllly good! Still no morning/evening sickness. I'm still feeling pretty tired but I feel like it's getting better. The only new thing I'm experiencing is hip pain when I'm sleeping. I have to constantly rotate positions at night because my hips hurt! I will be 9 weeks on Thursday so my wife advised me to go grab the body pillow from the basement. I'm so glad she's already gone thru this process!

 

We have told our families and most of our friends. Most folks didn't believe me/us. I still think they all assume I'm joking. Lol! They never thought I would actually go thru with it. Once I start showing I think it will become real to them. I'm still getting the, "I'm still in shock about your pregnancy and I don't believe you!" text messages! Lmao!

 

Please pray that my genetics testing comes back fine, my pregnancy continues to be uneventful & boring & that I continue to remain positive and healthy.

 

Meditation

 

Don't worry, Pray.

The Baby is fine. And so are you.

Enjoy the journey.

The Belly: 7 weeks 0 days & Living a Lie.

So...today we are officially 7 weeks pregnant! Whoohooo! This is the belly. I had to crop out the huge boobs and the pubic region but I think you get the overall picture. lol I have a stomach. I've never had one. This is allllll new to me. See those pronounced stretch-marks?? *faints* I'm not showing thru my shirts but I am no longer able to button my work pants all the way.

 

I will see the OB on next Friday, my birthday and I've decided to tell my mom & our families on that day. I was going to wait until after the NT scan & genetic testing but I must admit....keeping this secret makes me sad at times. It's weird but it does make me feel...sad and borderline depressed! I mean.....let me explain. I'm tired. I'm almost always sleepy...my shirts don't really fit the way they used to, I don't have the energy I used to, I'm sure I put on a few pounds and I feel like I'm living a lie. A BIG one. Something I'm not good at. So, because of this I've turned down invitations to "meet up" with friends, stayed away from my family and I've just been in the house with my wife and Baby C. When I have met up with friends or been around my family I'm praying the whole time they don't notice or say anything about how I "look." I guess I'm just super paranoid. *shrugs* Keeping secrets will do that to you. lol

 

I feel fragile. I feel vulnerable. BUT I also feel so very protective over this baby. I feel like I should be getting as much rest as possible and making sure I take it easy during these next few weeks. I wanted to wait until I knew everything is okay before telling people but I've just accepted the fact that things can change during pregnancy at ANY moment AND during ANY trimester. Not telling people won't keep bad things away and telling them won't bring bad things to be. Period.

So, I decided that I will be comfortable telling family on my birthday, 11-22. My wife has respected my decision not to tell folks until I'm ready. Tho I'm sure she's bursting out the seams to tell the world! lol Thanks Baby :-) We won't post on FB until 12 weeks so if you're my FB friend please don't mention it. Thanks!

 

I was telling my wife that I admire women who can yell, "I'M PREGNANT" from the hilltops the moment they get their BFP! As soon as those two-pink lines appear they are making phone calls and telling the world! I really admire that fearlessness! They don't wait for BETA results (most don't know what a BETA test is..), they don't wait for the first doctors appointment or first ultrasound, they don't wait to hear the heartbeat.........they just announce!!! Damn THAT'S Gangsta!!!

 

Here I am at 7 weeks and my only real symptom's are sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepy & sore boobs. I do continue to have moments of nausea and sickness but it's bearable. I haven't experienced bad morning sickness and I'm thankful. I mean, I did pray so hard to not have it or at least not as bad.  I know it's still early but I'm thankful to have made it to this point without it. I've had it relatively easy so far during this pregnancy and I'm really excited and nervous about my first OB appointment.

 

I'm craving all salty, spicy, starchy foods! Hot sauce on chips, loaded baked potatoes, jalapenos, breads etc! I'm not really feeling sweets these days. Oh, we did the baking soda gender test and the fizzy results were boy. lol The Chinese gender thingy also said "boy"...We will see in a few weeks how accurate they both are. lol That's all for now.........Have a great weekend everyone!

 

Meditation

Everything will be alright.

Pray more and worry not.

The baby is fine.......enjoy your journey.

Milestones: 5 Weeks 6 Days

Today we went in for my weekly ultrasound. Exactly 5 weeks 6 days. The Doctor that did my vag/ultrasound was so rough. Ugh! Damn her! Anyway....we saw the fetal pole and also the little flicker of the heartbeat. Thank God. Although we didn't get to hear the heartbeat I was okay with it because I know it's still early. My wife was like, "I see it!" I had to hold still and was instructed not to breathe. lol

 

Sprout has grown A LOT since my first ultrasound. The next time we will see him/her will be at my first OB appointment which is November 22nd. My 37th Birthday.Yippee! We are both really excited about this appointment JUST to see the look on our OB's face when she walks into the exam room and it's ME hopping on the table. lol We love her.

 

So far I'm still feeling really great. No food aversions. No morning sickness and no real feelings of being pregnant. The only thing I'm experiencing is moments of nausea and very tender boobs, Oh and I'm so damn sleeeeeepy after I eat my lunch and in the evenings. So far so good and I'm not complaining one bit. I know it may hit me at any moment and it usually doesn't set in until after 6 weeks but I'm just appreciating each day that I escape morning/Evening/All day sickness. I'm also doing well with the pro.gesterone suppositories. Other than being an extra step in my night-time routine....its not as bad as I thought it would be.

 

My boobs are getting fuller and my shirts are starting to fit kinda awkward. I mean, I'm not showing yet but I can tell my stomach is expanding because I can see the imprint of my boxers elastic line around my stomach. Yes, I wear boxers. And UGHHH to them fitting the way they do these days. lol This journey is indeed going to be special. lol

 

 

Meditations

6 weeks 0 days tomorrow!

Surrender this pregnancy....God is in Control.

No amount of worry will change the outcome BUT prayer can. Focus on that.

Embrace & celebrate each day you're pregnant.

5 Weeks 0 Days - Meet Sprout!

Today we had our first ultrasound. According to my calculations I'm 4 weeks 6 days but per the RE I'm 5 weeks exactly. So we only have one day difference. Yay! I'm sure my OB will go by my last period so it doesn't matter anyway.

 

My wife, Baby C and I went to this very special appointment. My nerves didn't kick in until we were actually in the waiting room. Then they called my name. I just kept praying for there to be something on the screen. I haven't had a beta blood test since last Friday, October 25th and I found myself thinking all sorts of things. I tried my best to just remain calm and keep telling myself, "C, this is all out of your control and out of your hands." All I know is....I've been doing all I can humanly do to give this little life the best start. Prenatal vitamins, rest, positive meditation, healthy diet etc....and that's really all I can do.

 

Back to my appointment - The RE does some calculations for my due date and then grabs the "dildo cam" {A term one of my blog readers/secret group members introduced me to. Ha!}. As soon as it's in she says, "Ahhhh we definitely have a pregnancy here!" She continues to say how everything looks perfect and some other stuff but at that point I zoned out and was just looking at the screen crying. It was so emotional for me. My wife was paying attention I'm sure. She was showing Baby C the screen saying, "Look at your brother or Sissy!"

 

She gave us some pictures of our little Sprout and handed me some early pregnancy paperwork to read over. She also told me to schedule an appointment with our OB in the next few weeks. I will go back for one, maybe 2 more ultrasounds before she releases me. I just still cannot believe this! Like, there is a baby in my belly and I have the pictures to prove it! I'm looking forward to next week to prayerfully see/hear Sprouts heartbeat.

 

I'm still feeling really well. I have times when my stomach feels a little sick but other than that I'm fine. I do get really tired after lunch and sometimes when I get home from work but I really feel good. Oh, and I've decided to not get on the scale until after delivery lol. I just can't bring myself to see that number increasing. When I get weighed in at the doctor's office I will just tell them to not tell me the number and I will close my eyes when I step up on there. Smh lol

 

I'm just so truly thankful. God is Good.

 

Have a safe and Happy Halloween everyone!!!!!!!

Final Beta Results! 4weeks 1 day

I can hardly type this because I'm so excited! I can tell you one thing, while I do pray on the regular outside of being pregnant...I've found myself praying extra hard these past few days. Really hard. Mainly because long before we actually started trying, well... back when my wife was going thru this process with Baby C, TTC showed me just how NOT in control of life we actually are. No matter how much we plan, time insems or anything else. I have to just trust and lean on God that everything will all work out and I will have a happy & healthy 9 months. I have to trust that because if not this process will literally drive me crazy mentally, emotionally and physically.

 

Here are the Results:

 

1st Beta (October 21st, 2013)

 

HCG - 50.7

Progesterone  - 13.5

 

*Due to low progesterone I was instructed to increase from one suppository to 2 at bedtime.*

 

2nd Beta (October 23rd, 2013)

 

HCG - 158

Progesterone  - 18

 

3rd *And Final Beta* (October 25th, 2013)

 

HCG - 418!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Progesterone - Nurse just said "almost 20" So I'm assuming 19 something

 

We are scheduled for our first ultrasound on next Wednesday! I have been experiencing waves of nausea since 3weeks preggers. It is progressively getting worse. Especially on my ride to work in the morning. It's not horrible just yet but I will be dusting off the seabands and keeping some crackers nearby just in case. The only symptom so far is extreme fatigue. I could literally sleep the day away while watching the Halloween Movie marathons that are on these days. Other than that I'm feeling well and just trying to eat healthy and REST. Grow Sprout GROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thank. You. Lord.

 

....And thank all of you for the messages and well wishes. I'm still struggling a little with BFP guilt but I continue to pray for all of you out there still waiting for that magical moment.

The Results are in.....the TWW is Over!

BFP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On the FIRST Try!

 

I'm still in shock and I thank God. My eggs aren't scrambled afterall! I was mentally prepared for it not to work the first time and even told myself getting pregnant on the 1st try was really unrealistic. At 36 soon to be 37 in November I successfully got pregnant on the first try with no meds & no monitoring. God is Good.

 

Here's how it went down

 

So, you all know I started taking the pro.gesterone suppositories at 3dpo. I felt like we had perfect timing for our insems. We did our inseminations on CD12 (we received the first smiley at 8:30pm on CD12), CD13 & CD14. One at 5pm and the other 2 around 8pm-9pm.

 

I did document "symptoms" but I really thought what little symptoms I did have were all due to the progesterone. I was bummed because I didn't feel pregnant. There were a few that stood out tho....

1. Neon Yellow Urine

2. Bleeding Gums (I had it one morning then it stopped)

3. NO cervical mucus

4. A little bloody ewcm on 8dpo

5. A LOT of ewcm at 9dpo (I never have ewcm this late in my cycle)

6. Constant Dreaming!!!! OMG!

7. This may be TMI but.... at 10dpo I had an orgasm in my sleep. Yep. Weird.

8. Very very very emotional

9. Sleepy alllllll of the time.

10. The smell of my coffee almost made me gag. I LOVE coffee.

 

Again....these were the ones that stood out as "maybe" it worked BUT I felt fine otherwise. There were a few moments of me feeling kinda "sick" but with the pro.gesterone I really thought it was because of that. I was actually getting sad close to test day because I thought for sure I would be feeling different and I really didn't. Plus when I read about so many women having increased creamy cm and I had literally NONE I thought for sure I was out. My wife pointed out that she suspected something when I was always sleep for the 11pm news. This is HUGE because I watch the news every night. But the days leading up to test day I crashed by 10pm at the latest.

 

TEST DAY

Then came test day.... I woke up on 11dpo and took a First Response HPT. My wife and I decided to wait to test and 11dpo was the date we selected. At 5am the test was negative. Stark white. Nothing. I was ok...my wife was very sad. Which in turn made me sad. I told her I wanted to stop the progesterone to allow my cycle to start. If I wasn't pregnant no sense in dealing with them another day and delaying our next attempt. She told me to call the nurse when the fertility clinic opened at 9am. I did. I told the nurse I took a pregnancy test at 5am and it was negative and asked her if I should stop taking the progesterone or wait until 14dpo like my Doctor instructed. Mind you...I was supposed to come on the next day at 12dpo so I told her I know my test would be positive by now because I'm supposed to come on tomorrow. She said, "Keep taking the progesterone. It's still early. You've added progesterone to the mix and that could change things. So, wait a few more days and you may be calling me back with good news." I thought....yeah right.

 

I went to the dollar store at 11:30am to pick up more tests. I felt like we had better luck with those test when my wife was preggers. She got her BFP at 9dpo. I stopped for lunch and headed back to the job. I looked at the test and thought..."let me just take one now. I'm sure it will be negative but oh well..." I went to the bathroom at work and took the test. I brought the test to my desk. Gross, I know, but I used antibacterial wipes. Whatever. I let the test sit and I looked at it and thought I was seeing things. This was at 12noon. I used the flashlight on my iphone and instantly started shaking. I called my wife and could hardly get the words out. I said, "BABY!!!!!! OMG! I THINK I SEE SOMETHING ON THE TEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" It was faint. But there was a line. I snapped a pic and sent it to her phone.

Immediately she responded, "I see it too OMG!!!!!!!!!"

 

I sent the pic to a dear friend of ours who is like family because she was soooo instrumental in our TTC journey with #1, Baby girl.... I sent it to her because I just knew it was an evap line. There was just no way. I've never seen an evap line so I really just wanted to make sure this wasn't it! She replied back, "HOLY SHYT! That's NO evap line it has color!! You're preggers!!!!" I just sat there in shock and still not believing what had just happened.

 

I just knew when I woke up at 7am the next morning it would be gone. But it wasn't. It was still there and I was thankful beyond words that it was.

 

Guilt

There was a part of me that felt kinda guilty. Guilty that some women have to endure months even years to get pregnant. They have to endure all kinds of tests and medication. And sometimes it still doesn't happen for them. Like, I feel so blessed that I didn't have to go thru any of that. I just thank God for everything. I said a silent prayer for those women I know who are going thru this. Praying they get their BFP soon. Praying they get to experience this moment and this feeling.

 

My first BETA was this morning and the numbers was: 50.7 HCG

Here is a quote from my Blog Dated 07-29-13: "Mark this day......7-29-13.....something tells me I'm gonna get pregnant the first try, or at max 3. I don't know what it is...but something internal tells me that it's gonna happen pretty quickly for me. It makes me excited and nervous at the SAME DAMN TIME! If it's gonna happen fast I would rather it happen first try....reason being, I'm not planning on telling family and friends until after our NT scan...which will put us in January. My moms birthday is the 11th so it would be a really nice birthday gift for her. But we shall see."

Thank. You. Lord.

Please continue to send prayer, positive energy, light and sticky baby dust our way. It really is appreciated and felt.

 

TTC: One down. Things you MUST consider during insems!

Yesterday was CD12. I started testing at CD7. All negative. While at work yesterday I called my wife and told her my morning and my afternoon opks were both negative but I felt something was happening or about to happen in baby making region. We went back and forth a little bit as to whether or not we should do an insem or not even though I didn't have a smiley yet. We decided to just go for it.....we figured, what the heck?!

 

I came home and got myself together. We contacted the donor and then waited. Less than an hour after speaking with him, the doorbell was ringing. We all sat around for a bit catching up and sharing a few laughs about us being "here" again and then I went to the bathroom. {TMI} Different from earlier in the day I had some tacky stretchy but clearish cervical fluid. I immediately said to myself, "yeah...I'm glad we decided to do this tonight because something is indeed about to happen." I told my wife to get the preseed so I could insert it while we were all sitting around talking. Then I went back to our bedroom.

 

I said a little prayer and then my wife and Baby C came into the bedroom. We kissed each other...Baby C rubbed my belly for good luck baby dust and then my wife took the donor all his "products." He did his duty...he called out to my wife, "Special delivery" lol...and then she went to put Baby C in her crib and get the goods. I could tell she was nervous but she did great! She was very gentle and all I remember thinking was, "Lord, Thy Will Be done." 

 

Here's the funny part (close your ears kids)........after all the goods were inside of me, I was like, "You know what comes next"...I said... "I wanna feel you on me so I can........y'all know.......lol She went to straddle me and I suddenly blocked my woman region with my hand like "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo wayment!! Are you ovulating too!?! Get Offffaaaa me before we BOTH end up pregnant!!" Ahahahahahaaaaaa! Pure Lesbian comedy. Anyway, we made skin contact (away from her woman region)...I released....we wanted to make sure to get the swimmers up there. Afterwards I put my legs up for about 15mintes. We had already put the instead cup in so things were nice and capped off. My wife went back into the living room and her and the donor chatted a bit more then he left. We inseminated at 5pm.

 

I decided to do another opk at at 8:30PM just to check to see if there were any changes since my 1pm test and WE GOT A SMILEY!!!!!!!!!! All I remember is gasping for breath and yelling out to my wife! She was like, "what's wrong!?" I said..."the test is positive! We got a smiley!!" Her reply, "Oh MY GAWD!!" lol

 

Here is a screenshot from my iperiod app from yesterday. lol I'm so thankful I started testing early AND that I tested twice per day instead of once!

 

 

So......one insem down and two more to go! Then we are off to the land of the TWW! I will start my pro.gesterone on Thursday. Please send us BLUE sticky baby dust!

 

 

 

 

TTC: No Turning Back Now!

So I lied. I thought I wasn't going to blog until after insems and testing but I had to update you all and document where I am today......

 

 

1st - Disney was GREAT! I had all my "Last Call" festivities and sipped my last beer last Thursday.

 

2nd - I had my FIRST non-alcoholic Brew yesterday. O'Douls. It was special. Verrrry special. Not bad. But Not Bud Ice or Miller Light. Let's just say I'm in the experimental stage of finding which one will be my bff for the next year. Plus, once we actually insem I will ONLY drink the non-alcoholic brews that are truly 100% non-alcoholic.

 

I am officially on CD6. Yikes Smikes! This means we will inseminate next Sunday - Tuesday & Wednesday. This may change to Monday - Tuesday & Wednesday depending on when I get the first smiley. I called in my script for the pro.gesterone yesterday so I'm just waiting for the call to come pick it up. Donor is all set to go and he has our tentative ovula.tion schedule. We have our sterile specimen cups, instead cups to keep the swimmers in, ovulation kit(s), syringes, hip raising pillow, vibrator {evil laugh} and all other baby making kit items ready to go. I'm eating the "Boy Diet" and I've started meditating and speaking to our unborn child. We are now just waiting for the smile. Then it's on to the TWW. Blah.

FYI - I will NOT be testing before my cycle is due. Nope. Not gonna do it. So I won't know if it's two pink lines or clean smooth white until the very end of the tww.

 

-Sidebar- Oh, so....I was all good about this whole ttc #2 thing and not having anyyyy second thoughts until we got back from Orlando! I guess that's when shyt got real in my mind that this was about to happen. All of a sudden thoughts hit me. Yeah, thoughts...we all know when you are voluntarily giving up life as you know it {even when it's for something as amazing as a baby} the last thing you want to start doing is THINKING! Is this the right time for Baby #2, How will Baby C adjust? Will our marriage take a hit dealing with two kiddos? Finances, oh LAWD finances!? Sleep!? Fun?! Two kids?! Doctors appointments?! Tests?! PAINNNN??!! Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?

 

While I quickly stopped thinking.....It was so good to have a conversation with my wife about my concerns, fears etc and have her to talk me off the thinking ledge. Don't wanna go there again. lol So thankful I had the common sense to marry well. Very well. She's my sanity. We talk about everything and our marriage is solid. For that I am truly thankful and extremely blessed.

 

Truth is...there's never really a perfect time to have one or two or three or how ever many kids folks opt to partake in. Really..I mean come on. Life in itself throws so many curve balls you'll never really BE ready 100%... because as well know there will always be something looming. Not saying you shouldn't use common sense when opting into parenthood but I'm just sayin' you'll never be at 100% on the nothing going on so let's have a kid(s) scale. 

 

6 Days until Inseminations.

 

 

TTC: CD15

Okay...so here's a really quick update:

-My first positive opk this month was on CD13 around 1:45pm (Sunday). 

-We had a great visit with the RE on Monday...CD14. I tested just before we left the house around 2:45pm and I still had a smiley. 

-The RE did an ultrasound and it showed a 10mm uterine lining and a 24mm follie on the left. No follies on the right. She seemed really happy with those findings. I was too considering I 'm on no medication. 

-The RE gave me a script for pro.gesterone and insem instructions. I have 50mg pro.gesterone suppositories that I should start inserting 2-3dpo. Or 2 to 3 days after the first smiley. 

- I tested today which is CD15 at 1pm and it's STILL a smiley! Yikes.

I should start my cycle on September 26th according to my app...last month it was right on-time and exact. IF that's the case this cycle we will more than likely do our insemination(s) sometime during October 6th thru the 11th. 

I will test out my surge with the opk's this cycle. I really think it will be gone by tomorrow. I hope. But even still...I want to test it out. 

Disney here we come! 

That's all folks! The next update will be a Yay or Nay :-)

Please send sticky baby two pink line energy this way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TTC: Updates and Last Calls. It's finally here!!

One of my blogger friends introduced me to the term, "Last Call" party as it relates to the last time you'll indulge in the sweet calming taste of a cocktail or beer for a loooooooong time while under baby making construction. lol I liked it so much I decided to have not one but TWO last call celebrations to mark this monumental journey. One with my friends.....then one with my wife. 

The one with my friends was this past weekend. We booked our hotel, stopped by the local wine and spirits store....and hit the open road to Philadelphia! Awesome road trip with the sole purpose of spending some quality time alone with my crew. This would be the last time I would be drinking with them as my wife, Baby C and I leave for magical Disney this week. After that...we insem so no more alcohol for me until at least 6-8 weeks postpartum. 

I must admit this trip did feel different from all the others. One because now I'm a mother and two because I had all these mixed emotions swirling around inside me surrounding the purpose of the trip. What it represented.... what was about to happen in my life and how this is indeed going to change me as a person. This journey is huge and I know that me as I know me will never be the same after this experience. I felt excited, super amped, happy...but a little sad, somber and internally teary at the same time. It was so weird. I did get over the latter feelings as the trip progressed but at least until we reached the Delaware Memorial Bridge...they were there and in full force. 

I learned 2 things while on this trip: 

1. I could actually never drink liquor again and be okay with it. Beer, wine and champagne all satisfy me so I'm good with the no liquor part. I mean, there is still a soft spot in my heart for my beloved Grand Marnier but I don't crave it anymore since giving up liquor back in May. Beer will no doubt be the hardest for me to give up. {insert the saddest face ever seen on the planet <---here---}

2. I do NOT miss the club scene! Sheesh! We decided to hit a few spots while in Philly just to experience the gay nightlife and I was literally standing there posted up with my beer in my hand, looking fly as ever, thinking, "I would really rather be home in bed in some warm comfy PJ's spooning my wife!" Well, not totally spooning...some other things too but you get my point. Watching all that azz grind to reggae made me feel some kinda way and miss my wife! ((swoons)) ....I'm looking at these people and shaking my head because the club scene is so wack now! Maybe it's because I'm married with no real desire to be there, maybe it's because I have a kid now...or maybe it's just because I've done all that stuff when I was younger. Needless to say, we went to the club just to go because we were in a new city but the scene don't change. I'm so thankful that's not my life anymore. I would be totally sad. A few chicks eye'd and attempted to get my attention -sidebar- {I realllllly think my wedding ring is a lady magnet}......but I just kindly kept it moving. 

Oh, and not to mention I was soooooooo sleeeeepy!! lol I'm not used to be alive and woke after 1am! I'm a mom so whatevaaaaaa! Unless it's for the brief moments my wife feeds Baby C in the middle of the night! But like, dressed, outside, in clothes, talking?!?! Hellll no! lol I was so ready to go back to the hotel and CRASH! Smh...

I'm ready for my last call moments with my wife while on vacation. The one where it's with the woman I love, over dinner...and great conversation. The last call moments with the woman who will be my rock and biggest support thru this process. Yes, I enjoyed the one with my friends but having that last sip of wine with my wife is just really something special to me. 

I'm not sure when I'll be blogging again. We have an appointment with the RE today. I may try to do a quick update about that visit before we leave for vacation but I'm not sure if I'll get the time. This is it ya'll....I've been counting down since May for this amazing journey and it's here. Please pray for me and my lil family as we dive head-first back into actively ttc for Baby #2. 

TTC: The Diet that Makes BOYS!! -or foolishness?

Today is CD9 and I will start testing with the smiley’s today with evening urine. I’m pretty sure nothing is happening in the lady regions today because there is little to no cervical fluid and my appetite is not ferocious. CD9 is really early in my cycle so no worries about missing ovulation.

24 days until we insem. TWENTY-FOUR DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We leave for Disney next week and I’m so damn excited! A week of just me and my two girls {My wife and Baby C}, fun, sun, white sand beaches, meeting up with great friends, tropical drinks, relaxation and the magic of Disney! How awesome is that!?

Now, the reason for this post. The Boy Diet. We realllllllllllly want a little boy this time. While we will be extremely grateful and thankful to God for simply another healthy child, our first preference this time is a boy. So, I’ve started searching the internet for “ways to conceive a boy” and I was really shocked at how many hits I got! Some saying they have tried it and had success and other's who say it’s a crock of bull. While I’m not putting too much stock in this I do feel like…what the hell…it’s worth a try! Lol Even if it is just for shyts and giggles. Have any of you tried this diet and it actually worked? Or did you try it and it was “a crock of bull?” lol

The crazy thing is my diet already mirrors the “boy diet.” Which is high potassium, coffee, salt, fish, red meat and low dairy, just to name a few. The only thing I would need to cut back on are the eggs. I can push down 4 eggs in one sitting, easily. Don’t judge me I’m a growing Boi. *smile* Mommy N’s diet mirrors the “girl diet” and we all know how that played out! #TeamGirl…Baby C! Her diet is basically stuff like unsalted butter, garlic, onions, little to no meat...etc. Coincidence? Not sure…but again, it’s worth a shot.

The recommendations I've read thus far say to start the diet one month before you TTC until you're pregnant. I mentioned it to our donor and he said, "Oh, I already eat LOTS of bananas and meat so I hope that helpsyou ladies get your boy!" This Guy....smh lol

While I'm excited and tickled about taking part in this little experiment I also know that the ultimate sex of our baby #2 will be determined by God. Period. If it works...a boy was supposed to be here anyway...If it doesn't...same logic applies. Either way...I'm blessed if this process results in a successful, healthy, non-eventful pregnancy. 

Two new items will be in our luggage for this Disney trip: Clear.Blue easy fertility monitor & the Clear.Blue easy smiley's. Holy crap! This is really about to happen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE Appointment for the pro.gestrone suppositories is 09-16th....

My Body Knows what its supposed to do......

Everything will work out, Trust God.......

My eggs are fine........

I'm not that old.........

TTC: I'm Out of Commission.

.

So, the only thing I never thought about was how I would handle my friends making plans to go on what we call "homboi rock off trips." Homeboi rock off's are once-a-year trips that are fun, crazy and usually in cities that offer an exciting gay scene. Atlanta, Houston, New York, Philly..........you get the point. We all pitch in planning every aspect of the trip. The hotel, who's gonna rent the car...the entertainment and everything. It's just our way to get away from all the hustle and grind of every day life and have fun with each other for a weekend. We are few but extremely close. I love them. 

But here's the thing.................my wife and I had a BBQ for the holiday and the topic of the next homeboi rock off trip came up. One nominated Sizzle (Miami), one nominated Houston....again......Chicago and some other places. For a quick moment I felt kinda sad. I wasn't very talkative in that conversation and my mind honestly drifted off. My thoughts? I can't make plans to go because I probably won't be able to go this year. I will be pregnant and out of commission for awhile. Yeah, I felt kinda sad. 

Only one of my Ace's knows that my wife and I are planning to start TTC #2 in a few weeks. But sometimes, I don't even think he totally gets it that I will be pregnant. Mainly because he still asks me, "Where should we go?" or.... he makes statements like, "We really need to plan a homeboi rock off!"...without any mention of, "Oh yeah, YOU'RE gonna be pregnant bytch!!" lol 

Oh, all of my Ace's are gay men. I only have one lesbian Ace and she's younger than I am. I haven't even told her yet. So while they are making plans I just sit there and nod and smile and act like I'm amped but I'm really thinking in my head how I won't be able to join them. It's not until little situations like that comes up that I realize I'm about to be pregnant!!

*Sighs* 

I'm extremely happy and excited about this journey. I pray I go on to have a happy & healthy pregnancy. I would also be a big fat liar if I didn't acknowledge that thinking about how my social interactions with my friends is gonna change for a while makes me kinda sad. Not sure why. Wellllll, I guess it's because I know things are going to change. The dynamic of how we deal, where we go, what I can do while I'm with them, if I'll even feel like going, if I'll be invited blah blah blah...it's all. gonna. change. At least for a while. I know things will bounce back after I have the baby. I can see that from my wife.....now that Baby C is almost 6 months....things are relatively back to our norm. 

Either way.......I'm okay with it all. I just needed to get this emotion out of my mind and into the Universe. Now I feel better. 

Kinda.

I've started spotting so CD1 will probably be tomorrow. 

All of the donor labs are back free and clear

Only one more period and we insem

TTC: Making a Rainbow Baby = Donor and Timing

Our donor has completed his medical workup. There are only 2 tests still pending & we should have them in a week. We won't need the sickle cell screening this time because we had him tested with Baby C {he's not a carrier} and neither am I.

Me: "OMG...5 weeks til "hell week!" Are you ready?! {hell week is what we call insemination week because he always complained about the preseed feeling like he was rubbing his man parts with razor blades. Ahahahahaaaa! He hated using preseed as lube but we wanted to make sure our little swimmers were not damaged by regular lube.}
Him: "Wow! I really hope it takes the first time and I hope ya'll get your boy!"

Can I tell ya'll I LOVE our donor. We made the best choice ever and it truly is such a relief! We've heard so many horror stories about known donors but ours is the BEST! Throughout the whole process with Baby C he was compliant and reliable. From hell week inseminations, to legal stuff with our second-parent adoption. We scheduled appointments, he was there. We needed something notarized, he was there. The whole process for us was stress free and smooth. I thank God for that. 

I have an appointment scheduled with the RE on September 16th. Not sure why I need to actually see her for the pro.gestrone prescription but I am secretly hoping she does an ultrasound that day just so I can see how my follies and eggs are doing. We leave for vacation the following week and then we insem so having an ultrasound done on that visit would be beneficial. If I start my cycle on the 3rd of September as predicted, the 16th will be CD13 and I would LOVE to see what's happening in the baby making region via ultrasound that far into my cycle. The last time we saw the RE was on July 3rd {CD10} and there was a 16mm on the left. The opk showed an extremely strong positive two days later on CD12 that month. So we shall see.......

Mommy N - She's just so tickled by the whole thing. I can tell she's getting excited and really looking forward to being on the other end of the syringe. lol I joke with her all the time that now we are pro's with insems and she's gonna knock me up the first time. She's so cute. I love her. I can't imagine going along this journey with anyone else. Thank GOD I didn't have kids with any of my ex's. *looks up at the sky - Thanks Big Guy! -winks-* 

She's such an amazing mom to Baby C and I'm so blessed to have her as my wife and my bestfriend. 

Baby C - I know I rarely speak about her in detail on this blog. Mainly because my wife has a blog and when she does blog -sarcasm font- (yes, that was shade lol) she covers Baby C news over there. I won't link her blog here because then my identity will be compromised. lol 

But yeah....Baby C is growing like a weed and my wife and I are confident that the timing is right to start TTC #2. We didn't want to take away from our daughter by adding the pressure of TTC another kid before now. We wanted to allow us time to be the mommies of ONE kid. TTC can take over your life, I'm sure some of you can relate to that....and we just wanted things to be calm and semi-back to normal before taking that journey again. Now we feel the timing is right and we are mentally and emotionally prepared to start. 

Today is CD18
My boobs are starting to get sore.
My cycle is expected in 6 days.
I have little to none cervical fluid.
One more period.....then we introduce sperm.