tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11128675752349258772024-03-13T17:04:01.912-07:00Live, Laugh, LoveThis is the story of Stace & Scott (#TeamRicci). We are high school sweethearts, happily married, and doing all we can to become parents. This is our life, our story, our adventure in the journey to parenthood.
"What's meant to be will always find a way...... just believe."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-83780549639894479272019-06-22T17:36:00.001-07:002019-06-22T17:36:33.866-07:00Depression is everywhere <span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">I was driving home on Father’s Day after picking up bagels for my family and my neighbors <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" style="color: black; text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824);" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 6am</a> and listening to the radio. The headline came across that a 29 year old NYPD had killed him self in his car right outside his precinct. The story that followed that was that there have been 6 NYPD suicides in the past 6 months. Why does this stick out to me? Well the week prior to that one of my friends posted about his depression and his demons that he still has to battle. Close family and friends have posted repeatedly that they are depressed and I’ve seen it. We all know that when we are focusing on something a lot of it will appear more than we normally see it. Just like when you get a new car and no one has the car or color and then the first day you drive it, everyone has that car and it’s the same color as yours. We walk around constantly and know that people are dealing with depression but how often do you ever really stop to think about it. I came across a post recently on Instagram on @thegoodquotes account that said, “I know I can’t fix you and you can’t fix me. But that’s the beauty of it. We don’t need fixing, we just need someone, to remind us, of who we truly are.” That resonated with me deeply because whenever anyone that is close to me is going through something I put on my Mr. Fix it hat and get to fixing. I’ve been told in the past that I cannot fix everything and I am truly aware of that, however with that quote I reminded that we don’t need to be fixed. We need to bring people back to a time that they could do it without any help. Or show them now how they can do it without help. Some might say that is another way of saying fix them, however, as a society we fix too many things that aren’t necessarily broken and look where it gets us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Now everyone that has come across this blog knows that Stace and I have been through some really tough times. I can say that I have never been “depressed.” But I have been sad and angry for many days and night and did not know if there was an answer that I could cope with. It’s funny how everything relates itself to what you are going through but there is never any answer to really fix it! I was talking to my dad just yesterday and we were talking about his upcoming surgery and how he fears the unknown and how is life going to be right after. I told him everyone fears the unknown, I said some other things that aren’t fit for this blog but it’s true. The unknown! I went through 4 sperm analysis to see if I had the right quantity and quality. I remember the first one I did at home, bought it off amazon and didn’t tell Stace and then when it came back that I didn’t have any, I said faulty test. Then when we went to the doctors the first time and I did another at home but had to rush it to the lab in 45 minutes and it came back still none. What do you mean none??? My goals and dreams in life were to have kids and you’re telling me I can’t???? Then we went to another lab, where they said there’s the bathroom and gave me a cup. The waiting room bathroom where the kids, mothers, fathers, and grandparents were all in! That day took some time! But the test came back again, still none. And then that last test where I had the IMAX of rooms that I wished I had for all the previous times. I was finally relaxed and didn’t have to worry about rushing to make it in 45 minutes or getting walked in on or having a faulty test. But it came back the same, none. Then I had surgery of my varicose veins to see if they were the reason. Still none. Then I had a real sperm analysis where it was a probing, which meant I was having a biopsy done, but this biopsy wasn’t only one needle in, it was 36, 18 in each testicle to find any sperm. Let me tell you now, the pain I had for that didn’t even begin to touch what I was about to get a call about. I still clearly remember coming home and Stace telling me that the doctors called and there were still none. I can remember the next day so vividly. I was a manager at Best Buy in Middletown. We had a district visit that day and that meant that my whole district staff was going to be in the building with a couple other key players. My ride to work, I called Manny and broke down in the car. I said to him, Manny I can’t have kids. And I just cried on my way to work. I composed myself 5 minutes before getting there and was a robot at work. The district manager that was my discipline knew I was off and I told him eventually and he said don’t worry, you’ll have kids but at that point we didn’t know how, the unknown. I feared the unknown for so long. I was so angry and sad but as a male I was more angry. Why did this happen to me? My love for kids was known amongst our friends and family. If family were in town, I would help constantly because it was fun. It still is for me! But I feared the unknown and it hurt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">But I was able to have a light at the end of the tunnel because with the help of a donor we were able to have our two beautiful, sweet precious boys. That is not the same for everyone that is dealing with depression. We constantly want to medicate people. Some don’t want to take medication because it changes them. Does it work for the better, yes, but you can’t fix someone that doesn’t want to be fixed. But you can help them. You can ask how they are and when they say depressed you can say is there anything I can do for you? If there isn’t, don’t feel rejected but try to see what you can do without being pushy. The one thing I have seen with depression is to try to get someone to go out. Whether it be to the mall or a car ride to nowhere or a hike or just sitting peacefully at the river or to a yoga class. I am currently writing this from my front porch <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://4" style="color: black; text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824);" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 630am</a> just listening to the birds and a relaxing piano melody and it is making me feel good about my day. This might not be someone’s answer but it works for me. I am not worried about the unknown today. What if my son wakes up at 9 today and the farm doesn’t have a lot of strawberries, oh well there will be more another time. What if’s can be killers, but having a realistic look on life you don’t have to worry about the what if’s. I was listening to a close friend of mine recently and his sister in law was joking with him about never seeing him mad. And it’s true, I’ve known him for around 10 years and don’t remember a time when I’ve seen him mad. He said why get mad, I have a beautiful family, a house, food and a life and we are outside right now enjoying it so why be mad. That humbled me because I get mad a lot but for what? I have the same thing he has, a beautiful family, a beautiful house, amazing job that allows me to spend so much time with my boys, this beautiful view I see every morning. I guess I don’t have the same makeup as him. (Side note as soon as I just wrote that line a mosquito came up and tried to bite me and I got mad that it ruined my outside tranquility). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">So the point I am trying to make about this post is that depression is all around us. We don’t have to fix people, we just need to let them know we are there for them. And truly there, not just say it. If you notice a behavior that is uncommon for them, act on it and text, call, email, show up and say hi, I notice you and I am here for you in any way that I can be. Mental health is something that we will never be able to break and fix the world but we can always try to offer support and friendship and a way out. Social media may portray one thing and quite often people are feeling the exact opposite. There’s nothing ever wrong for asking someone how they are doing? It is wrong though to think about it and then never ask. And if someone needs more help than you can give them, that is okay as well but know the resources for it. It’s not talking behind someone’s back when you are looking to help them and it might hurt them and your friendship but in the end if they get better for themselves, it will all be worth it. A simple hug, a hello or a note goes a long way to people that are in a hole that they think no one knows about them, just be there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">If anyone reads this blog and wants to ask more questions to me about our journey, feel free to email me at <a dir="ltr" href="mailto:scoot683@gmail.com" x-apple-data-detectors-result="7" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors="true">scoot683@gmail.com</a> I might not have an answer but I don’t mind talking about any of the “unknowns” any more, because I have my answers now in the form of an almost 3 year old and almost 4 month old! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Thanks,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Scott</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FndAoHJ_Ne8/XQ7IhloCRvI/AAAAAAAACbU/nc5hkNN8DB49YGXuh3tbS6K0rW41VFKgACLcBGAs/s1600/603C7541-871F-483A-AA57-CA5284C4EAAF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="828" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FndAoHJ_Ne8/XQ7IhloCRvI/AAAAAAAACbU/nc5hkNN8DB49YGXuh3tbS6K0rW41VFKgACLcBGAs/s320/603C7541-871F-483A-AA57-CA5284C4EAAF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
Scott Riccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051297667298677667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-82366141986857328792017-02-26T18:52:00.000-08:002017-02-27T04:57:57.977-08:00Stay at Home Dads- Where's our support?<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I haven't posted anything for a long while as my
hands have been pretty full. I have enjoyed the last 7 months so much but
I have had one thing that has ticked me off during this time. How come
every advertisement, app, or anything that must do with taking care of babies,
are geared only to the mom??? It’s funny because I remember downloading the <a href="https://www.huggies.com/en-us/mommyanswers/pregnancy" target="_blank">Huggies
App</a> being all excited that I can earn rewards for every diaper and
wipe massive container that we buy and going into the app and being severely
upset. So, upset that I ended up writing an email to their customer
service team. Why was I upset, well in the link that I created above, it
turns out that on the site and app, they have a huge section dedicated to
"Mommy Answers." Why does that upset me, well because, 1. I am
not a mommy and 2. We are in the year 2017 and the number of dads staying home
has definitely increased. And it’s not just Huggies that is gearing the majority of the content towards women. Just because I am on my kick, I
decided to check out other major baby brands to see who else is geared towards
"mommy." The following links all have content geared to the
mommy's out there: <a href="https://www.pampers.com/en-us/mommy-corner" target="_blank">Pampers</a>, <a href="http://www.luvsdiapers.com/en-us/fun-stuff/momojis" target="_blank">Luvs</a>, <a href="https://www.gerber.com/Home" target="_blank">Gerber</a>, <a href="http://www.beechnut.com/kitchen/" target="_blank">Beechnut</a>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/baby-products-and-gear" target="_blank">BabyCenter</a>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.kidsii.com/connect/generation-mom" target="_blank">baby Einstein</a>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.johnsonsbaby.com/" target="_blank">Johnson Baby</a>, <a href="http://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-mo/philips-avent-and-your-baby?locale_code=en_us&remember_locale=en_us" target="_blank">Avent</a>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> etc.
Now I do not have a problem with the content because a lot of it is
really good, however the times have changed and it’s not just the mom staying
home anymore. specifically, in my case. And just so everyone out there is
aware, this is a choice of mine and not something about I lost my job, I have
always wanted to stay home and take care of our children. Stace has a
very great and rewarding job that allows us to have this amazing opportunity.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I
figured I should do some research before I just went on a rant and try to
figure out if I have any merit to my argument and it turns out I did. I
had a conversation with Stace the other night and I was basically stating how it’s
not fair that men do not have anything really geared to them. And she
said well it’s not that common which made me look it up. But before I do
give you the facts and articles, it really isn't known. Just like
infertility isn't a topic of conversation among most of the male population,
especially male factor, because typically guys do not talk in general about our
emotions and feelings regarding how we are treated. I came across a
really neat article in the Huffington Post regarding how many dads are actually
staying at home. Here is the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/13/stay-at-home-fathers_n_7261020.html" target="_blank">article</a> and I am pretty sure it might shock some of
you reading it, because honestly, it opened my eyes up even more. Now the
article does state that 80% of the almost 20% of men that are staying at home
is due to unemployment reasons, however there are still almost 20% of men
staying at home to take care of children. In the article, they reference
that in the 1970's, only six (6) total men were stay at home dads. I am
pretty sure that the number has risen greatly over the years and this article
was even written in 2015, so I am sure that the number is even higher. We
will not know for sure until another census is taken but I was actually intrigued
more than a fifth of the United States population is stay at home dads.
That is why I rant about the websites and apps that do not mention men at
all as being the primary caregiver. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Now
to go back to the Huggies piece about the site not having anything geared
towards men, I decided to email the site to see what the company’s response
would be. I did not expect them to change their whole website, but the
first response I got was the usual, we will pass that along as an idea. I
did not really think that was an adequate response so I decided to email them
again and include my original email and I did get an actual response this time.
But it was more of a push over than it was okay we will take it into
consideration. With technology on the rise and everything being so
accessible now a day, there is no reason that major companies would just say
parenting instead of mom and make it universal. I am pretty sure that
they pay people lots of money to maintain their websites, so they could easily
have someone just change the words or a couple of pictures here and there.
Basically, in the times that we live in, we should all be recognized.
I understand that motherhood is very hard and that women should have a
lot of resources available to them because that is the norm, however, for us
guys out there that must take care of our beautiful little ones, we should also
get some respect in the same regards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
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Scott Riccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051297667298677667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-58536369442707795042016-07-13T19:29:00.001-07:002016-07-13T19:29:17.254-07:00Bumpdate~ Week 37<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Week 37: (July 6-12)</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u>Me this week-</u></b><br />
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The kickstart to week 37 was coincidentally our wedding anniversary! :) 9 years married... 9 years of happy times, ups, and downs. 9 years in the making of dreaming about, trying for, and fighting to start our family. 9 years to finally get here!! 9 years of waking up to my best friend every day. Scott is my ROCK, my best friend, soul mate, advocate, therapist, advice-giver, and more. I'm so glad we've found each other and I'm so thankful that we are finally getting the chance to bring our own baby into this world any day now. Cheers to many many more years ahead. I love you so much, Scott!! <3<br />
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We now have weekly OB appointments, and week 37's appt was the morning of our anniversary. This was nice because it meant Scott was home for a bit in the morning, and went to work afterwards. I was SUPER nervous and emotional at the appointment, though. I got major anxiety on the way to the appt and then again while waiting in the room for the Dr. I think part of me missed the last few months of appointments because they were so easy, fun, and painless. After the 36-week test and exam were pretty painful, I was dreading another internal check. I also am obviously over the moon excited about Baby Bee's arrival but I also can't believe we are here, I get nervous about delivering him safely, and I just have anxiety and worries about it all. I couldn't help it and broke down in tears while half naked sitting on the exam table, waiting for the Dr. Sure you're covered by the thinest paper sheet in the world, but it makes me feel vulnerable and freaked out and nervous sometimes. I was anticipating more pain with another exam and just overfilled with emotion about our baby boy coming soon. Finally the Dr came in, and luckily I had calmed down by then. The exam was super quick and way less painful than the Dr. I had seen last week. (Phew!!) I ADORE my OB and I now love her even more for having small hands!! lol sorry but it's true. Even Scott commented how he could tell I wasn't in nearly as much discomfort or pain with this check. Yippee... So the report this week was that I was just over 1cm, but not quite 2, and 50% effaced. She was happy with the progress, and we go back again tomorrow for week 38! Scott had to go to work for the rest of the day (I was super bummed about that) and I ended up at a friend's house to hang out by the pool because it was like 90 degrees. That was a good distraction and better than sitting home sad waiting hours for Scott to get home. </div>
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37 week belly! :)<br />
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Scott sent me a text in the afternoon that he was getting out of work early and that we had dinner reservations in town... eeek!! :) I went home to change and wait for him. He surprised me with flowers too (gerber daisies are my FAV!!) and off to dinner we went. We ate at a place right in town (our new town, which is super cute and cozy), and we were the only people sitting outside so it was relaxing and sweet. :) Thank you, hun!!! It was all perfect!! XOXO<br />
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For the last few summers, I've taken on a summer job at school to design the calendar for the year. I love computer/design work and it's an easy way to make a few bucks so it's a job I actually enjoy. However, this year I obviously have a lot going on (between the new house and potentially going into labor any day) so I was panicking about not starting it yet. We had an issue with Verizon last week and while I waited around alllll day for them to get here and fix a problem, I set aside half the day to just get a head start and now I'm in a much better place for that should we suddenly go into labor. Phew! Now that I've started that, I NEED to get rolling on baby shower/gift thank yous. I'm sooo far behind on those but they are sitting on my couch and I hope to start them tomorrow. To everyone who sent us a gift, please know we are extremely thankful and have just had an insanely busy last few weeks but I have not forgotten about it. <3<br />
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I LOVE the Timehop app, and this popped up this week. While we were in Disney last year, we happened to get room #7727 and we were both super psyched! We are numbers people, especially in terms of our relationship. We have cool connections with our birthdays (numerically) and anniversaries, and 7s or 27 have always been some favs. Getting room 7727 was super cool and now that 7/27 is Bee's due date, it's kind of a cool connection to a year ago before he was even created in the IVF lab. I would LOVE for him to be born on his due date because numerically it would be so fun, AND he wouldn't have to share his birthday with any family. But he gets here when he gets here and it's out of our hands so whenever he gets here will be just right... it would just be pretty cool. ;) No pressure, buddy. </div>
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Relaxing with my belly bump... <3</div>
I'm seriously going to miss pregnancy. I'm so blessed and grateful to have gotten to experience it, but it's never a guarantee that it'll happen again. I've loved it so so much and have been lucky to have a smooth ride. I lovvvve my belly and love feeling baby movements in there every day. It's so incredibly and so indescribable.<br />
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A sweet TTC sister sent me some items, from one rainbow baby to another. Mostly rainbow baby newborn props for photos, but she threw in some books and a really nice note as well. Thank you, Vicki!! Can't wait to take pics of Bee in these and then someday pass them on to another rainbow baby mama. XOXO <3<br />
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I STILL do a double take walking past certain mirrors in the house sometimes... or just staring because I'm still in shock. There's a BABY in there!!! OUR baby!! <3 <3 Eeek!!<br />
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So I finnnalllly decided to stop Zumba this week... (boooooo). As much as I've loved it and it made me feel good even up until now, I can only slow down so much mentally. Physically, I can't do a ton but mentally I want to keep going and I know I'll end up hurting myself or just overdoing it and going into labor right there. lol. Plus, the gym is now 30 mins from home and I'm trying not to go far from the house. My friend Linzy is in town and was my original Zumba buddy years ago when I started, so I asked her if she'd want to go to a class AND keep me company on the drive, just in case. ;) As much as I miss it and don't want to stop, I needed to do what's best since Zumba at 38-40 weeks, 30 mins from home, when I mentally want to jump around like a rabbit, is prob best for this mama. So long, Zumba, but only temporarily! ;)<br />
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WHYYYY do we always take pics after, when we are yucky and sweaty? Blah. Ooops!<br />
My friend, Marisol (in the center) is an amazing teacher. Christine and I have been going to her classes for years and both always stand in the front corners of class. We tend to match without planning, so Marisol calls us her bookends! :) Love you guys!! <3<br />
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Linzy and I used to always pose like this for pics before/after class... it's our ZT pose. (ZumbaTwin) <3<br />
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Mama and Baby Bee belly <3<br />
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Timehop does it again.... :) :) I love silly TeamRicci <3<br />
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Monday night we had dinner out on the deck and Scott grilled. We ended up sitting out there for a while playing all kinds of music and a whole set of songs came on from our IVF days. You may remember that before any injection (even back to IUI days actually), I HAD to have a motivating song to get myself through it... whether it was a pumped up song or a meaningful song, I needed something. With IVF and multiple shots and then nightly PIO injections, Scott made a "Shot Playlist" and every time I hear any of those songs since being pregnant, it brings me right back to those nights of being scared, anxious, hopeful, excited, and wanting this so badly... now when I hear them I feel all those feelings again PLUS extreme joy, love, gratitude, and happiness. Hearing these songs again Monday, especially so many of them, while sitting out on the deck with my hands on my baby bump, I couldn't help but cry soooo many happy tears. We've just about made it!! We're finally here and it's not a dream. It's insane. I'm such a ball of mush. Some of those songs... "Home" by Phillip Phillips, "Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts, "Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun, "United State of Pop 2014" mix by DJ Earworm, just to name a few. I know it may be best in some ways to have calm and relaxing vibes in the delivery room, but because of our journey and how we both love music, I want Scott to play our shots list as a way to motivate me and keep me focused when the time comes so it can become our delivery playlist too... I know I could be screaming and wanting to rip his head off in the moment, but as of now I feel like music focuses me and brings me through different emotions so we'll try and see what happens... Ok stop laughing at me for being naive. ;)<br />
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I've been feeling GREAT still. My feet swell and hurt IF I'm on them too much and/or if it's super hot. It's been on/off hot. Considering it's mid-July, it hasn't been so bad really so I've been lucky. I try not to overdo it each day and find time to sit with my feet up and relax when I can. I'm not at the point yet where people scream and complain and want the baby out... I'm loving him staying put and it's helping me slowly transition to end the bittersweet worries of missing his movements but having to trade them for snuggles, which I will happily do.<br />
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<b><u>Bee this week-</u></b><br />
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Bee's getting much bigger this week and is now considered FULL TERM!!! This is a HUGE accomplishment in the pregnancy world and we are so beyond thankful that we've made it this far! Anything from here on out will likely mean baby boy will be okay, as pretty much everything is now fully developed. He'll spend the last few weeks building up his lungs and fattening up a bit.<br />
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Our little buddy bear is making some BIG movements when he squirms around... clearly he's running out of space. It's funny sometimes because it'll make my whole stomach move or shake and sometimes my whole body jolts when he moves. It cracks us up. He's also more active at night lately, an hour or so before bed. He's obviously head-down ready to come out soon but he tends to put a LOT of extra pressure on my bladder at night and it's funny. Sometimes it feels like intense pressure or sharpness on my bladder and I have to run (or waddle, since I can only go so fast!) to the bathroom. ha! The other night I ended up having pretty heavy cramps for a solid 30 mins as we went to bed (like period cramps but more intense). There was nothing to time so they weren't contractions and after talking to a few mom friends I think he's just moving down further and things are moving around/stretching more, with less room. It's kind of comical really, and it means he'll be here soon!!<br />
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Sleeping this week has become a little harder, especially during the hours of dark. I'm up every 30 mins to 1.5 hours to pee or change positions and it makes for a long, boring night. I love when the sun comes up because it doesn't feel as lonely and for some reason I've been sleeping better between 5am-10am (a friend confirmed today that it was similar for her first pregnancy too so we laughed about that). It's all fun and funny because I know it's my body's way of prepping me for feedings and diaper changes during the night.<br />
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Bee LOVES Scott's voice & touch. Whenever he puts his hand on my belly or talks nearby, baby goes nuts. Last night he was making his big movements and his foot was sticking so far out my side, it was crazy! Scott leaned over and was talking to him and we tried to coax him to do it again. All of a sudden, BAM, he kicks hard and it hits Scott in the face! We were hysterical laughing, it was so cute and funny. :) Go, baby, go! :) hehehee I can't wait to see my 2 boys snuggling... melts my heart just thinking about it. <3<br />
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Little mister is growing right along!! :)<br />
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We love you so SOOOO much, Baby Bee!! We get to meet you soon! It could be any day, or it could be another 2-3 weeks still. Only your timing will tell! Love you, little dude! </div>
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Thanks for following our journey!! </div>
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XOXO,</div>
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Stace </div>
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#TeamRicci </div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-61706051623148951822016-07-09T17:55:00.003-07:002016-07-09T17:55:52.938-07:00Bumpdate~ Week 36<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Week 36: (June 29- July 5)</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me this week-</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know the last post was a recap of weeks 31-35, but since then I caught up on some edited pics/collages for the last few weeks. So here they are from weeks 33-36, and all together so maybe someone will notice a difference or not in the last month. </span><br />
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And here we are at 36!! :)<br />
36 weeks is considered the last week of pre-term, so it's a BIG milestone making it through week 36!!<br />
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I don't know about you, but we definitely saw a difference in week 35 vs 36!! :) I am starting to feel it too! Not in a bad way, I just feel bigger and more pushed out. :) </div>
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A lot has been going on at the house!! I'm sure I probably mentioned last time, but in case I didn't, Scott has been doing A LOT in the house. I feel bad that I can only do so much but he has been amazing. He's so super duper handy and has spent many late nights and early mornings doing projects here and there. So have his parents- THANK YOU!!! The downstairs is coming along greatly with all of your help! :) It's pretty functional now and still needs some work, of course, but it's getting there little by little! :) </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We took down the wall between the living room and office immediately after moving in. It opens up the living room so much more and lets SOOO much light in. This was the in-between stage, with random furniture everywhere. It was a construction zone for a while and was pretty tricky. One of our couches is under that plastic wrap in the back of pic.</span><br />
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After the couches were put together... yay!! Big difference already! :) </div>
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My handsome handyman. :) </div>
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I guess we need a new desk chair soon... haha!</div>
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I was happy to get some of my deco back up! This is a fav of mine, that on of my TTC/Instagram friends made a few years ago. Ironically, it now matches the paint colors we picked for the first floor... totally by chance!! When it went back up, I realized it was kind of a weird coincidence! The whole first floor is a light gray except for the dining room, which is a light aqua... woaaa!<br />
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The dining room (the whole house is still cluttered, but things are getting there!). :) We've only been in exactly a month, and with me being super pregnant and having the energy of a sloth, this is pretty damn good! :)<br />
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We hosted a neighbor meet & greet for our new little development last weekend, as a way to try and get to know some neighbors. We didn't know too many in our last development, so we figured anything more and 1-2 neighbors was a better start. We now know about 6 families on the 2 little cul-de-sacs here. :) Granted, we knew 2 coming in, but still!! (One of my work friends lives on the next street and her neighbor is Scott's 2nd cousin! Funny coincidences but now we know triple that amount!). Our new town & neighborhood are so cozy and cute, it's close to a lot of my work friends, closer to my BFF, closer to work (for me), and just a good central location to be. No more driving over the mountain (killing my car) or river (tolls) almost daily! :) </div>
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Sunsets are gorgeous here... and it's another perk of having taken the wall down!! We can enjoy them more! :)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some baby lovin'...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bee's crib is ready!! I KNOW there shouldn't be anything in a crib with a baby, especially the bumper, Pooh bear, blanket, but since he won't be sleeping in here for a bit, I had to set it up cute because heck, I've always dreamed of setting up the nursery in a fun way!! :) I still have A LOT of decorating to do but it'll get there. This part looks so cute and I love it! :) </span><br />
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Filled out my hospital forms to pre-register... Now whenever we end up there, it's one less thing we have to waste time on or worry about! :)<br />
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Pool date with some friends calls for a new suit!! :) It feels GREAT being in the water because there's virtually no heavy weight felt by my belly! :)<br />
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A sweet friend sent us this onesie in the mail... AHHH!!! How cute is this?! Thank you, Dorrie!! We LOVE it! (I've secretly always wanted one and just hadn't gotten around to ordering one!) Can't wait to put it on him! There's even a cute heart on the butt!<br />
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Some belly shots... I've started to get SUPER DUPER emotional, knowing I'm going to miss this part so so much. I know I get to trade it for baby snuggles, but it'll be different. I've loved being pregnant and feeling Bee move and kick has been one of the major highlights. I love this little dude so much, therefore the belly so much. Trying so hard not to take it for granted and miss out since our time is winding down in this stage. <3<br />
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Mama & Dada to Beeeeeee :) :) :) </div>
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And yes, STILLLLL doing Zumba!! (When I can, anyway!!). I haven't been able to go for 3 weeks, since before school got out, because the days I go just didn't work out with my schedule and I was bummed about that. I also think it made things a little harder for me too- it definitely affects my energy and activity level on other days for sure! Marisol ended up subbing for a different class so on the last day of week 36, I made it! :) I'm DEFINITELY much slower each time, but I made it through the first half hour without a problem! I pushed through the 2nd half but at a muchhhh slower pace, since my feet were starting to hurt and give up on me. It's pretty comical to me, but I certainly am not overdoing it whatsoever. By now, I know how to modify safely and I know what I can/can't handle. Plus, the Drs are all for it. :) Each day I make it, it could possibly be my last class... you never know!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bee this week-</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our little munchkin is almost ready to come out!!! He's getting bigger by the week and so is my belly! It's fun to imagine him in there! He's already head-down and my OB can usually tell where his feet and butt are by feeling the outside of my stomach (so crazy how they can do that!). </span><br />
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At my OB office, week 36 is when they start internal/cervical exams, to see how the baby is positioned and how things are progressing. My 36-week exam showed I was 1cm, and the Dr. felt his head! EEEK!! We weren't expecting anything yet, so this was kind of a "WOA!" moment for us! I know these exams are not indicators of when the baby will arrive, but it still felt strange and surreal for us to hear that. We could go into labor any day OR we could stay this way for weeks. Only time, and Bee, will tell! :)<br />
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Size of a melon! :) I'm hearing from everyone how small I am, and how all-belly I am.... which is super nice and makes me feel good. I know I'm not huge but sometimes you can't help but feel big in different situations when it's not what you're used to. Sometimes I hear how small I am tooo often (believe it or not) and it makes me worry Bee is too small, but every checkup at the Dr has been totally on par! My weight gain is just under 30 pounds (pregnancy weight.. I'm still not counting IVF weight from the months leading up to pregnancy) and that's right on par with the suggested gain so I feel really good about that, too! :)<br />
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I'm super thankful to have made it this far!! I love feeling the big movements and when baby has hiccups. It's all so sweet and fun. My anxiety has totally kicked in and I'm starting to get really nervous about all that's coming down the lane! It's hard for me to envision us actually IN the delivery room or being in labor. I consider myself a wuss and although I know how babies come out, I don't really understand how it's possible at the same time. It all terrifies me a bit, to be quite honest. I keep saying I just want him out safely and to be on the other side of it all with him in our arms and knowing he/I made it through okay. I don't want to wish the experience of labor/delivery away, but at the same time I do because the thought of complications scares me. Even after coming this far, I won't totally be able to relax until he's truly here. See, I have become a hot mess of emotions... crying over missing him in my belly, to worrying like crazy how the heck weak little me is going to handle delivering a baby. Eeek!! </div>
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I think I'm starting to experience contractions here and there... small ones, on occasion. Nothing to cause alarm or call about, and could possibly be Braxton Hicks, who knows. But I definitely understand on a super small scale where this could be headed. haha. My goal for week 37 is to finish packing hospital bags so we are ready to roll. We got the car seat installed this week, so that's one major bonus! </div>
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Keep growing, little Bee!! We love you so much and can't wait to meet you... but Mama is still cherishing the little earthquakes and sweet belly movements with you. <3</div>
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Stay tuned!!! :) </div>
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XOXO,</div>
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Stace</div>
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-85648682574465552312016-06-29T18:39:00.000-07:002016-06-29T18:39:01.478-07:00Bumpdate~ Weeks 31-35 ("Quickish" Catch-Up)Sorry for the major lag in posts!! Life has been all kinds of chaotic this past month. Here are the major stressors in our lives over the last 3-4 weeks...<br />
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1. We sold our house & moved out.<br />
2. We bought a house & moved in in stages.<br />
2. I was living with some friends temporarily for a week while we were semi-homeless & new house projects were happening (vents being cleaned, radon system installed, baby's room painted, wall knocked down & sheetrock put up, kitchen backsplash changed, carpets being cleaned, new furniture being delivered, etc.)<br />
3. Our family baby shower happened the weekend we moved in.<br />
4. The school year was finishing up (which is a lot on a good year) and I had to pack up my classroom to move to a smaller room next year.<br />
5. Did I mention this was all happening while 8 months pregnant... Bring it on! ;)<br />
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Since I'm practically 5 weeks behind, I'll try to keep this more pics & captions unless something major needs to be mentioned along the way. :)<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Week 31: (May 25- 31)</span></u></b><br />
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Still feeling great!! :)<br />
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I know I posted some maternity pics last week too, but here are a few more.<br />
I also met up with Linzy a second day, to do some rainbow-baby themed pics, which came out INCREDIBLY!!! <3 *(I especially loved what she wrote on her FB page about it!!)<br />
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We had lunch afterwards and her sweet daughter kept wanting to sit with me and say hi to the baby. :)</div>
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Some more favs from our main photo shoot...<br />
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I also set Linz up with my friend, Kortney, who was also pregnant and due 7 weeks ahead of us. (She has since had her baby & enjoying mommyhood, but we took a few pics together while at her photo shoot)...</div>
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Every chance we got to hang out before she delivered, we tried to take another pic, not knowing when would be our last chance! :) Then the day we took this pic, I found a similar pic of us from a year ago! :)<br />
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31 weeks is the size of a coconut, or a pineapple, or something else (depends on the app!!)!! :)</div>
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We are running low on time just the 2 of us before everything changes (for the better). Lunch date at one of our fav restaurants. <3<br />
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My FAV comic I came across recently... this is totally Bee!! This is so adorably cute & hysterically funny at the same time!</div>
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We went to a wedding over Memorial Day weekend, with some friends who are also expecting!! :) </div>
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Memorial Day Weekend was a HOT one around here- it was in the 90s for the entire long weekend. My feet swelled a little here and there, but luckily we had a chunk of days off from school and I got to focus on other things. </div>
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While grabbing lunch with Scott at a local deli, this bottle was staring him in the face in the soda case... naturally we had to have it and tucked it away in the fridge just for a fun memorabilia bottle. <3 *(Update- someone accidentally drank it at our house one day and we've been on a hunt for another one since. My BFF FaceTimed today to show me that while out with a friend, they found one for us!!!) :) :) :)</div>
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Fro-yo date with Kortney & our baby bumps... Unplanned, we both happened to wear opposite colors for our babes. <3<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Week 32: (June 1- 7)</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">This week was busy, since it's when we moved 95% of all our stuff to the new house. Despite that, I still felt great for the most part! Moving was stressful, and awkward since I couldn't really help move or lift anything. I carried the lightest things possible and even then was often told to stop. So I sat on the side to "supervise" and it felt really weird! We were very thankful to have had so many people jump in to help us move that weekend! We got garage access to the new house when we did our final walkthrough a few days before closing. The sellers had already moved out and were nice enough to let us move our boxes into the garage because we had to be out of our house by June 7. </span><br />
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<3 Super sweet card from Kortney, with one of my fav Pooh Bear quotes.<br />
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Bee's growing!!! His hand this week is just about the size of a newborn's. Grow, baby, grow! <3<br />
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Our last time relaxing on the porch in the old house. One thing I'll def miss about that house. </div>
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32 weeks!! :) Size of a squash! </div>
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Our house in disarray... at this point ALL cabinets were emptied and whatever you see is pretty much all there was.<br />
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Moving day!!</div>
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Just one small section of a wall of boxes in the new garage.<br />
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My BFF came to help move & also keep me company in between trips for the truck to grab the rest of the stuff. Love you!!<br />
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A sign I made at school one day for an after-school class our art teacher threw.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Week 33: (June 8- 14)</span></u></b><br />
We officially bought our new house at the beginning of week 33!! Our 3rd home together and Bee's first (and hopefully our last for a lonnnng time!). This was a VERY BUSY week!! I was living with our friends, Amy & Mike, for the week (*THANK YOU GUYS SOOOO MUCH!!!*) while Scott finished up at the old house, stayed with me one night at their house, then got to work on first-hand things at the new house once we got the keys on June 8th.<br />
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Keys to the new place!! New home is ours!! :)<br />
Us with our realtor after closing, our new home, and some sweet housewarming gifts from a neighbor (who ironically is one of my work friends!!) :) Love being in a new neighborhood that we already know is a good place to be!<br />
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Fresh paint in Bee's room by Aunt Amy & Uncle Mike! Thanks, guys!<br />
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New nails for our family baby shower.</div>
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We did a Jack & Jill family shower so that Scott, his closest friends, and the guys in our family could all be there. This naturally limited the number of people we were able to invite. I know I've offended some people along the way for not being able to include everyone and also not adding kids to the list for various reasons, but this is what we decided was best for us and we had to go with that, in addition to a max number of people allowed at the restaurant. It was a great day, a surreal experience, and we had a great time celebrating with family and "family". We are so thankful that so many people made it to support us and show love for Baby Bee! <3<br />
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At our shower, the last gift we opened was from my cousin, Jenn & her hubby, Chris. They carried in a handmade baby cradle (Chris's father made it) that was FILLED with handmade crochet blankets and animals... 4 years worth! Jenn crochets as a hobby and has been waiting and waiting for Baby Ricci's conception along with us. She's been making things and setting them aside for literally years. They live in Florida and all the pieces made a long trip up here for the shower. Thank you, so much!! These are all amazing!!! <3 </div>
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It started to get hot again at school later that week, and putting my feet up is usually near-impossible when with 5-year-olds all day. But one day we had some down time and I asked a few kids to get me some ice packs from the nurse so I could put my feet up. They started to swell more and more from this week onward. ;) </div>
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Resting my feet at home, too.... and caught a glimpse of Bee's bump! <3<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Week 34: (June 15- 21)</span></u></b><br />
Week 34 was pretty much the end of school... just about. We ended on June 23, so it was the last full week of school during week 34. Other than my feet giving out on me with swelling and aches, I still felt great!! School was coming to an end, and even though my To-Do list seemed soooo long and stressful, I knew the end was near.<br />
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Growing bump :) </div>
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With one shower down, I was looking forward to another that was thrown by my coworkers at school. My teacher aide hosted it at her house and she put SO MUCH amazing effort into decorating and setting up her home to have 30ish people there. The turnout was amazing and I was blown away by the love and support from them. Bee is not just a Ricci baby, but also the Garrison School baby. My coworkers have known our struggle and many of them have prayed for us and supported us over the years so they felt/feel almost as equally excited about this miracle baby as we do. The fact that so many of them came (or tried to come) means the world to us. The 3 of us are all so lucky! Thanks to everyone who was part of it!! (Pics below)<br />
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The ADORABLE invite designed by some kickass coworkers. <3<br />
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My friend & coworker, who is also expecting!! <3 We've been through A LOT together over the last 4+ years, so it's so exciting to share a bit of pregnancy with her too and have 2 little babes born in the school family this year!! XOXO<br />
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A mom in my class is pregnant with her 3rd child, and due about 10 days before us. Hard to tell from the angle but she's alllll big belly with a super tiny frame. Adorable!! <3 :)<br />
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Baby shower gear being stored until Mama has time to sort through it!! Eeek!!<br />
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Scott & I put the crib together this week!!! Once he got the correct directions, it only took about 45 mins. Not bad!!!<br />
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The next project was putting together the new grill... a proud daddy moment with his new grill, a beer, and our new backyard.<br />
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We finally got to celebrate Father's Day!!!!!! You are incredibly amazing with Bee already and I can't wait to see you holding him... Just thinking about it makes my heart melt. Love you, Scooter! <3<br />
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Spontaneous Father's Day Brunch date<br />
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Update to baby's room... adding some deco along the way. :)<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Week 35: (June 22- 28)</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Eeek, 5 weeks to go?! How is this possible!!?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">School ended this week (June 23) and I am now officially on summer break AND maternity leave!! I won't return to school until February... which feels far away but totally isn't! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">At our OB appointment this week, our Dr. could tell that Bee is already head-down (good job, buddy!). She could tell just by feeling the outside of my stomach. My uterus is measuring up right on par, and weight has been stable too. I've been lucky enough to keep my weight gain in the 25-pound range so far but with my feel still constantly swollen, I'm beginning to retain some water and slowly add more each week I think. With so much to do at the house for the house & baby's room, it's still hard to stay off my feet but I'm trying when I can... either way, we are almost there!! I'm going to miss all the baby wiggles & movements but can't wait to hold him, snuggle him, and kiss his sweet face! </span><br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>First official night of summer kicked off with a Mexican dinner date!! :)<br />
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Growing baby, growing belly! <3<br />
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My first big summer project was organizing all our shower gifts... I categorized everything and pushed to the edge of the room so I could actually walk in there. So much fun stuff!! *I am WAYYY behind on thank-yous bc of the move, school ending, etc, but this is soon to come on my list! Sorry!*<br />
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Progress in the baby's room means Mama has a new place to sit and rock. I love our glider. The first time I sat in it, I got teary-eyed, picturing me sitting here holding our sweet baby boy soon. It also has a great view of sunsets from the window. <3<br />
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Categorized gifts! :) SOOO thankful for it all!!!<br />
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Sorry, I didn't edit/rotate this one before downloading, but we went to a childbirth class at the hospital this past weekend... I would be lying if I said it calmed me down. I left with new emotions and still having the same ones as before. Anxious, scared, terrified, nervous, excited, and not sure what to expect. Eeeek!!! We did get to tour the labor & delivery rooms though, and Scott knows where to park/bring me when we get there, so that's a plus!! </div>
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Back to house projects!! Scott installed some racks so I can hang baby clothes. :) My dad installed some blinds & curtain rods for me, too. </div>
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Next on my list was organizing the baby's dresser drawers in the best possible way. A few blogs I came across mentioned Skubb boxes from IKEA so I took a spontaneous trip there. My friend, Kim, was game to come along and she insisted on carrying everything to the car for me. It was too cute I couldn't pass up a pic. :) Thanks for coming along & for all the help!! <3<br />
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I think all stores should have these spots!! AT least all the stores new mamas have to go to... grocery stores, etc! :)<br />
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I couldn't resist these!!! My brother works for NASA, so these are super fitting!! </div>
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One month backwards from Baby's due date!!! EEEEK!! <3 :) :) :)<br />
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Big big belly. <3<br />
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I spent many hours organizing the baby's things IN his room yesterday. I sorted out the newborn/0-3 month clothes the other day, so it was time to take all tags off and wash, wash, wash it allll! Once I got all the clothes washed, dried, and put away, I did the same for all of his blankets, towels, sheets, etc. Anything & everything that needed to be washed was, and they all have homes in his room, too! Can I just say the smell of baby detergent is simply amazing!! It made me want to cry! Eek! <3 I guess this is nesting at its finest! Our baby boy is almost here!!<br />
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Sleepy pics at the end of week 35...<br />
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Crib progress!! SOOO cute!!! :) :)<br />
I know nothing should be in the crib, but he isn't going to be sleeping in there for a bit anyway so I thought it would just be cute to leave these things for now. He'll be sleeping in our room for a while anyway and then when the time comes this will be emptied so its just him until he is muchhh older.<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>4 weeks to go, give or take... We are so anxiously excited to meet you, Baby Bee!! I cannot believe we made it this far!! It's STILL surreal. <3<br />
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Thank you all for the support and for sticking around despite my lag in posting time. Everything is fine, we just have had an insanely busy/stressful June. Now that I'm home, and that he's quickly approaching the due date, I plan to update more often. We'll see how that goes!! In the meantime, any prayers for a smooth ride are much appreciated!!!<br />
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XOXO,<br />
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Stace, Scott, & Baby Bee<br />
#TeamRicci <3</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-1942642181730114842016-06-05T02:57:00.001-07:002016-06-05T04:41:24.982-07:00Bumpdate~ Weeks 29 & 30<div>Ahh, I got so far behind on updates! Sorry! We've been back and forth with moving preparations so the last few weeks totally got away from me somehow. I'll try to keep them brief and catch you up quickly. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><u><b>Week 29: (May 11- 17)</b></u></span></div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Me this week-</u></b></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><u>I</u> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">started off the week with my glucose tolerance test! I was supposed to get it done ag my week 28 checkup a few days prior, but I had been sick again so they told me to wait a few days. I arrived at the office when they opened and drank the glucose drink within a few mins. The nurse told me to wait an hour and then come back to the lab to beg my blood drawn. The drink wasn't so bad! A few friends said it tasted like flat soda and that was absolutely all it seemed like. Mine happened to be lemon-lime flavored, so it was like a sugary/flat/slightly thicker version of 7-up or Mountain Dew. I somehow stupidly assumed the blood draw was just one vial but it ended up being more like 3-4. I was a little weak and woozy for a bit afterward but thankfully my results came back in the normal range so all is good! :)</span></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LdMswCP0-3c/V1QGSPUCmhI/AAAAAAAADUU/A3yZeRxDyx0/s640/blogger-image--244224480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LdMswCP0-3c/V1QGSPUCmhI/AAAAAAAADUU/A3yZeRxDyx0/s640/blogger-image--244224480.jpg"></font></a></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think week 29 was pretty much a relaxing, low-key week. The weather was beautiful and unusually cool for mid-May, but totally worked for me! :) </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vbvY6YKJAkY/V1QGXbwOUXI/AAAAAAAADUo/xgpFuz03QB0/s640/blogger-image-1814506914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vbvY6YKJAkY/V1QGXbwOUXI/AAAAAAAADUo/xgpFuz03QB0/s640/blogger-image-1814506914.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Over the weekend, I went to a family party and also got to hang with Linzy! She currently lives in TX but came back home for a long visit. She did our maternity pics (more on that in a later post!) & she also did them for my friend, Kortney, who is due any day now. She did those pics by the river in Beacon so I went to hang out and just watch. Linzy has been super supportive of our TTC journey over the last few years and this was the first time she got to see the belly in person! :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iPTDK7Yd2qA/V1QFdVBQM4I/AAAAAAAADUI/07Jyko9X_to/s640/blogger-image--2142677773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iPTDK7Yd2qA/V1QFdVBQM4I/AAAAAAAADUI/07Jyko9X_to/s640/blogger-image--2142677773.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>My class went on a field trip to Boscobel this week, and my FAV part is this gorgeous view. :) </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q3Yx2xb-n7g/V1QFbuCpfxI/AAAAAAAADT8/ex9verryr1U/s640/blogger-image--1542227714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q3Yx2xb-n7g/V1QFbuCpfxI/AAAAAAAADT8/ex9verryr1U/s640/blogger-image--1542227714.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Weekly pose pic :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qXv8oqgZlIU/V1QFZZVhKCI/AAAAAAAADT4/zEUZOZaPiYA/s640/blogger-image--718500904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qXv8oqgZlIU/V1QFZZVhKCI/AAAAAAAADT4/zEUZOZaPiYA/s640/blogger-image--718500904.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Sometimes, depending on the outfit, my belly looks so big! :) I happened to catch it while walking by a mirror and just paused and smiled. Love this bump (& baby!) so much! :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OdJj7SB995A/V1QGUO__YQI/AAAAAAAADUY/D76qfYIX8ao/s640/blogger-image-1511339445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OdJj7SB995A/V1QGUO__YQI/AAAAAAAADUY/D76qfYIX8ao/s640/blogger-image-1511339445.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Bee this week-</u></b></div><div>Little Bee is the size of an acorn squash (or a pineapple??) this week. Every app/website is different and shows different sizes and produce each week, so if gets confusing now. Either way, Bee is growing & moving lots more now. :)</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NZN3hdAMV4/V1QGVtOZesI/AAAAAAAADUk/IRNyIKBX1h8/s640/blogger-image--1951973407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NZN3hdAMV4/V1QGVtOZesI/AAAAAAAADUk/IRNyIKBX1h8/s640/blogger-image--1951973407.jpg"></font></a></div><div><br></div><div>Fun facts on Bee this week:</div><div>Bee is plumping up and building fat deposits and energy this week. </div><div>The baby sites say we should be getting the nursery ready by now... HA! I would have loved go get it done weeks ago but since we aren't moving until week 32/33, we are forced to wait. </div><div>Baby is hiccuping more. :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cAvsJUOymo0/V1QPi3O-wrI/AAAAAAAADVI/U9gkCR0eKQg/s640/blogger-image-1150504318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cAvsJUOymo0/V1QPi3O-wrI/AAAAAAAADVI/U9gkCR0eKQg/s640/blogger-image-1150504318.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NjBFJOdVPn4/V1QPkZ-j6EI/AAAAAAAADVQ/V8T16BNgKJc/s640/blogger-image-507073863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NjBFJOdVPn4/V1QPkZ-j6EI/AAAAAAAADVQ/V8T16BNgKJc/s640/blogger-image-507073863.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Week 30: (May 18- 24)</u></b></div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Me this week-</u></b></div><div>As we know, I passed my glucose test! I didn't actually find out until a week later though. No news was good news but I wanted to be sure and finally called the office for results. Wahoo! :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJhlNiM-jm4/V1QPhGITZXI/AAAAAAAADVA/NrwFmEJo7XA/s640/blogger-image--278641021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJhlNiM-jm4/V1QPhGITZXI/AAAAAAAADVA/NrwFmEJo7XA/s640/blogger-image--278641021.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Some days I feel big, some days I feel small. Either way, I love my baby bump!! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vtqG6N00pCc/V1QPrK0788I/AAAAAAAADVw/5nANMMjMDUo/s640/blogger-image--551163678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vtqG6N00pCc/V1QPrK0788I/AAAAAAAADVw/5nANMMjMDUo/s640/blogger-image--551163678.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Saw this sign in a shopping plaza and had to snap this! I always see them off on the side of the road where I can't stop to take a pic but this worked out nicely. Haha. :) </div><div><br></div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gu95YHRxcFg/V1QP4yx2tlI/AAAAAAAADWs/z8bUBYSf2vE/s640/blogger-image-813947060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gu95YHRxcFg/V1QP4yx2tlI/AAAAAAAADWs/z8bUBYSf2vE/s640/blogger-image-813947060.jpg"></a></div><br></u></div><div>Scott and I got to have lunch on the waterfront. My drink is just juices, no worries. ;) :) </div><div><br></div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SyyeWWwxsGk/V1QP1X_w14I/AAAAAAAADWc/gX8YsglVauA/s640/blogger-image--1634583475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SyyeWWwxsGk/V1QP1X_w14I/AAAAAAAADWc/gX8YsglVauA/s640/blogger-image--1634583475.jpg"></a></div><br></u></div><div>We met up with Linzy for our own maternity shoot during week 30. We met at Vanderbilt Mansion, in Hyde Park. It's a gorgeous historical site and has beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens. We went just before sunset and got some awesome pics! A few sneak peeks are in this post but I'll eventually make a post of more highlights. Thank you so much, Linz!! <3</div><div><br></div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yR5ArCY0YmY/V1QPn5OIhkI/AAAAAAAADVc/tXUkCYs9g4Y/s640/blogger-image--555557545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yR5ArCY0YmY/V1QPn5OIhkI/AAAAAAAADVc/tXUkCYs9g4Y/s640/blogger-image--555557545.jpg"></a></div><br></u></div><div>Scott isn't a huge fan of photo shoots but agrees if there's a little person there to hang out with. Linzy brought her daughter along and they became best buds pretty quickly. :) </div><div><br></div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OApYxVXNLUQ/V1QPxy5iP8I/AAAAAAAADWI/X95BQ_th7j4/s640/blogger-image--174952540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OApYxVXNLUQ/V1QPxy5iP8I/AAAAAAAADWI/X95BQ_th7j4/s640/blogger-image--174952540.jpg"></a></div><br></u></div><div>Sneak peek collage I made... Eek! :) I just love her work! </div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A3-sXOyhlCM/V1QPpTucwoI/AAAAAAAADVo/bQq2qYvFaFQ/s640/blogger-image--1138781727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A3-sXOyhlCM/V1QPpTucwoI/AAAAAAAADVo/bQq2qYvFaFQ/s640/blogger-image--1138781727.jpg"></a></div><br></u></div><div>One I snapped at sunset. And I love the quote because it's true that we all need to stop and realize we have SO much to be thankful for on a daily basis. Something as simple as a beautiful sunset or a hot meal are enough to be thankful for. </div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C5MbV6Bo4ao/V1QPzoQtriI/AAAAAAAADWU/nbIdy0HpDcs/s640/blogger-image--1639525329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C5MbV6Bo4ao/V1QPzoQtriI/AAAAAAAADWU/nbIdy0HpDcs/s640/blogger-image--1639525329.jpg"></a></div><br></u></div><div>Our room got a bit of a makeover this week! Scott took our bed apart to make moving easier, we sold my dresser (our set is becoming the guest bedroom set and we don't need all the pieces), and he moved the TV. It's starting to feel like a dorm room but is exciting!! It means we're getting closer to moving!! </div><div><br></div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JEgZIysZ44U/V1QP3YunBlI/AAAAAAAADWk/WINgDT02988/s640/blogger-image-699950420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JEgZIysZ44U/V1QP3YunBlI/AAAAAAAADWk/WINgDT02988/s640/blogger-image-699950420.jpg"></a></div><br></u></div><div>Fun countdown during week 30 :) </div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DJlI3fTvUkU/V1QPs1DGVOI/AAAAAAAADV0/Whz_pGzF2Ik/s640/blogger-image-1530864611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DJlI3fTvUkU/V1QPs1DGVOI/AAAAAAAADV0/Whz_pGzF2Ik/s640/blogger-image-1530864611.jpg"></a></div><br></u></div><div>One of my cousins sent me this as a sweet gift for Bee! How sweet is this saying on the onesie?!! I love it!!! Thank you, Cheryl!! Xoxo </div><div><br></div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0TJepA8tZ2A/V1QPuVcK_MI/AAAAAAAADV8/bWHvltFFRz8/s640/blogger-image--263285670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0TJepA8tZ2A/V1QPuVcK_MI/AAAAAAAADV8/bWHvltFFRz8/s640/blogger-image--263285670.jpg"></a></div><br></u></div><div>Another sneak peek :) </div><div><div class="separator" style="text-decoration: underline; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yIOTIDm9QGM/V1QPfFmCX8I/AAAAAAAADU8/7HJ3EzMJBrY/s640/blogger-image-518773007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yIOTIDm9QGM/V1QPfFmCX8I/AAAAAAAADU8/7HJ3EzMJBrY/s640/blogger-image-518773007.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-decoration: underline; clear: both;">Symptoms:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Occasional heartburn still, but not too often and nothing a Tums can't fix.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My feet are swelling more and more, especially by the end of the school/work week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm slowing down each week at Zumba and just in general; shortness of breath, getting tired more easily, etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Peeing A LOT- haha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But I still wouldn't trade it for the world- it's been an incredibly amazing experience! </div><div><u><br></u></div><div><u><b>Bee this week-</b></u></div><div>10 weeks to go!!! (Give or take!). Ahhh!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Bee's movements have become more like waves and rolls largely, rather than kicks and jabs. He's getting bigger and it's obvious when Scott and I feel movements in different parts of my belly. It's the cutest! He's usually more active at night and sometimes reacts to me running or patting my belly a bit. :) </div><div><br></div><div>Fun facts:</div><div>Bee's skin is getting smoother. </div><div>He is strong enough to grasp a finger! :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xif_KlLhueU/V1QPmCeDVWI/AAAAAAAADVY/P78VOpONA8k/s640/blogger-image-845938557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xif_KlLhueU/V1QPmCeDVWI/AAAAAAAADVY/P78VOpONA8k/s640/blogger-image-845938557.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZQcC_QL49EU/V1QPwCZqULI/AAAAAAAADWE/kGPag6kBKOU/s640/blogger-image-730971686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZQcC_QL49EU/V1QPwCZqULI/AAAAAAAADWE/kGPag6kBKOU/s640/blogger-image-730971686.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-22822682165172925312016-05-14T09:19:00.003-07:002016-05-14T10:12:22.169-07:00Bumpdate~ Weeks 26, 27, & 28<span style="font-size: medium;">Sorry for slacking on the updates recently!! I was so busy during National Infertility Awareness Week that I was tired of the computer in the week after, when I would have posted Weeks 26 & 27... and now we are in the middle of Week 29 so I'm just making this a triple-week post! I'll try to keep them short and to the point, or mostly add pics...</span><br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Week 26: (April 20-26)</span></u></b><br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Me this week-</span></u></b><br>
Week 26 already feels like a long time ago, and in a sense I guess it was!! During week 26, NIAW kicked off and I was kept busy with lots of extra posts to help raise awareness for infertility. After all, that is the sole reason this blog exists and why our journey has turned into such an epic adventure. Infertility is a crappy disease but oddly one I am somewhat thankful for in a weird way that you might only understand if you've walked in our shoes. So some of this week's pics are NIAW related, but Week 26 was also a big shower weekend for some of my friends. 2 friends are getting married this summer and another is having a baby soon, so my weekends have been kept busy with wedding & baby shower fun, amongst all the packing here in the house.<br>
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Just a few NIAW pics...<br>
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*Us, in a nutshell. Best friends; Husband/Wife; Mama/Dada... :)<br>
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Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples. We are 1 in 8... but we are also MORE than 1 in 8. This pic was from last year's NIAW.<br>
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The NIAW theme this year (from www.resolve.org) was #StartAsking. We took part in a few projects that week and one was to post a Q that the outside world might want to ask those dealing with infertility.<br>
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And now some bump shots! :) </div>
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I took a mental health day one day in week 26. Work is starting to get stressful in a few ways and I needed a day to just be me and not have my name called 500x a day, be on my feet nonstop, and just relax. It was also in the 70s and I knew my non air-conditioned classroom would be super gross and hot. Sitting on the porch with a chicken sandwich from a local deli was the PERFECT remedy for the day. I just may have to take another day soon. Working with Kindergarten is hard enough sometimes, but being 6 months pregnant and dealing with spring fever behaviors, having multiple adults in and out of the room all day, being on your feet too much, etc gets to you every so often and I needed to put Bee/myself first.<br>
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Dressed & ready for my friend Kortney's baby shower! Her baby girl, Addie, is due June 5th. We are about 7 weeks apart and have loved going through this experience together! :) </div>
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Block decorating activity... I LOVED this!! I totally want to do this at our shower.<br>
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Beautiful mama-to-be at her baby shower.<br>
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Our signature bump-to-bump shot!<br>
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Week 26 collage...</div>
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One of THE BEST things is when Scott puts his hand on my belly, talks to Bee, or feels him move. My whole world is in this pic. <3 </div>
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A coworker got this adorable onesie set for Bee. I used to love these books as a kid!!! Little Ms. Sunshine was always one of my favs so I love that I can dress Bee in these some day soon!</div>
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Mr. Strong~ Mr. Perfect~ Mr. Happy~ </div>
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Growing belly. :)</div>
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Still one of my fav things, is just to relax and feel Bee moving or talk to him. Love this little dude SOOOO much!!<br>
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Symptoms this week...<br>
-Still feeling great!!<br>
-Occasional aches & night but I've switched to completely/exclusively sleeping with the body pillow and always having a pillow between my knees to keep my hips in line. It's helped tremendously! I also stretch my calves every night before getting in bed to hopefully help ward off leg cramps.<br>
- My feet still swell on occasion, but nothing too crazy yet. It tends to be the end of the week after being on them Mon-Fri.<br>
-Drinking lots of water & therefore peeing OFTEN!<br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Bee this week-</span></u></b><br>
This week, our little BeeBee is the size of a head of lettuce!<br>
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Fun facts for week 26:<br>
Eyes are forming & will soon start to open!<br>
Eyelashes are now grown.<br>
Bee's immune system is getting ready & he's soaking up my antibodies.<br>
Practicing breathing by taking breaths of amniotic fluid.<br>
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Bee is in the 13.6-14.8 inch range, and the 1.5-2.5 pound range.<br>
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His senses are developing!<br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Week 27: (April 27- May 3)</span></u></b><br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Me this week-</span></u></b><br>
27 weeks on the 27th... How fun!!! :)<br>
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It was still NIAW for a few days into week 27 (my changeover day each week is a Wednesday), so we still had lots of posts on the blog about different aspects of our story. Then I came across this pic and it was too funny not to share! Sorry Bee, you can't go to college because we spent all our money just to get pregnant with you! haha, jk... but this does definitely has a lot of realistic humor in it!</div>
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Among our many posts for NIAW, Scott was so brave to share HIS SIDE of our story. He guest blogs occasionally and it was a big step for him to do this. I hope we help other couples silently struggling to know that they're not alone... Especially if dealing with male factor, as many more men are silent about their struggle than women. </div>
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Some belly shots! :)<br>
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Soft serve ice cream is one of my fav treats and is usually more seasonal up here. Rita's opened up for the season so I'm always stoked to take advantage of a quick stop! :) Bee sure didn't mind! I got a gelati (Italian ice layers with custard layers) with pineapple ice and vanilla custard... yum!!</div>
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We didn't use all of our snow days at school this year (total rarity!!) so we have 3 days we get back as freebies in the spring. I had one of these days recently and got to meet up with Alli for breakfast and shopping. Besides being my BFF, Alli is a mom of 2 and therefore my go-to expert & model on all things baby. We had a nice quiet breakfast at Panera and then shopped at a local mama/baby store for baby carriers. Alli wanted to buy us one and wanted to make sure it was one that's ergonomically safe for baby's hip positioning. Plus, I am completely clueless when it comes to the differences in baby gear so it was great to have her there to help ask Qs and give feedback. </div>
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Trying out baby carriers with the fake model baby... which felt very much like a real baby! I found myself rubbing its foot as if he were mine... Ha! We ended up going with the Boba 4G carrier (pictured) but in a different pattern. The cool thing about this carrier is it works for short people like me AND tall daddies like Scott! Not all of them adjust to bigger heights/builds, but it was a bonus that ours did, so we can both take turns baby wearing and carrying Bee around with us in situations we wouldn't want the stroller or just want to keep him close. </div>
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Recognize Alli's shirt below?? She let me borrow all her maternity clothes and said if I wear nothing else, to at least wear this shirt because it was her fav... it's definitely been one of my favs too and I purposely wore it that day when I knew I'd see her. Thennnn I came across this pic of us last year (gearing up for my last IUI cycle, so it was probably the end of March and Alli would have been 7 months pregnant). Haha :) What a difference a year makes! :)<br>
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A friend was recently in Disney and saw a girl with a cute Mickey-themed pregnancy announcement shirt. This is not the same one but it's the same idea, with the Mickey accessories on the belly. I wouldn't spend this much on one but totally would try to make one if I can find the patches! How cute is this?!<br>
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A sweet friend I made on Instagram, and another fellow IVF mama (currently also pregnant) sent us a sweet care package of baby goodies and this adorable sign was in it. I can't wait to decorate the nursery and find a great spot for it!! :) Thank you, Christina!! XOXO</div>
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Growing, growing, growing... :) </div>
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One thing pregnancy has taught me is to NOT beat myself up when I get back to pre-pregnancy weight (or even in the meantime). I've always been critical of myself and always wish I was more tone or didn't have as much flab on certain spots of my body. Scott is always telling me that I look great and to stop beating myself up. Now looking at old pics of my pre-pregnancy body, I realize I really didn't look that bad and that Scott is always right!! ha! So I vow to be more comfortable and confident in the future and not always pick apart every little thing or compare myself so much to everyone else. </div>
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This was last May, while in Florida for my younger nephew's communion. </div>
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Teacher Appreciation Week just passed as well... so this is just a quote for all the fellow teachers out there! :)<br>
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It's a rarity that I go to a salon and/or get my nails done. If anything, it's in the summer months, and even that is far and few between visits. I recently went after school one day and decided why not! Pregnancy hormones have made my nails the nicest they've ever been, so I went for it. :) The chair massage during the pedicure was an added bonus too for my back, which has started to tense up a bit.<br>
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Kortney & I are delivering at different hospitals but hers offers a free breastfeeding class and we decided to go together. We made it a mamas night out (with baby bellies, of course) and grabbed dinner at SmashBurger (I've only been twice, we don't really have a local one, but YUMMO!!), then went to the class. It was jam-packed with helpful tips and info and I'm pretty psyched about everything. Of course I'm overwhelmed and still totally naive and in the dark but breastfeeding is something I at least plan to try. I know not everyone is capable of it for different reasons but I want to try and see where it takes us. </div>
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Kortney (at 35 weeks) and me (27 weeks)!! :) Ahh!! :) </div>
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Some belly pics...</div>
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<b><br></b>Symptoms<br>
- Having to pee often (DUH!)<br>
- Feet still swelling on occasion, but again mostly at the end of the week from being on them long. It has been totally manageable so far!<br>
- Sleeping has been really good lately! :)<br>
- Occasional heartburn<br>
- Able to grow my nails & not pick them off!<br>
- Back aches & tightness<br>
- Starting to get more easily tired & exhausted again as we enter the 3rd trimester<br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Bee this week-</span></u></b><br>
At 27 weeks, our sweet little Bee is...<br>
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- Practicing inhaling & exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs! (FUN!) :) :)<br>
- Showing brain activity!<br>
- Getting bigger & smarter<br>
- Moving around more and more! Instead of just kicks & jabs here and there, I'm now noticing big movements that make my belly move in waves. One morning (3AM... haha!), Bee was having a dance party (or practicing Karate and ninja moves, perhaps!?) and Scott and I each felt his movements in different spots of my belly. He's getting big! :)<br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Week 28: (May 4- 10)</span></u></b><br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Me this week-</span></u></b><br>
Hello 3rd trimester!!!! It's seemingly 50/50 in different things I've read as to whether week 27 or 28 is the 3rd trimester, but either way we are definitely here now! :) Wahoo!! This is a HUGE milestone and so so exciting!! There is still SO much to do before Bee arrives and I pray he doesn't make a super early entrance because we haven't even moved yet (anxiously waiting to hear on a closing date for both houses soon).<br>
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My biggest fear/want/dream this week is that Bee will come early and we won't be in the new house yet. I feel somewhat deprived of the chance to set up the baby's room because all our stuff is in boxes in Scott's parents' garage. We don't own the new house yet and all I have are mental images and a few pics I snapped when we were there last there 2 months ago in March. If we had already moved, I would have had it all entirely set up by now and just sit in there every chance I got. I know I would. I know I still can, but I feel like we have about 10 weeks left and it's starting to make me antsy and stress a bit. Why must the real estate process in NY be soooooooo slow. I know people in other states who have been through the whole process in no time already, while we have been going at it since we got our buyers in February, just waiting. The original plan was to move into the new house at the end of May and we could still do so, but I am a natural worrier by nature and just want it all to happen ASAP before I lose all energy and before Bee decides to make his grand appearance.<br>
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One wonderful thing about week 28 is that it was Mother's Day... Yup, I said "wonderful" and "Mother's Day" in the same sentence. Crazy, I know. The past 4 years of Mother's Day (& Father's Day) have been totally dreaded and depressing. For the first time ever, there was light again!! I FINALLY got to celebrate!! And even though Bee isn't born yet, it sure as heck still counts if you're pregnant on Mother's Day. I am a mom because of my growing belly; he's kicking and moving daily; he's a living person, and therefore I do absolutely get to celebrate. And celebrate I did. :)<br>
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When I walked into my classroom on Friday morning before Mother's Day, there were flowers on my table from our Superintendent. Our school is a one-building district, so our Principal and Superintendent are both in the building with us. All the moms got one of these... how sweet?!! <3<br>
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My mom had also sent me a package with a card and some baby books for Bee. Sorry, I didn't snap a pic before packing them away, but it was a sweet surprise and much appreciated! </div>
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When I woke up on Mother's Day morning, I saw that Scott had posted this collage on Instagram for me. He took 1 pic from the last few years (2012- now) and then posted "It may have taken 4 years to get us to this day but those four years have brought us together even closer!!! Happy FIRST MOTHER'S DAY!! Bee and I love you very much!!" :) What a guy! He also got me a card and roses too. I love you, Scott!</div>
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I went to Zumba class that morning (I swear it's what keeps me going, even if I'm slow moving at it now!) and then we went out for brunch with Scott's parents. Afterwards, we stopped at the closer Waddle n Swaddle (where I shopped with Alli last week, but a different location) so I could A) stop for a pee break and B) to see if Scott would try on the baby carrier Alli got us. He was such a good sport to try it on and it fits so well!! It's also easy to get on/off so I think it will come in handy for both of us in different ways. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also got a card/baby memory book from Scott's parents too. AND cards in the mail from Alli/Logan (my godson) & also from Scott's brother (aka Uncle Brian). :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> It was a beautiful day after raining virtually ALL week and it was a great way to spend my very first Mother's Day. Feeling extremely blessed. </div>
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28-week bump pics... :)<br>
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We had our 28-week checkup this week and starting now, we go every 2 weeks!! It was every 4 up until this point and now it'll be biweekly. Woa! :) I wasn't feeling well Monday (the day of the appt) and think I caught another stomach bug or something, so I wasn't able to do the glucose tolerance test or get a vaccine that day. The Dr. did the usual vitals and found Bee's heartbeat in an instant, and measured my belly. Everything is growing right on track and all is well so far! I had to reschedule the glucose test for a few days after (that'll be in the 29-week update) and I have to get my Tdap shot at the 30-week appointment. Tdap is essentially 3 vaccinations in one (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Whopping Cough)... T, D, and P, hence the name"Tdap". The Dr. wants me to have it so that I protect the baby, not that there's anything wrong with him. She also suggested it for Scott and the grandparents. We since read that really anyone in close contact with babies should get one (aunts/uncles/anyone near Bee a lot that could potentially pass it along) because a lot of babies have gotten very sick from especially whooping cough. We all know I despite/fear/hate needles but I will totally get any shot necessary to keep my little man safe & sound. We've come this far, I'm not taking chances and trust our OB's opinion 100000000%.<br>
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Mark & Stacie sent us a baby gift package a few months ago that had belly stickers in it. My intent was to use all of them and somehow the time all passed and this is the 1st I'm getting to. :( BUT it's better than nothing and I noticed they now have every 2 weeks so maybe I'll be better at it now. Since we've packed up most the house, they're on my dresser as a reminder, which also helps.<br>
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This is one of my fav pics this week. :)<br>
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Rachel Platten's song "Better Place" has quickly become my newest fav song. "Home" by Phillip Phillips has been one of my fav songs in the last few years that I always relate the lyrics to housing a baby in the womb, but now this one has a new meaning for the current way I feel. I have only heard it a handful of times and once I listened to the lyrics I instantly burst into tears because I was relating it to exactly how I feel about Bee after our long struggle. It's not even about this situation but it totally relates and is a beautiful/fun/happy song anyway, so I love it. It makes me smile just like placing my hand on my belly does. </div>
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After posting the pic below, my friend Marisol (also my Zumba instructor) saw it and looked up the song. She fell in love with it too, and to my surprise she chose it as her cool-down song for the Mother's Day Zumba class. I recognized it instantly, automatically knew she must have read my post, and burst into happy tears. There I was crying during the cool- down song and singing; others were probably wondering what the heck my problem was. HA! It was such a sweet sweet action and totally made my day! As tradition, Marisol also brought roses to class that day to give to everyone, mama or not, because even in our hearts we are all moms. It's nice to have great friends. <3 </div>
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If you haven't heard the song, look it up (or I'll see if I can embed it below). Here are the lyrics, and I'll put below why I love it so much. </div>
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(continued below... but they overlap a bit, sorry)</div>
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In MY mind, I relate it to the fact that our world is a better place since Bee came along because we were in such a dark place for so many years of trying and getting nowhere. It started to chip at me and break me and now I'm myself again. Now that he's here, I'm happier and not sad. Now that he's here, I'm my positive, bubbly, giddy self again. Everything is bright again, I don't feel alone and left out anymore, I have a new appreciation for things after our struggle to get him, he's our favorite thing, and everything is right within our little world again. It's a better place since he came along.<br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Bee this week-</span></u></b><br>
Baby Bee is now the size of an eggplant!! He's getting so long and I swear every so often I feel a foot or hand because his movements are so spaced apart now. It's so fun to imagine where he might be and how he might be positioned! Every once in a while, I feel something hard in my belly and I know it's some sort of body part but I'm not able to tell what just yet.<br>
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At 28 weeks, he's starting to build more fat.<br>
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His lungs are mature enough that, if born now, he would likely survive! AHh!! *(But that doesn't mean come out yet, silly... keep cooking so you get stronger and stronger each week!) <3<br>
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He's sucking more of my energy & I'm definitely feeling it! I get EASILY tired walking from my car to classroom each day, or up ANY flight of stairs. It's exhausting. Ha! :) Everything in my body is getting squished together as he gets bigger and so it's all par for the course and so interesting and miraculous to me!<br>
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Sorry for the triple update this week!! I keep trying to get back on track but it's hard to find the time sometimes. Even though I'm essentially sitting around more often, it's hard to also mentally be in the game. Our house is 85-90% packed up and we are now just kind of waiting for the green light at this point. The sooner we can get out, the better, since my energy is slowing down by the week! I'm SO glad I did the majority of the packing at the end of March/beginning of April when I still had tons of energy! :) </div>
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Prayers that our sweet little baby doesn't come anytime soon! We want him cooking as long as he can to optimize success out of the womb and have a short hospital stay. Ideally I also want to get to our family shower and be somewhat settled in the new house before he arrives. </div>
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As always, thanks for reading!! </div>
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XOXO,</div>
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Stace & Baby Bee</div>
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#TeamRicci</div>
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<b><br></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-10936507854985196502016-05-02T14:32:00.002-07:002016-05-02T14:32:40.259-07:00#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 9</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosted by Miss Conception Coach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://missconceptioncoach.com/" target="_blank">http://missconceptioncoach.com/</a></span></div>
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As one part of NIAW, I was asked to be part of a bloggers unite conference this week (thanks to @MissConceptionCoach- see web link above to go to her site/blog). Those of us participating wrote about different angles of infertility, and all pieces are also centered on the theme #StartAsking. I'll be sharing the posts from the other women each day, and one day mine will pop up as well. You can read them all here, on the link above, or at the featured blog itself (which will have a link at the bottom). </div>
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Here's today's post, Day 9. This is the last day of the bloggers unite conference, btw. Thanks for tuning in!! :) I'm so happy to have been a part of this and to share each piece.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Colby and I married in April of 2011 and soon after decided we
were ready for kids. At the beginning of 2012 after a conversation with my ob,
she suggested we both get baseline tests done due to prior medical history.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><strong style="font-style: inherit; outline: 0px;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #515151; font-family: inherit, serif; padding: 0in;">Just a few days after we both got tested, we received several
phone calls, none of which were good</span></i></strong><i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">. Most of my
hormones were irregular hormones and an MRI revealed a tumor on my
pituitary gland. In addition, Colby was diagnosed with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://in-due-time.com/fertility/azoospermia/" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #be0364; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">azoospermia</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Our world came crashing down in
those moments. While obviously motherhood isn’t the reason I got married, it
was (and still is) a top priority for me. What would this mean for our future?
We weren’t sure, but we immediately found ourselves crying out to the Lord (and
clearly still are). We were referred to meet with two specialists: a urologist
and a reproductive endocrinologist.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><strong style="font-style: inherit; outline: 0px;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #515151; font-family: inherit, serif; padding: 0in;">They told us we had 0% chance
of conceiving on our own</span></i></strong><i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">, but gave us a slight chance if we
pursued IVF. Besides a few more visits Colby had with the urologist, we haven’t
been back to the doctor since.<span style="font-size: 19.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Start Asking. This is the
theme of this years National Infertility Awareness Week. I love that this theme
promotes not only awareness, but it also provides education to those who are
and are not going through infertility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My encouragement to you
today is to start asking your spouse. The most important thing when facing
infertility is that you don’t lose sight of your marriage. As you begin doctors
visits, tests, and maybe even procedures, it’s key to keep the communication
lines open with one another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not only is this
important during infertility, but what about before you are ready for kids.
Have you asked your spouse how long you want to try before seeing a doctor?
What about fertility treatments? Obviously it’s hard to discuss when you
clearly hope nothing will be wrong, but it makes it even harder when you don’t
even know what your diagnosis will be. Because of those unknowns, take time to
discuss whether you are open to fertility treatments at all. What about if a
donor is suggested? Will you freeze or donate your embryos? Will you pursue
adoption before doing any of that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The best thing you can do
is ask. Ask to prepare. Ask to know. And ask because you care. Don’t just ask
the medical questions, but ask the emotional and spiritual ones too. The best
thing you can do is make sure you are prepared and make sure you are on the
same page. No matter what happens, keep the communication open and strong
between you and your spouse and never lose sight of the love that brought the
two of you together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Find
Caroline and follow her at <a href="http://in-due-time.com/" target="_blank">in-due-time.com</a> </span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-11901744407069632932016-04-30T17:39:00.002-07:002016-05-01T08:57:36.222-07:00NIAW Post for Miss Conception... 1 in 8 Isn't Limited to Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 8</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosted by Miss Conception Coach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://missconceptioncoach.com/" target="_blank">http://missconceptioncoach.com/</a></span></div>
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As one part of NIAW, I was asked to be part of a bloggers unite conference this week (thanks to @MissConceptionCoach- see web link above to go to her site/blog). Those of us participating wrote about different angles of infertility, and all pieces are also centered on the theme #StartAsking. I'll be sharing the posts from the other women each day, and one day mine will pop up as well. You can read them all here, on the link above, or at the featured blog itself (which will have a link at the bottom). </div>
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Here's today's post, Day 8... <b><u>MY POST!!! :) :) :) </u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 in 8 Isn't Limited to Women</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmGxXZcshtU/Vww-JNaRl9I/AAAAAAAACr4/CiWkAJ-wy6YKBm8DoICMZZbAQGPu3Lm2QCLcB/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmGxXZcshtU/Vww-JNaRl9I/AAAAAAAACr4/CiWkAJ-wy6YKBm8DoICMZZbAQGPu3Lm2QCLcB/s320/download.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">#StartAsking About Male Factor Infertility</span></u></div>
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Like millions of other couples, our fertility journey has been quite an emotional roller coaster for all the typical reasons- stress, finances, fears, heartache, surgeries, IUIs, miscarriage, heartbreak, seeking support, insurance policies, IVF, the list goes on and on and on. However, our specific situation is <u>not</u> like many others... we are exclusively dealing with male factor infertility (MFI) and can only experience pregnancy with the use of a sperm donor. </div>
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Throughout our 4-year journey of trying to conceive, I've come across many couples with MFI but most are still able to conceive using the male partner's sperm. Sometimes it's a matter of low sperm count, sometimes it's a varicocele that needs to be corrected, sometimes it's unexplained, etc., but most of the time they are still able to conceive together. In 4 years, I've only come across ONE couple in our situation, but they've chosen to keep their story private (respectfully and understandably so), so as happy as I am to know we aren't alone, I still kind of feel like we are in many ways. </div>
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According to current statistics, infertility affects 1 in 8 couples. Male factor infertility is said to account for about 30% of infertility cases. Of that 30%, I'm not sure of the stats of male factor ONLY. Due to the 30% statistic, I know we are obviously not alone, but MFI is a topic that most are uncomfortable going public with... therefore couples like us are left feeling lost, alone, and in the dark when it comes to seeking out specific support systems. We have, however, come across many couples using egg donors, and although we are extremely thankful for their support and complete understanding, it's still quite different in a few ways. Women using egg donors to get pregnant can still first-handedly experience pregnancy and form an immediate bond over 9 months with their child since they are the one carrying. Men using sperm donors to get their partners pregnant sadly don't get that same type of first-hand bonding experience with their child during pregnancy. Sure there are ways to bond, but it's still not the same. Women are also more open about their struggles than men are, so men like my husband are left with no one to talk to who truly gets it and has walked in his shoes. </div>
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I know there must be millions of couples in our situation. I know it's a tough thing for men to deal with and be comfortable speaking up about. I know it's a hard thing to accept. However, I haven't found anyone in our position who is <u>also</u> open about their journey... and that's still very difficult for us at times. This leaves couples like us feeling like we are battling this alone and that no one totally understands our struggle in its entirety. </div>
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In our case, my husband is completely infertile. There are no sperm and there will be no sperm. There is no hope for us and there likely won't be a sudden miracle of sperm development. We can't make a baby together without sperm; it just ain't gonna happen. After a year of trying to get pregnant, my husband went for a sperm analysis. When that resulted in zero sperm (which, until then we didn't even know was possible), he was sent for another sperm analysis. That test resulted in zero as well, so he was referred to a reproductive urologist (who, yup, ordered yet another analysis). After 3 tests showing zero, a physical exam, and some blood tests, the Dr. determined that my husband had 2 varicoceles AND a chromosomal syndrome called Kleinfelter's Syndrome, both of which can be infertility factors. My husband had surgery to correct the varicoceles and we had to wait 3-6 months to see if it would help sperm production. When it didn't make a difference in our case, he had to have a sperm mapping procedure (a needle biopsy on both testicles- 32 needles in all, conscious, and fully aware of all that was going on!) to see if any sperm could be found and frozen to be later used for IVF. Although he took a major hit for the team, we didn't get any sperm out of all those needles and had to accept the fact that hubby's double whammy of Kleinfelter's on top of the varicoceles was a big likelihood of why we needed to move to a sperm donor if we wanted to experience pregnancy (which we totally wanted). To this day, some people still don't get it and tell us that stress can play a factor and we could someday conceive on our own... but without one of the 2 key ingredients to making a baby, it literally just cannot happen. IF it miraculously did, we would totally be making headlines! In the meantime, we have accepted it and now just hope to spread the word so others can be educated on the topic and/or don't feel alone if they're struggling too. </div>
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For many couples fighting infertility, their fight ends when they get pregnant. For some others, it ends when they give birth to their child(ren). For us, our fight won't ever really end. We have the rest of our lives ahead of us with the constant reminder that our family has different biological/genetic makeups. We will someday have to explain to our son that half of his genetics are somewhat unknown to us and we can only give some answers based on a piece of paper (our sperm donor profile). We dread the fear of our son possibly someday hating us because he's different from his friends in some way or lashing out against my husband because their tie isn't like other fathers/sons. One thing I'm absolutely sure of, though, is that my husband will be an amazing dad. He already is. In a strange way I almost think his infertility is his superpower. It's causing us to love and appreciate each other more, have a heightened appreciation for pregnancy, for our baby, and moving forward becoming parents. Sometimes you have to find creative ways to turn your struggles into your strengths. My husband is great with kids and we often coin him "The baby whisperer". His ability to love and adapt to other people's babies makes him well prepared to tackle our future together. None of our friends or family have to deal (or have dealt) with that. Our struggle is only half over. We still have an eternity of "what ifs" and the fear of difficult questions and conversations when the time comes. There will be no right or wrong answers and I know that we will figure it out as best we can when the time comes, but it's lonely knowing our friends/family can't understand firsthand what our experiences and struggles are like for us. </div>
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I have hope for the future, though. I have hope that infertility will someday become a more acceptable thing to talk about. The only way to make something less awkward is with more and more exposure of it. We all need to start speaking up more, start asking more, start sharing more, and start supporting more. I can honestly say that, although our friends and family doesn't 100% understand what we are going through, they are 100% supportive and we are extremely thankful for that. </div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">#StartAsking About Support</span></u></div>
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The support piece didn't always come easy for us at first; we had to work for it in a sense. We had to be willing to speak up and start talking about it. My husband and I both used to tend to keep things in, especially when it came to stressful or emotional issues. I've always been a very shy person and would only open up to others when comfortable. When we first found out my husband was infertile, we both fell apart. We were lost, confused, angry, broken, shocked, and just didn't understand. Neither of us were able to function at work the next day and we slowly started to talk about it to a few coworkers when it was obvious something was up with each of us at our jobs. Slowly, we began to realize a few things that happened from sharing our stories... people listened, people supported, people grieved with us, people cared, people wanted to help, and occasionally, some people understood. Every so often in sharing our story, we would hear "I know someone else who struggled" or "I struggled too". Little by little, over time, we've met MANY people who either struggled to conceive themselves or know someone close to them who has. It truly is 1 in 8. Think of literally all the people you know (or have known) and divide it by 8. About that many people are struggling somewhat with conceiving (or may struggle when they try). That's A LOT of people! So why aren't more people talking about it? </div>
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I think somewhere along the way, infertility automatically became a taboo topic. Understandably so... you feel alone, you feel broken, you feel ashamed, you feel like you're different or that there's something wrong with you. But that's not the case. I think people naturally kept it in and were too afraid to talk about it. Thankfully over time, people did start to talk about it more and more, and now it's finally becoming more acceptable and widespread. Without opening up about our struggle, infertility would have crushed and broken me for sure... no doubt about it. I literally would not have survived the last 4 years without being able to open up about it and connect with others in our shoes. The only way to make something more comfortable is to talk about it, teach about it, ask about it, and spread awareness. In a sense, I love seeing infertility stories highlighted in the media. I'll never love the fact that infertility exists, but I love when awareness is spread in hopes of helping out or educating just one more person. Many celebrities have felt comfortable stepping forward about their struggles in past years as well, and all of it just reassures me that we are slowly winning this fight by raising more and more awareness. We may never be able to make infertility disappear, but we can make it a comfortable topic and help others in need so they don't have to struggle silently and feel like they're alone. </div>
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Start sharing... however you're comfortable doing so. We have only received positive support from sharing our journey. Here are some ways that may help you get the ball rolling...</div>
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- Tell a best friend. </div>
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- Tell your family.</div>
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- Tell a coworker.</div>
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- Find support online forums. </div>
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- Find support on Instagram (#ttc).</div>
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- Follow infertility blogs. </div>
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- Start your own blog. </div>
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In my opinion, we all need to spread awareness in whatever ways we can. Not only for ourselves and our own support systems, but also for everyone else struggling quietly out there. I know there are some insensitive and naive people out there with some occasional crazy comments to take us down, but the only way to stop them is to educate them on the reality of infertility. It's everywhere. It doesn't discriminate. Affecting 1 in 8 couples means that every human on the planet should know at least one couple (likely wayyyy more) dealing with infertility. If everyone was more open about their struggles, others would be more understanding and more supportive. Sure it will take time and effort, but the only way to make it common info is to talk about it and open up. The only reason my husband and I have gained so much support to carry us through the last 4 years is because we opened up. So now I do it for the millions of others still trying. The fight doesn't stop here for me. My husband and I will still keep talking about it for the rest of our lives because it's forever a part of us. It's a part of our son's life and it's a part of the lives of 1 in 8 couples. Start talking; Start sharing; Start supporting; ... #StartAsking. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cltWStxn-g4/Vww-JjBxMlI/AAAAAAAACr8/XGOMcItGQD4RuIc0jxEY9LZ9BJVtMn7sQCLcB/s1600/niaw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cltWStxn-g4/Vww-JjBxMlI/AAAAAAAACr8/XGOMcItGQD4RuIc0jxEY9LZ9BJVtMn7sQCLcB/s320/niaw.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>#StartAsking Questions...</u></span><br />
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- About male factor infertility</div>
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- About low sperm count (and the MANY things that can affect/alter it)</div>
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- About azoospermia</div>
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- About Varicoceles </div>
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- About Kleinfelter's Syndrome</div>
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- Low testosterone </div>
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- About sperm donors</div>
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- About egg donors</div>
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- About support (from family & friends)</div>
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- About support groups</div>
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- About recommendations for local fertility Drs. </div>
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- About insurance coverage </div>
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We can't gain answers and support if we don't start somewhere. Start asking and start fighting. You are not alone. </div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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Stacy Ricci</div>
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www.teamricci.blogspot.com</div>
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<u>*About us: </u></div>
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My husband & I are high school sweethearts (together since '99 and married since '07) and started trying to conceive in 2011. Over the past 4 years, we've dealt with the news of male factor infertility (combination of Kleinfelter's Syndrome and Varicocele issues), Scott went through many painful and uncomfortable procedures, we did 6 IUI cycles, dealt with a miscarriage, a fresh IVF cycle, and a FET cycle. We are currently (and finally!) 27 weeks pregnant with our first child, due this July. We started our blog 3 years ago and it focused on our story and our journey to parenthood, with all the struggles in between. Although we are currently pregnant, our fight hasn't ended. We may focus on pregnancy posts for now, but we still have a lot ahead of us and it doesn't mean we have forgotten the struggle. The struggle made our journey, made us stronger, and paved our pathway to parenthood. To see more on our story, visit www.teamricci.blogspot.com <3 </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-83564989388019384802016-04-30T17:37:00.003-07:002016-04-30T17:37:22.413-07:00#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 6 & Day 7 (Combined)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s1600/niaw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s400/niaw2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosted by Miss Conception Coach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://missconceptioncoach.com/" target="_blank">http://missconceptioncoach.com/</a></span></div>
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As one part of NIAW, I was asked to be part of a bloggers unite conference this week (thanks to @MissConceptionCoach- see web link above to go to her site/blog). Those of us participating wrote about different angles of infertility, and all pieces are also centered on the theme #StartAsking. I'll be sharing the posts from the other women each day, and one day mine will pop up as well. You can read them all here, on the link above, or at the featured blog itself (which will have a link at the bottom). </div>
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Here's yesterday *AND* today's posts, Days 6 AND 7.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">#NIAW- Day 6, Bloggers Unite Conference- Share Your Story!</span></b><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 27.3pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Hey Girl Hey!
My name is Morgan Libero and this is my blog to help promote awareness
and provide support for all things infertility related, with a whole lot of
realness and a little bit of humor (believe me, every bit counts).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 27.3pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">We’re surrounded by the most loving and tight-knit support
system of family and friends, but during our journey it still wasn’t enough to
get me through. I was even lucky enough to have been in contact with some
acquaintances who had difficulty trying to conceive. However, I remember countless
hours and nights spent in bed posting and waiting for the response
of someone on the other end of an infertility website, whom I knew
only by screen name and not face, but had felt an immediate connection with.
I thought to myself back then, how when almost one in every eight couples
struggle with infertility, is there not more local support. I made a
promise to myself that if I eventually got my baby, I would basically pay it
forward. My hope is that this blog will allow me to spread my mission and
establish a support group for others in surrounding cities and
towns and eventually founding a non-for-profit organization to provide the
funds for couples who’s insurance won’t cover and/or cannot afford to pay for
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). Our journey is no more easier or more difficult
than anyone else’s-it is just ours. If you’re not experiencing
infertility, I’m sure you’ve known or will come to know someone struggling and
I hope this blog provides some insight. If you are experiencing infertility,
please reach out to me in whatever way you feel most comfortable and I hope I
can be there to support you throughout your own journey.</span></i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P94VVMdomHA/VyVOmsXkbnI/AAAAAAAAC0M/gxZZbdstHwQQqWPm8GGRoUlIGLHw0Z0HgCLcB/s1600/day6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P94VVMdomHA/VyVOmsXkbnI/AAAAAAAAC0M/gxZZbdstHwQQqWPm8GGRoUlIGLHw0Z0HgCLcB/s400/day6.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">I am
thrilled to be part of Miss.Conceptioncoach’s Bloggers Unite Conference this
year in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week and humbled to have been
included with such an esteemed group of women. This year’s theme is
#startasking and I cannot think of a better theme for me, personally, since
this was basically the springboard for my blog,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.onprayersandneedles.org/" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #be0364; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">On Prayers & Needles</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">During my
journey, I couldn’t help but #startasking how, when 1 in every 8 couples
struggles with infertility, are there not more local support groups available?
I would go to my OBGYN, our fertility doctor, my husband’s urologist, the
chiropractor & acupuncturists’ offices and there would be corkboards
overflowing with every type of group you could name. Yet, the only one I
needed in that moment wasn’t there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Instead, I
would spend countless hours glued to my cell phone or laptop on BabyCentre,
What To Expect Before Your Expecting, etc., etc. group boards waiting for any
type of a response to the questions I had. Did anyone have success with
Tese for Azoospermia? How many months did you take Clomid before becoming
pregnant? Did you take birth control pills as part of your IVF
protocol? Are these follicle numbers and measurements decent? I’d
wait, to hear from someone I knew only by screen name and not face, someone who
lived in another country, to answer. I’d wait there praying that I’d get
some glimpse of hope that they had been where I was and everything worked
out. And while I appreciated any and all of the support I could get
across the Internet and anywhere else, I yearned for a “safe place” ~a place
where I could sit with women who were or had been in my shoes and we could
discuss all of these things face-to-face over coffee at a local
Starbucks. It was then that I promised myself, if I were ever to receive
my miracle, I would basically Pay-It-Forward by starting a local support
group. That is when this blog was basically conceived (no pun intended).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Fast-forward
to just about two-months ago when I finally revved up the courage to launch On
Prayers and Needles and share my story…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Slowly, I
began to hear the stories of others whom I may or may not have known had
difficulty getting pregnant and it felt very liberating for all of us to
exchange our experiences. Then I even started to receive intermittent
questions from readers asking for more information about meds, doctors,
recommendations for a successful IFV cycle. However, none of these women
(rightfully so) were interested in participating in a local support group,
which led me to #startasking a bigger question: How, when 1 in every 8
couples is infertile, is there still such a stigma and sense of shame in not
being able to conceive naturally?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">For anyone
who has been following (thank you) and those of you just tuning in (thank you,
also), I’m sure it is pretty evident that I am an open-book. During our
journey there was never a time when I didn’t feel comfortable saying that we
were struggling with infertility. You might think that is because it was more
of my husband’s “problem”, but I also had my own “issues”. It’s just I
came at it from a different perspective, which was basically if it’s broke, fix
it. If your hip gives out, you replace it. If you have an infection,
you take an antibiotic. If you can’t produce sperm, you find a way
to. Clearly, there is no shame in our game and of course, I’m making
light of all of these situations. They’re not all that easily
resolved. But my mentality was and is, just like anything else in life,
if it isn’t working, you fix it (failing marriage, dead-end job). And
regardless of what anyone’s picture-perfect life appears to be on Instagram,
believe me, there’s something they need or have had to “fix”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">While I completely respect anyone’s choice to keep their
infertility private, I also find it important to #startasking why? Are
you any less deserving of a baby than someone who could conceive without
interventions? In a day in age when science is revolutionary, why wouldn’t
you use the advancements provided to start or complete your family? Even
when religion is a factor, doesn’t<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em style="font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">your</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">God want you to be a mom?
Don’t you think that someday, if you choose, to explain to your child “how they
were made” that they’ll realize how much you loved and wanted him or her even
before they were born? If someone in your life was struggling with something,
wouldn’t you want them to open up so you could be there for them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">One of the
most touching responses I’ve received since initiating the blog, was an e-mail
from someone who hadn’t shared her story with anyone outside of her immediate
circle. She felt inspired, after reading and relating to mine, to share
her own with me. I read it, tears streaming down my face, hoping that she
could see the beauty in her story that I did. While that wasn’t the
initial intent of the blog, in that moment, I realized that it had served its
purpose in a different way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">The more we
open up and #startasking ourselves and others these tough questions, the more
people will become aware of infertility and all it entails. Once more and
more people #startasking, the dialogue can begin so that we (both those who
have and have not encountered infertility) can better support one
another. I shared my story to get the conversation going, so now I must
#startasking, will you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Find Morgan and follow her at</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://onprayersandneedles.org/" target="_blank"> onprayersandneedles.org</a> </span></h2>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">#NIAW- Day 7, Bloggers Unite Conference- I Still Struggle With Infertility</span></b></div>
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<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">H E
L L O friends! I am excited to tell you a little about me and my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://mrandmrssmithblog.com/" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #be0364; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">blog</span></a>. I believe in
happiness, not only going after your dreams but achieving them. We each have
something to contribute to the world, to inspire, and to motivate others! I
believe in smiling till it hurts and dancing every chance you get. Most
importantly I am a wife, a daughter of God, a mother and a woman. Thank you for
stopping by and I hope you find something that helps encourage you. *About
xoxo… my mom signed everything she ever gave me with this and I want to
continue it in my family and with my friends. So it’s not just a silly
signature, it’s tradition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">xoxo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">{mrs. smith}<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">mama +
wifey + dog lover + southern born & bred + baker + ocd + dancer + hot
chocolate addict + adventurer + yogi + nurse + dreamer + friend + pure barre
lover + believer + john mayer junkie + daughter + collector of all things
sparkly + lover of life & god<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">{meet mr. smith}<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">ry’s daddy
+ husband + dog obsessed + triathlete + teeth fixer + closet gangnam style
dancer + nor cal native + hunter + italian speaker + sour patch eater +
cinnamon egg cooker + loyal listener + paintballer + old soul + traveler +
scuba diver + peace maker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">{they}<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">are proud
parents to baby ryker + ‘temporarily {for 4 years}’ live in arizona +
own two incredibly clingy dogs {duke & lulu} + love to eat
+ have a netflix addiction</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VlgKhDeg44/VyVPl3Rr1WI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/wBDdamATgUA0U92cw_Vi6j5dhn9SrE8RACLcB/s1600/day7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VlgKhDeg44/VyVPl3Rr1WI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/wBDdamATgUA0U92cw_Vi6j5dhn9SrE8RACLcB/s400/day7.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1 style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because I<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em style="font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Still</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Struggle with Infertility</span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">This may
seem crazy to some people but just a few weeks after I had my son Ryker my mind
began thinking about baby #2. Crazy, I know. Even I wanted to grab my shoulders
and shake the nonsense out of my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">When I told
my husband he didn’t say a word. Not one. No acknowledgment because he knew
what was going through my heart and didn’t want to hurt my feelings by saying
‘No way babe! We are barely getting the hang of this whole parenting
gig!’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">It is SO
early. Baby boy just turned 4 months and here I am wanting another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">I want to devote all my love and attention to the baby that I<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em style="font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">have</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">and prayed so much for. Will
people think that I am selfish for wanting another baby so soon?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">It took us almost 2 years to get pregnant because of my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em style="font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">endo</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">journey. In my mind I am calculating that we will have to
get started now if we are going to have our big family with all our kids close
together. {Insert snarky old lady comment: “You know you aren’t getting
any younger…”}<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">The thing
is – You’ve had a baby. You DID it! You overcame infertility!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Not quite.
To some extent it’s true. I think Ryker is a perfect example of how we beat the
odds one time. But having a baby doesn’t make infertility go away. Do you ever
overcome infertility?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">I use to
joke that I had a hostile uterus (hey just like Meredith Grey!) but I am hoping
things may be easier since my body knows what to do and each pregnancy is
different just like each kiddo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">People are
going to #startasking the question that is guaranteed to come up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">“When are
you going to have another one?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">And that’s
okay, let them ask. It may scare the poo out of you (can you tell I have a
newborn) or maybe you have learned to let it roll off your back. Either way
here are some reminders to take away…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: inherit; mso-fareast-font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHEN NOTHING GOES RIGHT, GO LEFT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">I am type A. I love a good TO DO list, alphabetized and color
coded. I am a planner, always have been always will be but sometimes
there is a far better plan in store. I wanted a baby so bad but it just wasn’t
happening. So, I went back to school and got a second degree, I helped
choreograph a large production for our church and participated in a service
trip abroad that humbled my heart. I was given opportunities that I needed in
order to be a better me. Did I experience loss? Too much. Did I cry almost every
night? You betcha. But I truly believe that if you focus your energy on
learning a new skill, becoming a better wife and mom, cheering on your friends
that do get pregnant with baby 2, 3, and 4, and crying with your friends that
open up to you about challenges they face, it will allow you to be refined for
a better purpose.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em style="font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">GO LEFT</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">and you may be surprised what’s in
store for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: inherit; mso-fareast-font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">THOSE WHO JUDGE DON’T MATTER, THOSE WHO MATTER DON’T JUDGE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">This one is
simple for me to understand but man do I have a hard time applying it. I am
constantly worrying about what people think. Then one day Cameron asked if I
would ever see those people again. How often do I even talk to them? Do they
really know anything about my personality or life? The people that are closest
to you and love you the most are those that are there to support you. They
won’t judge how many children you have or how far apart they are. They will
welcome each child with open arms and a full heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: inherit; mso-fareast-font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ANYTHING WORTH HAVING IS WORTH WAITING FOR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">In a world
of instant oatmeal, direct deposits and Amazon Prime it can be challenging to
want something immediately and not be able to have it. I know each child is a
blessing and worth the wait. Refer back to point 1, get out and try something
new to be a better you. In my experience, the unplanned adventures usually turn
out to make the best memories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: inherit; mso-fareast-font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MOTHERS ARE NOT DEFINED BY THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN THEY HAVE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">When are
you going to start trying?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">We try
every night</span><!--[if mso & !supportInlineShapes & supportFields]><span
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Just the
one?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Yup one
little miracle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Wait till
you have three…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">We are
grateful for our two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Now you
need to try for a girl!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Our boy is
just perfect for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Hold on,
you have how many kids?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">We couldn’t
be happier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">The thing I have realized is people will always have something
to say about the number of children they<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em style="font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #515151; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">see</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">that you have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">“A Mother
is not defined by the number of children you can see, but by the love she holds
in her heart.” – Franchesca Cox<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">– – – – – –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">I hope that
when people #startasking you start telling. Infertility is not something to be
ashamed of, not something to feel guilty about and definitely not something to
apologize for. It sucks, a lot, but you are not alone. Speak up and make your
voice heard. Let’s unite women in each and EVERY stage of motherhood!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">xoxo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-10201863419267871232016-04-29T21:29:00.000-07:002016-04-29T21:29:03.471-07:00The #teamricci story- Scott's Perspective<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So after reading Stace's post, I really wanted to post about my feelings and the things that I went through. Stace did a great job about talking through our journey and I promise that although this will be long for me, it will not as long as hers. I am a get to the point, quick story teller but this isn't about that, this is about sharing our lives and sharing for others and helping others learn from us. I also am going to do it in the same format as Stace did, so that you can get the point of what I am doing. And honestly if guys need to ask me questions, you can comment with your email and I will write back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Who Are We:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember the first time I met Stace. We were at an 8th grade bridge dance. I grew up in a town that shared a high school with two other towns and we always had a bridge dance to get us to know the incoming freshman from the other schools. I was the Vice President of the 7th & 8th grade class and Stace was the Secretary of her class. Now, sorry to say, I can't say I know exactly what happened that night but I do remember our Secretary introducing us and I said hello. Fast forward to freshman year, I heard that Stace liked me, but when I asked her about it, she immediately turned me down. Sophomore year came and we became extremely good friends through AIM (remember that 90's kids?). Well, during that time, I had a recently broken up with a girlfriend and started dating an online girl. You know how those went?!?!?!? Well, the girl was supposed to go to the Winter Formal and bailed at the last moment so I had no one to go with. Stace knew that all this was going on and on the night of the Winter Formal asked the DJ at 11:11 to play, Tupac- Changes. We had a thing with 11:11 to make a wish and she thought it would be a good idea to do it at that time. Well the song came on, she found me and asked to dance and from that day on it was history. We danced for 1 hour straight that night. Funny part of that night and I think I literally just realized it now as I write this, but it my dad's best man speech, he references that on a night that he was listening to me talk about the night, he heard me talk about a girl, and it turned out to be Stace. I'm pretty sure it was that night...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lets fast forward to us deciding that we wanted to start having a family....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sperm Tests-lets call it like it is:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first test was at home. I was a big and still am Amazon nut (no pun intended). I remember that Stace was out of the house and I decided to give it a whirl. Well, I am not a master or anything but I knew that I performed what needed to be done. I remember reading the test and seriously going no way. I said to myself over and over, did I wait to long??? Did I read the directions right? I must have held it at the wrong angle?? I remember Stace coming home and me saying, I think I have a problem but we chalked it up to a faulty test. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember after asking questions, someone said you should go to a urologist and without knowing much about what needs to happen, I did go to a local one. This guy was younger and nice and I was very reluctant to pull my pants down to him. I remember saying okay now pull your pants down, I need to check your scrotum. I did because I had to and he noticed the varicose veins on both of the testicles. He asked how long I had them and I wasn't sure. I do remember a doctor when I was younger saying something about them but he said to not worry. Thanks doc! We got done with the exam and as I was pulling my pants back up he said, wait, I have one more test and you young guys don't like this. Yep, he checked my prostate, and he was as gentile as he could be but woah what a weird feeling. He then referred me to a reproductive urologist because he said I might want to try another step. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At this same time, Stace's doctors were saying we might want to try to do the tests. As Stace spells out it was not fun! First test, have fun in a cup at your house and then race to the hospital to get it there within 45 minutes. So as soon as I finish, get in the car and drive there calmly. CALMLY!!!! Are you kidding me, I was driving like a mad man! Well we show up to the hospital and Stace knows a nurse there and as I hand her the bag of semen I said well this is awkward giving you this. She said I have no clue whats in the bag and Stace goes, oh by the way this is my husband and I followed it up with, than this is really awkward! First test no sperm. I don't even remember Stace telling me. I do remember that I couldn't even process it. I had a big district walk at my job the next day. I do remember however, I called my friend Manny on the way to work and just broke down. I got to work and did what I have done for so long in my life. Put it in the back of my head and worked through the day. One of the district staff that had known me for a long time, knew something was up and I told him I was infertile. He responded with I am sure that you will find a way to have a kid. I worked that day as if nothing happened. I held my emotions back. I did not speak about them. I did not cry. I did not flip out. I just made myself numb. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Second Test: I was told that I need to go to a lab because I will probably have better results. So I decided to make a day out of it and had my brother and mother come for moral support but we also went out for lunch after, (I promise I washed my hands and they stayed in the car). So I check in at the desk, which was like a lab or something. I tell them why I am there and they hand me a cup and said the bathroom is right there. I said, wait what? The lobby bathroom??? There was a younger mother in the waiting room with like 5 guy as well??? I go in the bathroom and well try my best to get in the mood. You know how white tile and a toilet really get a guy going!!!! I remember trying to watch material on my phone, but kept turning it down because I knew the people could hear the sounds. Well I did what I had to, ran out of the bathroom with the cup as everyone stared at me, and gave it back and said I'll wait for the results. 2nd test down, 2nd test no sperm. Strike 2.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Intermission: Lets talk really quickly about having to perform on command. This is a great experience and you should feel close to your wife but if you miss the ovulation window you miss the whole month. It became a chore and something that I found out that I was not that good at completing. It became too stressful to get excited about what we were doing, so it became less easy to find it a sexy and romantic act. I could never be a porn star or a male hooker because I would fail over and over. And the scary part is I am young, this should be easy but it is not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Third Test: If the first and second test were as good as the experience for the third test, I can now imagine why people donate. It was at the fertility doctor's office in Norwalk. They had "production rooms" that were very private and offered very good materials and privacy. Ill leave it at because I might have family members read this... However as comfortable as I was, still the same result, no sperm! Strike 3 I'm out, or wait was that a foul ball. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now on to the big guns....That clearly means surgery if you didn't get it. I talked about the varicose veins I had in my scrotum. Well I finally went to a reproductive urologist after all the zero sperm cases and he had me do more sperm tests in his office and not to give too much details but he had me pee and get in the mood and then pee again to see if there was any stuck in the urine. No dice. Lets remove your varicose veins!!! Well that was a surgery that I had to be under IV sedation. I remember that I had to be in a wheel chair and that I convinced the doctors and nurses that I needed to walk out because it hurt to get up from the chair. Recovery was great too, when my scrotum was the size of a grapefruit so that made it hard to go the bathroom of any kind. But after having those removed, guess what, still no sperm!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now on to the most craziest test ever: Sperm mapping... Yea, don't google it because you will feel bad for me. And you will feel bad if any guy ever talks about it. Lets just say I was wide awake, they numbed me, but I could feel the pressure. And how it works is the same way any biopsy happens. Lots of needles and 5 minutes of compression at the end to make sure that you don't bleed out. This is the shortest paragraph for a reason. End result though, still no sperm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember back to that first test, and I said, I'd rather go donor than anything before adopting. I want to experience the feelings and the joy of pregnancy. I remember thinking how do I pick the best donor. I wanted someone with blonde hair and blue eyes and around the same build. I really wanted someone that was Irish, German and Italian, but settled with Irish and German. I saw that he had a Bachelors in Sociology and I just finished up my Bachelors of Behavioral Science at the time so it felt right. I chose him and Stace agreed. We had found a match! And for those that do not know, donor sperm is not cheap! Its not nearly as much as donor eggs but holy moly. I remember in the movies that college kids would do it for beer money. Well I was spending top shelf P Diddy money to get a vial so they had to get more than beer money. Funny thing is, with all items you can buy, they run specials on the vials at times. Buy 2 get 10% off, buy 3 get 20%???? I was amazed being in sales forever but I was like lets buy them so that we save on shipping as well. Real sales breaks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">IUI:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I honestly can't say that I remember each specific cycle. I can tell you that I never felt we were pregnant. I did get super excited when we had a positive test came back and wanted it so bad to happen. I still remember telling our parents and how excited we were. I remember that the joy that it can happen that it was the best feeling. I remember that being in WDW and having to push my wife around in a wheelchair because it felt like we were overdoing. I remember Stace telling me that something is wrong and not wanting to believe. There was too much blood every day. There were too many cramps. It just was not our time. It sucked. We had family around for it though and I think that brought us closer that day as a family instead of people going through it. I do remember stopping because it got too much. Our days together were just going through the motions. Everything was based off of her cycle and it started to eat at us as a couple. It was hard but it brought us together more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">IVF: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are moving on and everything will work. We decided to go to another clinic for two reasons. 1. Money. We heard about a grant and I love getting money back for things I don't think I should pay for. 2. Family friend recommendation about a place that is in NY. Well we went and immediately fell in love with the doctors. Not that we did not like our old fertility clinic, because we loved the nurses, however it seems as if the doctors did not know what we were doing and that they were pushing us to IVF. Our new clinic worked with us. The doctors knew exactly what we were going through. The nurses were caring. Everyone was there to get us to have a baby. The egg retrieval was a process that I could not be 100% part of because Stace was under sedation and the room had to 100% sterile. I do remember taking care of her and that it was a long process but it was something that in the end turned out great. Our first transfer was a little bit hectic. I am a guy and guys like jets and airplanes. Well turns out that on the day of our transfer, for the first time ever, there was an airshow that we had VIP tickets for and we were going to be late. No biggie right. Well we got out of the transfer on time. Doctors said no major activity, but walking is fine. That day turned out to be horrible and lets just say that Stace probably walked over 2-3 miles and that it an extremely stressful day. Even though we transferred an "AA" embryo on the grading scale, that baby needed some booze to get him/her through that day and unfortunately for us the fresh cycle did not work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2nd Try Frozen:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No this is not the Disney movie but it does seem like a fairytale. We did our second transfer and decided that we wanted to transfer 2 embryos. We said twins, why not? So we transferred two and two stuck and immediately we were on cloud 9. I still remember Stace calling me on my cell. She was so excited she could not contain it and had to tell me. She told me the number and I said, thats good right? She said its great Scott we are pregnant. From what we learned from the other cycles, we were so cautious and then came the day that we had an ultrasound and knew something wasn't right. We got brought into another room with better ultrasounds. In that other room, we knew on the screen that we only saw one heartbeat. I remember our doctor being so upset. I stopped him, I said doc is there one heartbeat? He said yes. I said doc, thats all I care about. I want a healthy baby rather than 2 struggling babies. Not that I wouldn't care for our babies if they struggled but I was pumped that we still had a baby in there. We were pregnant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pregnancy after Infertility: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Life does not get easier. Every scan. Every blood work. Every test. Every day. Every pain Stace has. It does not end. We are currently 27 weeks and 2 days in and every day has been a roller coaster. As much as I can't wait for baby bee to get here, I also want to live out these last couple of months with the excitement that we gain daily. Every kick that I get to feel. Every time Stace sends me a video of the remote on her belly and it bouncing all over. Every time I just get to see her growing belly. Every new outfit she wears. Every time we hear congratulations from someone new. It never gets old. Mother's day and Father's day is coming up and we can finally experience it. We can finally get in the spirit of baby's first _____. I cannot wait to be a father! I cannot wait to hold my baby for the first time. I cannot wait to see my wife holding our baby. Here's hoping that you will continue to follow along with our journey. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-53075016553480733992016-04-29T04:57:00.001-07:002016-04-29T04:57:27.404-07:00The #TeamRicci Story~ Living With Male Factor Infertility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>The #TeamRicci Story~ Living With Male Factor Infertility</u></span></b><br />
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Those of you who are new to my blog- Welcome!! :) </div>
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I'm not a short & sweet, get-to-the-point writer. I spill my emotions out from my heart through my fast-typing fingertips and don't hold anything back in terms of letting you know my thoughts and where I'm coming from. I figured a disclaimer was only fair but I hope it doesn't scare you away from reading our story! ;)</div>
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So here we go...</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Who we are:</span></u></b></div>
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I'm Stacy (friends & fam call me Stace) & my husband is Scott. We are high school sweethearts and have been together since 2/7/99, when we were teenagers... That's more than half our lives together! We are referred to by some friends as that fairytale couple who was meant to be together, yet I promise we are really just your typical/average couple. We are opposites in many ways; we bicker over the dumbest things sometimes; we drive each other nuts; etc.... but we are best friends, we love each other, we compliment each other, and at the end of the day, we always try to work as a team. </div>
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We are #TeamRicci. </div>
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As corny as this sounds, we knew early on in our relationship that we were meant to be together and often dreamed of our future together. We've both ALWAYS wanted children- no doubts about it. We both love kids & were both good with them early on (I babysat a lot, worked at a daycare, and decided I wanted to be a teacher.... Scott always loved hanging out with/taking care of his younger cousins and just always had a way with kids) and we couldn't wait to someday grow our family together. </div>
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We got married on July 6, 2007 and planned to take at least a few years to ourselves before trying to start a family. Up until this point in our lives, we had never really heard of infertility. I've heard of older couples who couldn't have kids, but it was almost like a taboo topic that ended there and it was a rare thing at that. Other than that, that was it. I did sometimes randomly have a weird Q pop into my own head on occasion... "What if we can't have kids? How ironic would that be?" but I don't think I ever mentioned it aloud to anyone and just brushed it off as a crazy thought the few randomly rare times it came up. I was a true believer in everything happened for a reason and that we were meant to be, so naturally we would have a family when we wanted to, right? </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Our infertility diagnosis:</span></u></b></div>
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In a short blurb, we are living with male factor infertility (MFI). Scott had 3 negative semen analyses, all 3 of which came back showing zero sperm. Not just low sperm count, NO sperm count. This is often referred to as azoospermia. Scott was also determined to have 2 varicoceles, which were fixed during surgery. AND he was diagnosed as having a chromosomal disorder called Kleinfelter Syndrome. We believe the azoospermia is due to the Kleinfelter Syndrome (where you have an XXY chromosome, or essentially an extra X), but the double whammy with the varicoceles could have complicated things along the way anyway. Bottom line with this diagnosis is that Scott is completely infertile and cannot have biological children with the same genes. The ONLY way for us to experience pregnancy together is to use a sperm donor. </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Our journey trying to conceive & EVERYTHING we've tried/done:</span></u></b></div>
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We took the plunge and decided we wanted to start a family just over 4 years ago. I took my last birth control pill on Christmas Eve, 2011. At the time, the advice was to stop the pill a month or so before you wanted to get pregnant (to let the hormones out of your system, balance back out, etc). We figured we would just let things happen from there but started actively trying around February 2012. We tried... and tried... and tried. Month after month after month, I got my period yet again. Not pregnant... Not pregnant... Not pregnant. </div>
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<b><u>The "try on your own" year</u></b></div>
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I knew a few friends who had no trouble conceiving right away and started to get frustrated. This was supposed to be easy. They make it sound SOO easy in high school health class. Why isn't it happening? I talked to a few people and they all suggested I buy an ovulation predictor kit and we would be good to go. They suggested I chart my temperature and they said it would be a piece of cake from there. Ha!! Those things only stressed me out more. I became a lunatic. Waking up at the same time every single morning (before getting out of bed to get a true read) to check my temperature became obsessive. It was also a huge pain in the a$$ for Scott. The thermometer beeped every time you turned it on, off, AND when my temp was ready to be read. The ovulation predictor kits was another obsession... pee on a stick every morning until it showed you would soon ovulate. Reading those tests was enough to drive you literally insane ("Is that 2 pink lines? Is the one line darker than the other? Is it a different shade? Is it the same shade? Wait.. what does that mean again? Is it the lighting? Is it just me? Scott, do you see it too?"). Then when I was sure it was go time, we had to try... which is so not fun when it becomes a chore. I would get depressed if it didn't happen on the day I thought it should because it meant we would miss our time window and have to wait another month to try again. I literally drove us both insane- completely insane- and this went on for months. This was a super frustrating time in our relationship. Yet each month when I knew I wasn't pregnant just became more and more and more aggravating and depressing. This was supposed to be easy. </div>
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That summer, Scott decided to get a home sperm test. I remember I was at the beach with a friend when he texted me that he felt he was the cause of our problem. He said the test was negative or showed some funky result, but I assured him it was probably a faulty test and those things probably shouldn't be trusted because they weren't accurate. We let it go for then and kept trying. </div>
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Finally, after a FULL YEAR of the same crap, I told my OB. In the meantime I would Google anything and everything, but because we were under 35 (heck, we were under 30!), all the advice said to try for 1 year before seeking medical help. So a year came and I mentioned to my OB that we were trying. Now, important side note- I wasn't so crazy about my OB office at the time. It was a very small office with only 2 people to see and I didn't feel like either a) genuinely cared about me, b) ever remembered me, or c) neither gave a warm and fuzzy, friendly feeling. When you're "all up in there", you better be warm and fuzzy and at least attempt to make me feel comfortable. This is already a super awkward experience AND position, so please don't make it worse. Anyway, they almost immediately referred me to a reproductive endocrinologist. In my head, all I could think was "A what?", I was immediately turned off, didn't want anything to do with a specialist of some sort, it wasn't what I wanted to hear, and I wanted to leave. I just wanted some reassurance that it would happen soon and all I got was "maybe we should do some testing and maybe you should see a reproductive endocrinologist". Gee... thanks but no thanks. I dismissed the idea and went on my way. I was so mad when I told Scott. There was nothing wrong with us. I was fine. He was fine. We were fine.... I was in denial. </div>
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I remember finally giving in and calling the patient coordinator back at the OB office. SHE, at least, was friendly. She told me that we had options for testing. She said I could get a blood test or something with some super long name (something I now know as the HSG) and she also said Scott could get tested. She explained that for my options, it was easier to go for the blood test and to have Scott tested because a) insurance for the HSG was sometimes tricky, b) it was not always a smooth/comfortable test for women, and c) why go through it if I don't have to. Ok, blood test it is. My blood test came back mostly normal but they said my prolactin level was high (I think?). I remember looking it up (not even knowing what it was at the time) and crying thinking that was the reason because they didn't explain anything.... I now know it was not even an off number and that they scared me over nothing. </div>
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<b><u>The first semen analysis (SA)</u></b></div>
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We also set up a semen analysis (SA) for Scott. For guys, you have 2 options for this test. You can do your business at a lab OR you can do your business at home and just make sure you get it to a lab within X amount of time (maybe 45 mins?). In our case, the hospital lab was 30-35 mins away, so it was just barely doable. Being completely in denial and nervous himself, Scott went for the at-home test. I remember hearing stories about a) keeping the specimen warm enough and b) making sure it arrives in the time window... It was a very tense and awkward car ride as we rushed to get it there. I was holding the container in a sock, in my hands, to keep it warm. I was nervous we wouldn't get there in time, and then what? We ended up getting there literally just in time and as we rush into the lab feeling like we were on some drug deal drop off, I look up and see someone I know. The mom of one of my students that year was one of the nurses in the lab and was the one collecting our specimen... ohhhh myyyy godddd. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. I was so mortified, I wanted to disappear. Thankfully, she is an amazing person with a great personality and she made it better for us. She made some joke about "If you're here, who's at school watching my kid?!". I giggled, rattled off that they were in good hands, and that this was awkward, and that this was my husband Scott... Scott quickly replied "Well, I hope so, or THAT would be awkward!!". We got the hell out of there and the rest of the day was prob super stressful. </div>
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I can't remember how long it took for the results to finally come back, but I do remember this... Scott was working & I was home from school; it was probably around 4:30 or so. He was working retail hours, which meant he wouldn't be home for a few more hours. I got the results from my OB office and they said there were no sperm. I was in complete shock, I asked them to repeat it because there was no way I heard that right. She said it again. No sperm. I said "None?! As in ZERO?!.....". Shock. Long pause. I told her I didn't even know that was possible. I started shaking. She told me that maybe it was a fluke and that we should repeat the test, this time AT a lab. But still, the damage was done. The result was zero... and I had to relay the news to my husband. </div>
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I instantly broke down into tears when I got off the phone. I started crying out of devastation and broken-heartedness that we would never have kids. I Googled what this meant. I cried some more. I started pacing. I cried some more. I started to wonder how in the hell I would tell Scott. I cried some more. I knew I couldn't tell him via text or on the phone- he was at work. I cried some more. I was alone with this awful news and didn't know what to do but he needed to know first. I think I told him when he came home but I'm not even sure, and I probably did it in some awful way by just blurting it out. Maybe I tried to say it nicely. I don't even know. Either way, it doesn't matter because either way it sucks and is near impossible to tell your husband this news. It's heartbreaking. </div>
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<b><u>The second SA</u></b></div>
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For Scott's second test, he went TO a lab. For some unknown reason, they sent him to a location that's almost an hour north of us. Weird. But off he went and he had the oddest, most embarrassing experience. In movies they portray these tests to be pretty guy-friendly- private room, a TV, some magazines, etc.... NOPE, not this case. I wasn't there but I remember the story to go something like this: He told the receptionist he was there and she handed him a cup. Confused, he asked where to go. She points to the bathroom located in the waiting area. Mortified, Scott says "That bathroom?" and she answers "Just make sure you lock the door.".... Oh. Emm. Gee... Poor Scott. I can't even recall the rest of it other than the fact that it was obviously super awkward, nerve-wracking, embarrassing, and difficult. It was probably obvious to the people in the waiting room (men and women) of what was happening. Downright cruelty to men if you ask me. That's a pretty horrible setup. Long story short, those results came back at zero too... In Scott's defense, how he could get anything more in that kind of environment is a puzzle to me! Eeek. Either way, these results brought more devastation, anger, and heartbreak, of course. We weren't getting any closer to answers. We started asking around for referrals for fertility Drs and one clinic's name kept popping up. We also got referred to a reproductive urologist for Scott to have more thorough testing done. </div>
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<b><u>Fertility Dr (RE) consult</u></b></div>
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In late March of 2013, we had a consult with an RE (aka the fertility Dr.). We both got some blood work and asked some questions. Given Scott's first 2 SA results, she wanted him to get a 3rd through their office (she promised Scott it wouldn't be as bad of an experience as he had previously) and she also referred him to a reproductive urologist to check for some other answers. She told us if very low sperm was the issue that IVF would be our only chance of conceiving. It was quite an emotional appointment because we knew we weren't getting any immediate answers, plans, or things to look forward to. She also said that once we knew what we were working with would determine our next steps with her.<br />
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In the meantime, Scott had his 3rd SA and it was more along the lines of what they show in movies... at least it wasn't an embarrassing experience for him! However, the results came back at 0 again, so off to the urologist we went.<br />
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<b><u>Reproductive Urologist consult</u></b><br />
In April of 2013, Scott got an appointment at the reproductive urologist. <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Met with urologist; Scott had to do a 4th semen analysis (poor guy!!), blood work, and an ultrasound.... Found out he had varicoceles (varicose-veins in the testicles, causing blood to pool, making it too warm for sperm to develop) AND a chromosomal disorder called Klinefelter Syndrome, which causes very low testosterone levels. Surgery was recommended to remove varicoceles, which he did in May. From there, we had to wait 4 months to check for sperm, and again at 6 months to check. Both times still showed zero, so Scott had to get sperm mapping done (aka a needle biopsy, which</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px;"> involves 18 needles in each testicle to take a sample and check for sperm in different sections. It's a quick procedure done right in the urologist's office, and takes about 1 hour. Only downfall is it's only local anesthesia, so I was nervous for Scott about that one (and all mankind will be cringing as they hear of that). The Dr. said some guys don't feel a thing, but others feel everything... no way to tell really. Ugh.) and he handled it like a pro even though it still haunts him from time to time. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px;">After all that, it was determined that there was truly no sperm production and that using donor sperm would be our only hope for me to experience pregnancy. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Crafty Girls'; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px;"><u>Choosing a Sperm Donor</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 22.176px;">For us, we wanted to at least try to experience pregnancy if we could before moving to adoption. We are not opposed to adoption in any way but I've always wanted to experience pregnancy and Scott supported this 100% and was totally on board. We decided to get an anonymous sperm donor and did so through one of the online cryobanks our RE office suggested. I left all the donor decisions up to Scott. It was his area and it was a way he could be involved so I loved giving him ownership of this. Choosing a donor is a strange experience. I've never done online dating but I imagine part of it could be similar. You get to narrow down donors by a huge variety of traits (ethnicity, hair color, eye color, height, weight, etc.) and see lots of information like medical history, interests, college degrees, etc. It's quite involved and you can be as specific as you want. We clearly wanted a donor who matched as many of Scott's traits as possible. Being Irish, German, and Italian is a hard combo so I think we ended up with 2 out of the 3. Also blonde hair and blue eyes was a must, so we feel we hit jackpot with ours. Although we will never meet him, we are forever grateful for his selfless act of wanting to help others grow a family. </span></div>
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<b><u>IUIs</u></b><br />
Once we had the golden sperm ordered, we were cleared to start IUI. I had had a saline sonogram AND an HSG prior to make sure my uterus & tubes were clear and looked like they would work/hold a pregnancy. So off we went on IUI cycles. We did 1, had such high hopes, and the pregnancy test was negative. We did another one and, to our surprise, got a positive!! We were on Cloud 9 and told our immediate fam right away. It was Easter weekend of 2014.</div>
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<b><u>Miscarriage</u></b><br />
Exactly a week after finding out we were pregnant, I miscarried. We were in Disney for the weekend, celebrating my dad's 60th birthday with a surprise weekend, and my heart was being simultaneously broken... in the happiest place on earth. The irony was crappy. I was cramping and bleeding and crying my eyes out half the weekend. My poor family was very supportive and wonderful, but Scott and I were crushed. We gained our first angel baby that weekend and I'll never forget his/her original due date~ 12/27/14. </div>
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<b><u>More IUIs</u></b><br />
After taking a few months off for my hormone levels to balance out, we jumped back into IUI cycles again. We did another 2 cycles back to back in the summer of 2014, both of which failed again. We took a few months off since it was driving me insane emotionally and interfering with school. The early morning trips to the RE before school was becoming too much. I was driving 100 miles before 8am when I had to pretend nothing happened and be a teacher for the day. We started up again with our final 2 cycles in the spring of 2015. Both failed again, even though we were now using injectables and had more follicles than before. It just wasn't in the cards for us.<br />
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I don't think most people try IUI 6 times, but our insurance covered most of it. All we had to pay were small copays for each visit and the full cost of sperm. I guess all in all, it was still just shy of $1,000 each month/cycle, but compared to IVF it was affordable so we kept trying. I also had no reason to think it wouldn't work. If sperm was our issue and we now had varsity swimmers on board, what was the problem? Everything kept checking out fine with me, but something wasn't clicking. We finally threw in the towel and decided to make the big jump to IVF in the summer of 2015.<br />
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<b><u>IVF</u></b></div>
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With zero insurance coverage for IVF (which, btw, is totally stupid and unfair), we decided to switch fertility clinics. We were previously working with Drs in CT but heard that NY clinics had a grant program for NY residents. We switched to a NY clinic and applied. We received some money to help cut the cost of IVF a little bit (every bit counts!!) and we were on our way. We jumped fully into IVF over the summer of 2015 and it involved alllllll the needles I always feared. I became a pro at self-injections in my stomach and Scott was there for me every step of the way. He helped motivate me and we ended up with a nightly ritual for shots where we played loud music to get me psyched and pumped up mentally. After egg retrieval/fertilization reports, we ended up with 9 embryos in the end and are truly blessed for that.<br />
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We did a fresh embryo transfer 5 days after egg retrieval and transferred one perfect embryo. We had such high hopes that this was finally it... but it wasn't. The test was negative, despite the perfect embryo, perfect uterine lining, and me being in great health. The Drs couldn't explain it and we chalked it up to chance and/or possibly being too hyped up from hormones in the stimulation process. Even after going through 6 failed IUIs, you'd think I would be prepared for this... but I swear each negative test and failed cycle only hurt more and more. I was crushed. The Dr. wanted us to take a month off and try again on the next cycle with a frozen transfer.<br />
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On November 9, 2015, we transferred 2 embryos. To our surprise, we found out on November 18th that we were pregnant!! Our beta was 282!! The numbers rose wonderfully over the next few days (745 then 2,714) and at our first ultrasound we saw 2 sacs... TWINS!!! At the next ultrasound in early December, though, only one had continued growing. We lost Baby A but Baby B stuck around. We were bummed to lose 1 but were over the moon to have something!!! Baby B evolved into the nickname "Baby Bee" and we are currently 27 weeks pregnant, due in July. </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Pregnancy after infertility:</span></u></b></div>
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Pregnancy after infertility is a ball of many different emotions, some totally new. Finally being pregnant after such a long time struggling is truly an amazing experience. It's also extremely surreal because I am constantly still in shock that this is actually happening! I STILL pause and stare at my belly in awe, or stop Scott and say "There's a baby in my belly!!". It's also bittersweet for me because I am obviously over the moon excited about this blessing but my heart still aches for those still trying. I don't want to hurt anyone still trying and I will never forget what it's like to be in their shoes. I was always inspired by those who finally became mamas after struggling and I hope to be the same for those still fighting. I never want to throw it in anyone's face but I also feel that we've earned the right to shout it from the rooftops too and show that miracles can, and do, happen. We've waited longer than others for this right and we should't deprive ourselves of it. I will never complain about my pregnancy and I will never forget what I went through to get here. Our story will forever be a part of me and I will never stop sharing it. Pregnancy after infertility is the most amazing journey we've been on yet. It's filled with more fear and anxiety at each step, as you're always fearful it'll be stolen from you at any second, but it's also the most wonderful thing in the world. I am loving every minute of it and as much as I can't wait to meet our little munchkin, I want time to slow down so this isn't gone in a flash. Why must the TTC time drag on slower than anything in the world, while pregnancy and mama time seems to fly by faster than anything in the world. It isn't fair. So because of that and our journey to get here, I will never take any moment for granted. I don't know if I will ever get the chance to experience this again. Nothing is promised for us. All I know is that we are in love with Bee and love every day/new milestone with him growing in my belly.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Male Factor Infertility (MFI):</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Living with MFI is not easy... It's talked about way less than other types of infertility that affect women. Women open up more easily than men. If men don't talk about their struggles, others don't know they exist. Therefore, we've gone through the last 4+ years not really knowing ANYONE in our situation. Everyone else got to try with their partner in one way or another. Even those couples using egg donors still got a different experience out of it than we did. If we were in need of an egg donor over a sperm donor, it would be Scott's child biologically but I would get to carry it, so I would feel more involved. Scott doesn't get to contribute to the gene pool and doesn't get to experience all the physical and emotional connections I do. It doesn't seem fair. It's just different. We feel alone all the time and no one truly understands our situation because it's something people talk about less, even though we know it exists. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Scott has been a trooper through this whole ordeal. He's been involved in every single way he can be. He's been there every step of the way with me. He was there for every injection (often recording them for me and playing the music). He mixed all the IVF drugs that needed prep. He took care of me after egg retrieval. He did EVERY SINGLE PIO shot for weeks, and became a pro at it. He's been to every single appointment with me since Bee has been on board. Even if it's a quick 5-min checkup with the OB, he's there. He puts his hand on my belly. He talks to Bee sometimes. He has felt a few kicks. He plays music for Bee. He's such an amazing dad already and I know he will continue to be wonderful moving forward. But it still hurts sometimes because we don't really have anyone to talk to about it all. We do, but not in the way that we need. Therefore, maybe we can become a motivator for other couples. Maybe because we are constantly sharing our story with others, we will help others to come out and speak their story too. We need the outside world to realize it's ok to be dealing with any type of infertility, but especially male factor infertility. Sperm count doesn't make you a good dad, love does. </span><br />
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Every once in a while, Scott comments on a social media post about MFI. Every once in a while, he posts on our blog. I love hearing his perspective; even though it's no news to me, it's amazing to see him open up and want to help others. We've been through a lot and if we can help just one couple, it would be comforting. You are not alone. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A recent comment Scott made on IG about opening up & sharing your story.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being part of a #NIAW Q&A challenge for #StartAsking<br />
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Scott's answer is below... :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1a88UC4n30/Vx_zh9jfEsI/AAAAAAAACzE/FkZ2ybzIrToCP7Txe_gsSHWktI1QYP_JQCLcB/s1600/scott5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1a88UC4n30/Vx_zh9jfEsI/AAAAAAAACzE/FkZ2ybzIrToCP7Txe_gsSHWktI1QYP_JQCLcB/s400/scott5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott's answer to his Q</td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Why our struggle doesn't end here:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, we are currently pregnant. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">But no, our struggle is not over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We will never forget where we came from. We've been through so much and yet we aren't done. If we decide to try for another baby in the years to come, we will have no choice but to visit the fertility clinic again, dish out more money, and start up the constant madness of another FET cycle. Early morning Dr. visits before work (an hour drive at 5am, rushing to get in line to be one of the first patients when they open at 7am), blood draws, injections, procedures, fear, hope, anxiety... it's all just a fraction of it. We have no guarantee of it working again. Hopefully it will, but you never know. I'll also likely be over 35 by then, putting us automatically in the "high risk" category at the OB. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I don't even want to think of trying again for a while, not because of all the dark feelings and anxiety it stirs up, but also because it's not fair to Bee. We fought for 4 years for him to come into our lives and now all I want to do is be fair and enjoy time just the 3 of us for a while. No stress of another child over our heads. No taking away from time with him to worry about a new cycle or child. It's not fair. He deserves all of our love and attention for a long time, and we plan to do that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Our struggle also does not end here because we will have difficult conversations ahead. When we someday share Bee's story with him (yes, we plan to be totally open and honest with him), we expect some difficult emotions and conversations that will be tricky to navigate. There are no right answers on this stuff; it's not something we can truly prepare for. We'll just have to take it as it comes. We fear that someday he will rebel against us or place blame on us for making him different than his friends. We won't have much info on the other half of his genes other than the profile from the cryobank. We can only hope that's enough. Hopefully by showing him how much we wanted him, and how much we love him, and hopefully by being decent parents, it won't cause heartbreak. That's another bridge to cross when the time comes, but I can't help but think of it on occasion. Sure, it happens less and less now, but it's still there. Most of our friends won't have to have that conversation... ever. Most couples who beat infertility don't have to have that conversation because both their genes helped to create their child. Our struggle is far from over. We can only hope for the best and fight it as we do everything else- one day at a time, and together. </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Share your story. Speak up. Start asking. Raise awareness. Let's fight together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for reading our story. I hope it offers some comfort in that you are not alone. There is an army of us fighting hard day in and day out. Pregnancy after infertility doesn't mean it's over and I don't care. It means I won't take anything for granted and I know you will someday get your miracle too. Keep fighting. Keep shining. Reach out for help. Seek motivation and inspiration. There are so many of us out there blogging our stories that you can always find someone's story to relate to. Your time will come and you will be amazing parents. Don't be silent, it'll only hurt more in the end. </span>Share your story. Speak up. Start asking. Raise awareness. Let's fight together...<br />
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XOXO,<br />
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Stacy<br />
#TeamRicci<br />
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**If you want more info on any piece of our journey, it's broken down by month/year in timeline form on a page header on the homepage of my blog. Click here, <a href="http://teamricci.blogspot.com/p/our-journey.html" target="_blank">Our Journey</a><br />
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**If you have Qs and don't want to leave a comment, feel free to email me or find me on Instagram.<br />
Email: stace.ricci@gmail.com<br />
IG: @Luvbug7607<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-92117546957358380612016-04-28T15:37:00.003-07:002016-04-28T15:38:46.504-07:00#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s1600/niaw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s400/niaw2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 5</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosted by Miss Conception Coach</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://missconceptioncoach.com/" target="_blank">http://missconceptioncoach.com/</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
As one part of NIAW, I was asked to be part of a bloggers unite conference this week (thanks to @MissConceptionCoach- see web link above to go to her site/blog). Those of us participating wrote about different angles of infertility, and all pieces are also centered on the theme #StartAsking. I'll be sharing the posts from the other women each day, and one day mine will pop up as well. You can read them all here, on the link above, or at the featured blog itself (which will have a link at the bottom). </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
Here's today's post, Day 5.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>#NIAW, Bloggers Unite Conference- Let's Break the Internet with Infertility Awareness!</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a perfect world, the tens of thousands of
women and men suffering from infertility who consult reproductive specialists
every year would know that their medical treatment would be covered by their
health insurance. Infertility is, after all, considered a disease as stated by
the World Health Organization.</span></span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h1 style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#STARTASKING
– How can we afford multiple fertility treatments?</span></h1>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">Yet the
establishment of an “Essential Health Benefits” package as outlined in the
Affordable Care Act will most likely not provide for universal insurance
coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">Dealing
with out-of-pocket costs<br />
When the first “test tube” baby was born in 1978, so was a new medical
specialty. Unlike diseases that require treatment in order to maintain quality
of life, or life itself, some argue that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is not a
medical necessity; no one “needs” to have a child in order to live, right? But
yet more and more people are accessing IVF to build their family:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">10% of U.S.
women of child-bearing age have consulted a doctor for infertility issues.<br />
In 1996, there were 64,681 IVF procedures reported to the CDC. In 2009, there
were 146,244 – an increase of over 226%.</span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "mingliu"; mso-bidi-font-family: MingLiU;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">In 2009, 106,060
live-birth deliveries and infants born in the U.S. as a result of assisted
reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF.</span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "mingliu"; mso-bidi-font-family: MingLiU;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">So why don’t insurance
companies cover IVF? The truth is, if an insurance company is “for profit” –
like all companies – they need to be profitable in order to survive. They have
a responsibility to their shareholders. Those profits are determined by the
difference between what they collect in premiums and what they pay out in
claims – taking into account sales, marketing, underwriting and administrative
costs. Some insurance companies view IVF as a “high-risk” benefit and given the
fact that many do not see it as a medical necessity, it is easy for them to
make the case not to cover IVF.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">So it’s
really no surprise that, outside of the limited mandated states and a few group
plans, traditional medical insurers have decidedly avoided offering infertility
coverage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">So what are
your options if your health insurance does not cover IVF?<br />
Fortunately, there are a variety of alternatives and some actions you can
follow to take control of the financing of your family building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">You might
be able to get Assisted Reproduction Insurance added on to your employer’s
group insurance plan. Your employer (your insurance company’s customer) makes
the decision on whether or not your insurer offers Assisted Reproduction
Insurance. Tell your Human Resources Department to ask your group’s insurer
about adding this coverage to your plan as an insurance rider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">Tell your
Human Resources Department to offer Assisted Reproduction Insurance as a
Voluntary Benefit. Your employer may pay for Voluntary Benefits or you as the
employee may pay out of pocket on your own for the Voluntary Benefit.<br />
Assisted Reproduction Insurance can be offered through a supplemental insurance
program filling the gap of traditional insurance coverage. Anyone can apply for
supplemental insurance regardless of your employer or insurance plan. To find
out about plans that might work for you, search Assisted Reproduction Insurance
or IVF insurance on the Internet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">Talk to
your fertility doctor, nurse, or the clinic staff about financing programs that
might be offered through the clinic. Ask about special loans that are only for IVF
insurance. Your doctor is there to help you and it’s important that you are
open with them about the cost and your ability to pay for the treatment and
medications.</span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "mingliu"; mso-bidi-font-family: MingLiU;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "helvetica";">Ask your doctor if
they know of any special programs to help you pay for the medication.<br />
For those facing infertility, the dream of building a family is “essential.”
Ask any couple with a happy, healthy family if their children are “essential”
to their life. RESOLVE is fighting tirelessly to create awareness – and action
– that will give men and women struggling with infertility the insurance
coverage that will make their dream an affordable reality. Until such time, the
patient community needs as many options as possible. The good news is that
there are viable solutions already in place for patients, solutions that
provide hope. And that is essential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://www.resolve.org/family-building-options/insurance_coverage/state-coverage.html" target="_blank">http://www.resolve.org/family-building-options/insurance_coverage/state-coverage.html</a> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-51035336578672876102016-04-27T17:55:00.006-07:002016-04-27T17:55:48.007-07:00#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s1600/niaw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s400/niaw2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 4</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosted by Miss Conception Coach</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://missconceptioncoach.com/" target="_blank">http://missconceptioncoach.com/</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
As one part of NIAW, I was asked to be part of a bloggers unite conference this week (thanks to @MissConceptionCoach- see web link above to go to her site/blog). Those of us participating wrote about different angles of infertility, and all pieces are also centered on the theme #StartAsking. I'll be sharing the posts from the other women each day, and one day mine will pop up as well. You can read them all here, on the link above, or at the featured blog itself (which will have a link at the bottom). </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
Here's today's post, Day 4.</div>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 27.3pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Hi! My name is Dani. My
husband, Chris and I, have been trying to conceive (TTC) since December
2013. We were diagnosed with ‘<a href="https://www.centerforhumanreprod.com/infertilityedu/causes/unexplained/" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #be0364; font-family: inherit, serif; padding: 0in;">unexplained infertility</span></a>‘ in January 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">I decided to blog about our
journey of TTC as I quickly realised that talking to friends and
family about our situation can be difficult. It can be
hard for them to understand too. We discovered a number of our friends
and family have experienced similar problems in the past, but had kept it
undisclosed at the time. If we knew then what we know now, I’d like to
think we would be able to help them through their journey too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">I’m a Brit living in Virginia, USA, so my
blog discusses the observed differences in healthcare systems – the good, the
bad and the ugly! I’m also an analyst by profession, so I can’t help but
over analyse and critique everything</span></i><!--[if mso & !supportInlineShapes & supportFields]><span
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<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">So here I am! Sharing my honest
thoughts, feelings, ideas and understanding about infertility as together we
hunt down the great pudding club. Please join me in my journey, share
your thoughts with me because a greater understanding and knowledge will help
us together make the hunt a smoother and easier ride.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QWq1lgNj0M/VyFfXvI75BI/AAAAAAAACzk/mzu2wgPegYMtTWKjslwGdDuL5vJ2KU6TgCLcB/s1600/day42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QWq1lgNj0M/VyFfXvI75BI/AAAAAAAACzk/mzu2wgPegYMtTWKjslwGdDuL5vJ2KU6TgCLcB/s400/day42.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">It took me a while to tell my
friends and family we were struggling to conceive. Initially, it was a scary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">I was
scared to admit my body had failed. I was scared of people pitying me. I
was scared of hearing hurtful comments – “It wasn’t meant to be” or “Its God’s
plan” or “You need to relax and it will happen”. I was scared they would
judge my habits, my two glasses of wine (shock horror!), my exercise routines
or the type of food I ate. I was also scared of losing friends who just
didn’t get it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">One year
later with three IUIs and IVFs under my belt I am now as open as a book about
our infertility story. I blogged about my feelings, I instagrammed what I
saw and I updated my facebook statuses to tell our friends of our pregnancy,
and then our loss. If someone asks me why I won’t be in the office next
week, I will tell them it’s because we are going through IVF and I will answer
their questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">It’s a
relief being open about our infertility. There are no lies and therefore
there is no guilt about lying. As time has passed, our friends and family
better understand our disease, they better understand the infertility
etiquette. But there is something I had not been doing until recently, I
hadn’t asked for any help. Sure people asked “Is there anything I can
do?” but of course, I said “No, but thank you for thinking of us!” Although the
gesture of asking is helpful, I thought that infertility is something only me
and my partner can get through together. It wasn’t until our third round
of IVF treatment that it hit me like a ton of bricks. The stress of
infertility can pile up on you bit by bit, day by day. Suddenly something
seemingly small or insignificant causes it to come crashing down around you.
For me it was chronic hayfever, for my husband it was a stressful
project. When you and your partner are both swamped beneath the stress of
infertility as well as everyday life, it can be difficult to get out of it
alone. It was then that I plucked up the courage and discovered – asking
for help was OK.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">By sharing
our infertility story I already felt like I was burdening people with our
sadness. Not only did I not think to ask for help, but I thought I would
be further burdening people. I was completely wrong. My friends and
family wanted to help with every inch of their heart. There is a saying
that it takes a village to raise a child. This is true, but folks, it
takes a village to get that child there in the first place!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">So what can
you ask for help with?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Ask for
help with specific tasks, like inviting them to come along to appointments with
you if your partner can’t make it (even if they just wait in the waiting room)
or walking the dog, looking after other children when you go for these appointments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Ask for
help keeping on track to maintain healthy body and healthy mind, ask them to be
your exercise/healthy eating buddy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Ask for
help in distracting you in the two week wait, ask them to plan something one
evening. But don’t forget to remind them what would be bad activities to
do, such as drinking alcohol or going on roller coaster rides!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Ask them to
help give you a respite from some of your responsibilities such as charity work
or a project at work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Ask them to
help cheer you up by sending you some funnies from the internet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Ask them to
help you raise some funds towards your treatments or adoption costs. Ask
for help running a yard sale or doing a sponsored challenge together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">Infertility
is not easy on your body or your mind, so let the friends and family you love
help you out. I am so glad I did, people tell me they wanted to help, but
just didn’t know how. Give them a little direction and they will help
carry you the rest of the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Find Dani and follow her at <a href="http://thegreatpuddingclubhunt.com/" target="_blank">thegreatpuddingclubhunt.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-38977881361120056272016-04-26T13:34:00.002-07:002016-04-26T13:34:17.809-07:00#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s1600/niaw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s400/niaw2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 3</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosted by Miss Conception Coach</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://missconceptioncoach.com/" target="_blank">http://missconceptioncoach.com/</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
As one part of NIAW, I was asked to be part of a bloggers unite conference this week (thanks to @MissConceptionCoach- see web link above to go to her site/blog). Those of us participating wrote about different angles of infertility, and all pieces are also centered on the theme #StartAsking. I'll be sharing the posts from the other women each day, and one day mine will pop up as well. You can read them all here, on the link above, or at the featured blog itself (which will have a link at the bottom). </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
Here's today's post, Day 3.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">#NIAW Day 3, Be Your Own Advocate. Listen to Your Gut. Know Your Body. </span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<div style="background: white; line-height: 27.3pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">There are so many
topics that we could talk about with the hashtag #StartAsking but my focus will
be about being an advocate for yourself and asking questions to your ObGyn or
Reproductive Endocrinologist.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 27.3pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: Helvetica;">When you are
trying to have a child, many questions go through your mind. Some of you ask
and some you keep to yourself. At first, I thought my questions were foolish or
that I shouldn’t question my ObGyn or RE, I mean they are the Dr.’s, they know
more than me right?? But if there is one thing that I have learned through all
of this is that you need to be an advocate for yourself. No question is foolish,
no suggestion is crazy, no one is on your side more than you.<span style="font-size: 19.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-VbMz7wjGA/Vx_QGU715dI/AAAAAAAACyQ/7YUrhWt682MhvEZC9SOq6yfnHv7A-5NcACLcB/s1600/niaw3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-VbMz7wjGA/Vx_QGU715dI/AAAAAAAACyQ/7YUrhWt682MhvEZC9SOq6yfnHv7A-5NcACLcB/s400/niaw3.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #515151; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">So here are some tips and questions
to #StartAsking</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#1: ObGyns are NOT Reproductive
Endocrinologists, but #StartAsking the basics.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did this myself. I would ask my
ObGyn questions about fertility and trying to get pregnant and I got no where.
I didn’t even know what to ask at the beginning stages. But the three major
things I would ask if you are questioning your fertility is for : AMH and FSH
tests, an HSG test to see if your fallopian tubes are clear and a semen
analysis for your husband. Those are three things your ObGyn should be able to
do for you(and recommend a place for your husband’s semen analysis) and if any
results are off, then go to a Reproductive Endocrinologist asap. Don’t waste
any more time. ObGyns are great for delivering babies but most do not have the
time or knowledge to help you get pregnant…especially if you might have a major
issue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#2: Once you have an RE, #StartAsking
for copies of your results<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your RE has many patients. But you
are your only patient. You should either receive copies of all of your results
or take photos of them. I am a big promoter of this. Sometimes doctors get
confused or something is forgotten….accidents happen. But, if you write down
all of your results, you can compare, you can keep track, you can research for
yourself. You never know, you might end up solving your own issue!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#3 #StartAsking to test your levels
of Vitamin D, MTHFR, TSH<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know there are many more tests
but these 3 are major.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://uscfertility.org/fertility-treatments/vitamin-d-fertility/" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #be0364; padding: 0in;">Vitamin D</span></a>: low
levels of Vitamin D might be hindering your ability to get pregnant. If you
have low Vitamin D levels and take a supplement, that may be all you need!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mthfr.net/is-mthfr-affecting-your-pregnancy/2013/05/24/" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #be0364; padding: 0in;">MTHFR</span></a>: is something
I wish all RE’s would test at the beginning. Too many wonderful women (in this
blog world and online) have lost healthy babies to MTHFR. Heartbreaking. With a
simple blood test, you will know if you have MTHFR and if you need to take
necessary actions. Most likely, you would take a folate supplement and
sometimes injections throughout your pregnancy. I’ve seen many women go on to
carry healthy babies to term once they have been diagnosed and treated
accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://iaac.ca/en/135-556-female-infertility-and-the-thyroid-2" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #be0364; padding: 0in;">TSH</span></a> levels:
Your thyroid is important. Your TSH level should be between 1-2. If it is not
within that range, you should speak with your doctor about what steps you might
need to take to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#4 Before IVF, #StartAsking for a
hysteroscopy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It blows my
mind how many RE’s do not perform a routine <a href="http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/hysteroscopy-infertility" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #be0364; padding: 0in;">hysteroscopy</span></a> before
an IVF cycle(or before that!) So if you have been trying to have a baby for a
while, and you are about to spend thousands of dollars on IVF, why not make
sure that you have a healthy uterus?? That is a large piece of the puzzle! I
know many doctors say that the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/hysterosalpingogram-21590" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #be0364; padding: 0in;">HSG</span></a> will show
if there is a problem with the uterus but that’s not always correct. My HSG
showed my uterus looked fine. Then I had my hysteroscopy….and scar tissue was
everywhere. Many times HSGs cannot see scar tissue or a lot of other problems
inside the uterus. So, even if I would have transferred a healthy embryo, it
would not have worked. Having a hysteroscopy should be a part of every IVF
protocol. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen women go through 1, 2, 3
IVF cycles, all fail, to finally have a hysteroscopy and find problems.
Problems that should have been corrected before they even went through one IVF
cycle. It’s so sad that a procedure that cost maybe $700(or less if it’s
covered by insurance) could have helped solve the problem. Many women after
having operative hysteroscopies, go on to have a pregnancy the old fashioned
way too, no IVF needed either. Definitely one procedure I would #StartAsking
for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#5 #StartAsking for a personalized
IVF protocol<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are with an RE that does the
SAME protocol for every patient….beware. You cannot tell me that the same
protocol on a 25 year old with a normal AMH/FSH will work the same on a 42 year
old with Diminished Ovarian Reserve. Just doesn’t make sense. We are all
different, our bodies are different. Different doses of medicine are necessary
to encourage egg growth or, on the other hand, to prevent OHSS(Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Syndrome) which can be extremely dangerous if not monitored closely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#6 After a failed IVF(or 3)
#StartAsking another RE<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no harm in getting another
opinion. I know that you may feel comfortable with your RE. That maybe you’ve
been with them for years. But if they haven’t figured out your case, a new set
of eyes is sometimes the best next step. There is no “right” way about
infertility. And some RE’s are just set in their ways. If they are not willing
to listen to your questions or concerns…simply move on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could probably write many more,
but I’ll stop here. Now, these are just my opinions from going through the
IVF process numerous times. I am not a doctor…..which is why you
should #StartAsking your doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be your own advocate. Listen to your
gut. Know your body. Understand protocols. Research your condition. Read
medical papers. Ask questions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just #StartAsking<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when you do that…you are not
only advocating for yourself but for your future child.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are opening doors for your baby
before they are even in your arms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are fighting for them before
they are even created.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are being a Mother.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are already a Mother, when you
#StartAsking<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #515151; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 26px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Find Bri and follow her at <a href="http://dreamingofdiapers.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #be0364; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">dreamingofdiapers.com</a></h2>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-59262618496073632212016-04-25T14:24:00.002-07:002016-04-25T14:28:39.419-07:00#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 2<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s1600/niaw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5ooy2grIIQ/Vx6IgsB-OvI/AAAAAAAACwc/CFfm-9yi5BQpAAIXoUFL0ruTvGu0Q7tcQCKgB/s400/niaw2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosted by Miss Conception Coach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://missconceptioncoach.com/" target="_blank">http://missconceptioncoach.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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As one part of NIAW, I was asked to be part of a bloggers unite conference this week (thanks to @MissConceptionCoach- see web link above to go to her site/blog). Those of us participating wrote about different angles of infertility, and all pieces are also centered on the theme #StartAsking. I'll be sharing the posts from the other women each day, and one day mine will pop up as well. You can read them all here, on the link above, or at the featured blog itself (which will have a link at the bottom). </div>
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Here's today's post, Day 2.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><u>#niaw Bloggers Unite Conference, Day 2- Lawmakers and Legislators </u></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three
years, three surgeries, two doctors, four donors, one biopsy, eight IUIs, one
fresh IVF cycle and one frozen embryo transfer later and we are still on the
road to parenthood. We knew this was not going to be easy but never in my life
did I believe it would be this difficult. As we come to another fork in our
journey, I am thankful for all of our TRUE family and friends who have
supported Heather and I through this journey and continue to be there for us as
we move to the next path on the road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am not writing this blog for sympathy or
pity but to break the silence that surrounds infertility and the way it affects
all of those that are involved. So after three years of struggle, I want people
to know that infertility is : emotional, physical and mental. Not only is your
body on a roller coaster but so is your bank account, mind, soul, faith,
marriage, family and friends. Be kind to those around you…</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; padding: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></o:p></span></i><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; padding: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqNKHjpJQAw/Vx6Kbzv9FSI/AAAAAAAACwo/vM2NtoHhC58cdFPxReCCTfhltRcrDJAngCLcB/s1600/denise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqNKHjpJQAw/Vx6Kbzv9FSI/AAAAAAAACwo/vM2NtoHhC58cdFPxReCCTfhltRcrDJAngCLcB/s400/denise.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; padding: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></span></i><i style="font-size: small; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; padding: 0in;">How do we get cheaper
healthcare costs? One way is for clinical research to develop new therapies and
drugs that will have a positive affect on a disease. As someone who works
in the clinical research space, I know all to well the importance of research and
development to find new and/or better therapies for diseases. Often when
people think of diseases, they think of cancer, diabetes, HIV, etc., so many do
not realize or began to think that infertility is a disease. <a href="http://dictionary.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333;">Dictionary.com</span></a> defines
a disease as “a disordered or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure,
or system of the body resulting from the effect, infection, poisons,
nutritional deficiency or imbalance, toxicity, or unfavorable environmental
factors; illness; sickness; ailment.” Infertility results from the body’s
reproductive hormones or organs not functioning properly. Infertility is
not something that people choose or that has happened to them for choices that
they have made, but a disease that is developed just like cancer.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; padding: 0in;">Consequently, our lawmakers, legislators and researchers need to
spend more time, money and effort to try to find ways to improve infertility
care. A quick search on <a href="http://clintrials.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333;">ClinTrials.gov</span></a> only lists ten infertility
studies currently being conducted in the United States. That is a big
difference from 4,126 clinical trials being conducted on breast cancer
research. US Breast Cancer Research indicates that 1 in 8 women will
develop invasive breast cancer. It is also the case that 1 in 8 couples will
experience infertility. Therefore if the same percentage of people can be
affected by cancer as they can be infertility, our lawmakers really need to
invest in improving the treatment of this disease. We need our leaders to push
the government health agencies and pharmaceuticals companies to realize that
infertility is a growing disease that needs attention and funding to promote
change.</span></i><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; padding: 0in;">Prior to starting the fertility process, I had a number of doctors
tell me that my cycle, and hormones looked great and that I should not have a
problem having kids. Fast forward three years, eight IUIs, one fresh IVF
cycle and one frozen IVF cycle, and I am still trying to have a child. I have
had hundreds of blood tests, a handful of surgeries and procedures all to
receive an “unexplained” infertility diagnosis. It is beyond frustrating to be
told that for whatever reason you are not getting pregnant or staying pregnant
but we can’t tell you why. That should never be a medical diagnosis for
someone. We need our lawmakers and legislators to work harder to develop
better preliminary fertilty testing and fertility diagnostics throughout the
process. People who are suffering from infertility should not continue to
throw thousands of dollars at treatments not knowing if they are the answer to
their disease.</span></i><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thus, let us #startasking our lawmakers, legislators and leaders
to push for infertility research so that we can provide better diagnosis,
treatment and cheaper care for those that are suffering from this disease.</span></span></i><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 19.5pt; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-outline-level: 2; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 19.5pt; padding: 0in;">Find Denise and follow her at <u>lookingforourpeanut.wordpress.com</u></span></b><b><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 19.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-24449845930097961302016-04-24T16:45:00.002-07:002016-04-25T14:28:50.528-07:00#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OsJAyMW4fXk/Vx1ZkqwQC9I/AAAAAAAACwI/lEX3dOGl9Sk9PJruGChboGwRWd7wIq6SwCLcB/s1600/niaw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OsJAyMW4fXk/Vx1ZkqwQC9I/AAAAAAAACwI/lEX3dOGl9Sk9PJruGChboGwRWd7wIq6SwCLcB/s400/niaw2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">#NIAW Bloggers Unite Conference~ Day 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosted by Miss Conception Coach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://missconceptioncoach.com/" target="_blank">http://missconceptioncoach.com/</a></span></div>
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As one part of NIAW, I was asked to be part of a bloggers unite conference this week (thanks to @MissConceptionCoach- see web link above to go to her site/blog). Those of us participating wrote about different angles of infertility, and all pieces are also centered on the theme #StartAsking. I'll be sharing the posts from the other women each day, and one day mine will pop up as well. You can read them all here, on the link above, or at the featured blog itself (which will have a link at the bottom). </div>
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Here's today's post, Day 1.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #be0364; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Bloggers Unite Conference <a href="https://missconceptioncoach.wordpress.com/2016/04/24/bloggers-unite-conference-kick-off-day-1-sel-advocacy-101/" rel="bookmark" style="background-color: white; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #be0364; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kick off! Day 1 – Self Advocacy 101</a></b></span></div>
<div class="entry-content" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3c3d3c; line-height: 24px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 80px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<blockquote style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 1px dashed rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.247059); font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 20px 20px 0px; quotes: "" ""; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ve always been a huge fan of advocating for others. When I was younger I would often find myself in positions of standing up for the underdog and relentlessly taking a stand until my parents were called to the principal’s office to receive a lecture on my willful disobedience. What can I say? I wanted to lend a voice to those who struggled to speak. Maybe that is why I chose the profession I did.</span></div>
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<h1 style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: inherit; font-size: 32px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.aimlessambitions.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #be0364; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Hello! (1)" class=" wp-image-28132 aligncenter" height="320" src="https://missconceptioncoach.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/hello-1.jpg?w=681&h=1022" style="border: 0px; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%;" width="213" /></a></h1>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to give you a scenario so entertain me and follow along, will you? Imagine you are starving. Like, just-finished-a ridiculous-diet-and-could-eat-your-own-arm-starving. You rush to your favorite food joint and approach the counter to order but as you open your mouth the words won’t come out. The employee (we will call her Shannon) stares at you patiently. She can tell you really want something. You try to find the words but your vocal cords are not responding. Your brain desperately knows what it wants and so does your body but there is a disconnect when trying to communicate the message. Poor Shannon knows you are struggling but she isn’t a mind reader so she starts offering suggestions. They are all wrong! No, no, no! Customers are lining up behind you and some are starting to make comments under their breath. You try and focus and concentrate on what it is that you want to tell Shannon that will complete your order. You go to open your mouth to speak the words but nothing will come out. People behind you start offering advice and making suggestions on what you should order but nothing comes close to what it is that you want. You feel frustrated, defeated, discouraged, isolated, alone, and angry.</span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a professional counselor and current infertility fighter I’ve been fortunate to see first hand how important it is to practice what I teach: the power of effective communication. I’ll admit that before my own struggles with infertility I deemed myself a communication expert. My undergraduate degree was in communication studies and I had been a clinician for several years at the time. It wasn’t until I stood frozen like the woman at the food counter struggling to find the words that I realized I had no clue how to express myself in the manner I thought I did. </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Infertility often makes you feels like the underdog. Why is it so hard to communicate something I so strongly believe in that effects me on such a personal level? I think in order to become our own advocates it might be easier to start as though we are advocating for someone else. What would we tell our best friend if they were going through this? What would we tell them if they struggled to ask doctors certain questions about their diagnosis or medication side effects?</span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We would say to them, “Heck no! That answer isn’t good enough! Call the doctor back and ask them ________. I’ll come over and sit with you if you need some backup!”</span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We would be their biggest cheerleader without hesitation. Let the infertility community be your biggest cheerleader and virtual best friend. Let the infertility community be your biggest advocate until you can do it yourself and #startasking when you are ready to go at this solo. Take it from me, it is hard having your own back but you don’t have to do it alone.</span></span></div>
<h1 style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; clear: both; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Six Steps to #startasking</span></span></h1>
<div dir="ltr" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1). Get a notebook.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can buy a cute one or make one with scrap pieces of paper and yarn but keep it near you at all times as if it is an additional appendage. It will be your go to resource for practically everything once you start writing in it. </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2). Scatter pens and pencils everywhere.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make this a no brainer and don’t force unnecessary panic by having to dig in every nook and cranny to find a writing utensil. Seriously, keep a minimum of three pens/pencils/crayons/lip liners in your purse, car, makeup bag, etc. to have when your doctor’s office calls you with information.</span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) Write down every question that pops in your head.</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Questions will enter your thought stream at the most random times so be prepared to jot them down (hence the need for numbers 1 & 2).</span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4) Make a consultation appointment to ask questions.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you feel like a phone call to your doctor is going to take longer than 5 minutes or a face to face conversation will put your mind at ease then request an appointment. They can schedule you one! There is a billing code for face to face appointments—trust me!</span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5) Pick up the phone and call.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes you have to pick up the phone and call your doctor to #startasking. Be sure to have your notebook and pen in hand.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6) Call back.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This one can be challenging, especially if you feel like you just talked the doctor or nurse’s ear off. I’ve made the following statement recently without shame: “Hey! I know I just spoke to nurse _______ but I can’t seem to shake this one question that has been going on and on in my head. Can you please give me a call to clarify. Thank you so much!”. The way I look at it is I am a patient and the answer they gave confused the heck out of me. I just needed a little clarification. No harm.</span></span></div>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You have to look out for number one (that is you!) and the first step to do that is by asking questions. There are no questions too big or small and the only silly question is the one not asked. So pick up the phone and #startasking! We are all here for you ready to cheer you on!</span></span></div>
<h2 style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; clear: both; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Find Beth Anne and follow her at <a href="http://www.aimlessambitions.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">www.aimlessambitions.com</a></span></span></h2>
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #be0364; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.aimlessambitions.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #be0364; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img alt="aimless.PNG" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-28147" src="https://missconceptioncoach.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/aimless.png?w=940" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKoLJz1zoDI/Vx1ZkBd5UQI/AAAAAAAACwE/p0ck2T7xckUI5eXaqkI5Kkv5aShmcgMBgCLcB/s1600/niaw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKoLJz1zoDI/Vx1ZkBd5UQI/AAAAAAAACwE/p0ck2T7xckUI5eXaqkI5Kkv5aShmcgMBgCLcB/s400/niaw.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-67626402978924159402016-04-24T06:27:00.003-07:002016-04-24T06:40:36.273-07:00#StartAsking About #NIAW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvKb4HWZOp0/VxzByFL3QUI/AAAAAAAACvY/f9dU-xCTOtwehpTsBEBvhzIr3yemFoPCQCLcB/s1600/niaw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvKb4HWZOp0/VxzByFL3QUI/AAAAAAAACvY/f9dU-xCTOtwehpTsBEBvhzIr3yemFoPCQCLcB/s400/niaw.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today kicks off National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW). While many of us try to raise awareness all year, this is a special week dedicated to getting the word out even more. It's about sharing our stories. It's about letting others know they aren't alone. It's about educating the world around us. It's about awareness. </div>
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<b><u>Infertility is, in fact, a disease.</u></b> </div>
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Infertility comes in many different forms, most that you can't even see. Many forms of infertility are not easily detected. Many go unexplained. It can affect both men & women, and in different ways. No matter the cause of your infertility, it affects the couple as a whole. It's devastating and difficult. BUT YOU ARE NOT ALONE. </div>
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This post is for <u>everyone</u>, not just those trying to conceive (TTC). This post is for those trying, in hopes of giving support and inspiration. This post is also for those who have never had to struggle, aka the lucky ones. This post is to raise awareness for you too, to help you understand those struggling. Chances are, you know MANY people struggling, whether they choose to share that fact or not. </div>
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<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRAVRvVQZQA/VxzJI37_xPI/AAAAAAAACvw/OO7doIj4nTs-SwxPlFfyFgywMWi0tvWewCLcB/s1600/ask.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRAVRvVQZQA/VxzJI37_xPI/AAAAAAAACvw/OO7doIj4nTs-SwxPlFfyFgywMWi0tvWewCLcB/s400/ask.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from @thescientificstork </td></tr>
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<b><u>This year's theme for NIAW is "StartAsking. </u></b></div>
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Start asking how you can help those of us who struggle. </div>
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Start asking about what we go through. </div>
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Start asking how we are feeling or what we need in terms of support. </div>
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Start asking about different kinds of infertility. </div>
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Start asking about the process of fertility treatments, and how much of a toll it takes on us emotionally, physically, and financially. </div>
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Start asking in order to learn more.<br />
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<b><u>Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples. </u></b>That's A LOT of people. With those odds, many of your friends and family are likely struggling (or will struggle). Whether they choose to talk about it or not, we all need to be sensitive. You never know who is silently fighting a major uphill battle. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5L0_Jl29to/VxzJJERFI5I/AAAAAAAACv0/zw7mFYWhhW0Ohw-mZc3nqwZVusK4PSN7wCLcB/s1600/niaw.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5L0_Jl29to/VxzJJERFI5I/AAAAAAAACv0/zw7mFYWhhW0Ohw-mZc3nqwZVusK4PSN7wCLcB/s400/niaw.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u><b>Here are some links/tips that may help others understand more about infertility. </b></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/25-things-to-say-and-not-to-say.html" target="_blank">25 Things to Say (and NOT to Say)</a> (Click the link to open)</div>
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<a href="http://www.resolve.org/about-infertility/what-is-infertility/" target="_blank">What is Infertility?</a> (Click the link to open)</div>
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<u><b>Support others... in any way you can.</b></u></div>
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Support comes in many different forms. We were fortunate to have received a lot of support from family & friends over the years. But there were also those who weren't as supportive or showed they didn't care. Sometimes friendships are lost (and made) because of these struggles; it's life, it happens. Don't make that mistake if you don't have to. Here are some ways you can support family & friends struggling with infertility...</div>
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-Show support in any way you can/ any way you're comfortable. Anything is more than nothing. </div>
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-Ask how we are; Ask if we want to talk about it; Ask if we need anything.</div>
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-Ask how we feel (infertility is emotionally AND physically exhausting & painful)</div>
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-Ask what you can do to help during treatments (Do we need a distraction? Do we need some encouragement & someone to cheer us on? Do we need a hug? Do we need someone to keep us company on the drive to Dr appointments at 5am? Do we need to get out of the house? Do we need takeout because we can't get off the couch to make dinner?)</div>
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-Listen; Offer a tissue or a hug.</div>
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-Just be there... being there in any way is better than not being there at all. </div>
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We've all had the friends who never asked how we were, never showed concern, and never really cared. Don't be that person. </div>
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<b><u>Men need support too... sometimes even more than us women. </u></b></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">As I said earlier, infertility affects both men and women equally. In our experience, we have yet to come across couples in our boat... and understandably so. Men are often more fearful to open up and discuss their struggles, especially if it affects their manhood. We hope to be here for couples in our shoes and be a voice for them if needed. But we also need support from others in our shoes, too. Going through this for 4 years and only just recently coming across ONE couple in our exact situation (male factor infertility only; no sperm; can only conceive with donor sperm) makes it hard for us, too. I didn't have anyone to pull from when going through cycles because no one else was in our situation and that makes it more difficult. If we want to make a difference for the future of infertility, we have to speak out about it. Others won't know we need support if we don't ask for it. </span></div>
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<u><b>How can you help raise awareness this week?</b></u></div>
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Wear pink & blue. </div>
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Paint your nails pink & blue. </div>
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Read up on infertility & attempt to understand it a little more for yourself.</div>
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If you know someone struggling, ask them how you can help. Show interest & concern. Just be there for them. It's better than not being there. </div>
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Share this blog post or one of the links above. </div>
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Talk about it this week. </div>
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If you wear pink/blue this week, or paint your nails pink/blue, email me a pic- I'd love to see it! </div>
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Thanks for listening! Get out and read up on infertility this week. </div>
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I'll be posting more frequently this week & participating in a few different projects put on by fellow bloggers who continue to inspire me to keep going. </div>
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As Ellen DeGeneres always says, "Be kind to one another." </div>
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XOXO,</div>
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Stace </div>
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#TeamRicci</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-82976537633593876132016-04-21T12:11:00.005-07:002016-04-21T12:11:49.145-07:00Bumpdate~ Weeks 24 & 25<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Fun Fact~</u> Today marks 3 years since our blog went live!!! Thanks for supporting us along the way!! <3 #TeamRicci *Live-Laugh-Love*</span></b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Week 24: (April 6-12)</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me this week-</span></u></b><br />
Week 24 was pretty non-eventful, but in the world of pregnancy that's not necessarily a bad thing! :)<br />
I finally wore a shirt my BFF lent to me as her favorite maternity shirt and said is a must-wear. I had forgotten about it but as soon as I put it on I sent her a pic. I like taking comparison pics in the same shirt every few weeks (usually by accident), so I'l try to put this one on a few more times before Bee arrives.<br />
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I recently started using the app Timehop, which links to your social media accounts and shows what you posted on today's date in the past few years. It only works for the date of the day you check it. One day this week, this pic popped up from a local hike 3 years ago. Seeing pics of myself pre-pregnancy give me a new/deeper appreciation for how in shape I really was. I always picked on myself (still do!) and always think I am chubbier than I am. Looking back at these pics is a reminder that I looked great and I have to stop beating myself up. It'll also serve as a motivator post-baby body to bounce back into shape when the time comes. </div>
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Babies R Us was practically our second home in weeks 23/24. Some of the big stuff on our registry was purchased by some of the grandparents and Scott & I went to pick it all up in different shifts. The way some of those items are boxed is insane! Even the largest of SUVs won't fit some of the furniture. We borrowed our friend's SUV, thinking the crib would fit no problem, and still had to take it out of the box in order for it to fit. It's now safely wrapped in blankets in my in-law's garage awaiting our big move to the new house sometime in late May (God-willing!!). It was stressful at the moment trying to figure out all the furniture pickup and car situations but being on the other end now, it's kind of funny and makes a good story! </div>
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Some 24-week baby bump pics... :) <br />
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Scott & I went to Sunday brunch at one of our fav restaurants in Poughkeepsie, Mill House Brewing Co. It was National Siblings Day, so Brian met us there and I took a pic of the 2 bros after we ate a realllllyyy yummy brunch. I finally tried Chickem & Waffles for the first time, officially at a restaurant. Yum!! :)<br />
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We then babysat for our friends & Scott got to play Daddy-in-training, which of course he loves. The baby whisperer in action. This sight always melts my heart and I can't wait to see him holding OUR OWN baby boy!! :)<br />
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<u>Symptoms-</u><br />
-Feet starting to swell a bit on really hot days. Trying to stay off them is very hard in a kindergarten classroom, but I try when I can!<br />
-Very random/less frequent heartburn<br />
-Hip aches at night, so finally bit the bullet and sleeping with pillows between my legs, while on my side (only way I can sleep now). I do miss sleeping on my belly, back, side, however I want. But flipping from side to side every few hours is working just fine, too! :)<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bee this week-</span></u></b><br />
At 24 weeks, Bee is the size of a cantaloupe.<br />
Some fun facts at week 24:<br />
- Baby's skin is gradually becoming more opaque<br />
- Every week, Bee gets closer and closer to being ready to survive in the real world.<br />
- Kicks are getting stronger (Scott's finally been feeling them every so often!!)<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Week 25: (April 13-19)</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me this week-</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Time is FLYING by!!! It's crazy/scary how all the time we spent trying & waiting for Bee to come into our lives draggggged on like the slowest time ever, yet our months with him have been flying!! I know I say this all the time but it's bittersweet!! I'm overjoyed that he's almost here but I'm not ready for this experience to be over yet. I am incredibly thankful for it and am cherishing every bit of it. We don't know if it'll happen again for us in the future so we are acting as if it's our one and only shot because you never know what's coming around the corner. I've been getting a little emotional lately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week was a big packing week. We hit a bump in the house-selling process but we seem to finally be back on track with that, thanks to lots and lots of hard work on Scott's behalf (he's pretty much a rockstar!). :) We have most of the house packed up in Scott's parents' garage about 10 mins away. We hope to be out in a few weeks and into the new house somewhere around the end of May. We'll be staying with friends in the in-between weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was also a shopping week! My friend Kortney (also pregnant with her first child) told me about a local children's consignment sale. The sale was open to the public last Friday/Saturday but she had a flyer for the pre-sale on Thursday afternoon so we went together for about an hour or so after work. It was soooo cool! Overwhelming for sure, sensory overload, but so neat!! It's all second-hand things at discounted prices, but you get to weed through the stuff and decide for yourself what's worth it and not. Some things were overpriced, some things were amazing steals. Think of a yard sale with just kid stuff and no pressure from anyone to buy anything, all in a giant space. There were rows and rows of kids clothes, tables and tables of toys, baby gear, supplies, etc. I wanted to buy way more than I did but also knew I couldn't afford to go nuts just yet. Everything I bought had to be packed up and moved, so I stuck with smaller items (regret #1, in hindsight, although it made perfect sense). I did end up with the following (and all were great steals!!)...</span><br />
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Crib bedding set... 5 piece set for $25!!!!! (Normally a 3-4 piece set retails for $175ish, or more. A bumper alone is like $50-75ish.) This was a major score in many ways!! I completely love it for so many reasons. <3</div>
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Prior to seeing this, I had been back and forth on the theme for the nursery & our chosen bedding set. Initially we wanted Disney, hands down. We picked out a few adorable Pooh sets. Then I wanted a true boy theme and it was too neutral. So we went with Mickey, who we also adore. But I wasn't 100% in love with the actual pattern that Babies R Us had. It was super expensive (they all are) and I just didn't love everything about it. I kept looking at other sets at other stores online and liked pieces of some and not others, but nothing jumped out at what I wanted... However if you asked what I wanted, I couldn't explain. I just figured I would know if I saw it. A few people had already made comments how my theme seemed like 3 different things and I was starting to feel bad about it, although that's also me, indecisive and never can commit to one pattern of something. I had baby blue/polka dot pieces, nautical pieces, Disney pieces. It was all over the place. Until I can get in the nursery and start playing around, it's hard to design in your mind. Scott & I had even agreed to change it again last week to a totally different nautical set with sailboats. I was all over the map. </div>
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Before going to the sale with Kortney, Scott mentioned I should skip the big equipment and clothing and just try to look for a bed set. I did just that and BAM, there was the most perfect set in all the colors I wanted but couldn't explain/describe. Baby blue, navy blue, aqua, and lime green. The ocean animals also fit well with the nautical stuff I picked out too (anchors & whales... anchors being a symbol of hope that have stuck with me through our infertility journey). I seriously still can't believe it was only $25 for the whole set. It included the main blanket, a bumper, mobile, dust ruffle, and a diaper stacker. I know babies can't have anything in the crib with them for a really long time but just excited to have been able to take a big expensive thing off the registry that doesn't need to be so much. The colors and theme are perfect. It's all washed & packed away already for Bee's nursery some day soon. :)</div>
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Next up is this crib piano/kick toy. It was $5!! It's an older model no longer available in stores but retails for around $25. </div>
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This Tigger lovie was a must have because Tigger was always one of my fav Disney characters. He was $3 and is already washed as well. :) <br />
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This toy retails for $40 and I got it for $9!!! I've lately had a thing for baby blue elephants too so it was super cute for many reasons.<br />
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To no surprise, I had to get a Pooh Bear toy too! It just spins and makes noise but is so cute and has little bees around it on the colorful spheres. It was around $4 I think.<br />
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This frame was like $3.<br />
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I also got a brand new minky blanket for just a few bucks & a baby Boppy/tummy time mat set for $5. In total, I spent around $70 and added up retail prices for what I could find. I estimated that it all would have been $250ish, or more, full price. I'm now totally hooked on the consignment deal for kiddo stuff and will be back for their fall sale! I wish I had taken advantage of the jumpers/bouncers/pack-n-plays there (even as backup sets to keep at grandparent houses) but now I know. Scott & I went back the next night to see what was left but all that stuff was pretty much gone. Lesson learned! We can go back in the fall for those because Bee will still be little and won't need them yet. All in all, it was SUPER fun and exciting!! :)<br />
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Over the weekend we were able to meet up with my dad for dinner. He had been complaining that he was only seeing belly bump pics so I told him we could get a pic of the bump <u>and</u> my face. :)<br />
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Bee & I are STILL going to Zumba, so far!! I'm getting slower each week or so, and it's getting harder, but I have been modifying as needed. Jumping is pretty much done for the most part, and traveling side to side in short/quick motions is the hardest. I laugh at the thought because I know what I used to do, so realizing the difference with specific moves we do all the time is funny!! Our class has a big age variety with people of all ages from 20s up to 70s, so all the older women have been SOOO sweet and kind to me. They always ask how I'm feeling, tell me to be careful, and ask how Mama is doing. They also compliment me on how well I'm still doing. I just say thank you and laugh about it, but it is sweet of them to notice and care. </div>
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One of the women surprised me with a gift of goodies for Bee last week. Out of nowhere, she said she had something for when he was born. I thought maybe she made a blanket or something, but was shocked when I opened the bag and saw about 5 outfits of different sizes!! I'm continuously shocked and amazed by the unexpected kindness of others.<br />
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We also got some more surprise gifts from both of Bee's grandmas this week!! :) Scott's mom picked up some cute bibs in different sizes & that were mommy/daddy themed. Eeek! My mom sent up a package of newborn outfits (coming-home outfit contenders!), a blue stuffed bear she's had since we started IUI cycles 2 years ago (she has a pink one & a tan one as well in case we had a girl or twins), and some stuff to help out with leaks during diapering. Thank you both!!! <br />
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I've always been a major foodie but being preggo definitely kicks that into high gear!!! I haven't had too many crazy cravings but ice cream is pretty much always on the acceptable list. I could eat it any time, any day, every day. lol. :) We have a Rita's near us and their Italian ice, mixed with their custard, is SOOO yummy!! :) </div>
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Some 25-week shots :)<br />
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<u>Symptoms-</u><br />
-Occasional heartburn from time to time, but nothing consistent or crazy. A Tums always fixes it immediately when it comes about.<br />
-Tailbone pain returned for a day or so again, out of nowhere! One night it was so bad I literally froze in one position because if I moved in any way it just was sharp pains. Scott helped me into bed and then I was better. We've been walking around the block and I've been trying to watch how I sit/lay down too.<br />
-Laying on my side is the only way I sleep now, but it's funny because sometimes I can almost feel my belly pulling down so I have to sometimes prop it against a pillow so it doesn't feel weighted down.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bee this week-</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bee is the size of cauliflower!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He is moving around more and is said to be the most active over these next few weeks or so. While there's still room left, I'll start feeling him more and more before things get cramped in there in another month. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He's growing more fat & hair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">His sense of equilibrium has formed & now knows which way is up and which way is down! </span> (I notice when I shift sides in bed, I sometimes feel Bee move and squirm. Hence the equilibrium thing... he's probably shifting himself as I do the same. So cute!)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In case you haven't noticed, I've been averaging 2 weeks every post. It's easier to combine 2 and to find the time to do 2 at once. Sorry if I've made some of you nervous in the meantime not posting much. </span><br />
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Next week, April 24-30, is National Infertility Awareness Week, or NIAW. This is a week near & dear to our hearts (for very obvious reasons) and I plan to take part in a few ways. I will have a few special blog posts along the way and also hope to raise awareness/offer support for those in both categories. If you want to support, one way you can do so is to wear pink & blue!! If you do, send me a pic! :)<br />
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As always, thanks for reading & supporting us through this journey!!<br />
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Stace, Scott, & Bee<br />
XOXO<br />
#TeamRicci<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-5364579298661448812016-04-07T18:47:00.000-07:002016-04-07T18:47:01.912-07:00Bumpdate~ Weeks 22 & 23<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>Week 22: (March 23-29)</u></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Me this week-</u></span></b><br />
For the start of week 22, I was on spring break; hooray! Being out of work was a much welcomed break! Even keeping busy at home was nicer than a day at school because I could be on my own time, pace myself, take breaks when I wanted, and drink tons of water because I could run to pee whenever needed! No one was calling my name 500x a day and I could lounge in PJs allllll day. It was almost a tease because for a few moments (or days) I forgot I had to go back to work for 3 more months- hehe, wooops! I spent a few days of break packing up different areas of the house (don't worry, I didn't lift a thing... packing & filling boxes is the easy part and something I actually don't mind doing). Ironically we ran into some possible bumps in the house selling department on the day I packed up the most, but we are hopeful things are still okay and moving forward. No more on that until things are finally/hopefully set in stone... grr. </div>
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While packing up, I decided to finally wash off the chalkboard wall too. It's in our stairwell heading to the basement and is something I put up for Scott's 30th birthday party, 3 years ago. LOTS of people have signed it over the last 3 years but it was time to be washed off. We'll have a new one eventually. ;)<br />
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We had a fetal echocardiogram this week with the high risk Dr. at our OB office. Essentially it's a closer look at baby's heart to determine if there are any risks/defects/things to worry about. We only needed this test because of IVF and were automatically flagged for this test bc of our label. IF there were to be a birth defect, it would typically be a heart defect. I guess there's something like a 1% increase in chance of a heart issue in IVF babies. We didn't mind having the test because a closer look certainly can't hurt, and also because it's simply an ultrasound test. VIP status to us! We love ultrasounds (who doesn't love seeing their baby on screen!?). It was essentially a repeat of the anatomy scan and we got the same tech as the scan last month for the gender/anatomy scan. She breezed through everything and we were just happy to see Bee again. It's so amazing seeing your baby (on screen, in action) and getting little photo printouts. We are SOOOO in love with him, it's incredible. During the scan, the tech mentioned how Bee had some pretty serious arm muscles, and that a fetus was putting her to shame. haha! :) I made a joke about Bee coming to Zumba with me and that he was getting a good workout each week! ;) You'll see in his ultrasound pics below that there was a pretty sweet arm shot. Our little munchkin is strong already!<br />
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The heart test was all via ultrasound too and was just an up close scan of different parts of the heart to make sure everything was functioning properly. The Dr. said everything was perfect and was impressed at how nicely everything looked. That was music to our ears, of course, and what every parent wants to hear. He told us we were graduating because everything looked great and he had no reason to see us again. Of course we were semi bummed because we really like the guy, so add it to the bittersweet moments of moving past different hurdles along the way (graduating from the fertility clinic, graduating from the high risk Dr, etc.). Scott told him we will be back some day for baby # 2 and the Dr. was like "Well, sometimes couples facing infertility end up having better luck and conceive naturally the next time, so you never know!". We appreciated his positive words but laughed and said "Not us, we'll be back. In our case, if that happens naturally, we are making headlines and Drs will want to know what happened!" hehe. :) Plus I will no doubt be 35+ for our next pregnancy so we will have to see him anyway. We are so lucky to have worked with such great people as our specialty doctors along the way.<br />
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Easter was that weekend and FINALLY we got to turn it into a good thing again. 2 years ago, we announced to our families on Easter weekend that we were pregnant, only to miscarry a week later. Last year, we had our 6th and last IUI cycle on Easter, resulting in another negative pregnancy test. This year it was nice to finally have the comfort of Bee with us. <3<br />
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I also had the joy of writing my maternity leave request letter this week!! Eeek!! It was a total moment of "Is this really happening?!" It was very exciting to write AND to submit at school. The plan is to take off the first half of the school year and return in mid-Febrary. It ends up being just over half of the school year. Call me crazy but I'm already dreading going back and know it'll be hard to do so, but I tried to plan it so that I only go back for about 6 week spans and then there are breaks built in (spring break, Memorial Day, then summer).<br />
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Shutterfly ran a promo this week for a free 8"x8" book, which I totally took advantage of. I made a book of Bee's gender reveal, covering our whole weekend of reveals to family and friends. I can't wait to get going on my pregnancy book, too. That will likely be my longest book ever so I need to get going on it soon before I fall too far behind and have too much to catch up on! Ideally I'd also love to print out our blog posts too and keep it in a binder so we have our story all in one place physically. It's nice having a website but what happens in the future? It'd be nice to easily access every post and all info for Bee and possibly a potential sibling some day.<br />
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I think I've mentioned before (or at least posted a pic of two, maybe not?) that one of my childhood friends is also pregnant!! Kortney & I met in kindergarten and have been friends ever since. We went to school together all the way through high school and now are 7 weeks apart. She is 7 weeks ahead and due in early June. I've always wanted to experience pregnancy with a friend and it's been fun to compare notes and have someone to smile and laugh about it with!! :) Love you, Kort! xoxo<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at 18 weeks, Kortney at 25 weeks </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at 22 weeks, Kortney at 29 weeks</td></tr>
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While packing up some things, I came across some realllllly old and cute pics of Scott & I... Had to share!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us, circa 1999, and me giving Scott a piggy-back ride! I WILL do this again some day! ;) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those babies!! :) <3 xoxo</td></tr>
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Some sweet, totally unexpected, gifts showed up this week for Bee! :) We love gifts "just because"!! Thank you, Cousin Jenn, and Grandma Ricci! My cousin, Jenn, sent the stuffed bee (and baby bee hat!!) and Scott's mom sent the outfits. So cute!!! :)<br />
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<u>Symptoms & stuff this week-</u><br />
Pretty much same as before. Occasional heartburn (nothing crazy and nothing a Tums can't fix). Occasional aches in my hips/hip joints at night (but stretching helps and I usually am fine on Zumba days). Overall still feeling Great!!!<br />
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Leaving you with one last 22-week bump shot. :)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndroWgl3InA/VwbnMSY7XMI/AAAAAAAACo4/TvliekQg9Ag7BRgW21bioQXjK5je9osWQ/s1600/12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndroWgl3InA/VwbnMSY7XMI/AAAAAAAACo4/TvliekQg9Ag7BRgW21bioQXjK5je9osWQ/s400/12.jpeg" width="295" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Bee this week-</u></b><br />
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Sweet Baby Bee is the size of a papaya! </div>
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He is about 10.5 inches (or more) and about a pound! </div>
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At our ultrasound, they said he was 1lb2oz! Eeek!! Little peanut!! :) </div>
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Bee is looking more and more like a newborn.</div>
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Bee is sleeping in cycles- about 12-14 hours a day (I'm surprised it's not way more!).</div>
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Bee is kicking and moving around every day. And I absolutely LOVE it!</div>
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Baby Bee's ultrasound shots. Top left is an arm pic, top right is a profile of his head and belly, and the bottom is a 3D image of his sweet face! I have to admit, I've never liked the 3D images. I've always thought they are pretty creepy and have never wanted one. But when the Dr came in to read the results and go over things quickly, he turned the machine on to 3D for a min and we were able to see our boy! The pics don't do it justice, the live image on the screen, of YOUR child, is AMAZING. We were smitten. He was so darn cute!! He apparently likes to sleep with his arm in front of his face a lot (both ultrasounds so far), just like his mama! ;) I envision naps together in the future. haha!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand over his face while asleep. <3</td></tr>
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Some quotes about pregnancy....</div>
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I've been getting super emotional and weepy about this experience flying by. And also for the girls who have yet to experience this miracle. I've always wanted to experience pregnancy and I'm incredibly grateful for the chance to do so. It's truly amazing. I just can't believe how fast it's going. I spent a lot of the first 12 weeks wanting each step to come quickly, each new appointment to have positive results and to safely hit the 12-week mark. Then when we got there and finally announced, it started to fly. It's hard to put into words how much I love this and how wonderful it is. But through it all I sometimes feel a tiny pang of guilt because there are still so many women out there who are fighting for their chance at pregnancy or motherhood. I want so badly for us all to have no troubles and for it to be easy for everyone. I'm extremely blessed and thankful we've gotten this chance and have gotten this far, but it still makes me think of them on a daily basis and I hope I can inspire at least a small percentage of them to never give up. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 50% off deal I got after Easter... Saving it for Bee for next year! It also sparked up a cute convo with the cashier about how wonderful boys are and their bonds with their mamas. She also told me not to listen to the bad labor stories because everyone makes it through and once they place baby in our arms it will all wash away. It made me teary and happy all at once! <3</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>Week 23: (March 30- April 5)</u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Me this week-</u></span></b></div>
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I was back to school this week and finally started to FEEL pregnant!! Woa! Big difference for me all of a sudden! haha! Up until now it was kind of like normal me with a belly. I would forget at times that I was pregnant and had restrictions because of it (you should be careful with ___, you shouldn't do _____, etc.). This week I finally was like "Wowwwww, stairs are hard to walk up!" haha! Even a single flight of stairs feels like climbing a mountain at times and makes me very tired. I still go to Zumba 2x a week and thankfully that's helping me in so many areas but it's still getting hard in some ways. Moving in bed and/or getting up off the couch are comical at times. :) It's all fun, just takes some getting used to sometimes when you're used to moving quickly and easily in different ways. It makes me laugh. :)<br />
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It SNOWED this week... After being almost 80 degrees 2 days prior. What?! The trees and flowers had all started to bloom finally, out of nowhere, and looked BEAUTIFUL. Then the temps dropped almost 50 degrees and it snowed a few inches. Goodbye beautiful spring blooms and hello spring tease. Now I fear all the spring beauty will die off and be over already. Spring is my fav and it's always so short-lived as it is. It all lasted maybe 3-5 days before getting frozen and dried up again. Boo!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally 2 days before it snowed... RIP beautiful flower!</td></tr>
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We were also initially supposed to go on a babymoon this past weekend to Disney. A babymoon is like a honeymoon, but a little getaway before baby arrives. We had finally gotten lucky with vacancy at the Polynesian resort, where we've always wanted to stay. Disney Vacation Club finally opened up villas there and we were excited to stay there, even if just for a quick weekend. But with the threat/spread of the Zika virus and so many unknowns/risks, we decided to cancel the trip. I don't regret why we canceled, not one bit, I could never live with myself thinking we put Bee in any possible danger by putting a vacation ahead of him. Our OB strongly agreed, even just a trip to Florida, but being such a touristy spot for people all over the world, there was no way we could justify going. I am glad we canceled and some day Bee will be with us on a family trip. As my sister-in-law, Stacie, keeps saying lately, #RicciPartyof3... love it. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This made us feel MUCH better for canceling, too. Keep me in a bubble until the end of July, PLEASE!! </td></tr>
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<u>Symptoms this week-</u><br />
Kind of the same again, mostly just a few minor things here and there. My feet did start to swell up on Thursday and Friday last week, but both days were VERY warm (70s). My classroom has no fresh air flow so it was easily 80 in my room. That. combined with being on my feet most of the day as a teacher, and probably not drinking enough, and maybe even my shoes, made a great combo for swollen feet both days. Friday night I was happily resting them on the couch and they were back to normal Saturday morning. Yay! I've heard watermelon and applesauce (obviously in addition to water) are good aids for swelling so I will happily try both! :)<br />
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One fun fact is that I've been asked to be featured in/participate in blogs of 2 fellow bloggers for National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), which is at the end of April. The theme of NIAW this year is #StartAsking and the goal is obviously to spread awareness. I'm excited to share our story as well as a spin on male factor infertility, which I feel is often under-represented or not talked about much. I've had a hard time finding couples in our situation (guy/girl couples using a sperm donor) and I want to help raise awareness and help others realize it's okay and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Anyway, more on that at the end of the month, but it's something I'm pretty pumped about! </div>
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I realized this week that I had on the same outfit as a month prior, and once I took the side belly shot I realized I had the same pic from a month ago and had to make this comparison! How fun! What a difference 4 weeks makes! :)<br />
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More "just because" gifts!! This one from Auntie Stacie! :) THANK YOU!!! <3<br />
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I lovvvvvve resting with my hand on my belly. Love, love, love, love it.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Bee this week-</u></span></b><br />
Little Man is the size of a grapefruit this week!<br />
10.5'-11.8' and 1-1.5 pounds!<br />
Bee's face is fully formed now, he just needs to fatten it up.<br />
Bee is listening to my voice and heartbeat- soooo cool to think about!! :)<br />
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Bee is kicking A LOT more. I actually saw my belly move for the first time on Friday night!! It took me by surprise and was out of nowhere but once I noticed the sudden shake of my belly, I was like "WOA!!". Of course Scott had ran out to pick up dinner for us and missed it by like 5 mins, but I was excited that if I could see it, maybe he could finally feel it. I tried putting his hand on my belly a few times when Bee would move/kick, but nothing. Nothing. Nothing. I felt so bad and figured Bee was just playing tricks on Daddy. Maybe he sensed Scott's hand was there and it was more of a calm than a sign to kick. :) hehe. But then finally on Sunday night, Scott felt one!! Just one, but it was one! :) Instead of asking "Did you feel it?!", I watched his face each time I felt one and that one time, his face changed. He asked if that was it and I smiled. Yay! :) Baby steps... er, kicks. :) :) :)<br />
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Feeling so incredibly blessed to have made it this far. Keep growing and kicking, Baby Bee!! We are just shy of 4 months away from meeting you and can't wait (but yet, we can, because we are loving every minute of this)!! We love you so so much!! </div>
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Thanks to all of YOU for sharing along in our journey and following our bumpdates. </div>
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Lots of love,</div>
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Stace & Bee </div>
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XOXO</div>
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#TeamRicci </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-28915174333653841772016-03-20T14:17:00.003-07:002016-04-07T15:17:01.204-07:00Bumpdate~ Weeks 20 & 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>Week 20: (March 9-15)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Me this week-</u></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">20 weeks is HALFWAY THERE!!! Halfway pregnant; Halfway 'til our due date; Halfway to meeting Bee... crazy happy emotions this week! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was just getting over the stomach bug at the end of week 19, so luckily I felt much better at the start of week 20. I was just crazy tired and was glad to have taken off another day from work to rest. We also had our 20-week checkup with our OB. We got to hear Bee's heartbeat again (one of the best sounds ever, hands down!) and the Dr. said everything is looking great! My weight gain is great too! I think I've gained just about 10-12 pounds at this point. They suggested/recommended about 25-30 for me total so I'm right on par with that. I'm proud of myself because laying off the extreme McDonald's cravings early on was definitely a good move for me! Plus going to Zumba 1-2x a week (2 if I can make it) has totally helped a lot too! Also I try really hard to stay up on my water intake. It's pretty much all I drink, and I try to stay well hydrated to ward of headaches and cramps or anything else. Occasionally I'll have a glass of juice too, or rarely a soda (but occasionally it's not off limits) and things are going well! :) </span><br />
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I'm still feeling great! The 2nd trimester is super fun so far and I have most of my energy. Sometimes I forget I'm pregnant other than my belly getting bigger. I am SUPER thankful for feeling wonderful!! The tailbone pain acts up every so often (mostly if I don't walk around much during the day or if I'm laying a certain way, but mostly it's been great and is nothing a few stretches and movement can't fix). Oddly enough, though, heartburn started up AFTER leaving the Dr. appt. It stuck around for a good 5 days but (knock on wood) stopped after that. Leg cramps act up occasionally but I find if I stretch before going to bed I'm usually fine.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Crazy thing is it was in the 70s for week 20!! Mid March!! Insane! I sat out on the porch for a bit because it was wayyyy too good to pass up AND I wore capri leggings and flip flops to the Dr. appt. ;) Score to spring making some sneak peek appearances early! </span><br />
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We finally planned to register this week, but I was feeling slightly overwhelmed in the mom department. I/We knew of SOME basic things to register for (don't babies just need diapers, a crib, some blankets/burp cloth, clothes, and some milk? haha Kidding!). I took it to social media and posted this for all the Instagram mamas I follow to help out and give some input. I got TONS of advice on great "must-have" items and, I have to admit, I Googled nearly half of them because I didn't know what half (ok fine, probably more than half) were! Once I did some background research based on their suggestions, things were starting to click and make sense in little bits. (We are STILL gladly taking suggestions/recommendations- share yours below in the comment section or shoot me an email.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STILL taking suggestions!! PLEASE add a comment below with your must-have items!! :) Thanks!!!</td></tr>
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That leads us to registry day- FINALLY!!! We went to the local Babies R Us and went on a marathon shopping spree. Scott was super duper excited to be in control of the little scanner gun and he is a force NOT to be messed with when that bad boy is in his possession. HA ;) It's actually kinda cute how much fun he had. We went a little nuts and had a BLAST in the store. We were back and forth around the store multiple times and went up/down just about every aisle (some more than once). It was exhausting to say the least (my feet hurt and I was hungry by the end of it). After all, we were there just about 3 hours looking at things, reading about things, testing things, racking our confused newbie/rookie brains on things, and just having a blast picking things out for Bee. It was so overwhelming how much everything costs that I had a moment of panic over it all. I kept thinking "I can't even imagine registering for multiples, especially if you have boy(s)/girl(s) multiples. Yikes! </div>
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We certainly don't expect everything (or even nearly everything) to be bought but figured it certainly doesn't hurt to shoot for the moon. And we were able to justify this for a few reasons (so I didn't go into more of a panic over having registry guilt)- 1. If nothing else, it serves as a list of things we want/need to buy ourselves later on so we don't forget. If it's not on there, I'll absolutely forget about it. 2. Babies R Us (like most registry places nowadays) offers a discount for us to buy anything leftover on our registry before/after Bee is born. If it's on the registry, automatic discount in the end... if it's not on there, full price. So we added more. </div>
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It's actually addicting. Babies R Us has an app that we can easily add items to the registry with, so I'll lay in bed at night or randomly get a new suggestion while talking to mom-friends and we'll look it up and quickly add it to the list. </div>
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If you want to check it out for yourselves, here's a handy direct link to our registry wish list. :) </div>
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<a href="https://www.toysrus.com/registry/link/index.jsp?overrideStore=TRUS&registryNumber=57942542" target="_blank">Team Ricci's Baby Registry</a></div>
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Bee making an appearance :) As I look to the ground sometimes, it's like "Well, hello there!" <3 <3</div>
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As I mentioned earlier, I'm still going to Zumba when I can. Typically that's 2x a week. I'm modifying ALL the time and taking it easy. Sometimes it's hard for me not to want to do the high-impact moves I've been used to because my brain wants to go full speed and my body just can't (I've been doing Zumba for 6 YEARS now already!!) but I know that it's better to tone it down and take it easy. In all honesty though, I don't think I could even go all out even if I was able to. Things definitely feel different and get more difficult as time goes on. It's pretty comical!! Bee likes Zumba too and it keeps Mama sane and feeling good. :)<br />
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More 20 week pics... :)<br />
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Our local Rita's finally opened (sign of spring around here!!) and I was definitely craving some sweet treats! :) Pineapple gelati with vanilla custard, AND rainbow sprinkles of course! Yum!! (Yes, I'm such a little kid... the simple things in life are where it's at!) :) </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bee this week-</span></b></u><br />
20 weeks means Bee is half baked! I saw this idea on Pinterest and had to do it when we did our weekly grocery store run. ;)<br />
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<u>Some fun facts about Baby Bee this week...</u><br />
- He's now about 6.5 inches long (measuring up to a banana!) and 10.6 ounces<br />
- Bee now has working taste buds and, I believe, he can taste most of what comes his way<br />
- He's been moving around more and more, and I definitely know it's him finally :)<br />
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March parent-teacher conferences started up during week 20 and one of my families brought me a gift for Bee!! Totally unexpected and unnecessary but they are super excited for us and wanted to give us a little something. How cute are these?!?! </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Side note~ I've slacked on posting every gift from everyone and I hope no one has taken offense. We've been lucky enough to receive some amazingly adorable gifts from friends and family and they've all been unexpected and sweet!! ALL are equally special and we are so happy to have them all!! One of my work friends got Bee some sweet Mickey gear (!!! :) He will be a Disney baby for SURE!!); My mom sent us a cute nightlight/sound machine of The Very Hungry Caterpillar; and we've gotten some other adorable cards and gifts too. It's all well-loved and super special, even if I don't get around to taking a pic of it. THANK YOU ALL!!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Week 21: (March 16-22)</span></u></b><br />
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Well here's some BIG news to share... <br />
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We are FINALLY selling our house!!<br />
It's been on the market since January of 2015 so it was a bit of a depressing topic for us. We put it up for sale well before we even embarked on the IVF journey. We finally got dedicated and fully interested buyers in February and things have been running as expected since then. We just wanted to keep it quiet so we didn't jinx anything but we are finally under contract and signed contracts last week. If the buyers happen to back out at this point, we would get some money back, so fingers crossed it's a done deal and just a matter of time now for everything to go through.<br />
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It's been a bit of a bittersweet thing for us (probably more me than Scott) but it will be a great move in the end. We plan to move just across the river, which isn't very far, maybe 25-30 mins from here. I work on the other side of the river and most of our friends are over there, too. We are over there at least once a week, not to mention me daily for work. It'll be nice to not have a toll every day and to drive over a mountain 2x a day, killing my car on gas and brakes.<br />
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The funny thing is that our buyers came to see the house on Super Bowl weekend. I don't know if you remember me posting back then but I did give somewhat of a hint. It also happened to be our dating anniversary weekend (February 7) and I mentioned that whenever our anniversary fell on a Sunday, we have historically had a good luck weekend. The first being when Scott asked me out. There was probably a 2nd in there somewhere, but also when we saw our current house it was 2/7/10 (also Super Bowl Sunday, ironically) and we placed an offer. When this year rolled up again on a Sunday and we had a few house showing appointments, I just had a good feeling. We've had to drop the price tremendously over the last 13 months from where we hoped to sell it, and it's ending up going for a steal, but we are happy to have it behind us soon so we can move on to bigger and better things.<br />
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It's bittersweet in the sense that it's a beautiful house and there's so much I really do love about it. I would sometimes joke about wishing I could pick it up, move it across the river, and just expand the downstairs a teeeeny bit (to add a dining room and play room space). I know we won't get everything we want in a new house but if it's something similar in style to our modern colonial, and closer to our friends and work, I'll be happy.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Me this week-</u></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So as I write this I'm technically still in Week 21, but with only 2 days left, I figured it was still okay to post about this week as well. No sense making you wait for another post. This week has been pretty low key for the most part. School has been busy (finished up parent conferences on Friday) and now it's officially spring break until the day after Easter. We were lucky enough to only use 2 snow days this year so we were able to keep our full spring break AND earn extra days around Memorial Day weekend. I'm happy to be off for the week and will be spending much of it packing up the house. I can't lift a single box but I can pack up all the things! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week the time change had me affected big time!! I have never been affected by it, at least in a way that's noticeable, but this week I was shot. When I got home from school Friday and sat down, it was hard to get back up. I ended up falling asleep on the recliner at 8:30 and didn't wake up until 11. I typically only sleep about an hour in that chair but I was OUT!! I actually think I only woke up because there was a loud noise. I moved up to bed and then still slept until about 9am! A full 12 hours was obviously much needed and it felt great! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the past 2 weeks a few coworkers have mentioned how I don't even look 5 months pregnant. Granted, each time I was wearing a loose top that just happened to hide the bump a bit, but I started to realize that I am pretty small for 5 months! Don't get me wrong, I consider myself extremely lucky and I'm loving my little bump but it definitely made me worry at moments this week. I wondered if Bee had stopped growing or if I was too small. He wasn't moving AS much this week but it could be how he's positioned. He is still moving daily and Mama just needs to stop being over-paranoid! </span><br />
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Some Week 21 bump pics :)<br />
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These were actually taken the same day (probably within 15 mins of each other).... Let's just say I was having an indecisive clothing day! It happens- LOL! </div>
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I don't like showing my bare belly at ALL (the beach/ a pool is the only exception) but I figured I needed to start showing some of these every so often too, to see the progression a little more.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bee this week-</span></b></u><br />
Our sweet little babe is the size of a pomegranate this week! That's about 10.5 inches & 12.7 ounces.<br />
That's a huge growth spurt in one week!!! But I *THINK* that's because the measurement changes from CRL (crown-to-rump length) to head-to-toe length. I could be wrong but to me, that would explain the sudden huge increase. I'll have to look that one up.<br />
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<u>Some more fun facts about Bee, at 21 weeks...</u></div>
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- He is definitely getting a taste of what Mama is eating/drinking now. "Baby swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day- for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting-, so he gets to eat whatever mama does and put those developing taste buds to good use." (What to Expect app)</div>
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- Bee spends A LOT of time sleeping</div>
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- I tend to feel Bee moving more when sitting (still & compressed). A coworker told me he would be more active as I'm resting, since I've stopped moving. He's probably lulled to sleep when I'm moving around (and talking more, prob. Blah, blah, blah) hehe! </div>
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- Kicking around more and more now that he's getting so big! </div>
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- Braxton Hicks contractions can start up soon (my uterus might occasionally feel tight as it practices for labor... YUP, definitely started up today and now I know not to worry) :) </div>
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- As Daddy is watching March Madness, he keeps daydreaming about being able to watch it with Bee next year. He's already making daddy/baby play-dates to watch the games next year with our guy friends who also have little ones. So cute!</div>
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We go back to the Dr. this coming week, during week 22. We meet again with the high risk Dr. so he can do a fetal echocardiogram on Bee. Basically this is a test that they either do when there's a need OR when tagged with IVF. The Dr. sees no reason to see us since everything looks great (again, thanks to male factor infertility) but we joked and said at this point it's a VIP ticket to an additional ultrasound so I'm cool with that. :) We'll get to see our sweet little munchkin again and repeat the anatomy scan before doing the heart scan. We can't wait to hear the heartbeat and see little Bee again soon! </div>
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'Til next time! </div>
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Stace & Bee</div>
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XOXO</div>
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#TeamRicci </div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></u>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-82135259174963597442016-03-09T10:48:00.001-08:002016-03-09T10:48:07.390-08:00Bumpdate~ 19 Weeks!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Look at me go- a post about one week all by itself!! We'll see how long this lasts ;) Don't get your hopes up- lol. Sometimes life is crazy and the past 2 weekends were especially busy. I managed to catch a stomach bug going around everywhere like crazy lately, so being home from school for 2 days I figured this was a good time to catch up on week 19, which was a very exciting one!</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Week 19: (March 2-8)</span></b></u><br />
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<u><b>Me this week-</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every Wednesday is our rollover day to a new week. Scott & I have a ritual of waking up every Wednesday and checking out baby info on some baby apps. What to Expect and The Bump both have great apps and every week have cute videos that are only about a minute but give lots of specifics as to what's happening this week. We celebrate every Wednesday and are just so extremely excited that we've made it this far!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bTikDNNr64/VuBn-nawOdI/AAAAAAAACko/F-uHFXwylxQ/s1600/12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bTikDNNr64/VuBn-nawOdI/AAAAAAAACko/F-uHFXwylxQ/s400/12.jpeg" width="290" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At school on the day of Week 19, I got a special delivery from a florist. Scott (aka Proud Daddy to Bee!!) was at it again and sent me the cutest baby bouquet made of baby items like washcloths, onesies, bibs, socks, and a bee rattle. The card read something like how he was so excited we are having a boy and that he had to get this specific thing when he saw it. *Side note: we would have been thrilled to have a girl too, we did not have a preference either way and are just excited to now know which path of excitement to take. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the list for 19 weeks is that you may start to feel baby movements soon. Up until this point I thought I felt something every so often in the last few weeks but they were random and inconsistent and although I definitely believe they were Bee's earliest movements it wasn't always clear to tell. Ironically, the first time I was for sure I felt something was on the start of Week 19. March 2, 2016. I was sitting in a faculty meeting after school and all of a sudden felt something new- like little bubbles or flutters. My eyes bugged out of my head and I quietly sent Scott a text that I was pretty sure I felt Bee move! I didn't want to tell anyone else besides Scott first and I also wasn't sure either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">March 2 is also Dr. Seuss's birthday (one of my FAV children's authors)... so it's kind of fitting that's the day I felt Bee because of this fun quote. I happened to post this to Instagram the morning of 3/2 but that was before I even felt Bee move. Fun fact. :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOU1g7-DZBg/VuBn2duWX4I/AAAAAAAACkc/TuPWyDJFi_w/s1600/19.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOU1g7-DZBg/VuBn2duWX4I/AAAAAAAACkc/TuPWyDJFi_w/s400/19.jpeg" width="345" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the next few days I started to feel the flutters and bubbles/pokes/twinges more and more and was certain it was Bee moving/kicking. SOOO much fun!!! :) Poor Scott can't feel it yet but I bet he will soon. I try to put his hand there when I notice and he thinks once he felt something for one split second last week so we'll go with that, but mostly not there yet. It's also a huge comfort to me to feel things every so often so I am reassured Bee is okay in there. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During Week 19, my mom was also visiting from Florida. She came up for our reveal and stayed through the first week of March. Her birthday is March 3rd so we got to celebrate while Grandma was here. Our family friend Joanne also came to visit for Mom's birthday so we went out to dinner for that too.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Birthday, Grandma! <3</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scott found this adorable quote over the weekend and I just cried and smiled while reading it. :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KazAeLQnP4/VuBn_bKEIYI/AAAAAAAACk0/p--MMDX2EWw/s1600/5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KazAeLQnP4/VuBn_bKEIYI/AAAAAAAACk0/p--MMDX2EWw/s400/5.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our friend, Mike, made this sign for us/Bee. How cool?! We love it!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just a fun quote I love... and I love that the baby elephant is blue ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my students came to school with this balloon shortly after I revealed Bee is a boy. His mom said it was all his idea and she could only take credit for writing the message for him. Too cute! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">19 Week bump ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">March 8th, 2014 happened to mark the start of our IUI journey, 2 whole years ago!! That was the day of our 1st IUI procedure. Ironically last year we also had another IUI on March 8th. This year on March 8th I was happy to be just shy of 20 weeks pregnant. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately March 8 also now marked the day I came down with a stomach bug and was up half the night super sick in different ways. Scott was AMAZING at helping me in every possible way. I was actually so sick I literally didn't leave the bathroom for about 3 hours straight. I kept getting sick in one way or another and was so tired I literally fell asleep sitting on the floor with my head against the toilet. At one point I just wanted to sleep on the floor so Scott got whatever extra blankets and towels he could and I literally slept on the bathroom floor for a good 30 mins before I finally was able to crawl back into bed for a few hours. Needless to say I called out of work and was practically a zombie all day. Poor Bee was probably like "Mama, what's happening?!" but I was reassured he was okay because I kept feeling him flutter around throughout the day. I'm feeling MUCH better today but called out again to rest up since I needed to catch up and not be running around with the kiddos. It's also in the 70s today (for early March in NY that's unheard of!) so I am sure my classroom feels like an oven today and that wouldn't help anyone for me to be dragging all day. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My bed, in the bathroom, for a bit on Monday night. Ha!</span></td></tr>
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<u><b>Bee this week-</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">19 weeks means Bee is the size of a Mango this week! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some fun facts about our sweet baby boy this week...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Bee is 6.0 inches and 8.5 ounces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Bee is developing a protective coating over his skin to protect him from the surrounding amniotic fluid, which is the greasy white stuff babies are sometimes born covered with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Nerve cells for sense of taste, hearing, sight, and smell are developing in baby's brain right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I mentioned above, Bee has started to flutter around this week!! :) I love to talk to him and know he's moving around in there and getting cozy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Til next time! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Technically 20 weeks today (as I'm writing this) and we have a 20-week checkup in a few hours. :) We also hope to start our registry this coming weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">XOXO,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stace & Bee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">#TeamRicci</span></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-15294208006964190372016-03-05T19:49:00.002-08:002016-03-05T19:49:23.136-08:00What Will it Bee?? (Our Gender Reveal)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a cool cake pic I found on Google (Not trying to steal anyone's pic!) :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>What Will it Bee??</b></u></span></div>
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As you may or may not have read in my last post, our anatomy scan was at 18 weeks, on Friday 2/26/16. We had planned a small gender reveal family party for the following day and then I told everyone at school I would reveal to my class (and anyone else interested) on Monday. After that I would post on social media and eventually here. </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">2/27- Family Party</span></u></b></div>
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Saturday was SOOOO much fun for us!! In the weeks prior, we were buying all kinds of fun deco and candy in the pink/blue theme. We wanted to keep it fairly inexpensive and not get out of hand but that's sometimes easier said than done. We ended up with way too much food but it wasn't that much in the end because we found a lot of supplies and things at Dollar Tree luckily! ;) My vision was to have sweet treats/desserts on the table that were all pink & blue and then to have a few other appetizers on the counter. Everything was finger food to make it fun and easy too. </div>
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The main focus for the gender reveal itself is that we knew we were using cupcakes with a colored frosting center. We had already contacted a local cupcake shop about doing them for us and all we had to do was call them after the Dr. appt with the news of pink or blue (We used Moxie Cup in New Paltz, NY... they're my absolute fav!! Coming from someone who doesn't really typically like frosting/cake/cupcakes that means a lot!). Since the cupcakes were the main focal point, we went with candies and finger food sweets and candy that were all pink/blue around it so I decorated the table with just that stuff to start. I designated one side pink and one side blue, with all the pink & blue things around the middle or sides. We had tons of stuff- m&ms, Peeps, chocolate candies, conversation hearts, Sweet Tarts, Jell-o, cotton candy, Oreos and cake balls dipped in colored chocolate, and of course the cupcakes in the center. The cupcakes were vanilla with pink & blue sprinkles on top. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Groupon had an m&m deal! Scott picked baby feet & Bees (of course!) :)</td></tr>
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Now for some of the rest of the deco-<br />
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We also got balloons at Dollar Tree (side note- I will never spend more than $1 on heloum balloons unless they're special or they don't have what I need. But for all-purpose occasions, it's crazy to spend $3-4 on one when they're $1. Nuts!). We got 5 pink and 5 blue and put them in different parts of the house. I had bee nametags left over from school name tags years ago and found large rattle wall decorations at the party store. Dollar store streamers worked great too and the boy/girl? theme deco was from Amazon (although I think WalMart has it too). I love decorating for all occasions and it was so much fun setting up for this too. We also had a voting sheet where our guests could guess if they thought Baby Bee was a boy or a girl (it actually ended up 50/50 which was funny because everywhere else girl votes were kind of dominating).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Pinterest ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The banner on the mantle says "What will it bee?" <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign I added to the front door :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Daddy before the party started :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy & Mommy-to-Bee <3</td></tr>
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Once the party started, guests were messing around and trying to find ways to break into the middle of the cupcakes before it was time to finally spill the beans. Everyone was so excited and it was so fun that the answer was within reach of everyone the whole time. Once everyone had arrived, we didn't want to delay any longer and got right to it. I started by trying to give a mini speech/welcome/thanks and of course started to cry like seconds into it. I said that everyone there was family to us in one way or another and that's why we wanted to share our special news with them in a fun way. I also thanked them all for being there for us over the past 4 years and that's when I got choked up and end of speech! ;) Time to dig in!! <div>
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We had debated the specifics of HOW to reveal with the cupcakes. If we didn't know ourselves, we probably would have bitten into them first. But since we knew and we hate lots of attention on us, we wanted to do it differently. With the help of some genius minds, we decided to have the kids of 2 of our best friends dig in. Alli's daughter is almost 4 and Manny's youngest is 6, so we thought they'd be perfect. We put a little end table in the middle of the kitchen and let them dig in while everyone watched. When everyone saw/heard the news of the blue frosting in the middle, some shouted "IT'S A BOY!!!" :) Team Blue wins!! Now cupcakes were fair game and I felt so much pressure off of me that I could finally say "he" and "him"! ha! :) </div>
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For those already wondering, we do have a name picked out but we are NOT sharing it until he's born. Baby Bee shall be called just that in the meantime :) We wanted to keep one more thing a surprise and also have heard lots of stories/suggestions from others to keep the name quiet to avoid rude opinionated commentary from the general public. Sad, but true, it happens. The hardest part for me now is trying not to call Bee by our chosen name too much so I don't get used to it. I'll sometimes say goodnight to him but I need to break that habit or I'll slip. Some friends are already trying to get us to slip and spill the beans and if you're reading this, knock it off silly ;) haha. If we end up slipping I'll be so upset. Baby Bee or just Bee is his name for now (and I know that nickname will even stick around for a while for sure).<br />
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Our party was quick but so much fun. I managed to get pics with almost everyone either that day or the next (some of them were staying with us and I stupidly didn't take a single pic of us with my mom or Manny & co until the next day bc they were with us- I made sure to get everyone else as they left, except for a few other friends that managed to escape the camera. Sorry guys! :(<br />
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Here are some family pics we did manage to get :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My BFF & sister at heart</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott's mom, dad, and brother </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad & stepmom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott's BFF & fam (Manny, Staci, Gabriel, & Greysen)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My oldest childhood friend and other bestie, Korney... who is also expecting!! It's so fun to share this experience together <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bump to bump (current besties & future besties) <3 <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Alli again... bc I adore her & don't get to see her enough <3</td></tr>
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After the party, we went on our first official baby shopping spree!! Technically, Scott and I did go buy a few things after our Dr appointment the night before, but we limited each other to like 2 outfits and one soft thing. It's so hard not to go crazy after avoiding baby stores/aisles for literally years and now being like a kid in a candy shop for the first time and knowing you can pick whatever you want! So after the party we had planned to go to the local outlet center where they have Carters, Gymboree, and The Children's Place.... ahhhhhh! It was SOOO MUCH FUN!! Both of our moms came with us and bought a few things for Bee too. We even got some cute plush bee toys at Carters (how cool?!) but I somehow didn't take a pic before packing it up in a rubbermaid container temporarily. We were practically drooling over all the cute outfits and onesies with fun sayings, little hats and pjs, soft blankets and stuffed animals.. it's like Christmas every second of being in those stores. Finally!! :) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pile 'o fun <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That morning, on our way to pick up the cupcakes, we were JUST saying how Bee is like Scott's little buddy. And I referred to him as little dude. Then we came across these and HAD to get them. So fun! </td></tr>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">2/28- Fun reveal to the ladies at Zumba class </span></b></u></div>
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I've been going to Zumba still twice a week when I can make it and my friend Marisol is the instructor. She has supported us the entire way in our journey and wanted to reveal it to the ladies at class. It was her first gender reveal too so she was so excited and made blue "Team Ricci" shirts for Scott & I (I have yet to take a decent pic of us in them yet bc mine is in the laundry but I will soon). I planned to meet her there early before class to change into my blue shirt and we would both cover up our blue shirts with our sweatshirts and reveal during the warmup song. Little did I realize that it was hard to hide the color of the tee under my sweatshirt so the only solution was to put my hood up, tie it, and make sure the bottom was tucked in too. I looked and felt ridiculous but it was so funny too! </div>
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Marisol had done a Facebook post the night before about the big #TeamRicci reveal, and asked that anyone who wanted to could wear pink or blue to show their guess for Baby Bee. Then during the warmup, Marisol called me up to the front to dance with her and when she gave me the signal we took off our sweatshirts and everyone cheered! It was so funny! She put a lot of thought into it and I appreciate it- it was a lot of fun celebrating even though I get so shy and embarrassed when attention is on me- lol. The cool down song was Beyonce's "Baby Boy"- haha. <3 Love you, Mari! xoxo </div>
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We spent the rest of the day hanging out with Manny, Staci, and the boys before they headed home. It was a gorgeous day to be outside so we went to the park before they left. 60 degrees again in February is unheard of, so you take full advantage when you have the chance! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sporty mama ;) </td></tr>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">2/29- The big reveal for my kindergarten class & coworkers</span></b></u></div>
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My friends in the building were buzzing with excitement for Monday to arrive. Mondays are never fun in the workplace but we were all pretty psyched this day. I tortured them all over the weekend by not sharing the news and made them all wait until Monday to spill it. All month long we were taking a poll of whether everyone thought Bee was a boy or a girl. Girl won by a lot so I knew they'd all be in for a shock! </div>
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Boy Votes: 13 staff & 7 kindies (20 total)</div>
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Girl Votes: 22 staff & 10 kindies (32 total)</div>
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My plan was to share with either a cake or balloons but I didn't trust myself to try and attempt a cake so balloons seemed like a fun way, and also easy and different. Again, thanks Pinterest! I wrapped a box with 3 of the baby boy balloons from our party and had it on my desk when the kids arrived. The big reveal wasn't planned until 9:30, when I knew certain staff members would be available. It was kind of a tease being there for a full hour once school started, but it helped build excitement. </div>
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I had the kids make their last minute guesses, giving them a chance to change their minds if they wanted to. They're 5 & 6, they're allowed to ;). Then we graphed our results before it was time. I had to throw a little math in there somewhere ;)</div>
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As you can see, a few kids jumped ship from the original guesses last month! Originally it was 7 boy, 10 girl and they swapped to 4 boy, 12 girl (1 was absent). Too funny! I made sure to explain to them that just because more picked girl, it didn't mean it definitely was a girl. Typically when we vote in class, it's a majority-rules kind of vote but that wasn't the case with a baby. They did totally understand that and thought it was a funny thought but it was the perfect time to explain the difference between a majority-rules vote and a prediction vote just for fun with a 50/50 guess of something they couldn't control. </div>
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Around 9:20, a whole ten mins before I was ready, the whole 3rd grade walks in and sits down, along with a few coworkers. I don't do well with big audiences so I started to get frazzled, but psyched to share the news. We managed to kill some time and once again asked everyone to share their guesses and we read them off one last time. </div>
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Finally the moment of truth came... My class was seated in a circle around the rug and everyone else was off to the side in clear view. I brought the box over, explained how it would work (pink balloons = girl and blue balloons = boy), and opened it up. As soon as they saw the balloons, they started cheering and screaming with excitement! It was so cute! One of my coworkers took a video for me (but I'm not posting that or pics to keep the privacy of my kiddos) and trust me that they were so excited!! It was so cute seeing the boys finally get really into it! Up until then, naturally, the girls were more excited (as they should be, it's typical) and the boys were finally on board with the idea. Some of them were shouting "A boy! A boy!!" and the looks on the faces of others were just so darn cute (wide-eyed, big smiles, so sweet). The adults in the room were also cheering from either correct guesses or from shock that it wasn't a girl.... clearly I've gained some weight in my hips/butt so a lot were choosing bc of that ;) haha! </div>
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We then walked around to see who was around and shared the news with the other kids/teachers nearby. Everyone was so excited, especially for a Monday morning, for any kind of fun news. :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> So that's it for now... Bee is a BOY!! :) </span><br />
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It's been a very fun, exciting, and eventful week for sure!! Sorry for the delay on here, but I didn't really have any time before today to get it all done.<br />
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'Til next time!<br />
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Stace, Scott, & Baby Bee<br />
XOXO<br />
#TeamRicci<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-40992886287855773942016-03-05T13:39:00.001-08:002016-03-05T13:40:37.701-08:00Bumpdate~ Weeks 17 & 18I thought there was somewhat of a delay in posting these past 2 weeks, but since I'm going off the theme of every 2 weeks at the moment, I'm not too far behind. ;)<br />
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I AM behind on the gender reveal (although most of you already know via word of mouth and/or our Instagram posts) and for that I'm sorry!! This weekend is a double-poster, though, so expect a specific gender reveal post after this, even though I'll talk about it a little in Week 18 below. Ok here's the bump update (Bumpdate) on Weeks 17 & 18!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Week 17: (February 17-23)</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u>Me this week-</u></b><br />
A fun fact is that we hit the 17 week mark on the 17th of February. :)<br />
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Week 17 came and went pretty quickly and honestly wasn't too eventful for us. I can't even remember many things that were fun or worth mentioning except for the captions below. So lucky you, a pretty short post for this week! ;)<br />
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<b><u>Symptoms-</u></b><br />
Headaches seem to be less frequent, thankfully. I was getting them often in the 1st trimester and they were pretty annoying and painful since Tylenol is all I can take and it honestly doesn't work well for me. Some were borderline migraines so I'm happy those are less and less!!<br />
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A new thing that popped up recently again is tailbone pain. Mostly at night, my tailbone started to hurt so much at the end of week 17/beginning of week 18. It was especially painful getting in/out of bed and/or changing sleeping positions. I finally broke out the full length body pillow I borrowed from Alli and it helped a bit. I found that the only thing that really made it semi better was stretching. Cat/Cow and child's pose yoga positions helped the best but sometimes sitting/standing was not fun. Some peopl suggested it might be sciatica but it never went down my leg, it was always the same spot, literally my tailbone. We read that it can be common in pregnancy as things stretch and move, and/or Bee could be lodged in that area and adding pressure at night. Also something about a hormone called relaxin that plays a big part in pregnancy and things shifting or aching. I think I got a nice leg cramp in the middle of the night this week too. I was able to stretch it immediately and stop it before it got bad. I honestly laugh at these things now because I know it's all from Bee and so it just makes me smile. Par for the course and I'm thankful to be on it. <3<br />
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We had GORGEOUS weather over the weekend!! For February it was near 60, but still pretty breezy. I was determined to sit out on the porch and soak up some sunshine. I was happy when Scott joined me for a bit. I don't think I've EVER sat outside like this in February... it's been a mild winter at times and we are super lucky for that!<br />
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I started prep for our family gender reveal party. Pinterest & Social media rock for party ideas and I was collecting tons of fun ideas for the party to have a pink/blue themed sweet treats table. I decorated little fun size Hershey bars with Sharpies so it would represent both pink and blue. :)<br />
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<b><u>Bee this week-</u></b><br />
Some baby stats & facts on week 17...<br />
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Bee is as big as an onion!<br />
Rubbery cartilage is now turning to bone.<br />
Baby's putting on some fat.<br />
The umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker.<br />
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Just a cute bee deco I had for Valentine's Day :)</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Week 18: (February 24- March 1)</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u>Me this week-</u></b><br />
18 weeks was SOOO much fun for us because we knew we would finally get to see Bee again at our anatomy scan!! We were also hoping to find out the sex because we had a family gender reveal party planned for the following day and kinda needed to know. Nothing like adding pressure on our sweet baby! Whoops! Excitement was overflowing in the house that week. We thought for sure the week would draaaaag on and it honestly didn't so much. My mom came to visit on the 25th and our appointment was on the 26th, and those days both showed up before we knew it!<br />
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My tailbone pain was still in full effect (again mostly at night) during the week this week, but finally started to get better by the weekend. I think another key to keeping it at bay is being active and not just sitting or laying doing nothing on the weekends or whatnot. Also no more laying on my back (at least not for long periods of time) because it just tends to tighten everything up too much. I felt like a 90-year old the first night it was bad while trying to climb the stairs and get ready for bed. Luckily it's been a lot better since. I think Scott had a talk with Bee to stop hurting Mama. hahah :) Either way, it is what it is and I've been lucky so far and am still loving every day of this pregnancy!! I've waited and dreamt of this for so long and am thankful for every bit of the experience to the max.<br />
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My mom flew in on Thursday, 2/25, and I lost it and started crying the second I saw her at the airport. She hasn't seen me pregnant since she lives in Florida (other than pics obv) so that was a fun moment. I'm sure people around us were probably confused by what was going on because we got a few confused looks but whatever. Grandma meets Baby Bump was cute. :) </div>
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Last pic of life before we knew if we were having a boy or a girl! <3 :)</div>
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Finally our appointment for the anatomy scan showed up, Friday 2/26. We were super excited and anxious all at once. I stopped at the Subway in the lobby to get a soda prior to the appt because I heard it would help the baby move around enough so we could get a good shot of whether we had a He or a She. When we were asked if we wanted to know the sex of the baby, we immediately said yes and that we kind of needed to ensure we knew at that appointment because of our party. The nurse and ultrasound tech both asked, and both laughed. I joked and said whatever tips the tech had in order to find out which we had, I would do (jumping jacks, stand on my head, dance, more soda, whatever!). Of course my main priority was that Bee was okay but we were assured of course he/she was! </div>
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Now time for the ultrasound... and literally within seconds, the ultrasound tech says something like "Well... that certainly looks like a scrotum!! It looks like you've got yourself a baby boy!" Bee was laying upside down so his little hiney and boyhood were RIGHT THERE for the opening number. Ha!! The tech wanted to be sure and was able to confirm it more throughout the rest of the scan. Too funny!! Also the soda apparently worked wonders because our little dude was moving all over the place and the tech kept calling him a ninja! She was so funny and I tried so hard not to laugh too much and mess up her movements/measurements. We were able to see pretty much everything and it was so darn cool!! </div>
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Here are some snapshots from the scan. We only got 4 2D pics and 2 were blurry (because our little ninja was putting on a show!) or we didn't know how to look at it (the pic showing Bee is a boy! LOL... I have seen some clear ultrasound pics and I know how to identify different things in those but in ours I have no idea what we are looking at but it says "I'm a boy"! </div>
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These 2 are easier to figure out. :) </div>
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Two little feet (sideways)...</div>
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Bee laying face down. You can clearly see his spine and his head is in the bottom right. :)</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">After the tech did her scan, the Dr. came in to go over everything. This wasn't with our regular Dr but with the high-risk Dr. Even though everything is progressing normally and I'm not technically in the high-risk category, IVF tags us and automatically puts us on his list. Honestly though we joked and said it was VIP treatment because this guy is so cool and we've met him briefly a few times and already really like him. I read that IVF babies can have a 1% increase in heart problems so they do a more in-depth fetal echo cardiogram around 22 weeks, which we will repeat with him instead of radiology. At that scan they'll also do another anatomy scan just for their protocol. Fine by us! :) Super fun! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We told the Dr we did't get a great profile pic because Bee was jumping around after the soda I drank but that we were happy to know if he was a he or a she! The Dr. switched it to 3D for a min and we were then able to see Bee's head, clear as day!! He printed out one quick pic and for that I'm so grateful! I always thought eh 3D scans were a bit creepy and I didn't want one, but seeing it in color, in the moment, and knowing it's our baby, it was the cutest thing! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It's probably hard to see but Bee is laying with his arm in front to the side of his face (just right of center). The bottom is his belly and I think at least one leg is bent up/in. Not offended if you don't see it, we can and for that I'm happy and so in love with our little munchkin already!! </span></div>
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After the appointment (which was way quicker than I expected, by the way; It only last about 20 mins maybe??), we grabbed some dinner at a local tapas place we hadn't discovered yet and LOVED it! It's in the area where we hope to move to soon so it was fun to celebrate fun news at a fun new place. I begged the bartender for some kind of fun fruity mocktail and Scott had some fun craft beer. TGIF... and we're having a son!! :) </div>
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We equally represented pink/blue that day since we didn't know what we were having until the appointment. Keeping it a secret that night was a HUGE difficulty!! I was texting a bunch of friends that all went well, that we were able to find out (I was worried since I heard stories sometimes it's too hard to tell if baby is positioned a certain way) and it was so hard to make sure I didn't type "he" or "him" while talking about Bee! I was shocked how all along I wasn't saying any gender-specific pronoun and all of a sudden I couldn't think of any other word! We definitely almost slipped a few times in different ways. Making it to the party would be tricky but had to do it! :)</div>
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Finally gender reveal day arrived!! We had about 15 people come to the house that day between immediate families and our closest friends. We had company Friday night as well and anytime the topic of conversation went to babies I would try to steer it somewhere else in fear of spilling the beans. It was so hard! I was SOOOOO excited to share!<br />
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I don't know about Scott but I got quite a few Qs this week of whether I wanted a boy or a girl. Our answer was always that it didn't mater and we just wanted a healthy baby. That is 100% true and I still stick to it. I am not upset that we don't have a girl and I wouldn't have been upset if we didn't have a boy. We just wanted a baby! And both are equally exciting, it's just a matter of what path that excitement takes: Excitement of boy stuff or girl stuff? Sports, dirt, blues, and cars.... or tutus, princesses, pink, and glitter. No difference here, just so thrilled to have a baby on board!!<br />
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Party day!! :) </div>
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We're having a BOY!!! <3</div>
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<b><u>Bee this week-</u></b><br />
Some stats & fun facts for Week 18...<br />
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Bee has grown to the size of a sweet potato! :)<br />
By now, Bee is yawning, hiccuping, sucking, and swallowing... Awww <3<br />
Bee is also moving around A LOT!! Movements like rolling, twisting, punching, and kicking have started, although not noticeable by me just yet.<br />
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We were able to find out Bee's sex this week at our anatomy scan....<br />
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Baby Bee is a sweet little BOY!!! :)<br />
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These cupcakes are from my FAV cupcake place, Moxie Cup, in New Paltz NY. I am not usually a fan of cakes/cupcakes/frosting but I LOVE theirs. They agreed to make gender cupcakes for us and after our Dr appt we called to tell them to make the filling blue (see pic below of middle of cupcake). </div>
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Sweet Baby Boy, we love you so much!! </div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266543567923010128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112867575234925877.post-47988856332771531102016-02-16T12:16:00.001-08:002016-02-16T12:16:14.006-08:00Bumpdate~ Weeks 15 & 16<span style="font-family: inherit;">Snow day for me today!! That means I get to catch up on pregnancy weeks 15 & 16! :) I decided to title the posts "Bumpdate" as a baby bump update in case that doesn't make sense. ;) </span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Week 15: (February 3-9)</span></b></u></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me this week-</span></b></u></div>
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For the most part, Week 15 was another great one! I've been feeling great and extremely lucky. Sometimes I even forget that I'm pregnant because other than my growing belly I don't typically feel any different. I hate to admit this but one day at school I had to get something from the top shelf of a cabinet in my classroom. I stood on a perfectly stable adult-sized chair and got it easily but a coworker caught me standing there and gave me a mini-lecture about how others can help with stuff like that because I shouldn't be on the chair. Big oops. And she's totally right; but it honestly didn't even occur to me. I understand that now and know I need to be cautious always, and even more so moving forward.<br />
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I've always had a difficult time accepting help from others, especially if it's 100% help. I have a hard time asking for help and a hard time accepting it. But that has to change and I realize that now. I am SLOWWWWLY accepting help and learning to say yes when people offer things, even if reluctantly. I can be stubborn sometimes. ;) One of my coworkers had a baby last year and always tells me to live it up because it's the only time it's totally okay to get special treatment like this. A few others have said the same and I know they're right but it's hard to get used to! Even when it comes to finding clothes for school (which is SOOO hard many mornings because I just wanna wear sweatpants every day), a bunch of coworkers have said it's fine to dress down a bit and just be comfortable (I only wore sweatpants on pajama day recently but I'm definitely not in dress pants and nice shoes either). I always say thank goodness leggings are in style because they are Godsend and so damn comfortable! I often wear those or jeans with acceptable tops for school. I have a good number of maternity pants and tops now, but it's still a struggle some mornings to coordinate it all together and still feel cute. I'm starting to try and show off my baby bump more often. It's sometimes a fine line of looking pregnant or looking fat and I obv want to stick on the pregnant side. I can't wait til the majority of the public can tell I'm pregnant and not think I'm just overweight or question if mayyyybe I'm expecting. It's definitely something funny I think of often and laugh to myself about.<br />
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The weekend of Week 15 was fun because it marked 17 years of Scott & I being together. We were HS sophomores in 1999 and went to a semi-formal dance at West Point on 2/6/99. That night changed our lives (although little did we know at the time). We spent a lot of time hanging out and dancing together that night, and Scott called to ask me out the next night, 2/7/99. That was a Sunday and I always love 2/7 a little more when it lands on a Sunday. We actually saw and placed an offer on our current house on Sunday 2/7 in 2010 too (also Super Bowl Sunday). I said when it falls on a Sunday, that weekend seems to have extra good luck for us, and we have Bee with us now. <3<br />
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I had a realization this week of everything we've gone through. I will NEVER forget our journey or take a single second of it for granted. It's molded and changed us in so many ways and even though it was 4 years of hell in some ways, I also am oddly thankful for it all. I have a few new followers on Instagram (and you never know who's reading our blog posts) and I didn't want people to think I was/am slapping all our of excitement in their faces. I know it's painful to see others pregnant when that's all you want in life. But at the same time I always found inspiration and strength through some of the girls I followed in the TTC stages who became mamas. I celebrated that with them and it only helped drive me forward more. I hope others don't think I/We have forgotten what it feels like because I don't and never will. My heart breaks for others still trying and every time they get a negative on their test or have a miscarriage, it digs at me too and brings me right back to those same feelings too. I will never forget the hurt we've been through and the ugly cries that have poured out of me, or the sadness of it all. So I created this as a little recap of our journey to get where we are today.</div>
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We got come cute gifts this week, too!! My cousin, Jenn, crochets and does an amazing job with it! She makes crochet stuffed animals and sent us the cardinal and bluebird. Both have really cool symbolism as well and she included a paper about that. They're so cute and soft and handmade gifts are so fun. We also got an adorable valentine card from my long-time friend Chrissy. She drew a bee on the back and wrote "Parents-to-Bee" which I just loved. :) Thanks so much, ladies!!</div>
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Showing off my bump!! I kept singing "My bump, my bump, my lovely baby bump!!" to the tune of Black Eyed Peas "My Humps". HAHA :) </div>
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Flashback to us from 2005... it's the oldest pic I could find of us. I tried to get a pic from 1999 but those are all packed away. When we put our house on the market last year, I packed up a bunch of stuff we didn't need for a while and those were the first to go and they're not exactly easily acceptable, so this will have to do! This was actually at our engagement party in 2005, in my childhood house. Happy 17 years, Scooter! <3<br />
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15 week official bump shot :)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll leave you with this quote from Disney... I just love it. Happiness, like a lot of things, are often all about perspective. You always have the power to make a crummy situation even the tiniest bit better in some small way or another. </span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bee this week-</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At 15 weeks, Bee is the size of an orange! Our little cutie is 4 inches and 2.5 ounces. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to my fav baby apps...</span><br />
- Baby is squirming a lot, even though I likely can't feel it yet (*I think I do from time to time but it's been inconsistent and every so often, or always feels different)<br />
- Joints and limbs can all move now!<br />
- Bee's body is becoming more proportional<br />
- Bee's ears have migrated to the sides of the head & eyes are moving to the front of the face.<br />
- Can wiggle fingers and toes :)<br />
- Mama got her energy back (*Mostly true!)<br />
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The excitement of my kiddos at school is starting to calm down a bit, and understandably so since they are 5 and 6. We are measuring my belly every week and this week it grew just over an inch in circumference.... WOA! One of the boys asked how big it would be in June. I laughed and gave a guess, way bigger than I am now. Some of their eyes bugged out a little and we all giggled. Even though we aren't talking about it as much any more, they still bring it up in conversation every so often. Bee even popped up in a homework assignment this week too!<br />
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The assignment was to draw some things that were longer or shorter than a provided piece of string (which was maybe about 6 inches long). This one little girl drew "Mrs. Ricci's baby" as being shorter than the string! I love it! :) And she's right! At this point, Bee is little. :)</div>
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The wall of staff baby votes for blue or pink is definitely growing!! This one was sweet because this particular coworker has nicknamed me Tink for the last few years. So I had to post. :)<br />
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Just something cute I came across. Loved the Pooh AND Bee theme. </div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Week 16: (February 10-16)</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Me this week-</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I happily called this week "Sweet 16" and we are thrilled to make it this far! I am STILL in SHOCK that this is our reality. I feel like it's been a 3 month- long dream still. We got our positive pregnancy test results from the fertility clinic on November 18th, so it's literally almost 3 months to the date since we have known and it's been so completely surreal each day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At exactly 16 weeks was our 16-week checkup with our OB. Scott has been at every single appointment with me so far and plans to do so as long as he can. This appointment was pretty quick since there was no ultrasound. The nurse took my vitals and I was bummed to hear I had gone up about 5 pounds since our 13-week appointment... Ooops. I cringed. Time to lay off the weekly McDonald's cravings. I'm officially up about 10 pounds, but when I think about being just over 1/3 of the way and they suggested about 30 pounds, it's not terrible. I just have to be smart about giving in to cravings even though it's so easy to want to be like "whatever, I'll eat what I want". Mini wakeup call. When the Dr came in, we got to hear Bee's heartbeat with the doppler device they use just to check that. It was around 137-140bmp. *(The last one a few weeks ago was around 155, so I can't even go by the wive's tales to tell if we've got a boy or a girl. Each heartbeat read shows a different sex, so we shall see what happens!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was SO relieved to hear the heartbeat because I can't help but totally freak out and let my nerves get the best of me before each appointment. I wonder if Bee is okay in there or if I'm miscarrying with no symptoms. It's crazy but it's reality. I still am in doubt sometimes that we are in this and it's our reality. I know I will have this worry for the rest of our lives now, being parents, but holy moly. I can't wait for Bee to start kicking soon so I can be reassured he/she is in there. </span><br />
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We also talked to the OB about the Zika Virus, my latest extreme fear. I'll try not to go into too much detail in this post about all my fears but it just seems so unfair and ironic that something like this is targeting pregnant women. And the fact that it's surfacing when it's finally our turn to shine. As if you don't have enough to worry about in a regular pregnancy, throw in fertility struggles, dealing with a miscarriage, and now a virus that affects fetuses? No way. Basically I keep saying I want to just stay in a bubble until August. We had originally planned a Babymoon (new spin on a honemoon- a mini getaway before baby arrives) and we were set to spend a relaxing weekend in Disney in April. Just us and the Polynesian Resort (where we've always wanted to stay). Sunshine, palm trees, a pool... pure happy. Then the ugly Zika monster popped up and I can't take that risk. Even though FL isn't totally affected yet, it's targeted to... and Disney is like THE go-to spot for tourists worldwide. I couldn't live with myself if we went and I got (or even thought I got) the virus. It's not worth putting Bee in that risky situation and our OB strongly agreed. So cancel we did and I just would like a bubble with a massage and a relaxing sunny weekend with Scott, inside the bubble. Anywhere with no mosquitos of any kind.<br />
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After the appointment, I met my BFF for lunch and then did some shopping. It was a great day off from work! :)</div>
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When I got back to school on Thursday, my substitute from the day before had left me a wrapped gift and a card. I opened the gift to see a frame for an ultrasound pic. How cool, I thought. I then looked closer and thought to myself "WOW, that looks JUST like Bee!"... I turned around to where I kept my pic of Bee on my wall, and it was gone. So I knew this pic was indeed my pic of Bee. So sweet. :) My sub knew the pic was there and had planned it. So now Bee sits on my desk in a place of honor.<br />
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Valentine's Day was in the middle of Week 16. Admittedly I don't always look cute or presentable so I took full advantage of being dressed up for Scott to take my Week 16 pic (which I now realize I didn't label and have to on my phone later.) :) </div>
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We ventured to the mall for a Valentine's Day lunch and a little bit of shopping. We thought lunch was a good idea so it wouldn't be as busy as dinner, but we were proved wrong. The entire mall was a zoo, you would have thought it was perhaps Christmas Eve. Another reason we don't typically shop and why we kind of hate weekend chaos. haha. But we made the best of it and had a nice day. :)</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bee this week-</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our sweet Baby Bee is the size of an avocado this week! Woaaaa baby! </span><br />
This week, Bee is 4.6 inches and 3.5 ounces. Also...<br />
- Bones are now in place in the ears, which means Bee can probably hear our voices as we talk and sing. *(I've totally been talking to Bee, mostly when we are alone at home or in the car. I can't wait for him/her to really hear more of us and begin to recognize our voices.) <3<br />
- Beginning to make facial expressions.<br />
- Eyes are finally working, making small side-to-side movements and perceiving light, although eyelids are still closed.<br />
- Bee is growing hair, lashes, and eyebrows.<br />
- Bee is forming taste buds.<br />
- Fluttering sensations/movements may soon be felt by Mama :)<br />
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Even though we will wait to pick out baby shower decorations and a theme until after we know the sex, I can't help but look at all the adorable Bee themed baby stuff!! Lots of gender reveals and gender neutral things are being focused on the "What will it bee?" theme and "Mama to Bee" and "Parents-to-Bee". It's all so cute and so fun!! Even though I will likely go with a fully girly girl or totally boy theme, I want to somehow incorporate some aspect of a Bee somewhere. Whether a few balloons, or something on a cake, or something like these adorable cookies, how can you resist?<br />
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Today is the last day of Week Sweet 16 and it'll be fun to see what's happening in there tomorrow at the start of week 17. Every Wednesday we wake up and look to see what the apps say for the new week. Reaching a new milestone each week has been so much fun. I'm still feeling great but realizing how important it is to stay active. Yesterday I laid on the couch pretty much all day and my tailbone hurt all night. We read that since everything is getting moved around and squished in there, this is common. Mostly in the 3rd trimester, but it can happen now too. So it motivated me to want to just walk around and stretch/do yoga, etc. I plan to go to the gym and just walk on the treadmill to hopefully loosen some muscles a bit. I can't wait for spring weather to arrive so I can walk outside every day in warm, fresh air, and not have to be cooped up in the gym. Happily, headaches seem to be less and less too. I only had 1 this week and I think they're sometimes helped by eating more and drinking more water. It's easier to drink more at home than at school but I'm trying to stay super hydrated and constantly am filling my water bottle cup. </div>
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Almost halfway there! Our next appt is during Week 18, where we will HOPEFULLY find out if Bee is a boy or a girl. We have our anatomy scan and now I'm nervous he/she won't cooperate for the big reveal picture. We plan on finding out for sure and can't wait to go all out team blue or team pink. We plan to have a small gender reveal party with our immediate fam & a few close friends and then after I announce at school, I'll post on here and on IG. Can't wait to find out, although either way we are thrilled! As I always tell my kindergarten kiddos, "You get what you get, and you don't get upset!". A baby is all we want and we are thrilled with either result. I have no idea what Bee is, just that it's a baby who's already loved so much. </div>
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Sorry this was so long! I need to get in the habit of posting weekly but it just hasn't happened yet. </div>
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Hugs,</div>
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Stace & Bee</div>
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XOXO</div>
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#TeamRicci </div>
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