Ask Jamie: "Put back"??

Midwest Mommy asks:
Ok, I don't want to sound dumb but by "put back" you do mean put back inside of you right? Not back in somewhere they keep them (I don't know the correct vocab here). So there are two embryos they are putting back in you? Is it possible you could have twins? I am so sorry. This is why this stuff fascinates me because I know nothing about it.

First, you are not dumb!! IVF and the associated lingo are topics you should be glad that you don't have to know a lot about!

That said, sometimes I forget that many of you are newbies to the IVF process. I've been trying to be as vague as possible while providing the details I know my fellow infertiles want to know, without scaring those who read but would rather not know the details of our reproductive habits. However, I am going to answer your question and those of you who don't want to hear about my uterus, should probably click away now.

Yes, "put back" means put back into me -- into my uterus. After the embryos grew for 3 days in the lab, Dr. J inserted a catheter through my cervix and transferred or "put back" two embryos.

We also had 3 embryos frozen on 5 day. This is a good thing as it means if this cycle is not successful I will be able to do a FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer). FET's mean fewer injections and no retrieval which makes the cycle much easier and cheaper. If I am not pregnant, we will probably proceed with a FET in March.

And yes, there are two embryos in me and that does mean that there is a chance I could have twins. However, this is my 6th transfer -- I've had 2 embryos put back each time and 3 embryos put back once and out of all of those embryos (13) so far I've only had one baby. Therefore, I would say that our chances for twins are slim. If I would get pregnant with twins I would be scared out of my mind but we would figure out a way to make it work.

I also want to give myself a pat on the back -- I still haven't POAS (peed on a stick). I've never made it this far past transfer (8dp3dt) without doing so. I received a very light positive at this point with Bo's cycle but I am going to try to hold out another day (or two) before testing. I'll keep you updated. :)

Friday's Feature at Sticky Feet Part Deux is Ask Jamie. Feel free to email me or leave a comment with any question you would like for me to answer. Anything is fair game!

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Review and Giveaway: iPosture

I've always struggled with my posture. During my pageant years, I spent hours walking around the local photography studio where I worked in my 4 inch heels repeating over and over in my head, "shoulders back, tummy in". For awhile, I'd won the battle.

But now, I spend so much time sitting at the computer in chairs that aren't correct for this much computer usage -- not to mention hours upon hours on the floor with Bo playing and reading books that my shoulders and upper back really pay for it. All the slouching I do during those activities that is...

Last week, I was sent the iPosture to review. It's an easy to use device that attaches to a bra strap or necklace. When I would start to slouch the device vibrates, reminding me of the "shoulders back, tummy in" mantra of my younger years.

There is no doubt that improving ones posture can help with back pain, shoulder aches, etc. The iPosture also claims that women who improve their posture become more attractive and lose an average of 2 inches. I haven't had the device for long enough to see those long-term effects but I could definitely benefit from losing those 2 inches!

Would you like to win an iPosture?

iPosture has graciously agreed send a free iPosture to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me how you would benefit from the iPosture.
For additional entries:
1) Subscribe to Sticky Feet and then leave a comment stating that you are a subscriber. (Yes, if you already subscribe that qualifies you for 2 entries -- simply leave two comments, one of which states that you are a subscriber.)
2) Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment stating you did so along with your twitter name. (Yes, if you already follow me, just leave another comment stating you do so!)

3) Tweet about this giveaway and then leave a comment stating you did so.
4) Add my button to your sidebar, then leave a comment stating you did so. Click here for the code and instructions.

5)Email 5 of your friends and tell them to enter the giveaway. Be sure to send a carbon copy of the email to me at stickyfeet2 at gmail dot com. Then comment stating you did so.
6) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment back with the permalink to this post.

Winner will be selected via Random.org on February 15!

Good Luck!

Congratulations to MIP who won the Little Uni giveaway!

Would you like to enter a few more giveaways today? Head over to the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival! Tons of neat giveaways!

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Wordless Wednesday: Snow (Part Deux)

He liked it a little more this time!

For more Wordless Wednesday click over to 5 Minutes for Mom!

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Lemon Bar Cupcakes

Recently, I've rediscovered Food Network. Bo and I have been spending way too much time in our basement this winter -- and even more now that Mike's car has been in the process of being "de-deered" for the last two weeks.

While I love playing with Bo, sometimes I just need a little extra stimulation. So while Bo and I play, I've started turning Food Network on in the background. I know, I know. Bad Mommy! But he doesn't really pay attention to it and it gives me something else to think about while I read Big Dog, Little Dog for the millionth time. Food shows also don't require rapt attention, which is good with a little one!

One of the shows that I've found is Ultimate Recipe Showdown. Last week, one of the recipes was for a lemon cupcake with lemon curd. So I decided to tackle my own, simplified version.

First, I took a package of shortbread cookies and made crumbs in the food processor, and then added a little bit of butter so they would stick together.

Then I pressed the crumbs into the muffin tin with my thumb.

Then I prepared a lemon cake mix according to the package directions -- adding oil, water, and eggs and blending well.

I divided the batter between the muffin tins and then added a dollop of lemon curd on top of each one.

And ended up with beautiful cupcakes! The lemon curd sinks to the bottom and makes it very lemon bar like on the bottom with a cupcake on top!

These cupcakes were a hit. Mike, my mom, Bo, and I all really enjoyed them. Definitely something I'll be making again. It's "Semi-Homemade" like Sandra Lee... Okay, time to turn off Food Network...

Lemon Bar Cupcakes

1 box lemon cake mix

1/3 cup oil

1 1/3 cup water

3 eggs

1 box shortbread cookies

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

1 jar lemon curd

Preheat oven to 325. Line 22 muffin tins with liners.

In a food processor, chop the cookies until fine. Add the melted butter and place approximately 1 Tbsp in each liner. Use your thumb to press the crust firmly into the bottom of the liner.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs. Blend for approximately 2 minutes or until well combined. Use an ice cream scoop to divide the batter equally among the muffin tins.

Place 1 Tbsp. of lemon curd on top of each cupcake. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

*To see Dorie's Chocolate Gingerbread Cake click over to Tuesdays with Dorie. I was more in the mood for something more spring-like!*

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Review Blogger of the Week

I'll be writing the "Review Blogger of the Week" post over at An Island Review each Monday.

My first post is up -- check it out here!

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Dirty Laundry

Can you see all of my dirty laundry in piles behind Bo? :)

Mandy did this back in December and I've been thinking about it since then. I like this, and I hate it, because I can see how many of the ones she wrote could potentially be aimed at me. And you'll probably feel the same way about my list... Don't over think it. You're probably not even included. :)

Basically you air your "dirty laundry" and feel better having said it, with no names of course. So here is my dirty laundry...

1. I can't believe I use to look up to you. I obviously did not see your true colors until recently.

2. You are an irresponsible leech who has yet to grow up. I hope you do sometime soon.

3. You do not realize how lucky you are to have me in your life. And I don't know what else I can do to make that apparent to you.

4. Your life is not stressful. So quit acting like the world is ending every 5 minutes. Many people have been there and lived to tell the tale.

5. You are nothing like me. So quit pretending like you are.

6. You are not perfect. Your life is not that busy. You need to figure out what is important in life before it is too late.

7. You brag way too much. People who truly have money, don't talk about it. They're usually uber frugal. Your lifestyle doesn't make me think highly of you - it just makes me think you have oodles of debt.

8. Despite our flaws and our differences, you mean a great deal to me.

9. I hate whiners and people who give up. Get off the couch and fight for what you want. It's the only way you'll earn my respect.

10. Cleanliness is next to godliness. Learn it. Live it.

And no, I'm not telling who goes with which statement. So don't ask. :)

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Ask Jamie: What Gave You Strength?

Rachel asks:
I only read your old blog off and on once you were pregnant with Bo, and then regularly once he was born. My question is, what gave you the strength to keep trying IVF after it failed 4 times?

Well, I guess the best way I can answer this question is to stay that I am ridiculously stubborn. I possess an unprecedented determination when it comes to achieving a goal or acquiring something that I want. And honestly, the thought of not having a child was not a thought that I could live with. One way or another, I was going to be a mom.

I wrote a post when I was pregnant with Bo, that discusses my stubborn side. I found this on the old blog and copied it over here so you can read it for a full commentary on my stubborn streak and how it motivates me.

That said, there were other factors that gave me strength during the process. I really do not think I would have made it through all of those cycles without the support of many of my friends in the blogosphere. Being able to read others experiences and knowing I was not alone - negative cycle after negative cycle - really helped. Blog friends that had children were an inspiration as well. They showed me that IVF can and does work.

I also found a great deal of strength from within myself. Deep down, I knew I was suppose to have children. Looking at Bo now it seems insane to think that he was ever not here. That not that long ago I didn't know what he looked like or what he would sound like. But part of me always knew that he would exist. Sounds strange, but it's true.

To my readers that have indured loss and infertility, what has given you strength? Were your motivations different than mine?

Friday's Feature at Sticky Feet Part Deux is Ask Jamie. Feel free to email me or leave a comment with any question you would like for me to answer. Anything is fair game!

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