Poor Squirrely.

The other night, M and I came across something very strange (and gross) looking on the kitchen floor. We had no idea what it was, but suspected that Charlie or Lola had left us a "gift." So M got down on all fours and sniffed it, as I ran for a paper towel to scoop it up. We held it close, carefully examining it, and speculated that it looked like some sort of cocoon.


All of a sudden, the lightbulb came on! I ran over to Charlie's toy box....and low and behold......I found Squirrely...WITH AN AMPUTATED ARM! Oh man, M and I got a good laugh from this. I was hysterical that we were so afraid of this unknown item, even scooping it up with a paper towel - afraid to touch it - only to have it turn up as poor Squirrely's arm!

Charlie, you never cease to entertain us!

Nice weekend.

We had a great weekend here at home. No barbecues, no parties, just M and me relaxing at home and enjoying each other's company. It was nice to stay here after traveling two weekends in a row.

We were actually quite productive! On Saturday morning we stopped at a local nursery and got inspired to "remodel" Charlie's "bathroom" (a.k.a. our side yard). We had this really awful white rock that not only hurt his paws (it was sharp!), but also was not conducive to easily picking up his treasures. So we replaced it with small, round pebbles (gravel). Saturday afternoon was spent shoveling up the white rock, and then today we put down weed block and spread out the gravel. I think it is a BIG improvement from what we had! Charlie seems a little iffy, but I know he'll adjust.

Charlie, checking out his new digs!

Also this weekend, we bought a new bedroom set! This includes a bed frame, two nightstands and a dresser. Unfortunately, it won't be delivered until August 6, but I really want to paint our bedroom, so this will give me time to get that done.

In other news, I have a tomato growing in my garden! This is the first time I've ever planted tomatoes, so you can imagine my excitement that it's actually working! Yay! I can't wait to eat it!

Can you see it? Isn't it so cute?!

The wait begins.

Our first IUI was a success (so far!). Last night's injection went well, despite the copious amounts of stress accompanying it. We were at the IL's house for FIL's birthday, and I just couldn't relax! M was a pro and I was a wimp..but I survived, and it has served its purpose. It turns out that we have had (as the NP put it) an "optimal" cycle, so of course I am extremely hopeful that we will achieve pregnancy. The IUI itself was quick and relatively painless (I am NOT a fan of the speculum), and we were out of there in less than an hour.

I'm taking it easy today. It's nice to have an excuse to be a lazy bum! Tomorrow I start the progesterone. Oh fun.

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Today, I am grateful for..

My amazing husband, life partner, and best friend.
Increased odds.
Air Conditioning.
Trash television.
My awesome, supportive, caring family.

On the Eve of...

I have been busying myself with many different household projects today in preparation for my "day of rest" tomorrow. I got super crafty this afternoon (a project for a friend), mopped, swept, cleaned mirrors, and rearranged decor. Of course, this was part of my feeble attempt to take my mind off of the IUI. It didn't work very well!

So..I didn't get a surge yesterday or today on my OPK, so we will proceed with the HCG trigger tonight. I have some anxiety about this, as I am squeamish with needles when professionals use them, let alone MY HUSBAND. I asked my mom of she could come and do it (she is a nurse), but she's two hours away and laughed at the suggestion. Who can blame her?!

My appointment is tomorrow at 11:45. I'll update in the afternoon. Yikes!

Anticipation.

Today was my CD 10 ultrasound with the RE to check the progress of my follicle development and size of my uterine lining. As it turns out, I have two "very nice looking" follicles on my right ovary, but my lining is not thick enough yet. So the doctor gave me an estrogen patch to wear on my tummy, which is supposed to thicken the lining. In addition, we were given the HCG injectables and a quick tutorial on how to administer the shot. It's supposed to give me the surge...but we will only need this if I don't see a LH surge on my OPK today or tomorrow. We will do the shot on Wednesday night, and the IUI is scheduled for Thursday morning. This was a lot of information to take in, but pretty exciting also! I am just praying this cycle works out. Really praying.

My mom suggested some meditation, relaxation, and visualization for the next few days. I think I will take her advice on this. I am going to try to be as relaxed and healthy as possible!

I can still have good news...

I am such a nerd. I called my SIL today to finalize plans to see them this weekend, and after chatting for awhile, I said, "Oh yeah, I have good news!" To which she responded by freaking out (because she thought my good news was THE news). I quickly remedied the situation, correcting myself (and her) by sharing the real good news! This is the second time that happened this week. My good friend, who lives far away, and I were catching up on the phone, and I made the mistake of telling her that I have good news. She had a similar "freak out" reaction.

I ran upstairs today after getting off the phone with SIL and told M to remind me to NOT say I have good news until I have THE good news that everyone is expecting! I guess this is a repercussion of making my IF struggle public news!

I hate Clomid.

This month is my third try with clomid, although it's our first experience with IUI. The lower dosage is definitely better, but I am still getting hot flashes and mood swings. I had such a wonderful, relaxing day today, but I found myself crying tonight for no apparent reason! And now I'm fine. It's almost as if the clomid just makes you want to get the tears out and over with. I've heard the injectables are even worse! M was very sweet and understanding tonight. He just hugged and hugged me, and that made me feel a lot better. I know he doesn't have same intensity in his emotions about IF as I do, but I also know he does have sadness and a strong desire for our child to be conceived!

Tomorrow we leave for a long weekend road trip. I am very much looking forward to a change of scenery, and to get our on the open road with my hubby and puppy. We will be visiting my brother, M's brother and SIL, and other various friends. When we come back, I have an ultrasound to monitor the growth and size of my follies. I'm looking forward to this, as it puts us that much closer to the O date!