My Favorites

Progesterone shots....blurg....not a huge fan of these suckers. They don't hurt but they make me feel pregnant which is a tricky feeling during the TWW. We start my favorites tomorrow. Thankfully Mr. C gives me all my dailys so I don't have to worry about sticking myself in the tummy or bootie. What a man! 
So far I have not had many side affects from the Lupron, estrace, vivelle dot, and prednisone aside from fatigue, which feels like AF tiredness.
My estradiol came back good today so we are still on track for a Sept. 6th transfer. I am ready to get this done, and have faith that He has got it covered whatever that may entail :)
I asked Dr. Opera about acupuncture and he said that he believes in its calming effects and that overall they know it makes people feel better. All in all, he believes it can't hurt the process. So, I went today and will go back next week.

One week and counting,

Mrs. C




** always follow your own doctors advise, I am not giving out this info as medical advice).

Back to a Basic

Job lost everything: his wealth, his career, his health, his family, his integrity, his dreams, etc... How can a righteous man like Job lose everything in the eyes of our Faithful Father?

I was brought back to a basic over the last couple weeks while reading about Job's life . I was brought back to a place where the earth is so small and insignificant, where cause and effect does not always exist, and where the Almighty alone reins as my only true fulfillment.  

Thank You Father. Thank You for bringing me back.

Hello FET

Well, I sent the email off to our nurse today. Our IF journey takes us down another new road. We are planning (keep in mind folks that planning means NOTHING in the IF world, or any of the world for that matter) to start our first FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer) on my next cycle. As many of you know we have two embies waiting for us.. We are going on a vacation this week so I hope to be rested and ready by the time we come back. According to my always-off-calander I should go in for my first blood draw around the 21st or so.

On another note, I got to see a picture of my boo's 21 week old  nugget today. I'm pretty sure she was smiling already. Just precious!

Anyone out there in need of a cycle buddy starting around the 20th or so let me know...I'm all in for some symptom yapping, crying, laughing, peer-support during the dreaded 2WW (two week wait). Let's keep each other going my friends!

Much love my IF gals,
Brooke (aka Mrs. C)

Aching, Infertile Heart?

Don't go through this alone. Find a group, get support, heal...

 

Stepping Stones Infertility Resources

 

 

Walking for a cause: INFERTILITY AWARENESS

Hi Everyone,

I am walking in the 2013 Walk of Hope this year to show my support and to break the silence of infertility! Check out my personal page  HERE to see what it is all about!

If you want to donate via $ great! If you want to walk to show your support I would love some walking partners! Walking costs only your time.

NO ONE WITH INFERTILITY SHOULD WALK ALONE!

Walk of Hope 2013

The UGLY of Infertility

I was a cheerleader in 7th grade. I know, weird for those who know me. I was a soccer-star wannabe forever until my two besties decided to try cheer-leading at the ripe-peer-preasured age of 13. Anyway, I remember our favorite cheer:

U.G.L.Y. you ain't got no alibi you ugly, absolutely ugly!

Okay, so it wasn't the nicest cheer, but boy did it make us laugh.

The U.G.L.Y of Infertility:

I know. I am going through it too.

Infertility is hard on us as individuals, as well as our friendships, families, marriages, children, etc...

Infertility has rocked our worlds in a not so rock-in-roll way.

It has broken the picturesque version of our perfectly yet un-perfectly, fitted puzzled lives, that we had completed in our heads. And now, because of infertility, none of the pieces will fit.

My puzzle is broken.
I am blaming infertility.
And I hope HE can put me back together.

You UGLY infertility, absolutely UGLY!

A side note, not on the side: Its a scary thing to put this out there as a believer, but it's true. It's not all cake and ice-cream (or as I would say, chips and salsa) with me as a believer. But then, is it really that way with anyone? I would, in a rare mood, argue this one.

Something I Read

"Hey Dallas. My heart is breaking. I cannot fix this. I don't underatnd it. I am sadder than I've ever been."This will be a test of your joyfull confidence in God.""

A few other items from this article:

"The word Spirit. ""Disemboidied personal power.""
"Beauty. ""Goodness made mainfest to senses.""
"A diciple is. ""anyone whose ultiate goal is to live a jeasus would live if he were in their place.""
"Hey Dallas, what is reality. ""Reality is what you can count on.""

• Ortberg, John. "Guide into the With-God Life." Christianity Today July/August 2013: 64-68 (Quote from Dallas Willard)

Love this stuff

WHY?

I have often asked God "why?" while struggling through my years of infertility.  "Why would my God of love allow this?", Why me?", "Why", "Why", Why?". It seems I arrive at the same question and answer every few months or so. It's another ridiculous human cycle I go through: asking God why, painfully looking to the world for an answer myself, and then remembering HIS truth to me.  I do not know why I forget; I'm assuming its my angry, hungry  flesh looking to put the blame on God. Thankfully the peace and assurance that comes with the remembered answer is always worth it, and I praise Him today for taking the time once again to remind my why.

Today I found the answer here:
July Aug Stepping Stones

Happy for U

I found out that my most favorite human being in the whole wide world is pregos...Happy for U :) I love you Mucho mamacita and can't wait to meet your nugget !!! You seriously make the world a better place. You make me smile. I always laugh when I am with you, and I am very thankful for you! You do not conform to this world and I have always looked up to that in you. You are a rare being full of kind, gentle, patient, honest, wise, compassion and I am thrilled that a little, partial you is in that tummy!

Turning a Corner

FINALLY...I am turning a corner with infertility. How you ask? First, stoped being mad at God (yes, I was mad a God and yes, I still believe HE loves me anyway :) Second, stopped focusing on infertilty; started focusing on other things. Third, stopped feeling sorry for myself (dont get me wrong peeps; if you are at this point its ok, we all go through it!) Fourth, listened to Mr. C..:.Mrs. C you have got to start looking at all the great things we have and all the possiblities this life has for you.: Blurg...but ok Mr. C.


Well, lets hope it lasts :)


Brooke

Baby Safe Haven Hotline

Woman finds newborn left on sand at Hawaii beach

By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER | Associated Press – 7 hrs ago

 

"HONOLULU (AP) — A baby girl was abandoned and found crying in the sand at a Hawaii beach soon after she was born, human services officials said Monday.

The full-term, 8-pound newborn was "abandoned immediately after birth," state Department of Human Services Director Patricia McManaman said.
A woman parked at Sandy Beach in east Honolulu sometime between 11 p.m. Sunday and midnight heard several people screaming, police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said. A few minutes later the screaming stopped and the woman heard a baby crying.
She walked toward the ocean and saw an infant on the sand. The woman took the baby to a hospital. Police are investigating the case as endangering the welfare of a minor and child abandonment.
The baby, who had been found naked, was doing well and drinking formula at the Queen's Medical Center, McManaman said. "We're just very grateful this child is alive and doing well," she said.
If no one comes forward to claim the child, the Department of Human Services will file a petition this week with family court, asking for custody. A hearing will be held by Monday. If no family is identified, the state will ask the court for permission to release a photo of the infant on Monday, McManaman said.
In 2007, Hawaii became the 48th state with a baby safe haven law, said state Rep. John Mizuno. The law provides immunity from prosecution for leaving an unharmed newborn within 72 hours of birth at a fire department, police station or hospital or with emergency services.
No one has taken advantage of the law since it was enacted, McManaman said. The baby safe haven hotline is 800-494-3991."


http://news.yahoo.com/woman-finds-newborn-left-sand-hawaii-beach-015934646.html


Speechless,

Mrs. C

Not Sure

There are very little times in my life when my fingers do not feel like typing. That is how my little ink-free limbs feel today, but I force them on knowing it helps to get it all out. I am really struggling lately with the grief part of infertility. I feel stuck and I hate it. I cry out to my Father to release me from this want. Lately I think it is gone but it re-visits me so suddenly. I truly know that a baby/child will not make me a happier, fulfilled, etc...but yet my heart yearns to care for a child. And yes people, I know care means many many poopie diapers, sleepless years, worry, etc. You would think us infertile myrtles would take it as a blessing right? Can't I just snap out of it, sign up for a mission trip, and go care for a child somewhere? Is that what I am supposed to do? I think I am grieving the life I dreamt of since I was so little. I never dreamed up an elaborate wedding; I dreamed of being loved and sharing that love with our children.

I heard a message this morning. Keep in mind that I am very skeptical and weary on any message I hear lately. I question motives, truth, character, etc... Any by the way, I am not saying I know it all; in fact, I am saying the opposite: I know nada. This particular message enveloped prayer.  Why does God say no? Why does it feel like He doesn't answer sometimes? To summarize, the speaker said that maybe it is because we are living in sin, or maybe we are not praying the will of God. I heard a message the other day. To summarize, the speaker spoke about how we shouldn't stop knocking. That we should keep asking God. UGH...am I totally cut off from the holy spirit lately..it sure feels that way. Where is that soft whisper that directs my heart during these human fed messages? I miss it Lord. I keep hearing to seek the truth, which I believe is the living word. Does that mean I should memorize it all, sign up for Another bible study, devotion the heck out of every morning? Why do my devotions feel like BLAH lately anyways? God is obviously doing some work in me right now that I can not even organize on paper.

Not sure if this was a thought, prayer, or view but good luck getting all this.

Looking 2 HIM for help,
Mrs. C

Another year older

Tis' a strange thing to grow older with infertility. Just last night Kyle and I were in awe that one of our friends kids was turning 6 already. For me, that means we have been ttc for at least 5 years now (to be honest I have kind of lost track how long). Weird to watch your friends children grow up and go through baby stage, to toddler stage, and then before we know it we are attending tee ball and bumblebee soccer games.  Weird to watch your younger cousins have their first babies. Weird to be the dog lady.

I met with two of my dear friends this morning. They are dear to me in so many ways and I was so touched that they would pack up all their gear, sick babies, strollers, bottles, etc...and travel just to sit and have coffee with me and my puppy. I was reminded that God had truly blessed me with these amazing women who still make a HUGE effort to talk about how cute Maddie is when all the passer-byers are looking at their babies. Thank YOU Father for these women. Thank YOU Lord for these friendships. What a beautiful gift to have selfless friends who go out of their way to include their barren friend. I love you gals and hope that I too can follow your model and put you before myself.

Anger

It's tiring being angry; especially when you are angry at God. I havent wanted to talk about it or think about it. I have filled my time with things that please me temporarily all the while blaming God. I shudder a little thinking about how long I have held onto the - " I don't have a baby" anger. I am relieved to say that I have finally let it go. I got down on my knees and thanked Him for understanding my human heart and the anger that had lingered there. Following, I asked for forgiveness and then thanked Him for the sweet forgiveness that comes so generously and abundantly. And now that the anger is gone, I will be making some changes. More to come...

IT still exists

Well, the past couple of months we have been so full. Full of festivities, full of food, full of drink, full of moving, full of business, full of flu, full of living. Fullness was a nice distraction; but the reality is that IT still exists. Sometimes I fool myself into thinking that the desire is gone when our time is filled with plans and people and things. I temporarily forget that I desire to have a belly full of life.  It was a nice thing to temporarily forget...

It struck me once again when I found out last night that another lovely lady I know "fell" pregos. My initial reaction was happiness for them. Then, the memory of my bareness state flooded back into my heart and I cried. Mr. C graciously comforted me. I thought about Hannah.

I am taking action. Today I am researching dog therapy/comfort school for Maddie Pepper and I. She is the sweetest dog I have ever known and I'm hoping we can share the healing she brings to me.

Merry Christmas!

The Aftermath

I haven't written in a few months due to numerous reasons. First, life got in the way. Second, I had so many things going on inside that I could not even put it down on virtual paper. Third, fourth and fifth, I am still working those out. Please pray for me.

I will finally admit it; the last four months (the aftermath) have been hard. I have been embarrassed to say that it has been hard because the enemy trys to guilt me into thinking that my heartache is selfish (something I have dealt with for many years). The truth is that God knows my heartache and yours. He counts our tears. He sent His only son to save us from this world. And I shout my response to this truth, "Praise His Name!" I write the last few sentences in an attempt to start accepting the freedom He died for. Please pray for me.

I am still hurting on the inside. Funny and weirdly church has been the hardest place for me to be since the miscarriage.  I feel extremely venerable in general and even more so in that chair.We belong to a very young church with lots of young families which makes it challenging on many levels. I used to serve in children's ministry and now I couldn't bear it.  I am not in the "club". You know the club, the "mommy club" that just opens naturally when you and all your friends hit your late 20's.  It is a weird warp zone being on the outside of the club. You have all your friends that have 2-3 kids that invite you to all the baptisms, performances, and birthday parties, your younger, single friends that want you to hang past 10:00pm when you know you can't hang past 8:00pm, and your older couple friends that have kids all grown up.  Unfortunately, being outside of the club comes with the infertility territory. Another challenge is the jealously bug. I got bit a few months ago and it is a nasty little bugger. Side affects include and are not limited too: hurt feelings, bitter heart, hard heart, rebellion, pride, envy, and anger.  Again, please pray for me.

Thankfully I am starting to warm up to the idea (and when I say warm up I mean like I just turned on the warm water and it is still freezing cold because the pipes are frozen) that He might have another road for us. I have always been very sensitive to hurting hearts, hungry children, and the lonely of this world so maybe He will use my time in other ways than being a mom. As you can probably tell I am losing hope of giving birth. To be honest, hope of pregos is lost right now. Maybe it will return when we re-visit FET but for now it is gone. Did I ask for prayer yet?

Hugs and Merry Christmas to you all,

Mrs. C

Tip of Surrender

 I have been a first account witness to love that only HE can provide. How can I shake my fist a our God. Our God - the Great I Am who shows us how to love - truly love.

Uncharted Territory

I have walked down many paths with HIM through this life, but I don't ever remember one quite like this. I gave myself some leeway last month after the miscarriage saying that if I were ever to become angry with God that I would accept it and be honest about it. Well, here it is. A little late, but here. This uncharted territory is full of anger. I have never pictured myself shaking my fist at Him, and I write this half in fear of what He thinks of my wicked heart and half proud. I have been prideful many times, but this is different. I am almost daring HIM which, I KNOW people, is total stupidity! However, I want this blog, my life, and my walk to be honest - and honestly I am angry. I am more angry about the after-math of hormones and whacked out self than the actual loss (okay, I am just as angry about the loss too). I am more angry about the loss of identity and the fact that I KNOW He is in control still and that my eternity, identity and  salvation are HIS, but that my human, fleshly-heart, soul, and mind are at war right now.

So here I am in this ugly state and in walks a someone today who's testimony breaks down my little, weak, angry wall that I thought I had built up so powerful. He shared his recent fall-to-his-knees story and I saw the Cross melt my force-field. I told this someone, "that you are not supposed to give me any hope today. I don't want to go there yet, I don't want to let HIM in."

And now I am thinking to myself, "Gosh Lord why do You have to find me again".

Sweet Recovery

 My little angel Maddie Pepper