It's Official

This morning Jeff re-enlisted for another three years! His end of service date is now Dec. 27, 2012. He got a special coin and a certificate of re-enlistment; I got a certificate of appreciation. HA!!! It seems as though the Navy is finally realizing what an important role spouses play in the military...that they too are just as dedicated and also make countless sacrafices. It's about dang time!!! And you can bet that certificate will be framed, matted, and hung on the wall when we get settled in next year!

Merry Christmas!!!

As expected, I haven't had the time to post lately. Things around here have been BUSY, stressfull, and chaotic...to say the least! I'll try and write an update after the holiday. I promised myself I wouldn't even think about our upcoming move and transfer the next couple of days, so that I can truly enjoy the holiday with Jeff and Jessica! Do you blame me, lol?

From our family to yours.....I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and a very Merry Christmas!!!

GUAM!!!

Yep, you read it right. Guam! Not Italy. So for those who don't already know....for the next three years, we are going to be stationed in Guam for Jeff's sea duty rotation. We found out two weeks ago, and received the hard copy of his orders last week....which state that he has to report in no later than January 28!

We both have a lot of mixed feeling about it, but overall we are incredibly excited about this new adventure....about living on a tropical island for three years. I mean, if we're gonna stay in the military, we might as well get out and see some of the world on their dime, right? And while all of you are freezing your tushes off in the middle of winter, we'll be sunning on the beach and taking a dip in the ocean!!! Just had to throw that in there, lol!

But of course, we have to get there first....which if this week is gonna be any indicator of how the next couple of months will go...well, let's just say it's gonna be one bumpy ride! There is SOOO much to do before we can leave and so little time to do it in. Everything I've managed to accomplish so far has ended up taking twice as long as expected for one reason or another....which has made for one very stressful week.

So far I've filled out paperwork for mine and Jessica's passports which we're gonna have done next week. I've picked up mine and Jessica's medical and dental records and filled out yet more paperwork for our overseas medical suitability screening which will also be done next week. I was lucky and so very thankful that mom was able to find my immunization records and mail them to me...all within 48 hours, might I add....which means I won't have to get all those shots again!

This is all just the beginnings of what has to be done...not including the pack-out of our household goods and the shipment of our Kia....among many, MANY other things. I know I haven't been the best at keeping this thing updated, and I'm pretty sure it won't get any better the next month or so due to everything going on, but I'll try to pop on every now and then to let everyone know how we're doing. Wish us luck!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

From our family to yours...I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving today. Enjoy all that yummy food, and most importantly, don't forget to count you blessings!

It's That Time of Year

As in the time of year to start Christmas shopping....I can't believe it....can you? The year has gone by so fast, and hear we are...two weeks until Thanksgiving and about 6 wks until Christmas!!!

This afternoon found us walking down the toy aisles at Target trying to get some ideas of what Jessica wants for Christmas....and BOY did she give us some...or shall I say A LOT!!! Littlest Pet Shop, NiHao Kai-Lan, books, movies, and so much more....not a lot of Dora stuff suprisingly. She seems a lot more interested in NiHao Kai-Lan now. At least I was able to make a decent list for her finally!

I hadn't planned on buying anything today, but we actually found a leapster game on sale for $15....$10 off of the normal price!!! I COULD NOT pass up that deal! Oh, and guess which one it was....NiHao Kai-Lan!!!

Ch-ch-changes!

Besides the temperature, the color of the leaves, and the time, there have been a lot of changes around here recently...or will be soon! Let's see....there's so much that has happened in the past couple of weeks that I'm gonna try and keep this as short as possible.

After many, many long discussions, Jeff and I finally made that all important decision....stay in or get out....re-enlist or not. We decided....for so many reasons....to stay in and continue our life as a military family, so in another month or so, Jeff should be re-enlisting for three more years. That will put him at 12 yrs of service, so we're about 99.9% sure we'll be doing the full 20. At that point it doesn't make sense not to. Although some may not understand, we truly believe this decision is what's best for our family....for the three of us.

Jeff's doctor took him off limited duty so that means he has to leave the temporary command he's been at all summer.

Combine the previous two (re-enlistment + leaving temp command) means he is up for new pcs orders. With the Navy, you have to rotate between sea and shore duty, and since he has more shore time than sea time, he is up for sea duty. Most times this would mean a ship, but with Jeff's rate (MA) more often than not it means overseas.

The first detailer (personnel who assigns orders) he talked to said that 1) Jeff has to do a 3yr tour overseas (and yes we will go with him) and that 2) Jeff is at the "needs of the Navy" since his rotation is messed up, and therefore, doesn't have any choice in where we'll be stationed. We were told this would be Guam! I WAS NOT happy about this starting out with, but then I thought...vacation island in the Pacific plus tropical climate all year round...not too horrible. I could live with that....not like I have much choice!

However, this detailer has since been replaced with a new one and the new detailer confirmed that Jeff does have to do an overseas tour, but instead of telling him we're he'll be stationed, he actually asked where Jeff would like to go. Jeff said Europe, more specifically Italy, and the detailor says he can do that...that Naples, Italy and Siganella, Sicily are both available!!!

Holy Crap!!! Can we say SUPERDUPER EXCITED!!! I would much rather spend 3yrs in Italy than in Guam....the culture, the food, the language, the history....I could go on and on, lol! I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much about this (although I think it's a little late) cause I know how quickly and how often things can change with the Navy. We won't know anything for sure until next week or the week after, and even then, I won't actually believe it until we have the orders in hand! But WOW!!! Keep your fingers crossed for us...we REALLY want Italy!

Oh, and the kicker....since Jeff is still at a temp command, they're wanting him stationed at his permanent command ASAP. This means that no matter where we end up going, we should be there within the next three months!!! AHHHH! It's definitely gonna be a whirlwind of stress, excitement, craziness, and changes!

So, of course, we met with a realtor this week to see about putting our house on the market. We found out a lot of information....some good and some not-so-good....all of which I'll write about in another post since this one is long enough already. However, the for sale sign will be going up in our front yard this weekend!

So much for keeping this short!

ttfn

Another First

Jessica had her first dentist appointment today. Even though she had been asking to go for about three weeks now, I was still wondering what would really happen and how she would act once we were there.

Well..........it went GREAT!!! Jessica hopped right up in the chair like she'd done it before, and they were able to clean and count her teeth and even do a flouride treatment. You could tell she was a bit nervous cause she got really quiet, but she didn't cry, squirm, fuss, or complain. She did AMAZING!!! Talk about one VERY happy and proud mommy! I'm left wondering, though, when the heck did she get to be such a BIG GIRL!!!

Trick-or-Treat!!!

Here are a few pics of our night of Halloween fun!

10 Years Together....

and still going strong!!!

Ten years ago I opened my eyes and realized what...or shall I say who...had been right in front of me the whole time....that this guy who had been a great friend for several years....the same guy who's heart I had broken back junior high...could possibly be that special someone.

Jeff, on the other hand, says he knew from the very first day we met (way back in junior high)that I was that special someone, and lord knows how he had the patience to wait four years for me to come to my senses! But I'm so glad he did!!!

I have to admit that at first I thought starting a relationship on Halloween would be a jinx, but days turned into months and then into years, and hear we are...still completely happy and blessed with a love that has multiplied immensely over the years.

That possibility...that spark...that connection...whatever you want to call it...that I finally saw between us on this day ten years ago...the one that he knew was there from day one...not only turned into a strong, stable, and happy marriage, but also created this amazing child we call our daughter

Happy Anniversary babe!!! I love you with all my heart and would go with you anywhere! I can't wait to see what the next ten years bring us or where it will take us!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

Halloween Tradition!

We spent an hour or so this afternoon carving the pumpkin Jessica picked out this past weekend. She LOVED it....sticking her hands inside and helping me pull out all the slimy gunk and seeds. However, it was quite challenging doing all this and trying to capture the moments on camera...but here are the ones I took. Hope you enjoy!!!

Approved!

Jeff's perform-to-serve package finally came back yesterday.....it was APPROVED!!!...which means the decision to reenlist or not is now completely ours to make. I'm so proud of him and everything he's accomplished and sacraficed the past eight years. Obviously the Navy thinks he is "worthy" enough to stay in; however, the choice to continue our life as a miltary family isn't an easy one to make. It's a huge, HUGE decision, and I'm sure there are gonna be lots of converstaions the next several months about our future and what will be best for our family. Although I have no clue what road we're gonna take, I do know that either way I'm behind him 110%!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Jeff and I decided to turn in early for the night....around 9:30; however, I'm back downstairs now since I couldn't fall asleep....must be something going around tonight!

Anyway....we're joking around and goofing off as we walk upstairs to head for bed, and Jeff tells me I need to be quiet or I'll wake Jessica. I round the corner at the top of the stairs and look into my bed where I knew Jessica should be sleeping. And I see eyes....bright, bushy-tailed, full of energy eyes! And then she laughs! She'd been in our bed for two hours, the tv had been off for an hour, and she still wasn't asleep!!! Jeff and I try not to laugh....too much that is! Luckily we were able to put her in her bed with no complaints...only requests for hugs and kisses from both of us...and she went to sleep within minutes.

Hopefull, I'll be able to do the same soon!

Summer Pics

I don't know if I ever mentioned that I finally got a new camera. While we were at mom and dad's back in August, my old one started acting funny while I was taking pics of Jessica in the pool...wouldn't let me view the pics I had already taken or even tell if it had taken the ones I had just snapped....I figured all of it was a lost cause.

Needless to say, it was time for a new one....a pretty purple one to be exact. Anyway, I was cleaning the desk today and found my retarded old one and was pleasantly shocked when I was able to download pics from the camera to the computer...pics that I still couldn't view on the camera itself...and here they are! FINALLY!!!

Update

Curently I'm making chocolate-chip cookies with Jessica and waiting for them to finish baking. Alright, I'll admit it...we cheated and used pre-packaged cookie dough, lol!

As far as an update goes....I'm so far behind, it's not even funny! Where to begin...

We had a third IUI last month, and I guess third time isn't the charm...or at least it wasn't for us. Since my journey with the infertility specialist and procedures was taking such an emotional toll on me, we decided it would be best for us to take a break from all of it for a while. We're not stopping ttc by any means, but we're gonna try it the old-fashioned way again...without meds, doctors visits, and procedures. And let me tell you...not taking all those meds in almost a month and no hot flashes or mood swings has been AMAZING! I haven't felt this good all summer long, and ttc has actually been fun again...the way it's suppose to be! I know without a doubt that we made the right decision.

Jessica is doing great...although she's testing us more and more on a daily basis...from just plain not listening and doing what we say to actually talking back...oh joy! We're trying to nip all this in the bud, so little Ms. Jessica has been spending a lot more time in time-out. She even...for the first time ever...slammed her door this afternoon after she was sent to her room for time-out. Being a parent can really be trying on certain days!

Jeff's limited duty has been extended for another six months, and he'll be going back through physical therapy for his back soon. And the idotic doctors want to do another spinal block....we'll see what happens with all that.

Jeff even mentioned the other day about possibly wanting to re-enlist for three more years. We don't even know if he can cause we're waiting on his perform-to-serve papers to come back. If it's denied then we won't have a choice and we'll be getting out and moving closer to home next summer, but if it's approved we have a BIG decision to make in the next 6-9 months. A lot of it depends on if he makes first class this time around. We should find out in Nov. I completely understand and agree with his reasons for wanting to stay in--the stability of a decent paycheck 2x month, the insurance, and the possible re-enstatement of re-enlistment bonuses for his rate (which would just be icing on the cake!)--and am behind him 110% if he chooses to do so, but...MAN...I wonder if we're insanely crazy for considering it or just a glutton for punishment, lol!

As for me...I've been working on getting a part-time job to help out with finances. Since I have so many years of childcare experience, I knew I could get a job in that field pretty easily, but I didn't want to work in a daycare setting again. I very much prefer one-on-one time with children and a more personal relationship with the famliy, so I've been applying for different nanny positions. So far I've had an interview with a local nanny agency, and through them I've met and interviewed with one family for a part-time evening postion and subbed for a different family for one night cause their regular was having car problems. After all this, it turns out I might end up with a part-time position with the famliy I subbed for. I should know for sure by next week!

Other than that, it's been pretty much "same 'ol, same 'ol" around here, so I guess that's about it. I promise to get back on here more often!

ttfn

Eight Years Ago

I was in my second yr of college and driving to class. I always listened to cds while I was driving so I had no clue what was going on. I get to the college, park my car, and start walking into the building. This guy from my A&P class comes up to me and says, "Can you believe what's happening?" I responded with a "what are you talking about?' And he told me.

I was in shock. Jeff had just left for boot camp five days before. Maybe it was a bit selfish but my first thought was what's gonna happen to Jeff. All these people are dying and yet all I can think about is what this means for Jeff and our future together. Will he be sent off to war? Will we get married in a couple of months like we have planned? Will he even finish boot camp?

I barely made it through my first class trying to hold myself together. Luckily, the professor in my second class dismissed us early so I went to Jeff's parents house and watched the events unfold. That's when it really hit me....watching people jump, seeing the towers fall, seeing the replays of the planes hitting the towers. After a while I couldn't take it anymore, so I went to Jeff's room, curled up in his bed, and cried myself to sleep.

I'll never, ever forget that day. I don't think any of us will.

MIA

Sorry I've been MIA the past two weeks. Visiting with our family doesn't leave a lot of blogging time but our trip went well and way too fast...as always!

We spent the first three days with my parents where we every afternoon found us swimming in the pool which Jessica ABSOLUTELY LOVED! We also made a trip over to Huntsville for shopping and lunch at O'Charleys....YUMMY!

Then we headed to Murfreesboro for a visit with Karla, Chuck, and the girls where we had a BLAST!!! And, yet again, we lost our daughter to Lydia. I love that they get along so well...and that it gives us a break, LOL! Karla even watched Jessica for a night so Jeff and I could go out...our first date night in almost a year! Our last day with them was spent celebrating Heather's 10th birthday.

And then it was on to Grenada! Highlights there would include Pepaw and Jeff taking Jessica out on her first boat ride, playing Wii with Robert (we're definetely getting one for Christmas now), stocking up on Southern Belle t-shirts, a trip to Tupelo with another lunch at O'Charleys, playing Tonk, and visiting with Tonya and Connor, even though that lunch didn't go so well. I can honestly say I will never, EVER eat at LaCabana again! We improvised though and went shopping!

We arrived home on Monday night, and I have spent the past 48 hours unpacking, cleaning, cycling laundry, and grocery shopping....that's the only bad thing about being gone for so long...getting the house back in order once we return. All I have left to do is fold all the laundry and do some straightening up in the bedrooms.

ttfn!

Whew!

I spent yesterday morning running errands thinking I was so far ahead in getting things done for our trip and I get home and Jeff says, "So, ya wanna leave tomorrow afternoon after my doctor appointment." I'm game! However, instead of having a day and a half left to do laundry and pack everything, I had less than 24 hrs and 7 of those hours were meant for sleeping! YIKES! Needless to say, I've been running around here like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get everything done....laundry, packing, gathering toys and cds and dvds and snacks, and, of course, more packing!

I finally finished everything this morning and even managed to take Jessica to the park for an hour to burn off some of her excess energy. After all this running around the past 48 hrs, I'm ready to sit back and chill in the truck for several hours...more like 12! Now we're just waiting for Jeff to get home so we can hit the road! Shouldn't be too much longer...maybe another 30 minutes! AL here we come!

Oh, did I mention that this is the first time is 3yrs that I haven't had to pack any diapers or wipes? WOOT! Ought to make for interesting trip though....lots and lots of bathroom breaks, lol!

Jessica's Room

Since I spent some time cleaning all the bedrooms this morning, I figured it was a good time to take some pics of Jessica's room and show everyone her new "big girl" bed that she is still so excited about! The only things left that I would like to add to her room are some cute pictures/artwork on the wall above her bed and some new curtains that flow to the floor...preferably Dora ones!

One More Week...

...and we'll be on our way to AL, TN, and MS for a well-needed vacation! ABSOLUTELY CAN'T WAIT!!! For all those interested here is the schedule for our trip.

Wed. (the 12th) : leave VaBeach headed to AL
Thurs. : Scottsboro with mom and dad
Fri. afternoon : head to TN
Sat. and Sun. : Murfreesboro with Karla, Chuck, and the girls
Mon. : head to MS
Tues-Sun : Grenada with family and friends
Mon. (the 24th): back to VaBeach

The only thing that could possibly change is depending on how Jeff's back is doing with all the traveling, we might leave Grenada a day early on Sunday and stop over at mom and dad's to split the drive up some...15-16 hours from Grenada to VaBeach would be a very uncomfortable time in the car for someone with a herniated disk...like I said, we'll see how the trip down goes and how Jeff feels at the time.

Randomness Again

We picked up Jessica's bed this weekend and put it together. It took two hours, but at least it's done. I love the storage shelves underneath it! I don't think I could have picked a better bed for her! Jessica likes it too and ,of course, has spent a good deal of time jumping on it saying "It's higher. I can see so better!" LOL!

I finally painted the staircase banister black though I can't decide if I like it or not. Jeff says he does which was a relief to me since I did it while he was at work yesterday! It still needs a second coat, so we'll see how it looks then.

My dentist appointment to have that old filling replaced is this afternoon...so not looking forward to it...ugh!

I'm making spaghetti, garlic toast, and an Olive Garden-like salad for dinner tonight...YUMMY!

AND....for those who don't already know...we're taking leave and coming home for a visit this month!!! YAY!!!!! We'll be leaving next Wednesday (the 12th), going to mom and dads for a couple of days, then to Karla's for the weekend, and then on to Grenada for a week! CAN'T WAIT!!! We're so excited and Jessica keeps asking to go to Karla's house so she can see Heather and Lydia, lol! I told her it'll be soon!

ttfn!

2nd IUI

Jeff gave me the trigger shot Thursday night which did indeed turn out interesting. We had to mix the solution together....saline with the powder....then draw it up into the syringe and change the fill needle with the injection needle. Of course, he did a lot of this since I couldn't even stand to look at the needles, lol! Yeah, I can laugh now that's it's done! Then it was time. I laid down on the couch and showed Jeff the area of injection...and...he did it...right into my backside like a pro! It didn't hurt any more than when the nurse injected it last time! Of course, he's had some medical training so I shouldn't have expected any less. I love having that much trust in him, cause let me tell you....besides him, a trained medical professional, and my parents who both have experience with giving shots, I would NEVER, EVER let anyone anywhere near me with a needle!!! And of course, since the shot, I've had a few mild hot flashes....not too bad yet!

The IUI was yesterday and went well. It took a bit longer this time since my part of the procedure was done in Labor&Delivery. There must have been several laboring women in back close to giving birth so we weren't considered high priority, and I ended up waiting an hour in one of the exam rooms by myself. It wasn't too bad; I made myself comfy on the bed and finished almost four chapters of the book I brought! Once the doctor came in the procedure only took five minutes and then I had to lay there anther 30 minutes to increase the chance of success. Hopefully in another nine months I'll be one of those "high priority" women about to give birth, lol!

I was cramping some yesterday on my right side...where both the follicles were...which I'm guessing was due to ovulation, so I think we got the timing right! YAY!!! In another couple of weeks, we'll know if this one took! Keep your fingers crossed for us...I know ours are!

Randomness 3

How lame..or uncreative...is it that I can't think of a better title? Oh well.

Been doing a little work on the house...hung up some closet doors...FINALLY!...cleaned and organized the laundry/storage room...touched up the paint in the hallway...took some baby items to goodwill. Also been working on the back yard several mornings a week while Jessica plays in her wading pool. And of course, all my usual household cleaning and chores, oh joy!

Had dental films taken on Tuesday...one of my old fillings is starting to come off which is why that area has been more sensitive...will have it filled back in next week.

Mid-cycle ultrasound was today...two almost mature follicles...will have IUI on Saturday...YAY!!! And the kicker...was given the trigger shot to take home with orders to administer it at 10:00 tonight...but Jeff's gonna do it for me...ought to be interesting!

I guess that's about it! ttfn!

Watch It...NOW!

This has been going around...if you haven't seen it yet, you need to! I LOVE IT!!! It'll put a smile on your face! What an awesome way to start your life together!

http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/song_dance/New_Wedding_Dance/

Randomness 2

Jeff is currently talking on the phone to a friend about WoW while kicking a soccer ball back and forth down the hallway with Jessica, lol!

His back is not getting any better. He's considering asking his doc for a referel to talk with a surgeon to see if he is even a canidate for surgery...he's tired of hurting and I hate seeing him in pain. Anything is better than nothing at this point.

Jessica is our new back seat driver. She knows that a red light means stop and a green light means go and she doesn't hesitate to tell us either, lol! Jeff drove through a yellow light this afternoon, and all we here from the backseat is "NO, NO DADDY!!! It's not green!" LOL! What's even funnier is that she figured all this out on her own! It's amazing how much children learn just from observing!!!

Oh, that annoying monthly visitor did show up this past weekend...ugh! I already have an appointment for the mid-cycle ultrasound next Thursday, and I have to start taking clomid tonight. I just told Jeff to not let me forget, and he says, "So Chloe is gonna come back again!" Only my husband, lol!

Randomness

A couple days ago WalMart.com finally had the twin bed we've been looking at for Jessica in stock. We ordered it! And we saved close to $50 bucks due to the site-to-store pick-up! WOOT!!! It'll take a couple of weeks to arrive, but it's be well worth the wait! On Sunday we went ahead and bought a matress for it. I took down her crib/toddler bed and the new matress has been in Jessica's room with new sheets and bedding ever since. She likes it and there is definetely more room for all her stuffed animals! LOL!

Yesterday afternoon I developed a headache that lasted all night...despite taking my last prescribed 800mg ibprofin. It wasn't quite a migraine, but I suspect it would have been if I wouldn't have taken that last pill. At 4:30 this morning...after taking another 3 regular ibprofins...it finally went away. And I was finally able to get some well-needed sleep, even if it was only 3 hours. Needless to say, I will definetely be taking a nap with Jessica this afternoon. Ugh....I hate headaches like that...with a passion!

Jeff's working hours have changed....again! Instead of 9-5, he's now working 8-3....which is actually better cause 1) he'll be working one less hour during the day, lol, and 2) he'll be home earlier in the afternoon! Yay!

LMAO!!!

This evening we were headed out of the house, and I was telling Jessica to put on her yellow crocs . She responded, "I don't want the yellow ones. My shirt is pink....I need pink shoes."

OMG! Are you serious? She's only three and already insisting that her shoes match her outfit!!! What can I say...she is soooo my child...I've definetely rubbed off on her!

What A Week!

Seriously...busy, busy week...mostly all the doctor appointments I mentioned in a previous entry. We had so many that Jeff actually forgot about one on Tuesday and had to reschedule it for Thursday. Thankfully, he won't get in trouble for it since he was SIQ (sick in quarters) due to the pain he was having from his spinal block...and he's still hurting worse than he was before he had the procedure. I seriously hope the docs don't think they're gonna do another one!

My dentist appointment yesterday went well. They've been watching a couple of spots on my lower right side, and I did admit to them that area has been more sensitive the past couple of months. They wanted to take some x-rays so they could check those spots for cavities, but since there is a possiblity I could be pregnant, we all decided it was best to hold off. I told them I should find out by the beginning of next week, and if I'm not, I have to call and come in to have them done....and hopefully no cavities...what I really hope is that I get to call them saying the x-rays won't be able to be done for another nine months! I can hope, right?

Today I spent some time working in the back yard while Jessica played in the pool. And, boy, did I work up a sweat!!! After a couple of hours I took a break and sat down in a chair with my feet in the pool. Jessica thought it would be funny to douse me with water using her plastic cup...so needless to say, I ended up as wet as she was! I'm now showered and clean, and she's upstairs in my bed watching Dora. Betcha she's gonna take a good nap today...if she's not asleep already! I might just go upstairs and check. ttfn!

One Hundreth!!!

This blog marks my 100th post! Woohoo!!! Can't believe I've written that many in the past 10 months, lol! Let's see how long it takes me to write 100 more!

Momma Knows Best!

Jessica weighed...drumroll, please....32 lbs 5 oz and was 40 in tall! So, I was right on mark again...or pretty close, lol! I can't believe how much she has grown since last year!!! Now I understand why dad always joked about putting a brick on top of our heads...to keep us from growing so fast!

Whatcha Think?

Jeff and I are taking bets...how much Jessica will weigh tomorrow at her 3yr check-up. I'm guessing 30-32 lbs, and he says 33-35 lbs. What do you think?

And, btw, I've always been pretty accurate, lol!

Spinal Block

Jeff's spinal block this morning went well. They didn't have to put him under anestesia for the procedure which was a relief to both of us, so it didn't take nearly as long as we expected. We were there for about an hour and home by 11:30...not too bad.

Jeff is hurting some at the injection site, and the nurse said it could be up to 48 hours before the steroids take full effect. I really hope it helps him with the pain cause his physical therapy sessions sure aren't! If it doesn't help, they said they will most likely do another one, which is stupid in my opinion. I fear that we're getting closer and closer to the possibility of surgery...something we are both worried about. We'll see what happens the next couple of months.

Another Weekend

This weekend turned out to be another lazy one....not much accomplished, lol! It's nice to have those, but I told Jeff that this next week and the following weekends we need to get busy and finish up all the small stuff around the house--painting the banister, cutting holes for the doorknobs in the closet doors, and a few other random things.

We did take Jessica to see Ice Age 3 yesterday. She liked it, but she was a little bit more fussy this time and sat in my lap the whole movie...can't complain there! I think it was a combination between her waking up too early in the morning and being tired, and also the dinosaurs scaring her a bit. It turned out to be a cute movie. We'll definetely end up buying it to finish out our collection.

This week is chalked full of medical appointments. Tuesday Jeff has an appointment with his primary care provider. Wednesday Jessica has her 3yr check-up, and Thursday I have a dentist appointment. Tomorrow Jeff is having his spinal block done which he's worried about and so am I. I think they're actually gonna give him anestesia to knock him out to do the procedure, so we'll be there for a couple of hours at least. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

What An Afternoon!!!

At about 3:30 Jeff and I took Jessica outside to play in her wading pool. I realized we had forgotten some of her pool toys in the house, so I walked back to the door, grabbed the handle, and turned. It was locked. We had locked ourselves out of our own house!

Jeff went around and checked the front door and windows....all were locked! We had no keys and no cell phones, lol! After debating about what to do, we went over to the neighbors to see if they could help or had any suggestions. He was outside as we walked up and recommended using his ladder to check the upstairs windows. The first one...our bedroom....was unlocked!!! I was so relieved!

Now we're sitting back laughing at it, and needless to say, I'll always have my keys with me when we go out the back door again, lol!

Our Holiday Weekend...

...has been great! Of course it's almost over. Right now we're relaxing at home. Jeff is playing WOW, and Jessica and I are watching movies. This morning I went and hobbled around Wal-Mart shopping for groceries while Jeff stayed here with Jessica and did some laundry. That's about the only thing we've accomplished today, so I guess it's been a pretty lazy day. We thought about taking Jessica to the theatre to see Ice Age 3, but, well....how bad is it that we're too wore out from yesterday to even get ready and go out just to sit inside a theatre, lol!

Going to Busch Gardens for the Fourth was an awesome decision, and it was probably the best Fourth of July we've celebrated in several years! They had one heck of a fireworks show...I think the best one I've ever seen! Jeff and Jeremie rode a few coasters and I spent time playing in the gigantic playground with Jessica and watching her ride some of the kiddie attractions. We all enjoyed some good food and playing carnival games. We won so many stuffed animals that we had to rent a locker to put them in while we walked around the park. And the walking...lots and lots and LOTS of walking. At least I got my exercise for the day! One area of the park that we went through several times had a gazillion stairs...hence, my very sore legs and the hobbling today. You would think the park would be a little more kid/stroller friendly. But, by gosh, if I went up and down that many stairs a day, I'd have legs and buns of steel, lol!

Friday Jessica and I went to Natalie's first birthday party. Jessica had fun playing with her and the other kids in the pool, and of course, eating hot dogs and cake! Jeff stayed here and hung out with Jeremie. I can't believe he finally decided to come over after not talking to us since March. It seems as though they're gonna just forgive and forget everything that happened which is good I guess. Even though a part of me wants Jeremie to just admit he was wrong, I'm glad they're finally talking and hanging out again cause they've know each other too long to let their friendship just fall apart like that. We'll see what happens.

All in all I couldn't have asked for a better holiday weekend!

From Our Family To Yours

Happy Fourth of July!!!!!

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend, and please be safe while you are out and about.

The Bright Side

After Wednesday's events I've been trying to look at the bright side of things, even though it sure as heck isn't easy sometimes....but when I sit back and think about it, there are A LOT of good things in my life.

The doctor was right. We can still try natural conception....and we've been having fun doing so and will continue doing so, lol! After I thought about everything, I realized that we still have the upper hand....an advantage, so to speak. Since I did take clomid this cycle and know that there are four follicles, hopefully there will be more than one egg that is released during ovulation which will increase our chances of pregnancy...so I guess that medication wasn't wasted after all. Besides...Jessica was conceived naturally, so maybe...just maybe...we could get lucky this cycle as well!

And speaking of our little girl....I still can't believe she's three now...THREE!!! She has blessed our lives in so many different ways I couldn't even begin to explain. Sometimes I stare at her in awe, because it has been truly amazing to watch this tiny little baby that we created together change and grow into this incredibly smart and vivacious child whose eagerness and excitement to learn, see, and experience new things has given me the chance to see life through a child's eyes again. Being a parent is truly a gift. I know that here lately we've been so focused on ttc again, but like I said in my last entry, not a day goes by that we don't thank our lucky stars for her. I look at her and see our little miracle--I know it's not impossible for us to get pregnant, but it sure as heck ain't easy.

And Jeff....I'm so lucky to have such an amazing husband who is willing and determined to go through all this with me. I couldn't do it without his love and support! He is my rock.

Always remember...."What is most valuable is not what we have in our lives but who we have in our lives."

IUI...Or Not

Things don't always go as planned and today is no exception. My body didn't respond as well to the clomid as it did last cycle. The mid-cycle ultrasound this morning showed four follicles again, but none of them were even close to being mature.

Normally in this situation, they would just have me come back in a couple of days...so that the follicles have some more time to grow...do another ultrasound, and schedule the IUI then. In my case, this day would have been Friday; however, the infertility clinic will be closed that day for the holiday weekend, so I wouldn't be able to be seen until Monday and that will be too late in my cycle to do any of this....so we won't be doing an IUI this cycle. I usually love holidays and three day weekends, but this one has royally screwed us over.

We've been so determined and hopeful this past year...especially the past couple of months...but now I just feel defeated...the most I've felt since we first started trying. We wasted a whole round of clomid this cycle and all the mood swings were for nothing now. The doctor said we can still do "natural conception" and recommended having lots of sex this weekend, but...well, gee doc, if we could get pregnant by just having sex, we wouldn't be going through all this and I'd have already been pregnant! I know she didn't mean anything by it and was just doing her job, but daggummit...it just sucks, and there isn't any nicer way of putting it.

I actually made it out of the hospital and into my car before I let myself get upset. This is such a difficult journey for us...one I wouldn't wish on anyone...and today was incredibly hard. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if Jessica is meant to be our only child. Not a day goes by that we don't thank our lucky stars to have been blessed with such an amazing, healthy child, and even though she has brought so much joy and happiness to our lives, it doesn't make us want another baby any less. We so badly want to add to our family...a new baby to share our love and lives with...a brother or sister for our little girl.

I know in my heart that it'll happen when it's suppose to, and when that time comes all of this...the tests, the meds, the side effects, the procedures, the disappointments, the tears....will be worth it....SOOOO worth it! I find comfort in this because Jessica was. She was definetely worth the wait and I know the next one will be, too!

Project: Organized Closets

I've spent about three hours every day for the past three days organizing the upstairs closets. After buying a 6ft shelf and installing it in the guest bedroom closet, I finished organizing everything in there...mostly Christmas decorations and baby paraphernalia....and moved on to Jessica's closet. They're both finally done, and now I'm working on mine...which is the worst one! It's taking a lot longer than expected but the results...as always...are worth it!

I'm thinking about donating a couple of her baby items...her swing and exersaurcer along with a diaper bag, a bottle warmer, the wipe warmer, and a few toys....to goodwill. I know it sounds crazy since we are trying for another one, but I'm so sick of all this junk cluttering up my closets!

And we still have a ton of baby stuff that we're keeping for the next one: travel system (infant carseat and stroller), pack & play, highchair, boosterseat, changing table, all her clothes...which will only be useful if we another girl, lol...three diaper bags, and many, many baby toys. So I guess it wouldn't hurt if we got rid of a couple items. Besides every baby deserves a few new things, lol...that is if we ever get pregnant!

Speaking of that, I have an appointment at the infertility clininc tomorrow for my mid-cycle ultrasound...hoping everything looks good!

Chloe Clomid

I've mentioned the drastic mood swings I get while taking clomid, right. Well my loving husband has now nicknamed me Chloe...as in Chloe Clomid....my alternate personality. He says when he talks to me, he never knows which person will respond. Rachel...or Chloe.

One would think this would have made me even madder, but it actually cracked me up. Like I said in my last entry, he sure knows how to make me laugh even when I don't want to....don't know what I'd do without him.

I Love....

....how my husband can make me laugh even when I don't want to. I'm so blessed to have him and Jessica in my life.

This week has found me in another funky mood...due to the fact that 1) last weekend my annoying monthly visitor let us know that the IUI didn't take....very disappointing....and 2) the clomid tablets I'm taking again are making me moody as heck, and nauseaus...not fun. Jeff is amazing for putting up with me and all my mood swings. Between my PMSing and now this, he hasn't had a great week either.

We're determined though...moreso than ever. And it'll be SOOOOO worth it! I'm halfway through my clomid tablets for this cycle and next Wed. I have another mid-cycle ultrasound scheduled and hopefully the IUI on Friday, I'm guessing. Our fingers are already crossed...again!!!

Happy Father's Day

Since I posted some quotes for Mother's Day, I thought it was only appropiate that I do the same for Father's Day. I really like some of these. Hope you guys do too! And Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!


He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland

A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again. ~Enid Bagnold

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes. ~Gloria Naylor

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father! ~Lydia M. Child, Philothea: A Romance, 1836

A father carries pictures where his money used to be. ~Author Unknown

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. ~Mark Twain, "Old Times on the Mississippi" Atlantic Monthly, 1874

Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever. ~Author Unknown

Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher's mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again. ~Jimmy Piersal, on how to diaper a baby, 1968

"If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right." -- Bill Cosby•

"A new father quickly learns that his child invariably comes to the bathroom at precisely the times when he's in there, as if he needed company. The only way for this father to be certain of bathroom privacy is to shave at the gas station." -- Bill Cosby

"I talk and talk and talk, and I haven't taught people in 50 years what my father taught by example in one week." -- Mario Cuomo

"By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong." -- Charles Wadsworth

"The father of a daughter is nothing but a high-class hostage. A father turns a stony face to his sons, berates them, shakes his antlers, paws the ground, snorts, runs them off into the underbrush, but when his daughter puts her arm over his shoulder and says, 'Daddy, I need to ask you something,' he is a pat of butter in a hot frying pan." -- Garrison Keillor

Dad, you're someone to look up to no matter how tall I've grown. ~Author Unknown

"It's only when you grow up, and step back from him, or leave him for your own career and your own home—it's only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it. Pride reinforces love." -- Margaret Truman

"Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad." -- Anne Geddes

Want Gum?

I must be setting some kind of record....four posts in one day!!! OK, so the other three were only pics but they were long overdue, lol! Anyway....

....we're walking around in Kohls the other day. Jessica's walking with us and we're not making her hold our hand since it wasn't crowded and she was behaving well. She's enjoying her independence and loving being a big girl when I suddenly feel her little fingers grabbing my hand. I think to myself: awwww...how sweet, she WANTS to hold my hand...despite her ever growing independence she's still my little girl!

She turns my hand palm up and spits her gum in it....and then runs away laughing!

Zoo Fun!