A Very Long Day...

Yesterday morning, we left here a little after 8 so we could get to Champaign for my 10:30 appointment. Bo had just gotten up and we fed him quickly and ran out the door. My mom has watched Bo for all of our appointments up to this point, but she had other plans today, so Bobo got to make the journey with us. Ugh. Drive, drive, drive. Ugh.

It was my understanding that I was going to meet with the nurse practitioner for a physical and pap and then go for my nuchal scan ultrasound. They took me right back to meet with the nurse practitioner as soon as we arrived. She was very nice and I liked her a lot. We covered all the basics and I think I will be happy with her care. I will alternate between seeing the NP and the doctor at each appointment, so I will meet the doctor at our next visit on Good Friday. I finished that appointment at about 10 after 11 and went back out to the waiting room to check-in for my ultrasound and make another appointment. At this point, I'll be seeing them every two weeks. Lots of driving.

Almost immediately, they took us back to another office. It wasn't an ultrasound room which should have been the first sign that something was amiss. We entertained Bo in this office for about 25 minutes before we were seen. Apparently, all patients have to have "counseling" before undergoing any type of a genetic screening. Despite the fact that the nuchal scan is only an ultrasound and a blood test and not something more invasive and with a chance of miscarriage like amnio or CVS, we had to be counseled and sign consents. I guess it would be a good thing for someone who doesn't really understand what is going on... but for us, it was a complete waste of time.

By the time we finished that, it was nearly noon and Bo and I were starving. Turns out my ultrasound wasn't even scheduled until 12:30 so we had half an hour to find food. We left and went to an Arby's that was by the hospital. I was hoping to go to a "real" restaurant but we just didn't have time and I was starving. We didn't make it back to the clinic until 12:40 and then they took me right back for the ultrasound. The scan itself took about 20 minutes and I wasn't impressed with the pictures or with the ultrasound tech. She wasn't the most personable person ever (I'm one to talk I guess...). It didn't help that by this time Bo was tired and fussy. He needed a nap. The good news is that both twins are still there and still looking good. We left the scan about 1:10 and then I had to go have my blood drawn. We finally got out of their about 1:30. I guess I should be glad we snuck out to have lunch so we weren't actually there the entire 3 hours, but it felt like forever.

I am very hopeful that future appointments do not take nearly as long and are condensed. We didn't stop anywhere and made it home about 3:30. Definitely a long day for doctor's appointments. I had scheduled for Bo to have his 15 month (a month late) well baby check in Effingham at 1:45. Obviously we didn't make that appointment since we didn't even leave Champaign until 1:30. I'll need to reschedule that on top of everything else.

Maggie Maternity Review and Giveaway!

On Saturday night, Mike and I went to see the local production of Peter Pan. Before we left, Mike took pictures of me in one of my new maternity tops from Maggie Maternity. Unfortunately, I'm not the most photogenic pregnant model... I didn't know my smile could get this big...

That said, I definitely have to rave about these clothes! I was sent the Maggie Summer Box and I am very impressed by the comfort, style, and quality of their clothes! The set I received is made of a jersey knit fabric that is soft and washes well. There is definitely something to be said for higher end maternity clothes. These items put the majority of my maternity wardrobe (from Target clearance) to shame! Even Mike has commented on how nice the pieces are and how great they look (these photos don't do the clothes justice...). The best part is, I can pair them with my more economical pieces and create a great, comfy look.

In the picture above, I'm wearing a maternity top from Target (I wore it when I went to the hospital to deliver Bo) and the black pants from my Summer Maggie Box. The pants are sooooo comfy!! They will definitely be put to good use throughout this pregnancy.

The best part is, Maggie Maternity wants to pass some savings on to you. Just enter the code, BL2009T to save 10% off any order. They have some adorable dresses *love this one* that would be perfect for a wedding or shower! Plus, I've already raved about the Maggie Summer Box!

Maggie Maternity has also graciously agreed to giveaway a $50 gift certificate to one lucky reader! All you need to do is head over to Maggie Maternity and then leave a comment telling me what you would buy if you are the winner!

For additional entries:
1) Subscribe or Follow 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 April 15!
Good Luck!

Congratulations to Laura, Amy B, Tracy, and Doughmesstic, who won the Playmobil giveaway!

Ask Jamie: Redefining "Me"

Anonymous asks:
I know that you wanted babies for so long, so maybe this doesn't apply to you, but...did you ever feel a little resentful that you had to completely give up your "self" for a whole new one? That you couldn't just add "parent" on to "person-in-her-own-right"? It just makes me sad to think "I like ME, and I don't want to give me up!"

Of course there have been moments when I've felt resentful regarding the changes in my life since Bo was born. Having a child changes a person and I was definitely not fully prepared for that aspect of motherhood. (Honestly, I think the impact on the mother is greater then on the father. While a father's life does change, the changes are typically less significant. A woman's brain physically changes during pregnancy to prepare her for what is to come.)

There are moments when I miss being able to drop everything and go somewhere, where I miss the interaction I had with my colleagues at work, and I definitely miss the amount of "free time" (that I definitely did not appreciate enough!) that I had before Bo was born. I think these are all natural feelings to have at some point during parenthood.

All of that said, I wouldn't want to go back. While my life is different, in many ways it is more rewarding and fulfilling than it ever could have been without Bo.

I can remember, before I was pregnant, saying how I never wanted to be "one of those women". But yet, here I am, totally infatuated with my son and with my life totally different than I pictured it being before he was born.

Throughout our lives, we go through many changes. I've changed in many ways since I was 14, and even more since I was 24. My goals and dreams have changed and evolved as my life has progressed. My thoughts about everything from religion, politics, parenthood, family, and friendship have undergone drastic restructuring. And not all of it was intentional, but I think all of it was a part of growing up - of redefining "me". Redefining who I am as my life and circumstances change.

At this point in my life, it is hard for "Mommy" to not define who I am as a great deal of my daily life revolves around that role. There are only a few hours a day when I am not "Mommy". That said, I still enjoy those moments when I am "off duty," so to speak. I enjoy having a few hours each day to work. I enjoy being able to go out to lunch with a friend, sans children. I enjoy being able to cuddle on the couch with my husband. And in those moments, while I am still "Mommy," I'm also just "me".

I can see where your fear comes from. I like "me" and I liked many parts of the "me" before I was "Mommy" as well. That said, I think your "me" simply evolves and changes as your life changes. The "me" that I am now, isn't the "me" I was before parenthood. But in many ways, I think it is a better "me." I'm more tolerant, less judgemental, more patient, less materialistic, (I could go on, but you get the idea) than I was before Bo was born.

What are your thoughts? Those of you that are parents, how has becoming a mom (or a dad) changed you? Those of you that aren't parents, do you feel you will be able to avoid these changes?

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!

If you like this post, share it!

If you like this blog, think about subscribing to my RSS feed.

Once an Infertile, Always an Infertile

Tuesday, we had our last ultrasound with Dr. J and "graduated" from the RE to the OB. It was sad to leave Dr. J and his staff. They have been great to us and very supportive every step of the way.

Both babies are measuring right on target and were moving and shaking. Their heart rates are good, they are active, and everything looks as good as it possibly can at this point. We met with Dr. J after the ultrasound. We briefly discussed our frozen embryos and he said that they are all very strong embryos and he would love for us to donate them to another couple. This is a topic Mike and I are both struggling with... We won't make any decisions until these babies are born living, healthy, and well, but we will definitely need to decide in the near future as the cost to keep them in the freezer isn't cheap. I am 100% sure I am done if both of these babies end up coming home.

From Dr. J's office we headed straight to the OB for a class that we had to sit through before they will let us see an OB. It is called "Great Expectations" and was the most useless thing I have ever had to endure. We were in there with a 17-year-old and her boyfriend, and another woman. It was very hard for me to keep my eye rolling to a minimum as a nurse droned on and on about the most ridiculous stuff that anyone who knows anything about pregnancy would know, and definitely an infertile who has a child at home is well versed in. We had to fill out the paperwork and she pissed me off about a million times with her quips about infertility and ectopics. I just wanted to smack her. She was also giving advice which seemed totally bizarre since she obviously didn't know our backgrounds or anything about our pregnancies. It just goes to show how many people in this world automatically assume that there is a straight line from having sex to having a healthy child when that is so far from the case for a lot of people. Totally pissed me off, was completely unneeded and unnecessary, and is two hours of my life I can't get back. I guess you can give the infertile children, but once an infertile, always an infertile. *End Rant*

They also do an early glucose screening so I had to drink the orange soda and have a million gallons of blood drawn for all of the tests they want to do (that I just had done in January for my IVF cycle....). The 17-year-old was HYSTERICAL about the blood draw. She was totally freaking out and would not let them poke her. They finally brought in 4 nurses to hold her down. I am not sure what happened as I was done by that point. I'm definitely an old pro at the needles and blood draws. That girl is going to have to grow up really fast...

I was suppose to go back Friday but the ultrasound tech that does the nuchal scan won't be there, so they changed our appointment to Monday. We see a nurse practitioner for a full physical and then go for the nuchal scan. We'll be taking Bo with us for the appointment and he'll get to see his siblings for the first time. I have a feeling the novelty will be lost on him...

I definitely hate the fact that going to the doctor sucks up the entire day. Definitely a negative about going to Champaign, but I hope it will be worth it in the long-run.

If you like this post, share it!

If you like this blog, think about subscribing to my RSS feed.

Wordless Wednesday: Messy Lunch

We packed our lunch when we went to the zoo last Friday to avoid paying exorbitant prices for really poor food. It was a chilly day but we luckily found a table to camp at inside. My little messy eater was his usual messy self. Unfortunately, I only had one wipe left in my travel pack to clean up this dirty little guy!

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

If you like this post, share it!

If you like this blog, think about subscribing to my RSS feed.

Tuesdsays with Dorie: Blueberry Crumb Cake

I actually had another recipe all geared up and ready to go for this week -- but then I realized that this week's Tuesdays with Dorie was the Blueberry Crumb Cake, and I had to make it. Yesterday morning, when I should have been grading papers, I made cake. :) If you would like the full recipe head over to Walking in the Rain.

The first step is to make the crumb topping in the food processor. I did this and placed it in the fridge while I prepared the cake.

I used frozen blueberries and tossed them with a bit of flour. This is suppose to help keep the blueberries from sinking in the batter.

Then it was time to prepare the actual cake batter -- lots of yummy ingredients - butter, buttermilk, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, flour. All the good stuff.

Then I folded in my blueberries.

I spread the batter in the buttered 8x8 pan, sprinkled it with crumb topping, and popped the cake in the oven.

My cake smelled done, but there was still a soft spot in the middle of the cake, so I baked it a few minutes longer. That made it extra crunchy on the outsides, but still pretty soft in the middle. I think next time, I would put a little less butter in the crumb topping.

And here it is, the finished product. I enjoyed a piece as an afternoon snack yesterday and served the cake for dessert last night. It was a hit all around - Mike, my mom, and Bo all enjoyed the cake. This one's a keeper at Chez Sticky Feet.

If you like this post, share it!

If you like this blog, think about subscribing to my RSS feed.

Put Me In The Zoo

When I was trying to get pregnant with Bo, I often thought of all of the fun activities and places I hoped to take him. The zoo was at the top of the list. On Friday, we were finally able to take our son to the zoo. A family outing, centered around Bo, and an activity we hoped he would enjoy. It is days like this that remind me it has all been worth it. It still doesn't seem possible that we have a little boy... A little boy old enough to enjoy the zoo!

We went to the Brookfield Zoo. It was a bit chilly, but I think this is the first time I've been the zoo when it wasn't scorching. The zoo was not crowded enabling us to move at our own pace and see a good portion of the zoo and the animals in the few hours we were there.
Bo did really well at the zoo and seemed genuinely interested in the animals. In the picture above, he is pointing at a bear. Mike held Bo a lot, because the view from the stroller seat wasn't that great. The bear above kept jumping in his little pool and doing the backstroke for us. I seriously think he was performing for us!!
In some of the buildings, we allowed Bo to walk and look at the animals at his own pace. He especially enjoyed the amphibians and birds. He loved the toucan. The toucan was his favorite animal of the day!I really wanted a cute picture of Bo with his large frog. I've collected frogs for years and Bo's pants that he wore to the zoo had little frogs embroidered all over them. Unfortunately, Bo had other plans and preferred to run around!

Bo found the fish to be very interesting. We'll definitely be going to the aquarium soon. It was a tough choice as to where to go on Friday!

We allowed Bo to pick out a souvenir. We really wanted to get him a toucan of some sort, but we didn't have any luck finding one. He ended up picking out a plastic panda bear that he just loves. Not what I would have picked... but he likes it! :)

It was the perfect day. How could it not be with my two favorite men?

***I am considering decorating the twins nursery in zoo animals -- giraffes, elephants, monkeys, etc. So if you have any ideas or neat links for zoo themed nursery decor, please send them my way! I won't be purchasing anything until I hit 20 weeks, but it never hurts to research. :)***

If you like this post, share it!

If you like this blog, think about subscribing to my RSS feed. Bo

Last Night's Dream...

Last night I had a dream...

I pulled into the driveway of the small house that I grew up in. I was driving my purple Cavalier (the car I had in high school and college) and it felt like I was returning home from a week at college.

It was late at night and Grandpa was sitting in his chair watching TV. He told me that my mom wasn't there, but she would be there in the morning. He was thrilled to see me, as he usually was when I returned home from school. It all felt and seemed normal.

I went into the bathroom to wash my face and get ready for bed. As I was brushing my teeth, Grandpa poked his head around the corner and said, "Be sure to be quiet. You don't want to disturb the twins. They are sleeping in your room. You should probably sleep in your mom's room tonight." I said okay, and Grandpa went to bed.

He forgot to turn the TV off in the living room, so I went in to turn it off and then gathered numerous blankets to make myself a pallet on the floor in my mom's room. Why I didn't just crawl in her bed, I'm not sure. As I am trying to fall asleep, I am suddenly worried about bugs crawling on me since I am sleeping on the floor. And then an odd thought strikes me...

Grandpa said that the twins were in the next room. This is not normal.

It was then that I felt a deep ache in my chest. Where are Mike and Bo? Why is my mom not there?

And suddenly I realize, this is my gate to Heaven. Grandpa and the twins are there to meet me.

At this point, I woke up - quite disturbed. What does this mean? Is this a premonition of what is to come?

If you like this post, share it!

If you like this blog, think about subscribing to my RSS feed.