Surrogacy..here and now!!

4 months today...

2009-11-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that Heath is 4 months old today?? WOW!! And oh goodness...WHAT a cutie!! And a chunk!! I think about 16 lbs!! That is what boob juice does for you...makes you grow BIG!!

I am still pumping for baby Heath. Actually, I am typing this one handed as we speak...with the pump whirring away beside me. I never really pumped with my 3 kids...Kayte did have bottles of breast milk when I would work evenings, and I think I had a manual pump...so by golly...this pump is a luxury by far!! I remember more of nursing Kayte than pumping. 18 months of nursing, to be exact!!

As far as pumping goes...I am still learning new things about it, pretty much daily!! I have learned thus far...

Mastitis is a bitch!! (Ask me!! I have had it twice and almost (thank goodness it didn't turn ugly) a third time!!)

Pumping is a lot harder (not harder really, just a little more time consuming and slightly stressful!!)than being pregnant!! Case in point...you can never just up and leave...you need to remember things...it's kind of like having a baby...just with ice attached!! :) It's like a juggling act...remember what you need, remembering when the last time you pumped was, and most importantly, remembering EVERYTHING you are taking with you...especially when you go on vacation!! Are you seeing a pattern going on here?? It's really ALL ABOUT REMEMBERING!! (We went to Disneyland on vacation, and what important item was accidentally left on the bed?? The breast pump charger!! And do you think that Radio Shack or a baby supply store sells the particular one I needed?? NOOOO!! By the way...does anyone need a BRAND NEW $379.99 Medela Freestyle pump? Only the charger was used for 1 week...the rest of it is brand spankin new!! I will make a great deal with you!!) But I digress!!

Let's see...what else is going on around here?

Ashlyn turned 18 (GASP!!) on November 2nd. She is researching some colleges and is planning on getting her license soon (crossing fingers here!!) She is going to take the SAT on December 5th, so please think really good, (SMART) thoughts for her that day!! Ashlyn is in the Rendezvous choir which is a early bird class...as well as she is in the play "White Christmas" which lately, practices are running until around 7-7:30pm...meaning she has been at school for 13 hours straight!! Perhaps we should just move a bed to the school!!

Michael is looking forward to getting his drivers permit on the day he turns 15. GOSH!! 2 drivers!! YIKES!! *hides under a chair!! Both Ashlyn and Michael are in the Master Choir at Oregon City High School. They all sound wonderful!!

Miss Kayte is doing well in school...she loves to learn new things. And it helps that her BFF is in the same class...

Kent has now been with Franz Bread for 2.5 months. Things are going really well for him...he gets to put on his competition hat a lot more now...and he loves that. He was gone a lot during Sept/Oct because of resets as well as seeing all of the stores. I am so thankful to be able to stay home so that while he is gone, the kids have someone here with them full time. (Thank you Kent for working SO hard for your family!!)

Hope all is well in everyone's world...

Baby Heath made his arrival...

2009-07-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

Most of you know by now that baby Heath made his arrival...he was born at 9:58pm on July 16th. He was 7lbs 0.5oz and 19" long.

A little background on why he was induced 2 weeks early.

If you have been reading my blog...you will know that there were a few times that my blood pressure was on the high side. When we went for a couple of our last visits to the midwives, the b/p was getting higher and higher and they don't like to see that in pregnant women. So, my midwife gave us 2 options. She said that we could elect to be induced now, or we could go back to the Dr's and be put on high blood pressure medicine and wait out the 2 weeks until the due date. We were all in agreement that we would rather be induced than to have to bow out of the midwives care and be placed once again into the Dr's care. Once the baby was born, then they (the Dr and midwife) would collaborate on a plan to see if I should then be placed on high blood pressure medicine.

We arrived at the hospital at 7am on July 16th and they immediately hooked us (I say us and not just me since there is more than just me involved!!) up to the pitocin and monitor. Ideally, I would have loved to just go into natural labor on my own, but many people told me not to mess around with blood pressure....so, inducing was the way to go. The nurse that we had, Kelly, was a wonderful nurse...very attentive to my needs, and very sweet. I feel like she didn't leave anyone person out of our conversations. Our usual midwife had hurt her hand while running (twice...poor thing) so she was out of commission for helping bring the baby into the world. But, we had Julia for our midwife, and she was very good as well.

Here we were...just waiting and waiting....I was having some contractions, but nothing terrible. I think around 1pm, the midwife came in and broke my water. She had tried earlier, but without success. I can't believe at how much water comes out when it gets broken!! It's kind of like the energizer bunny...it just kept going and going and going!!

I then started having some contractions that were stronger...really, I am not sure what time this was...but they were getting uncomfortable. I think around 7pm or so...is when it all started really happening. My contractions were very painful and I finally asked for an epidural. Julia checked my cervix at this time and said that we could still have an epidural..and we were dilated to about a 6. Tito came in( the anesthesiologist) and prepped me for the epidural. He was my saving grace as the contractions by this time were putting me in a place that I didn't want to go. I really tried to frame my mind around a mountain...and when I would have a contraction, I would (in my mind) try to climb the mountain...but it was just too much. So finally, the epidural was placed...and I got some relief. Julia checked me again and asked me if I could do some pushing?? WOW!! That was a quick change!! So the pushing began. By the way...Alissa, who was my regular midwife, came in on her day off and helped me get through the pain as well. Amazing!!

I don't recall how many pushes I did...I think about 8 or so...and Heath's head came out...followed by another push and then his shoulders came out. It was an amazing feeling for him to be born right into his Papa's arms!!

OK...so here is the part where I gush....HE IS SUCH A SWEET, SWEET, ADORABLE, GORGEOUS, WONDERFUL (shall I go on?) BABY!! Oh, and don't forget beautiful, and handsome!!!

The first night I could not get my mind to shut off....as is common when something major happens for me. So by morning, I was pretty much wiped out...J&T got their own room for a few hours so they could try to sleep. At around 4am, J came in a brought me Heath so that he could nurse. J&T came back into my room around 6:30am since the maternity ward needed that room for an induction. Making the story go a little faster now....

We ended up being discharged at around 6pm...so I went home to grab a bag and take a shower and then went to J&T's house for the week. I got to nurse Heath for the first 6 days (which was very rewarding for me)and now I am exclusively pumping for him. I have taken milk over to their house twice now...I don't know if I am producing enough, but I am trying!! They have a friend that is also breastfeeding her son, and she produces quite a bit of milk, so she is also pumping for Heath as well.

So...that is my birth story...kind of a condensed version...but none-the-less.

I want to say thank you so much to J&T for trusting me to carry their son these past 9 months. Words cannot express how I feel...

25 Days...no,,,make that 24 days left!! P.S. Not for the faint of heart!!

2009-07-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone's 4th of July was wonderful. Kent and I were kidless...except for Kivu...which he IS a kid...just with 4 legs!! Our weekend was quiet with the exception of the HUGE fireworks being let off (by neighbors) from 10pm-midnight both Friday and Saturday. Friday nights fireworks didn't really bother Kivu too, too much...but there were 3 really BIG ones that he wasn't too fond of. We shut our bedroom windows and he went right back to sleep. So that was good.

Last night was a whole different story though. Kent and I had taken him on an extra long walk to really tucker him out. And that worked...until the neighbors brought out the big guns!! Poor guy!! He was so freaked out. :( Kent took him to go potty outside, and the neighbors let off a big one and it scared him so bad he ran under the deck and bonked his poor head..(Kivu did..not Kent.) And then Kivu was just a nervous wreck...so again, we shut our windows and I went to sleep...I guess Kivu finally did too but I was out so I don't remember it. I was going to open the windows about 1:30am but when I looked outside, the kids next door were still lighting sparklers in their backyard. Oh to be young!!

Kayte went with some friends to the coast for the weekend. She had a really great time...until this morning about 10am...the girls were going swimming and the motel door to the swimming pool was steel and very heavy. A gust of wind caught the door and slammed against Kayte's left middle finger. (I am sure you can imagine the screams, as can I!!) So, Kim, (the mom of the friend) calls me on Kayte's phone and tells me that they almost got by for the weekend unscathed, and then told me what happened. The whole nail popped right off...and of course there was blood everywhere since the door cut into her finger. Lucky that she didn't shear the thing off!! They bring her home around 3:30pm because traffic was so awful. Kent and I take her in the house and start to take the gauze and band aid off of it, but by then, it's pretty much stuck to the nail bed. So, we soak it in water...and finally get it to come off. Kayte says she is feeling faint...funny thing...cause I am too!! So we go down to the couch and she lays down and has her finger in the glass of water. And all I see is the drip, drip, drip of blood coming from the finger down into the water. So Kent and I decide we should take her to the ER just to be on the safe side. Thank goodness it's just up the street and we are there in under 2 minutes! Kayte has never been in an ER...in fact...I think the last time she was at a doctor was for a bacterial ear infection in the 1st grade. (She is now going into the 5th grade!!) Needless to say, we are not very familiar with the ER...Anyways, our wait wasn't awful...and they put us back in a room. The very nice nurse talks to Kayte and asks her what happened etc, etc. Then the doctor comes in and asks what happened...again, Kayte tells her story. The doctor wants to get some xrays to be sure it's not broken at the tip. They give her a Vicodin for pain..and about 15 minutes later, she says her head feels funny. :) After the xray, the doctor comes back in and says that nothing is broken...and that they are going to glue the laceration on her nail bed back together. So he does...and Kayte doesn't feel anything until he puts pressure on it to stick it together. THEN she is in PAIN!! After we wait about 2 minutes, he then applies more glue all over the nail bed...and by this time, Kayte is in a lot of pain. Poor girl. Doctor goes out...and about 20 minutes later, a nice man nurse comes in to give us our discharge instructions. Well, he looks at the doctors notes which say to bandage it up and change daily...and he says...you know...maybe that's not the best idea. So we decide to put a splint on it and just a tad bit of gauze...and walaa!! Kayte is almost a happy camper. So she needs to wear it for 3-4 days (She would probably wear it forever if she could cause it's "cool") but I think by Thursday, the nail bed will have gotten used to being naked and we will be able to take the splint off.

So that's how our weekend was.

On the baby front...since I have not updated in a while...we are 36 weeks 4 days pregnant. Big ole belly!! Baby Heath is great...loves to jab his little foot into my rib...but that's ok. I just try to push it back out. Went to see the midwife last Friday...she checked me and I am already at a 1 so I know my body is doing what it's supposed to do. I don't want to be induced this time around as the last 2 times when I was induced were hell!! Especially with Kayte. I am planning (***please note that this is not a binding contract!!***) on having a natural birth...and I know if I am induced...then it's fast and furious and I don't want that. We go back on Wednesday for another checkup. Getting right down to the wire!! So, that's it for now. I should have news on a job for Kent in a couple of weeks...but can't say much about it now...

No Longer a HUGE fan....

2009-06-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

I think my love of cats probably predates me. My mom loves cats...my grandparents loved cats...and probably their parents and grandparents loved cats. So..needless to say...my love of cats was probably inherited.

As of today though...I am no longer a huge fan of cats. Period. Done...Finito...

About 6 weeks ago, I was talking to my neighbor and she had mentioned that their cat had 2 kittens a couple of days before. AWWW!!!! I HAD to see them!! So I put Kivu in the backyard...and rushed over to get a look at these sweet babies. Unbeknownst to me...the cat that wanders through our backyard which I dubbed Oreo (as he is black and white) was sitting in their house with his wife and 2 babies. Oh!! I asked what his name was...and it's not the cute "Oreo" that I had named him...but Batman...OK...whatever. I had also seen the momma cat traipse through the yard...and while "Batman" was very friendly...even with the dog...The momma cat was not. She was always skitterish when she would wander through the backyard...and I had tried to befriend her more than once. She was very friendly in her house though...and she proudly showed those babies off.

Fast forward...6 weeks later. I am assuming that Batman and the momma cat will have another batch of kittens soon as that is all I have been hearing from the back yard. The low guttural yowl and then the high pitched "I'm gonna bite your head off if you don't get off of me yowl." And there is more than one male cat around here to boot. Our yard runs along a greenbelt (or whatever you would call it as it is unbuildable) and there is lots of wildlife in this area. An abundance of birds...chipmunks, squirrels...and I am sure many more critters that only come out at night. (Except for that one raccoon...but that's another story.) Anyway...that's all I have been hearing....and it really pisses me off when I am awakened at 11pm...1am...2am...you get the picture...horny little bastards!! (Sorry if I am offending anyone...lack of sleep...ya know!!)

Now we fast forward to about an hour ago...I am in the house...playing with Kivu and his toys...and "What's that I hear?" Do I hear a faint little "Mew?" So I look outside...and there in the garden is a little baby kitten. "AWWWW!!!!" So Ashlyn and I go outside and I immediately pick up this little waif of a kitty. He is so cute..."OUCH!!" Man...does he have claws!! "What are you doing kitty? Oh...you are climbing onto my shoulders...OK...." And then I see Kayte...and she is trying to keep Kivu in the gated area we have so that he doesn't come up to where I am...and "OUCH!!" The kitten has now spied the dog...(all Kivu wants to do is play...) and now the precious little F***ING kitten is on top of my head...claws out...hissing and scratching. And then...he hops down off of my head...and attacks Kivu's face...jumps off his face..and then back on...and all the 3 of us can do is yell...yell at the kitten...yell at Kivu..."NO Kivu...come back here...don't chase the kitten!!!" Me...screaming it at the top of my lungs...Ashlyn...(Not sure just what was coming out of her mouth...) and Kayte...all of us yelling. Kivu retreats back over to us...I look down at my finger at the blood coming out of the tiny puncture wounds...and I turn around to see Ashlyn almost in tears because she is laughing so hard.

Now you know why I am no longer a fan...(Until I see the next kitten...I suppose!!)

To Refrigerators Everywhere!!

2009-05-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to refrigerators everywhere!!

Long, long ago...when I was a young girl...I went to a friends house to stay overnight...and there...in the kitchen...sat a gorgeous side by side refrigerator!! Wow!! I was SO jealous of her family being able to have one of these cool refrigerators. I think I must have opened the doors on that appliance at least a half a dozen times in the first 10 minutes that I was at her house. The friends name has long been forgotten, but not that beautiful refrigerator.

Fast forward to 2009...the date, May 26th. I HATE OUR REFRIGERATOR!!! Plain and simple!! I think, whomever thought up the grand idea of a side by side refrigerator was a moron!! Hello!! How much can you fit into the freezer side of the fridge? Not a whole heck of a lot!! And I feel like there is even less room in the fridge side...not because I buy too much food...it's not like I have scrumptious cakes just taking up all of that precious space on the shelf....I think it's because...in a normal household, you have at least 3 kinds of mustard...maybe a couple jars of relish (sweet and hot dog of course), marinades, sauerkraut, pickles...I am thinking by now...you are catching my drift. And don't forget the many bottles of salad dressing...so many choices, so much to choose from. Well...as of today, there is one less shelf and one less drawer in the refrigerator because...well...I just needed the room!! If you go through lots of juice in your family...like we do...you know that you NEED the space!! And...since there is iced tea weather a comin...one needs space in there for the sun tea pitcher.

Someday...I shall have the refrigerator of my dreams...ohhhh....let me tell you about it. (My mother in law has one similar to the one I want...) My dream refrigerator will have french doors in it...one side shall be able to hold 2 gallons of milk in the door, plus enough room to hold a pitcher of juice and said condiments. If you wanted to put the big ole jar of relish that one purchases at Costco in the door...you could...cause there would be room...oh...and while you are at it...go ahead and put the Teriyaki sauce in there too...it will fit!! There will be the freezer on the bottom...but get this...there will be not one drawer...but 2!! SAWEET!!!! A place for everything...and everything in it's place. Oh...and don't forget the water and ice and filter in the door...You HAVE to have that!! I bet I would not even mind having to come home after grocery shopping to put things away...in fact, I would rather enjoy it I am sure. Oh well...someday...someday!! If you cannot imagine my refrigerator...here is a picture of something similar...

P.S. My apologies for the way I titled my last blog...I inadvertently spelled blogged with just one "g" and since my dear daughter Ashlyn just reminded me of my mistake, I feel the need to apologize. It won't happen again!! :)

ACK!!

2009-05-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

Geez...has it really been since the end of April since my last post?? Good gravy!!

I ALWAYS have stuff to blog about...however, it seems that it is always rolling around aimlessly in my head...and there it stays!! So today...I will let all of my thoughts tumble onto the computer keyboard...and hopefully, the things that I write will sound like something I would typically say. =)

OK...so first off...I would love it if you could keep my father-in-law in your thoughts and prayers. He was diagnosed with a blood cancer last month...and has since had 3 doses of chemo in the last 3 days(yuck!) and will have many, many more doses to come. Sadly, he won't be able to do the things he loves...such as gardening...and he won't be able to eat a lot of foods that he usually eats. So if you can keep Gail and Don in your thoughts and prayers, I would appreciate it.

Secondly, Kent is in Cincinnati..and will be home tomorrow night..late. He had to attend a class there...and well, tomorrow, he has an interview for the "Corporate Brands Manager" position. He has to interview for this...since last month, Kroger gave over 70 people notice that they are downsizing into 17 positions. His Sales Manager job is going away with the Clackamas Bakery...and, since that job will no loner be, then his job as an Account Manager for Commercial Baked Goods is also being done away with. Yeah...can you say "THIS SUCKS??" But...he is really good at what he does, and I know an opportunity will come about. If anything...perhaps he can be a baker for the Clackamas Bakery??

Today marks the 30 week mark in this pregnancy. Only 10 weeks to go!! YIKES!! Last year at this time, we were trying to get pregnant about this time, only to find that it didn't work. And then we waited...and waited...and waited some-more!! And then, once you are pregnant...time just flies!! At least it has for me...I don't know about J and T...

My blood pressure has been fabulous!! YAY ME!! We think that the reason it could have been higher at the Dr's office was because of the blood pressure cuff. It's a tad on the small side at the clinic...and that could have been affecting my BP. But who knows...just maybe, I have been a good girl and knocked out a lot of salt in my diet.

We are going to be putting a garden in this weekend. It's amazing how spendy gardening can be. We were originally going to put box gardens in...but after we priced the wood...and then priced the compost and dirt we would need to put in the boxes, it was almost $400.00!! Do you know how many veggies one could buy with that kind of money?? So, we have decided (and when I say we, I mean Kent...since I am not a good gardener!!) to rototiller the ground, buy a little dirt, and put a small fence around the area so that the dog doesn't get in there...and wha laa!! Put the plants in and the garden should be good to go...without all the money headache!! Remember folks...I am the frugal, cheap, thrifty, etc. person of the family.

Speaking of money...whoa baby!! Guess which family is almost out of debt? Did you guess the Hawes'? If you did...then you are right!! I spose I should splain better....

Once upon a time, there was a very nice family. Although the husband made decent money, it always seemed they were robbing Max to pay Peter,Paul, and Mastercard...and through the years, became ensconced deeper in debt. Finally, they said enough is enough...and went to a credit counselor to get help. Fast forward 5 years later...and through many a night of Top Ramen and Mac and Cheese, this family is almost finished with the debt that they incurred. HALLELUJAH!! No really!! This is a TRUE story!! :) Plus...we have no more car payments which is a huge relief (since the bitchin' white van should really be a Maserati since that's about how much we paid for it!!) But..I digress...

Ashlyn is making some cuppycakes for her friends birthday...and guess what?? There is gonna be leftovers!! WHOO HOO!!! That means...Heath (read baby in my belly) is gonna get one!! Or 5...whichever comes first!! =) I have sooooo been wanting sweets!! And perhaps...those dear little cuppycakes will help me soothe the sweet tooth!!

Well...that's all that's rolling around in my head...for now!! Hopefully, it won't be another month till I blog again, but if it is...just go and reread my blogs. Hee Hee!!

A letter to Proctor and Gamble...

2009-04-29T18:49:00.001-07:00

I found this on one of my forums and I had to share...It's pretty dang funny!! (Maybe not for the boys...but for us girls...it sure hits home!!)

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from 'the curse'? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy!

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f-orever kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong', or are you just picking on us?

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullcrap. And that's a promise I will keep.

April Showers bring....

2009-04-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

RAIN!!!

Gotta love the rain though...it makes the flowers, trees and the grass just grow and grow...which in turn, makes my husband play out in the yard more and more.

He went to Alaska for almost a week to do store resets. The Sunday morning that I went to the airport to get him, we came home and slept for a couple more hours since it was so early. After he brought me my coffee and newspaper, he was putting on his slippers...and I asked him where he was off to? I figured that he would snuggle with me a bit since he had been gone. Nope...his reply was..."I have to go check out my yard!!" Hmmm...I guess sometimes, the other love of your life comes second. :) I tell him all the time that he really IS his mothers son!! He planted roses along the fence in our back yard a couple of weekends ago. And there he was, tape measure in hand, making sure that all of these roses were exactly the same space from the fence to the spacing being apart from one another. Don't get me wrong...I think it's totally awesome that he is...well...anal about the whole thing. Me...I dig a hole, put em in the ground...and watch them (no, make it pray) that they grow. Domestic outside goddess I am not!! Domestic Goddess...Sheesh...sounds like an oxymoron to me!!

Well, I have another OB appointment today...which I am glad to say, is with the midwife Alissa again. At my last appointment with Dr. Hall, I showed her my blood pressures from the last 2 weeks, and she was kind enough to tell me that they all looked really good, and that if I really wanted to, I could be seen by the mid-wife. YAY!! I was and am very excited for this. I am honestly not sure what the allure of the midwife is to me, but it's pretty strong, since I was so disappointed that I was going to have to go with the Dr. before. Dr. Hall did say though that if my blood pressure went up consistently, then I would have to go back to her for the rest of the pregnancy. I have all but cut out the salt shaker...I now make a salt free taco seasoning (have you really LOOKED at the sodium levels in some prepackaged items???) and also am dabbling in spaghetti sauce...however, that hasn't gone so good. It's just downright bland...Anyone have any ideas for a low salt spaghetti sauce? I even bought some jarred sauce that had way less sodium in it than the other kinds...and it too was bland.

Kivu is about 98-99% potty trained. There are three things I want you to know about him...
#1-He can clear a room, car, small barn, massive high rise hotel, etc. with his gas!! True story!!

#2-With him being 98-99% potty trained, I think he mostly has his accidents when we are not paying attention to him. Case in point...Michael had a bad bloody nose yesterday to where he was bent over the toilet...blood all around...bleeding. So, as I was attempting to clean him up, and Ashlyn getting a petite size tampon to put up his nose to stop the bleeding (yes, it does work!!) Kivu looked at us...and decided it was his time to pee. AAAGGGHHHHH!!!! And then again, Kent and I were talking in the bar, and Kivu again decides since we are paying him no mind..."I think I will pee!!" GRRRRRR!!!!! And these times were AFTER he had already been out...and WENT POTTY!! Other than times like this...he is really a good dog. He can get rambunctious while playing and bite your fingers a little too hard...but hey...can't all dogs dot this??

And #3- I can't remember what it was I wanted to tell you about him. Chalk it up to preggo brain!!

So I have taken up a new hobby...I LOVE TO BEAD!! (As in..make jewelry!!) I am slowly building up a beading collection...but man oh man!! I thought fabric was expensive...well...not when some pendants or beads are about 10 bucks a piece!! So, that is why it is so much better to save your money...purchase your one item...and build your necklace, bracelet, etc. AROUND that item. The seed beads and smaller beads are not too terrible when it comes to price...but say you wanted 10 lady bug beads...and they are .80 cents each...well...that puts you already $8.00 into your piece of jewelry...and that's without anything else...the wire, the spacers, the clasp...you get my point. Maybe I need a hobby that does not need money to do it?? Any ideas? (Cleaning my house DOES NOT CONSTITUTE a hobby!!)

OK...that's all for now...

It's been almost a month since I last blogged!!

2009-04-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been almost a month since I last blogged!! WOW!! Guess I am either busy...or I have nothing to say. HAHA!!

Let's see...where to begin.

The last time I blogged, it was all about Kivu...our English Bulldog. Well, I will still insist that you read more about him...as he really is a fabulous dog. He turned 13 weeks old as of April 13th...We have our good potty days...and our bad potty days. I sometimes feel like we take 3 steps forward, and 2 steps back...only to take a couple more steps forward...and 50 million steps back. Well...not really THAT many steps back...but you get the picture. Sometimes, I feel like if we have not paid attention to him for at least 15 minutes, then he will pee pee...and wow!! Mom DOES NOT like it when he pee pee's in the house. But...it's life...right? Heaven forbid someone yell at me if I should pee pee in my pants (insert pregnancy sneeze, cough, laugh etc. here!!) Seriously...I am not THAT bad (yet!!)

In other news...last night, Ashlyn was awarded a certificate for high achieving students from Portland State University. If she attends PSU, then they will also give her a $1000.00 scholarship for going there. Now I know that a thousand bucks doesn't go very far when it comes to college...but a thousand bucks is a thousand bucks, right? Might take care of her books at least. Here is a picture from last night...Makes a momma proud...I tell ya!! Ashlyn has changed what she wants to be many times since Kindergarten. But didn't we all? Her most recent declaration, was that she was going to be a pastry chef. That would mean, she would need to go "somewhere" for her schooling...meaning, probably not here. ACK!! But, her mind has changed...and she now wants to be a dentist. WOW!! From making peoples teeth bad with all her delicious pastries (or was that making peoples butts bigger??) to making peoples teeth pretty...All in a days work!!

The pregnancy is going really well. We just hit our 25th week...and I feel like time is really flying!! I don't know IF J and T feel the same way...but their baby will be in their arms before they know it!! Heath Edward is his name...and boy...he is very active. I was at the Oregon City High League (which is kind of like finals...trying to get to state...) Anyways, for the most part, all of these choirs sing Acapella...and I tell you...Heath was very active while I was sitting there listening to them sing. Last night, before we got ready to go to PSU with Ashlyn, I was resting on my bed...and I straightened the dress that I was wearing, and Kent got to see Heath kick a couple of times. I feel him all the time, but for someone to see him kick...it was really cool.

Kent flies to Alaska on Monday to do resets. Wishing I could go with him...but geez louise!! Do you even want to know how much it would have cost for me to fly there? Oh...about $800 bucks!! YIKES!! I will eventually get there one day...(the reason it would have been so expensive, is because there are several flights that he has to take...because he is in different places doing the resets.) Besides...I have kiddo's here...and I am going to house sit for J and T while they are in Hawaii. Sadly, their suitcase just is not big enough for me!! :)

OK...well...I should go since we are having our neighbors over for dinner...wonder what they taste like? Just kidding..."but that, my children, is called cannibalism, and is infact frowned upon in most cultures."

Till next time...I leave you with a couple more pics of Kivu...(Gosh...not that I am proud or anything!!)

Oh, and one more thing...I would like to ask for prayers, good thoughts, and general well being for 3 people in my life. My father-in-law is having some tests run...which should be back anytime now...to see why he is retaining so much fluid. They don't know if it's connected to his Parkinson's, and I really hope that it isn't and that the tests turn out ok.
The second person I would like you to think about is my mom...she fell into a pothole at work a week ago...and broke her left ankle and also has either a very bad sprain or a hairline fracture in the right ankle. Talk about getting off on a bad foot!! (Excuse the pun!!) She will be off of work for at least 6 weeks...and she lives to work...so please think of her. And lastly, think about my step-dad...he had the stroke and is doing good, but with mom's fall...he was having chest pains, so he was in the hospital for 3 days. His heart checked out OK...but they are just having a time. So if you could keep these people in your thoughts...I would so appreciate it. Thanks!!

2009-04-17T14:13:00.001-07:00

Testing to see if the mobile upload works from my phone...

2009-03-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in blogging...life gets busy sometimes. I am in a mood of sorts...so I am going to let it all hang out!! If I offend anyone...then I am sorry...and you can stop your reading right here.

So where to begin??

I did mention in my last blog that my IP's are having a little boy. Some people told me that I didn't tell them in my blog...perhaps they just didn't read all the way to the bottom. I won't do that anymore...don't want to upset my readers. :)

Almost 2 weeks ago, Kent and I, along with Ashlyn, Michael, and Kayte, became proud owners of an 8 week old English Bulldog. Talk about a cute mug!! As I type, he is laying in his bed...on my bed...snoring away. We are working on the potty training thing...and it's going...well...it's going. Some days are way better than others.

I have never had a puppy like this little guy. He is very smart...loves to play...and play...then plops down and sleeps. Couple that with belching, hiccups, and farting...and we are good!!

Personally, I would have settled for a cat...a normal cat...not one that was bulimic...and would eat so fast...then go and puke it up...and then because he would puke it up...he would have to poop...but he wouldn't go in his litter box...it was usually in a spot to be "found" by a shoe. I could not handle that any longer...so he went back to where we got him. Not that he was a bad cat...he was a talker...and loved to watch birds out the window. But...there is only so much that I can deal with.

I was asked by a friend how long is this new animal going to last...well...that was kind of a snarky question...and I didn't answer back. True...it's mostly me that says enough...I am done....I can't handle this...and I re-home the animal. That is just me though. This dog Kivu, however, is not my animal alone.

The Dachshund that we had...Maggie....she was pretty much my dog...and I am not sure why that was. It was usually me that let her out...fed her, played with her...you get the picture. But everyone is really helping out with Kivu. All of the kids take him out numerous times a day...and for that I am thankful. Kent gets up with him...sometimes 3 times a night to take him potty. That was never the case with Maggie...Maggie was vindictive...true story. You would never have thought that about her...but she was. If you did something she didn't like, she would get you back...and then mom would yell...there would be swearing...gnashing of teeth...and tears (from me of course...) and I couldn't deal. So, she found a wonderful home in Vancouver with a gal that would love her forever.

So, if you ask me how long with this animal last in our home...my answer will be forever until he passes on. I have my moments with him...actually, it's only been one moment...and I talked it out with Ashlyn and Kent...and I know what I need to do. Kivu will be dependent on everyone...not just me.

My step-dad had a stroke last Friday. My mom says that he will be ok...but it is a rocky road to recovery. I have been praying daily for him...and my mom...for strength for both of them...for him to get better...and for my mom to be able to deal with this. They can use all the prayers that they can right now...if anyone can spare any.

We had a fiasco with the (BLEEPING) bank this past week. I would love to say it was all our fault...but I don't honestly believe that it was. Kent got his bonus check last Friday...so we put it in our bank. All is good...our washer died 3 days before that...(can you say laundry piling sky high??) so we went to Home Depot and bought a new washer and dryer. We have been a one car family since Kent sold his Jeep in December. Well, on Saturday, we bought a cute little used Jetta for me...and we went and withdrew the money from the bank to buy it. On Sunday, I went to the hundred dollar store (Costco) and bought groceries...and to Fred Meyers for groceries. Monday, I went and did some small errands...using my debit card the whole time. Around 4pm...I went to Freds and spend $4.04 and used my debit card yet again. This time...it said "Not Authorized." So I tried it again, and it said the same thing. The gal put the slip in and it printed out that there were "insufficient funds." Luckily, I had $5.00 in my wallet...and then briskly walked over to the bank (which is in Fred Meyers.)

I asked the teller why it said we had insufficient funds, and she said that the risk department had put a hold on all of our funds because they had to make sure that the check..which was depostited on Friday was good. I explained that Kent gets a bonus every year...and there shouldn't be any reason that the check wouldn't be good. She told me that after they reviewed everything, then the funds should be available by Thursday. So...in essence...you are telling me that I am not going to have any money until Thursday? Yes...until Thursday. I then tell Kent about this...and he is more than LIVID!! So, when he gets home, he calls the bank...does not get anywhere with them...but the promise of a phone call with 24-48 business hours. So yesterday, I go online, and in the WAMU "my messages" I see that there have been 3 items "returned" because of ....yes...insufficient funds!! Seriously?? We have banked with WAMU for over 10 years, and I get three items that will be returned. AARRGGHH!!!

I guess the point that I am trying to make here is this...The teller NEVER said that they would put a hold on this check. We came away with a good balance....the balance only went down when we bought something. It wasn't until Monday afternoon that they put a hold on the check...and then told me I was overdrawn!! IF they would have said ANYTHING about placing a hold on this check...do you think we would have bought a washer and dryer and a car?? Hell NO!! We would have bought NOTHING until the check was cleared. (Can you tell I am upset about this??) Anyways, I called yesterday and spoke to someone in the risk department...and after being on hold, she comes back on and tells me that the reason they put a hold on this check was because the bank that it was drawn on was not wanting to release the funds. This seems strange to me...we get paid twice a month through the bank that the money was drawn on. Why now would they not want to release the funds?? And Kent is not the only one to get a check...there were many employees that received one. My thought on this, is that, yes, they held it...probably because they usually don't see that kind of money in our bank account (Please...I am not talking THAT many thousands!!) and perhaps they thought that it was a fraudulent check??? You know us baddies...Anyways...I am just rambling here...so I should probably be done. Oh...they did release the funds back into our account while I was on the phone with them...and the strange part...WAMU didn't "charge" us any overdraft fees for the returned items. Why not??

Time to blog!!

2009-03-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

Well...I WAS supposed to update last night since we had the ultrasound...but sadly...life gets in the way and some pregnant women get dang tired. YAWN!!

But...my wonderful IP's DID find out what they are having.......

In other news...Kent is gone to L.A. until Friday night (late.) Don't airlines know that pregnant women do not like to stay up late to pick up their husbands?? I mean really...11:30pm for a pick up time is really late for me!! SHEESH!! Yeah...it IS all about me!! Well...for right now anyways!! :)

So, remember how I do not like to spend money on clothing?? I think I mentioned it in a previous post...anyways...I am cheap (not easy) when it comes to buying new things for myself. I want everything at a discount...cause that's just the way I am. Well, shoes and pursed are no exception to the rule. I have a bugger of a time trying to find a purse that I really LOVE!! In reality...if I can find it second hand...I am happy!! (Thanks MOM!!) But...if I can buy it new, and on sale...then I am happy as well. To get to my point...I bought a purse on impulse today!! WOW!! That is SO NOT LIKE ME!!! I did buy it at Macy's...and it was 25% off...but I still paid real, honest to goodness money for it!! And I didn't even hem and haw about it!! I just said...this is the one....I am going to buy it!! I think Ashlyn was pretty surprised at me. She probably thinks I should be pregnant more often if I am going to be so free to spend real money on a purse!! Now granted...I did not buy a Coach purse...she would have fallen over dead...right then and there, had I done that. But the mere fact that it was purchased without hesitation matters...right??

Well....I guess that's it...I guess that's all I have to say for tonight.
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Oh...and one more thing...they are having a sweet baby.....BOY!!! YAY!!!

Disappointed...

2009-03-05T20:04:00.000-08:00

Today was the day that my IP's were supposed to find out the sex of the baby...however, I got a call from the Dr's office yesterday telling me that the ultrasound tech was ill, and that we would have to reschedule the ultrasound appointment. :( Sad face!! So, we will have to wait until Tuesday at 5:00pm. Oh...the anticipation!!

I still had a Dr's appointment today to recheck my blood pressure. I was sure that my blood pressure last time was high...not only because of the second cup of coffee that I had, but also because a friend was visiting me from Idaho (Hi Tina!!) and I was excited to have her here...as well as seeing my IP's (intended parents for those who are not familiar with the surro lingo..) since they got back from their trip to Hawaii.

So I went to the appointment...only to have my midwife tell me that they need to refer me to an actual Dr. in their practice...that I might be too high of a risk for a midwife. Insert 2nd sad face here!! I really like Alissa...my midwife, but I understand the need for intervention if such the need arises. So, Kent and I talked...I would like to lower my blood pressure without medication...which means less salt, healthier eating, and (gasp) exercise!! I have a 2nd hand treadmill...down in the garage...sitting there..unused. I have yoga dvd's...again..unused. I am afraid of the yoga...and don't laugh...but this is REAL to me. I can't relax...I have a serious problem with it...kind of like getting a massage...NOPE!! I just can't do it!! Kent tells me that I need to just let go...and see...for me...letting go means letting go of control. Not that I am a control freak mind you...it's control of my body...I guess. I don't know...I don't know...I don't know!! Kent LOVES getting massages....he could have one EVERY WEEK if the budget allowed it. He is lucky to get one (we are talking by a professional..not by me) every other month. And I just don't get it. But again...that is just me. One mans massage is another mans Snickers candy bar. :P

I guess I just don't want to let anyone down by this higher than what it's supposed to be blood pressure. I did go out and get a better blood pressure monitor...Alissa told me that the wrist ones are OK...but the one that is like a real cuff that fits above your elbow is best. And I will keep track...daily...and if I can lower it...then maybe I won't need the Dr. and can go back to my midwife.

Tomorrow is my last day at Costco...telling people how to put 2 loaves of bread into a bag. Seems on the simple side huh? Do you know how many people are so set in their ways that they just want their 2 loaves of Oatnut bread and they don't want to hassle with a stupid bag? Or the lady that took just one loaf of bread and I kindly explained to her that the price is $5.49 for 2 loaves of bread...and that it's called "Pick Two" for a reason. She threw the bread back on the shelf and told me in no uncertain terms that she only wanted one loaf of bread...and that I could keep it all for all she cared. "Have a nice day...(grumble grumble) Lady!!" Who peed in her Bran Flakes anyways?? So tomorrow I will be done...done with the "where is the dog food, and where is the maple syrup...and where is this and where is that...and why do they always move everything around all the time in Costco??" Done with the questions of..."what are you doing? Holding up the wall?" My reply is "Yup...and I am getting paid to do it!!" I will go back to me being a stay at home mom...and I can get back to blogging here and there...(I know..it's been a while!!) And I can go back to being able to ask someone at Costco where such and such is. :)

So sad..

2009-02-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn and Michaels dog (at their dads house) just died.

Ebony was 10 years old, and Ashlyn texted me this morning and told me that her Gram and Michael had taken Ebony to the vet because they had thought that she had a seizure. It turns out that Ebony had fluid around her lungs, and could not breath very well.

Although I know that it's very sad for them to lose their beloved pet...my sadness is for my children. They are at their dad's house this weekend...what a way to start a long weekend huh? I am sad for them because I can't be there to give them a "mom" hug. :(

I asked Ashlyn if she wanted me to call her, and she said no...that she couldn't talk. It just breaks my heart...for both of them and that family.

In other news, Kayte went to Eagle Crest with her friend Sierrah. Kayte has talked about this trip for the last week...and she was so excited on Thursday, after school, because that is when they were taking off. This morning, I get a call from Sierrah's mom...telling me that Kayte got the flu bug that has been going around. UGH!! So, she is 4 hours from home, throwing up...and again...I can't be there to give her a hug. She did not want to leave though, as the bug seems to last only about 24 hours...so hopefully, she will feel better tomorrow so that she can have fun.

You can imagine the hugs I will be giving the kids on Monday when we all meet again!!

ABSOLUTELY MORTIFIED!!!

2009-02-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

As a grown woman, I know most of the rules...
Don't get into a car with strangers..
Wash your hands after handling raw chicken...
Don't talk with your mouth full...

You know...the "rules."

However, the one rule that I would never want to break...I "broke" today. I asked a woman who was checking out my groceries, when her baby was due!! (Insert gasp here!!)

And her reply...which I would have thought should have been.."Oh, I am due in August.." simply was..."Oh, I am not pregnant. I am just fat!!"

If a huge meteor could have crashed into Fred Meyers at that very moment...it would have been wonderful. But no...I had to face the fact that I just asked a non-preggo when she was due. As you can imagine...my face flamed a brilliant shade of red. Kent could not speak...in fact I swear he moved about 3 feet away from me as if he didn't know me. I apologized profusely...and at one point, I think the thought went through my head..."are you sure you are not pregnant??"

To me...she looked about as far along as I am. And well, I guess right now, I look fat!! I thought I saw the tell tale "maternity pants band"...the one that you can pull up to just under your breasts. But no...my eyes deceived me...horribly!!

I could not check out fast enough...and I am sure I warmed the next 3 aisles with the redness of my face. One would have thought I was sunburnt...no...just mortified!!

As we were leaving the store...Kayte and Kent both told me that she didn't look pregnant...and that they couldn't believe that I had asked her that. I will probably NEVER go through her line again...and I know...from now on...unless it's absolutely, blatantly obvious...I will never question ANY woman's belly again!!

Findings in the fridge...

2009-02-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

I should take a poll...

How often do you clean out your fridge? I mean, REALLY clean out your fridge??

This morning was just the morning for fridge cleaning...especially since I had to leave a 2 liter bottle of soda out of the fridge last night because there was NO room!!

And my findings?

Well...

We had a some friends over for dinner last Saturday, (YUMMY NACHO'S) and then we also had friends over for Superbowl on Sunday. (LASAGNA) So..leftovers from that...which includes...

1 whole 9x13 pan of sausage lasagna....1/2 pan of veggie lasagna...5 meatballs in about 2 bottles of bbq sauce....(This was from Superbowl..)

1 small container of chopped up avocado (now...avocado's are much like apples...they turn brown...and from Saturday to the following Saturday, you can just imagine what they looked like!! The container kind of made a pop noise when I opened it!!)
1 small container of sliced jalepeno's
1 ziploc baggie of finely chopped onions
about 3-4 cups of Nacho cheese
2 cups of refried beans

Now, mind you...this was just the items from last weekend...
There was also about a cup of rice and about a cup of General Tso's chicken (made by me for Kayte's birthday dinner)

Digging further to the back of the fridge, I found, not one..but 2 outdated chocolate milks...both 1/2 full. 1 large container of Ricotta Cheese (dated Jan 1st, 09)...(Oops...I swear I was going to use that!!)
3 bottles of black bean and corn salsa (to be put into 1 jar...wait...salsa grows mold? WHAT? Toss that jar...(Not toss...disposal and then recycle!!)
2 jars of mayonnaise... (I think we eat mayo in Tuna Fish...and...well...maybe if I make a potato salad...but that's really all it gets used for. We are not the slather mayo on our sandwiches, type family...(GAG) We prefer to eat them plain jane!!) Toss those...they only had a date of Jan 09 on them...they would have been safe to eat, I am sure...but #1- is when would we eat it? And #2- once it starts to separate...the grossness factor comes into play!!
1 jar of Miracle Whip...again...the only time we eat this item is when we have fresh turkey sandwiches...and you all know when we eat turkey, right? Either Christmas OR Thanksgiving. So this is a must toss item...AND it is dated back to March...of 2007!!! Hmm...wonder when the last time we REALLY used that was??
I did check the dates on the salad dressings...they were all dated within reason...I think none older than a few months...certainly nothing from 2007...

Let's see...You know...I think this time wasn't really, really awful...however, I wonder how many starving third world country people we could have fed with these found objects from our fridge?? Better yet, we could stay in our country and feed the homeless...but how would I approach someone? "Here you go...5 meatballs topped with Miracle Whip and nacho cheese!!" I would bet they would graciously decline...Oh well...better luck next time!!

Blogging...all day long in my head!!

2009-02-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I wish that I could press a button on my body...and have all of my thoughts print out onto a sheet of paper so that I could peruse them at my leisure. But, since I can't, I will just have to jog upon my memory...and write about what I remember.

I had a very scary dream the other night. And 2 days later, the dream is still vivid. I will not write about it because I don't want to scare anyone...and it was only a dream. A dream that I know would not come true in a million years. At least I hope it would not come true. Why do we dream? What triggers something in our memories that we dream about? A boy that kissed me in the 6th grade on the playground at school? (He kissed me...I was simply the receiver.) What triggers a memory that happened oh so long ago? The world may never know. (No, my dream wasn't about that boy...It is merely a suggestion of some things that have been dreamt about.)

I went maternity clothes shopping yesterday. Not fun!! I honestly thought that I could just walk into a shop...try on the clothes...pick out the ones that suited me best...pay for them...and walk out. Hmm...didn't happen that way!! I picked Kent up from work so that he could tell me how fabulous I looked in whatever I tried on. We ended going to Gresham to the Old Navy there. I had already driven to Tualitan to the Old Navy there, since the gal at the Clackamas Old Navy told me that the Tualitan store carried maternity clothes there and not at the Clackamas store. So I drive clear across town for the sales people to tell me that, no, they don't sell the maternity clothes at that store, and yes, there are stores that sell maternity items, but they think that it's the Vancouver store, and the Gresham store. And then the one other sales lady tells me that they sell them at the Vancouver store and the Beaverton store...or was it Albany? I ended up very disgusted at the store...but asked Kent to drive to Gresham to look at the maternity clothes. We had a very nice country drive...and finally got there to find that yes, they did have maternity clothes...I think my closet is bigger than the part where they keep the maternity stuff. So, I try on about 6 items..and end up buying a sweater.

We then head back to the Clackamas Town Center and we try on some items at JC Penney's. I decided that nothing there was best for me. We headed to Motherhood Maternity and man...they have some cute clothes!! And here's where it all goes downhill. You see, I am cheap. Like a baby bird...cheep, cheep, cheep!! I just cannot justify spending $40.00 on a top and another $35.00 on a pair of pants...that I will wear for exactly 5 more months!! I just CAN'T do it!! And the thing is...I received my maternity allowance...the money is there...but I still can't spend that much on clothes. And, if I did spend that much on one outfit...I would feel so guilty. UGH!!

I hate sometimes that I am a thrifty person. Maybe too thrifty!! Anyways, we left the mall...bagless and clothesless. But that's o.k. Tomorrow...when the kids go to their dads house, I am going to hit the outlet mall in Woodburn. Perhaps I can find something discounted at the Motherhood store there. Or the Gap store...or...maybe I should just go naked. Nah...what good would that do me? I would just get cold!! :)

Bed Sheets and Kitchen Towels

2009-01-29T13:46:00.000-08:00

Right before Christmas, Kent and I went to the Clackamas Town Center to peruse the stores for bargains for Christmas gifts. And of course go to Build A Bear Workshop for Kayte...(It's a yearly "tradition" for her to get a new BABW for Christmas.) I say this with a smirk...not only because we have done it probably 3 years in a row...but also because at a certain persons house (I am not mentioning names) there is always one "tradition" or another being started...For instance, going to the movies on Christmas Eve of every year. Well..yeah...that would be a great "tradition" if it were to happen EVERY year...but it hasn't...so I don't know how it can actually be a tradition. And if they do something new that year...then it becomes a "tradition" but never gets followed up with the next year. But I digress...

Anyways, so here Kent and I and Kayte are shopping with all of the other cabin fevered folks. After BABW...we go upstairs to search for gifts...and come upon this small store front saying 500 thread count sheets for only $30.00. Or, 2 for $50.00!! WHAT?? Are you serious?? So of course we go in and feel the "pillow case" that they have out, so that in fact you can see just how soft these sheets are. We talk to the guy and ask him why and how he can sell these awesome sheets for so little and he tells us that he used to work for the manufacturer of said sheets, and there was a middle man involved somewhere...but now he just buys from the manufacturer directly, thus offering us these great sheets at a real steal!! Now mind you, if you were buying queen, you had 2 colors to choose from and 2 colors only...well, we have a king size bed...so do you offer the same deal as the queen? And he said yes...but only in the 2 colors. So, we contemplate these 2 colors, wondering if they compliment each other enough so that we can put a top with the other bottom and interchange the pillow cases. Well, he asks what colors would we really be interested in as he has another color (the sea green color) that he can offer to us. So, we choose the chocolate brown sheets, and the sea green color. Fair enough...we buy our sheets for $50.00 and we forge on ahead looking for just the right Christmas presents.

.....That night, I take the brown sheets out of the package to put in the washer. Holy cow...are sheets supposed to smell like a blanket straight from Mexico? Oh well, into the washer they go. They get to washing...and then go into the dryer where I think they are in there all of a half a second and they are done!! Now onto the fun part...making the bed!! (Note to all: I LOVE CLEAN SHEETS ON MY BED...AND WOULD CHANGE THEM EVERYDAY IF I COULD...) So, we make the bed...and it's time for bed. We crawl in (nekked, of course) and feel like we got the bargain of a lifetime!! Not only did we get 2 (count em...TWO) sheet sets...but they also came with 4 (count em..FOUR) pillow cases EACH!!

....Fast forward to the next week, when I change the sheets to the other color. All is good...till about 4 days later and I feel down where my feet go...and my bottom sheet is pilled. WTH (What The Hell?) I can't sleep with pilly sheets!! SHEESH!! So I change the sheets yet again...and well, a week later, I kind of forget about the pilling, and I put the freshly washed sea green sheets back on the bed. Later that night...Kent gets into bed and he says..."Ah...you changed the sheets...these feel good." Then a little while later..."Did you flip the sheets up to the top? Cause right where I lay, it's pilled where your feet were!!" Ummm...Oops...I forgot!!

So, to make a long story {{short}}...I think we got taken on these blasted blankety blank sheets!! There is NO way that they are 500 TC sheets!! And when you put them on your bed...You should see all of the little runs there are in said sheets. CRIPES!! You would think we had a darned cat or something clawing at the sheets...but..umm..nope. It's just the freaking awesome (said with all the sarcasm I could muster) sheets!! HARUMPH!! See if I buy sheets from a "dealer" again!! NOUGH SAID!!
*I didn't even get to my part about kitchen towels...that will have to go into another post!!

A beautiful day if I ever saw one!!

2009-01-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Sunday) we woke up to a dusting of snow here in Portland. And by 4pm...it was totally gone.
Today, the sky is a majestic blue...and not a cloud in the sky. However, it looks cold...so I don't think I will venture outside today.

I have a to-do list...wanna hear it?

#1- Laundry...I make it disappear, and like magic...it just reappears out of nowhere!! I swear, I should be a magician!! I think the headlines would read something like this..."This week only...(not really...it's every week of my life...) Andrea will make the laundry disappear...and it will instantly reappear!! Ta-Da!!" And BAM! There it is again. Blink...and it reappears!! Honestly, one would think we have 15 people living in this house for all the laundry we have. Nope...not 15...just 5...and a million dish towels!!

#2- Clean the bathroom...(Mine...not the kids...cause I don't wanna!!) How is it that I can clean the bathroom on Monday, and by the following Monday, the dust is thick upon the tile again? The hair bunnies are creeping under the cabinet...waiting to brush upon my uncovered foot at any moment?? I mean seriously...a week!! It's not like it's been 5 months since I have cleaned the bathroom...sheesh!! I wish the hair bunnies would go visit someone else's house...

#3-Think about Vacumming. Hmm...that's just what I will do to...THINK ABOUT IT!! :)

#4- Look up recipes for French Bread. (I made bread the other day...silly me...forgot to grease the baking pan...and well...guess what? It stuck. What a pain in the arse to clean!! It had good flavor but I am looking to try a different recipe...anyone have any good one's they can pass on??

#5- Contemplate a new hair cut. UGH!! I got my hair cut a couple weeks ago...and she did such a poor job. I can't stand to look at it. I hate shopping for a new hair dresser. And to think...I paid $$ for the cut and color...(I do like the color...the cut is just awful though!!) :( Poor me!!

#6- Laundry...I know I said this was #1...but guess what?? It has reappeared!!

OK...that's all for now. This list should get me to...oh...about 2pm...and it's almost noon now. Nah...who am I kidding...I can be done in an hour...then I might have a go at list #2!!

Things you don't know about me...

2009-01-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

At home today...and not a lot to do...except the endless amount of laundry...but who wants to do that? Not me!!

So here are some ramblings about things you probably don't know about me...

I love cereal. Especially Raisin Bran (there are never enough raisins, so I put in more!!)

I read other people's blogs...except the ones in foreign languages...those I just can't understand!

I love to read books...but if I can't get into it within the first couple of chapters, then I don't finish it.

I like to find mistakes in random writings. The other day, there was a sign at a thrift store and it said Clearence...and I pointed it out to Kent that they spelled it wrong. (Clearance) (Mind you...I am not a perfect speller...but I do know my way around a little bit.)

I love my kids...but they can be frustrating at times.

Just because I get frustrated at them...does not mean I don't love them!!

I am feeling fabulous with this pregnancy!!

I hate the smell of dirt!!

I hate conflict.

I have 2 friends who are trying to get pregnant...and I sincerely hope and pray that it works for them.

I care how other people view me.

I am angry at my dad.

I love my mom.

I get teary sometimes when I think of my mom. *Damn Hormones!!

I secretly hope to be a surrogate again...but I don't know if I will. (guess it's not a secret if I tell people, huh?)

I wish Levi didn't have M.S. but he does and I am so happy that the drugs are working for him.

I don't think that Levi and Liz really know how I feel about them.

*Damn Hormones!!

I think my IP's (Intended Parents) were pretty reserved in the beginning of our journey, but now that we are almost into our 2nd trimester, I feel like they are opening up more...and I appreciate them. I would love to be good friends with them. They are a really great couple.

My husband knows that I love him, but I don't think I tell him often enough. I should work on that.

Same thing with my kids. I am just not a touchy, lovey person and I don't tell them enough that I love them.

I would love a best friend. (Besides my husband.)

I love the spring and fall.

I love flowers...especially in the spring.

I don't watch very much T.V. However, sometimes, I mindlessly watch it.

I love to read the paper from front to back first thing in the morning and hate it when it's not there at 5am!! (6 on weekends!)

I would love a glass of red wine with dinner...(but that will have to wait!!)

I love to get into the hot tub...(but that will have to wait too!!)

I would love to have Lasix on my eyes so I wouldn't have to wear glasses.

I could continue on and on...but I am sure you have seen enough.

Baking a chicken...so I have time!!

2009-01-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

To blog...that is!! Whole chickens take forever to bake!!

Have not blogged in a while...it's really been just the same ole, same ole and I don't want anyone to get bored while reading.

However, with that said, we had the first trimester screening (Nuchal Test) done yesterday. This is a blood test (finger prick) and an in depth ultrasound to measure the clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of the baby's neck. Babies with abnormalities tend to accumulate more fluid at the back of their neck during the first trimester causing this clear space to be larger than average.

The test will come back in about a weeks time...but from what the Doctor said, we are in good range to not have any abnormalities. So this is a fabulous thing.

I also had a midwife appointment today. I really like her...she seems so at ease with everything. She got the heartbeat on the Doppler for a moment, but then the baby must have moved, so she couldn't pick it up again. But she said it's a nice strong heartbeat...so there are no worries. I go back in a month. I am still spotting here and there but there really isn't too much of a worry about it, unless something changes.

In other news...hmmm...what other news??

We got the girls bunk beds. They needed them so bad, since their room is so small. So, on Saturday, we went bed shopping...and well, kind of shot right through the budget. But we did really good...we not only got the girls their very sturdy bunk beds, we got them shelves (which are cool) and then we got Michael a new desk...and he has one of the twin beds that the girls had...and since his room is small as well, it fits in there so much better than what he had which was a queen...I think!! And finally, Kent and I got ourselves a bed frame with matching night stands. We have been married 10 years, and have never had a matching set...so HOORAY!! It's a dark wood, so we got a chocolate brown duvet to go with it and the lamps that I picked up at Goodwill for only 3 bucks a piece. Not next month, but the month after that, we hope to get a matching dresser...and our room will be complete. YAY!!

OK...must check chicken!! It is smelling so incredible...I wish I could put a scratch and sniff on this blog...then you could smell the aroma as well. YUM!!

I think Surrogacy is AMAZING!!

2009-01-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

There are many things in life that I find amazing. Surrogacy is one of them. When I was pregnant with my own children...it's almost like I just went through the actions of carrying them, having them, and raising them. But this time, I think it is very different.

For starters, I KNOW exactly what my body is doing. I never (or possibly didn't care) to know what my body was doing during pregnancy. I knew I was pregnant, and that was it. I mean, I read things, and looked at pictures and such...but this time, it is just so different!!

I am 11 weeks and 1 day pregnant today. WOW!! I know what the baby looks like...and I can feel the ever present changing of my body. I am so excited for my IP's...I can barely stand it!!

We had our first mid-wife appointment yesterday. My IP's and Kent were there. I had a routine below the belt check, to make sure everything felt like it was in the right place. And it was!! She tried to use the Doppler to hear the heartbeat, but Alissa (my mid-wife) couldn't find it...she said it was probably due to my tilted uterus. (I bet you all really wanted to know about that, huh??) We did have another ultrasound...and the baby was measuring 11 weeks 4 days along. You could see this perfectly formed hand...it was awesome!!

The ultrasound person (I am not sure if she was a tech, or a Doctor) anyways...she pinpointed the cause for why I have been spotting. Turns out, from all of the meds coursing through my body, I have a very small fibroid. So it's really nothing to worry about!! WHEW!! I haven't been overly, beyond myself, with worry...sort of like a nagging worry...WHY AM I SPOTTING??? Now I feel like I am on cloud 9...YAY!!

I didn't get to see my IP's for our originally scheduled ultrasound...prior to Christmas. So, it was great seeing them again. And I got to meet their sweet little girl. You should see the eyes on her!! They are going to have to bar the doors once she gets to the dating age!! :) I have not yet met their son (he was at school.) But if he is anything like his sister...he too will knock em dead!! J and T gave me a INCREDIBLE gift box full of bath/beauty items from a place called Lush. I opened it when I got home and just smelled, and smelled and smelled all of the things in there. And the product is so different from anything that I have seen. If you are curious as to what I mean, you can look it up at www.lush.com. Kayte finally had to go get the coffee pot and sniff it since here nose was full of different smells!! :) And all I gave them was a batch of homemade cookies. So much for T's diet!! :)
Well, I am off on a walk today...thanks for sticking with me.

Martha...I could be on your heels!!

2009-01-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

The kids finally went back to school today...when the snow started on Sunday evening...I thought for sure we were in for another week of nasty, stay indoors, type weather. Thankfully, when we woke up on Monday morning, the snow was completely gone. The kids didn't have school on Monday since it was a teacher inservice day...so today, it was back to the old grind. WHEW!!

Since I was home alone today, for the first time in a long time...I decided to bake. And believe it or not...I didn't do half bad!!

I started with chocolate chip cookies...I know...I know...it's a pretty easy feat...right? Well, it's been a while since I have made cookies because Ashlyn is always the one in the household to bake. So I researched some recipes for chocolate chip cookies....and went about my task. And oh baby!! They turned out so good. A little crispy on the outside and full of dark chocolate goodness. OH YEAH!!

I then started a batch of homemade meatballs. I actually ground my own meat ( no, I did not raise and slaughter the beef!!) so there wasn't hardly any fat at all. *I bought a HUGE cut of meat from Cash and Carry...and we will have at least 10 meals out of it!! OK...back to the meatballs...I put spinach in them...and baked them and put them with spaghetti...oh goodness...it was delicious!!

After I put the meatballs in the oven to bake, I decided to try my hand at another bread batch. I used a different recipe...and....yup...it worked. The bread turned out pretty heavy...but it had such good flavor. I cut into it while it was still hot and gave some to the kids...oh, they thought they were in heaven!! So, other than the heaviness to the bread and the fact that it took forever to bake, it turned out really good!! I will be interested to see how it tastes tomorrow...maybe I will make the kids sandwiches with it for their lunches.

So that was my baking tryst today. Kent is in Ohio until tomorrow. Last night was the first night that we have spent apart since we moved into this house. I hate it when he is gone...I have the hardest time sleeping. :( And, my coffee just wasn't the same without him here. Oh my...he is just the neatest person that I know...SIGH!!

Tomorrow is Michaels 14th birthday. I am constantly amazed at how fast these kids grow up. He is really coming to be such a fabulous young man. Very witty...he makes us girls laugh...constantly. So, tomorrow...I will be in the kitchen yet again. I am making him pineapple upside cupcakes for him because he loves them so much. And, he wanted mashed potatoes (his favorite) so I will make them homemade and also make homemade meatloaf.

I went for my pre-ob appointment yesterday. I love this clinic that I am going to...they are so nice, and always answer my questions. I am going to have a mid-wife this pregnancy. I am excited about that, as I have always heard great things about mid-wives...but never thought that I would get the chance to be pregnant again. So I will see her for the first time next Monday. YAY!! I will be 11 weeks on Monday...that's only two weeks away from getting into the 2ND trimester!! This baby will be here before we know it!!

OK...off to relax before I go to bed.

Happy New Year!!

2008-12-31T11:18:00.000-08:00

And so comes the end of yet another year...I feel like I woke up 2 months ago and it was just June...and now it's the end of 2008!! WOW!!

I think at some point in our lives, we all strive to do something perfectly, the first time you do it. For me, it's all about bread.

My wonderful hubby got me a gorgeous KitchenAid mixer for Christmas. It's all mighty and powerful...and I bow to it...nah...just kidding. IT would like to think it's THAT powerful...but really...it's not. Anyways, I have been reading online about different recipes for bread. I found a really simple recipe...which called for mixing everything together in the kitchenaid bowl...including the yeast and water...pretty much, dump it in...and mix it up. So, that is just what I did. It said to let it mix until the dough seperates from the bowl edge..done...and then put a clean dish cloth over it and let it rise about 25 minutes....done. And it worked!! It rose appropriately, so I then mashed it down, and put it into a greased pan and then put 6 "rolls" into the big muffin tin. Our oven has a proofer on it, so I put the said items in the oven on proof for about 20 minutes...and sure enough...they rose again.

WOW!! I MUST BE A PRO AT BREAD MAKING!!! So I labor on ahead with the next step which is the baking...I simply turned the oven onto 400 and since the goods were already in the oven, I set the timer for 30 minutes and WHAA LAA!!! Bread and Rolls!!

I then take them out of the oven and kind of tap on the top...it's nice and brown...so, it goes tap, tap, tap. Hmmmm....sounds a little crunchy on top, but that's ok. I then take one of the rolls out, and cut into it....OWWW!!!! IT'S DANG HOT!!! Well duh, you DID just pull it out of the oven!! I then take a tiny taste of the roll...ummm...hmmm...

Arn't they SUPPOSED to have SOME KIND OF FLAVOR?? Like the yummy yeast flavor or shouldn't they taste bready or something??? These are SOOOOO bland....UGH!!! These are DEFINATELY NOT a yummy dinner roll. In fact, if we still had snow, I would make the suggestion to the kids that they could go play hockey with these rolls.

Well, what can I say?? Martha Stewart I am NOT!! Back to the drawing board...

Happy New Year everyone!!! Hugs, Andrea

Let it snow..let it snow..let it...NO!! NO MORE SNOW!!!

2008-12-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

How many people wish for a white Christmas?? I know I have...and you can bet I won't ever be wishing for a white Christmas again!! As I write...it is snowing..yet again!! Don't get me wrong...it really IS beautiful....until you have to either be out in it...or you can't go anywhere because of it!! And, they are calling for another 1-3" for tomorrow. ENOUGH ALREADY is the sentiment I am giving!!

I was supposed to have my 8 week ultrasound on Monday...but due to the snow, they closed the OHSU clinic for the day. So, I called and left a message on Tuesday that I needed to have an appointment on Friday for an U/S and a Rhogham shot.

Let me back up here a moment...Sunday evening, I was sitting on the bed, using my computer...when all of the sudden, I felt a "gush" down in the nether regions. I thought to myself..."OH CRAP!!" So, I went potty, and sure enough...blood. :( I tried not to panic, but it's easier said than done when you are 8 weeks pregnant!! I called Kent upstairs, and he also told me to relax...so, I tried. We then went back to the bed, and we prayed for this little baby. I then took it easy the rest of the night...only getting up to go potty and brush my teeth and get my jammas on.

Fast forward to Monday morning...I called the Dr. and they said to just bedrest until the bleeding stopped and that because the clinic was closed, then to get in there on Friday for the u/s. I also was supposed to stop one of the injections as of Sunday, but they said to keep on it for now (which I am ok with doing...what's a few more weeks of shots in your bum??)

So, I spent Monday and half of Tuesday in bed...Kent and Kayte have been so sweet...bringing up my meals so nicely prepared. Kayte made me some top ramen yesterday...and she was so cute bringing it up...she cooked it...and she says..."Mom, I hope it's not too overdone!!" (She knows I don't like soggy noodles.) Well, it wasn't cooked all the way...but I didn't say that...I just ate it happily. She had also brought some cottage cheese and a glass of ice water with a straw. AWWW!!!

So, the OHSU clinic finally calls me back...and she tells me that as of the 17th, they can no longer do obstetrical u/s on IVF patients that are not their own. UMM...WHAT?? So, you are telling me, if I would have gone in on Monday (if the weather would not have been so bad) you would have sent me home? "Yup, that's what we are telling you." GRRR!!! So now I am left with...bleeding...wondering what's up with this little tater tot...and NO ultrasound!! GREAT!!!

I called my case manager and the Dr.s office...My case manager called around to a few places and got a u/s at an imaging center. While she was calling around, I got a call back from a dr's office right up the street from me, because I will have to start being seen by a regular OB in the next few weeks. So, as we were talking, I told her that I needed a Rhogham shot (because of the bleed) and she said a nurse would call me back to schedule it. Well, long and short of it...

I walked up to the Dr's office, and had the rhogham shot AND a ultrasound!! How cool is that?? And, they were supposed to close at 3 pm because of the weather, and they stayed open...I want to say just for me...but maybe not...I felt like they did though.

And good news!! We saw the baby!! It was measuring 8 weeks 3 days and had a heart rate of 183 BPM!! They could not find the source of the bleed...and I am still bleeding...I think when I do anything physical (the walk in the snow, up the hill) then I tend to bleed more. The Dr. called it a threatened miscarriage...he said 1 in 4 women have them...He said if I am going to miscarry, then I will and there is nothing to be done about it. (He did say except hope and pray!!) So, as long as I am bleeding...I will continue to be on bedrest....(which sucks, but it's OK...I know I am doing the right thing!!)

So that's it for now...I wish you all a Merry Christmas and the Happiest of a New Year!!

Fears...

2008-12-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not updated this blog sooner. I am sure you all are on pins and needles wanting to know the outcome of the first sonogram. Well, we have been blessed with one little sac and one little hearbeat. The heartbeat was so small, the Dr. could not count it. But, it was there...and that's what I wanted to see. Whew!! My IP's were there to see it as well...and I am so thankful that they were able to be there to see it. YAY!!

We will go back on December 22nd for the 8 week ultrasound. That is only a week away....

So, here is why I titled this blog today, the way I did.

I am scared! Plain and simple! I am scared of something happening to this baby. I hear stories of how some surrogates go in for their such and such ultrasound, and the Dr. tells them that the baby stopped growing at such and such a week. And then it is over for them. I am scared that it will happen to me...no matter how much I pray that it won't. You all have to understand that it's just me...having to worry over anything and everything!! What kind of person would I be if I didn't worry?? In the words of Mr. Owl...the world may never know!!

I want everything to be perfect in this pregnancy....I want statistics on the hows and whys women lose babies via IVF. Or why any women lose babies for any reason at all. I want facts...but...all I have to go on are wives tales and stories and my own fears.

I KNOW that this is not in my hands...and it hasn't been in my hands since we started this journey. My IP's have put their complete trust in me...and I don't want to let them down. I never had to worry when I was pregnant with my own kids. I don't think I worried once...I was pregnant...and that was that. And most times during my pregnancy...it was always...I am 2 months pregnant...or 4 months or some other number like that. Never was it...I am 6 weeks and 1 day pregnant. I feel like I have never known my body so well as I do now!!

Someone told me that this is a rollercoaster of uncertainty...and boy...do I believe her!! I want to get in...buckle up...and be able to hold on for the entire ride...and try not to worry that the seat that I am riding in will come off it's tracks...but I do...everyday. SIGH!!

OK...enough of my ramblings for now....you may exit the roller coaster to the right...and thank you for riding the Andrea Fear Train!! :)

Lost in thought...

2008-12-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes...I just get lost in thoughts...any random thoughts.

I won't bore you with my ramblings though.

Kent and I went to the Inspirators Dinner last night. Inspirators is a non-profit group of people made up of suppliers, vendors, and retailers in the Portland area. The dinner was wonderful...as were the Oroweat people we sat with. Kent and I danced a few dances...however, I was plumb tired...so he danced with a few gals...Kent is such a good dancer!!

Kayte stayed the night with a friend...and went up to Washington with them to get their Christmas Tree. They took a train to get it...which is something I have never heard of. It sounded like she had some great fun...and she really didn't want to come home...hence...the not answering her cell-phone!! :)

Levi and Eva got married on Thursday at the Oregon Garden. They are now spending 10 days with their best friend Mickey Mouse in Disney World!! Eva texted me last night about 7pm and said that they had made it. YAY!! The wedding was really nice...Levi's wedding vows brought me to tears...as they really were a reflection of him. During their first dance, the song was interrupted by Levi and Eva talking about how they met...and what drew them together...and how Levi asked Eva to marry her. It was very sweet...again...it brought me to tears. DAMN Hormones anyway!!

Well...on the surrogacy front, I go in for the 6 week ultrasound on Monday to see how the baby (or babies) are growing. I think there is one in there...Kent and the kids insist that there are 2!! I think the Intended Parents will be there, but I am not sure. Kent cannot come since he will be on the corporate jet flying to Medford for store tours. I felt a little nauseous a couple times last week, but that went away. I would almost rather be nauseous all the time so I know the little one is brewing in there...but...I suppose if I am not sick...that would be a change from my other pregnancies. I was usually sick the first 3 months or so with the other kids...nothing horrid by any means...and certain smells really made me nauseous. Like coffee...ACK!! Kent had to have coffee at work when I was pregnant with Kayte because I couldn't handle the smell. This time...I still feel like I have a super smeller. I don't like the smell of dirt to begin with...and wow...I feel like when I step outside our house, the smell of dirt is so intense...UGH!!!

Well...we are off to get a Christmas tree....

I shall keep you with bated breath until tomorrow...when I reveal the findings of the ultrasound. :)

Do you ever just ponder??

2008-11-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

I think "ponder" is a funny word...so, while "pondering" the word "ponder" today, I decided to come up with a few other words to "ponder."

I saw this piece of flair on Facebook...so, I pondered it...

Why is "abbreviate" such a long word?

How do they get wildlife to cross at the designated areas? I mean, when it say's deer crossing, or elk crossing, is there a deer crossing guard saying you can only cross here? How bout duck x-ing...can't you just see the duck in his little crossing guard uniform?

Why is it when you get a wrong number...the phone is never busy? I mean, I dial the number, it rings, Joe answers...and I ask if Mary is there. He say's no...you have the wrong number. Every time that happens, I never get a busy signal. Weird!!

And one of my favorites....Why is there an "s" in LISP?

It's my birthday...and I can ponder if I want to!! :-D

2008-11-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

Look at what was on my doorstep today when I got home from work!! Awww!! Thanks so much to my IP's...they are so sweet!!

I would imagine that ya'll are just dying to know if I am pregnant and if the IVF was successful or not. Well...

OK..I just am not even gonna keep you in suspense any longer...I am just going to come right out with it...

Ohh look...there's a kitty outside!! I should probably go out and pet it...oops...guess not...a squirrel just chased him away. Oh well...

Anyways...what was I talking about again...hmnn....let me see...Oh yeah...I remember now!! Am I pregnant or not??

YUP!! I AM!!! YAY!!! My beta was 110 so that means that I don't have to have another beta done in 2 days.

My due date is August 2nd...the day after Kent's birthday. I will go in on December 8th for my ultrasound to see how many sacs they see. I tell ya...I am so excited...however...we are still cautiously optimistic....

Thank you so much for the well wishes and prayers!! It worked!! It worked!!

By the way...if any of you want to be added to my email list...to know when I blog...send me a message via blogspot and I will put you on my list. Thanks!!

UPDATE!!! This is SO exciting!!

2008-11-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

Officially, I am 1dp6dt...which translates into being 1 day pregnant with 6 day embryo's. How's that for technical?? And, technically, I am pregnant, until the beta tells me otherwise!! :)

{{insert side note: Did you know that green is the color of fertility??}}

Yesterday, we transferred 2 stunningly, perfect embryo's...YAY!! We were supposed to transfer on Tuesday, but Dr. S wanted to grow them out just one more day, so he could pick the best one's to transfer.

I am laying here in bed, looking out at the Los Angeles haze, listening to the children at the school around the corner play at recess. Can you believe that in November, L.A. is supposed to have weather in the 90's over the weekend!! Wow!! And when I talked to the kids last night, they said it was storming pretty bad there in Portland.

We are supposed to fly out tonight...so we won't get home till around 11:30-12...Ashlyn is being a doll and changing our sheets so that we can just go to bed when we get home. Kent really didn't want to miss another day of work...he is up to his eyeballs as it is...so this is good that we are leaving tonight. I do, however, feel sorry for our friend Tom, who is picking us up from the airport. That makes a pretty long day for him...as he probably won't get to bed till 12:30-1am. Poor guy!! What a great friend!! He should have told us just to take a cab home...or the bus or something. But he didn't...how sweet!!

Kent went for a run today...so he ran over to Beverly Hills. He was telling me about 2 cars in a driveway...a Maserati...and a Ferrari. Hmnn..."honey, which car should I take today??" HAHA "Well, since I can't decide, I will just have Ralph drive me in the Limo!!" AHHH...to live that life. I don't think I would know how. And, I don't think that I would really want to either. Well...maybe I could give it a shot...just to see if I would be comfortable...hahaha!!

I wrote this little blurb earlier...so I thought that I would share it...

Kent and I walked along Sunset Blvd on Tuesday and laid out by the pool since there wasn't really anything else to do. Yeah, life is pretty rough when it's 75-80 degrees!! (The Dr. wanted to grow out the embies an extra day...thus transferring on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.)

Wednesday morning finds us at the Dr's office at 7:30...and me drinking my water. They call us back and this time, tell me to disrobe from the waist down. So, this, to me, is good news. We wait a little while longer...and by this time, the water is sitting tightly on my bladder. Not a good sign!! So, I ask if I can "relieve" myself just a little...you know...to take the edge off. The nurse says yes...((Thank you LORD!!)) So, I go in..and take the edge off. My Kegel exercises must be working...it hurt to stop..mid pee...but I did it!! I come out of the bathroom and Kent says to me...did you go? And I said yes...just a little bit. He then says the nurse said that I could go all the way if I needed to and that if my bladder wasn't full enough, then we could just wait a little more. So, I go in, and go just a little more...and again, stop the pee mid flow. OUCH!!

Dr. S comes in the room and puts the gel on my tummy and kind of presses on it to see my uterus. OUCH!! Doesn't he know that there is still "lots" of pee in there??!! He then says, wow...that's impressive that you just went a little!! And he asks the nurse if she would be able to do that and the nurse replies nope!! YAY ME!!

He did the procedure...transferring those 2 perfect embies into me...I then have to lay there for an hour for the embies to snuggle in for the long haul. And...let me tell you!! That hour...OMG...it was the longest hour in a very long time!!
Sometimes, when you wake up in the middle of the night, and can't go back to sleep...you think that could have been the longest hour of my life. Well...let me tell you...When you are on your back, on this little medical bed that is as big as my butt...and your head is practically on the floor (nah...not really like that!!) but that's how you feel...and you have to pee like a race horse (where do you think that term comes from??) and you can't get comfortable because every move you make, makes your bladder scream in agony...and you read your email on your phone, just to pass the time...and then you come to this email that has the word urine in it...and everything you think has to do with bladder, and peeing, and...well, I think you get the picture. I HAD TO GO...BAD!!! So, after 45 minutes...I ask to go to the bathroom...so, the nurse says that's fine, and I will need to come lay down again when I am done. And AHHHH!!!! Sweet relief!!! Oh good gravy...that feels SOOO good!! Oh damn...there's no toilet paper!! Oh well, the toilet seat cover will work just fine...it's just not as soft as T.P. but I am not going to complain because I got to pee!! HOORAY, HOORAY!!
I then go back and lay down...comfortably this time...I could lay there for hours...now!! :)

Then, it's off to the hotel to be on bedrest for the next 30 hours!! But I can handle that...cause I got to pee...and that is all that mattered!!

Ah...HORMONES!!

2008-11-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

I am totally amazed at what hormones can do to your body!! Not only do they make your boobs sore...and we are talking INCREDIBLY SORE...but they give you mood swings like no body's business!! SHEESH!!

For instance...We were driving back from Seattle on Sunday, and I was sitting between the girls in the back. Well, I knowingly knew that Kayte had tapped me on the shoulder...you know...one of those things where she does this and it makes me think that it is Ashlyn tapping me. So, I turned to Ashlyn, and I said "what." And I don't remember her reply...but something triggered my funny bone and I laughed, and laughed and laughed till my sides hurt and I was crying. Everyone in the car probably thought that I was seriously losing my mind. But I just couldn't stop laughing!! If I tried to think of something else, then my mind would wander back to why I was laughing in the first place. WOW!!

Then, this morning, I was taking Ashlyn to school, and after I dropped her off, I got to thinking about Kent. And the tears started flowing. I was thinking about how special of a person he is to me. For instance, I voted a certain way...and he was really on the fence about voting for either candidate...and was really having a time with it. Well, he voted for the same person as I did because he didn't want to see my vote not be counted. AWWW....how sweet is that. Then, while I am thinking about him, he texts me just to say I love You...and that he is thinking about me. So, I call him, since I know it's not safe to text and drive...and I tell him that I was thinking about him as well. And I told him how much it meant to me for him to vote a certain way....and I couldn't finish my sentence because I got all choked up. DAMN HORMONES!!!

On the baby front...J and T are going down to L.A. to give J's part of the donation. T said that as of the other day, the egg donor had 20 mature follicles!! That is fantastic!! I had my ultrasound and blood work on Monday. My lining was at a 13.something. So, that is a really great number!! We are flying out (I think) on Monday and will transfer on Tuesday of next week!! And after that...we will be in L.A. till probably Thursday. So, if everyone could spare a kind thought on Tuesday so that the little embies can snuggle in for the next nine months...that would be great!!

So that's it on this end...

Just a little blogging...

2008-10-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

I read about the way people blog...online, or in magazines...(the reading part of it...not the blogging part of it...) Geez...am I even making sense on my first line? ACK!! Anyways, I read about bloggers...and I think to myself...why can't I blog all the time like those other people? And then, I realize...I have a life...and I don't want to stay up way late into the night to be blogging about how Kayte read to me, or about the traffic on my way home from work. I cherish my sleep...I think it's the best part of my day!! And, I might add...I get a tad grumpy at times when I don't get my 8 hours of ZZZ's. Just ask my kids!! They will say, either you didn't get enough sleep last night, or you are PMS'ing!! How's that for your kids treating you like they are the parent? Tis ok though...they are great kids and I am not offended by them!!

Yesterday, as Ashlyn was driving me to school...well, she was driving herself to school, but I was the passenger, thus, she driving ME to her school...we looked at the sky and marveled at the sheer beauty of it. Or, at this point, it could have been the day before yesterday...but I digress. Yada, Yada...marveling at the sky, and Ashlyn remarked...It looks just like Trix yogurt!! And sure enough...not just any Trix yogurt, but cotton candy Trix yogurt!! A light blue with a tinge of pink in it!! Sigh...I wish I would have had my camera with me. It would have been a marverlous picture!! Then, this morning...and I am sure it was this morning...The sky was the same exact color. And yet again...no camera. And...while walking Kayte to the bus stop...I thought to myself, I really should take my camera with me this morning...just in case the sky is like that. Then...as we are on our way to the school...sure enough...with the mountain peering at me in all of it's gorgeous glory and the sky the same color pink and blue...I could have gotten out of my car at the school, taken this "to die for" picture, gotten back into my car...came home, downloaded the picture and put it up for all of you to see. But...well, yeah...life gets away from you and well...the brain just forgets. At least MINE does!! Will I think of the camera tomorrow on our way to school? Probably not...and I will have to bitch about it somemore when I blog next time!! :D

Ashlyn's birthday is on Sunday. The BIG 17!! Yeah, let me tell ya...where in the heck does time go? I remember when I was her age...it does not seem like that long ago...(insert crocodile tears here!!) She is such a great kid...so smart and beautiful...(as are my other children...I just have to dote on her for the moment since it's her birthday that's coming up...I will dote on the others once their birthdays come around!!) Smart and Beautiful...and funny, and charming...and a whole slew of words that are not coming to the brain at the moment. 17...kind of blows me away!! She had a fabulous time in DC...she wishes the kids at Oregon City High were as smart as the kids in DC...or at the particular conference anyways.

Still on track for baby making in November...I am getting SOOOO excited about it. I really feel like this time...it's it!! (Hope I am not jinxing myself here!!) Ah...only if you beleive in jinxing...just like horiscopes. That's another story though.

We have the City of Hope Ball to go to this weekend in Seattle. We are taking the kids this time...we didn't take them last year, as Michael was at his dad's house, Kayte was at a friends house, and poor Ashlyn...it was her sweet 16 birthday...and she went to the McNary football game...and then went home. Whoo Hoo...Happy Birthday!! Nah...she got a laptop for her sweet sixteen and a half birthday...so, I don't think she was complaining too much!! Anyways, we went to the ball...had a wonderful time last year. So, this year we will be going as Sara Lee's guests. My dress is a halter style, knee length dress...VAVOOM!! It's very pretty!! Don't tell anyone that I wore it to a different function last year!! Heaven Forbid you wear one dress on 2 different occasions!! LOL!! We will take pics and I will post them once we get back.

OK...I best be getting my bottom to work...oh yeah...have I mentioned lately that it's FABULOUS?? YAY ME!!!

Hmnn...

2008-10-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

So sorry that I have not posted on the blog in a while. I swear, there just seems to be NOT ENOUGH hours in the day!!

We moved into our house on October 4th...it felt so good to "come home" to a house that I actually want to be in!! Everyone did a fabulous job moving...or so I think...as I was at work when the move happened. And, if anyone that helped move is reading this...then "Thank you"...from the bottom of my heart.

I took the kids down to Salem on Friday since it was Shawn's weekend. The traffic was awful!! Not necessarily bad going down on the freeway...but once we got into Salem, and finally onto the bridge to go to West Salem, it was horrid!! I am so glad we no longer live there!!

Speaking of living there...on a lark, I drove past our old house that we helped build. Well, we have driven past a few times...and it was always kept up...pretty much. So, Kayte and I drive by, and the trees are overgrown, the grass is long, and the yard looked really awful!! So, as we are pulling by slowly, Kayte says "mom, there is a lock box on the door." Sure enough, there was a lock box, and on the side of the house was a For Sale sign that someone had put there. So, as I pull around the cul-de-sac, I stop and just look at the house. I then go over to the neighbors house (Gracie and Albert) and knock on the door. I talk to Albert a while, and he said that the house had been forclosed on, and the people who lived there, up and moved to Las Vegas. So, after talking with him a while, Kayte and I walk over to the house and look around. The place was a MESS!! Kind of disheartning because we, and Kents parents, put a lot of work into that house...and it's pretty much going to pot!! :(

It looked like the owners were possibly in the midst of updating the house as they had put in new tile, taken down a wall that made the front entryway not go directly into the dining room/kitchen. I do have to admit, it made the scheme look larger...but...I kind of liked that wall!! They had also taken out the carpet...even in the bedrooms. They put down a real dark...like dark chocolate color...wood...and it wasn't finished. The place was a pig sty!! Of course, this is only looking through the windows...around the side of the house, the hot tub was still there...but the top was off...and there was nasty water in the bottom of it. There was some great storage under the house (there was a door under one of the decks to access the underpart of the house) and the door was taken off...and there was a bunch of crap under the house. I guess the new owners got their real estate license because there were tons of house signs under there... I feel sorry for the next owners because there will be a lot of junk to clean up!!

OK...I am done with that. It hasn't been our house for about 5 years now...so...onto bigger and better things!!

I started my shots Thursday night. YAY!! It looks like our transfer will be about the 11-13th of November. I will update when things get closer.

Loving my new job!! I really like the stylists there. Shawna (one of the stylists) did my hair the other day. It looks fabulous!!

OK...must do something today!! Till later...A

It's been a while....

2008-09-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Well...as the title says...it's been a while since I last blogged. I have actually tried to blog on my phone...but I somehow have a knack for messing it up and it doesn't post. And, are you aware how tiny the keyboard for typing is on my phone? Sheesh!! :D

So...I have news!! Some of you may know that a month ago or so...I wanted a job because I am tired of sitting at home...not doing much. Well, I turned down the job at the retirement center (would have been housekeeping...) because for some reason, things just didn't seem "right" to me. Well, a couple weeks ago, my wonderful husband got me a job at the Clackamas Bakery...It is a 120 day position...and it paid pretty well. I passed the "Physical" part of the job...you know the one where you go to the Dr's and do the physical and then they take you to this room and make you get physical? WOW!! It was pretty intense...I mean, why take a membership at a gym...you should just go there cause you really DO get a workout!!

So I passed the physical (and was so sore the next couple of days!!) but that's what I get for being a stay at home mom. I lift boxes and laundry at home...but that was crazy!! I then go in for orientation...get my name badge, and gate key and I am told I will start on Wednesday. So, I get to the bakery about 15 minutes early on the day that I am to report to "work." The foreman shows me around, and tells me that I will be on the bun line...putting pans on the conveyor belt. So, I start doing this...meanwhile, while you are putting the pans on the belt...you are also looking back to where the dough balls feed into the machine to make sure they arn't getting jammed...which in turn can cause a backup...which in turn...is not good. So, I do my job...and after the first hour...notice that my finger is pretty sore. So, I take off my glove and there is my first blister. OUCH!! Then, they put me on the other end of the bun line...this time, you are taking the pans that have the dough on them, and you are putting them on these racks...which are about 12 shelves high. The only thing is, is that you have to keep up with how fast the pans are coming off the conveyor belt. Not only that, but you have to make sure that the buns are in the pans correctly...because if you let a pan with double buns go, then it messes up the entire package of buns..once they are done baking and packaged, which in turn, makes someone else have to redo the package...which equals time and money spent making sure there is the correct amount of buns in the package. So, I am doing this...and you have to rack them in the correct order...up to down and then side to side. So, I am doing this..and it's DAMN hot!! And and after a while of doing this...I feel like I am going to faint!! I mean, I am hot...shaky...and it's all I can do to not fall down!! Gosh...I totally felt like such a baby!! So, they take me into the freezer...and assure me that I am not the only person to do this. You just need to get "broken" in and then you will be a pro in no time!! So, after that...I kind of get into a groove...I then go back to the front, and rack more pans onto the line. You need to do this very quickly because if you don't, you will mess up the pans and buns at the end!! I mean, you are putting a 15 lb pan on about every second...oh, and sometimes, there are leftover buns that didn't get depanned...so you need to throw those out...and there are pans that get stuck together, so you need to hurry and get them unstuck. I don't know which end was worse...the grueling up and down part at the end...(I felt like Lucy when she is at the candy factory and the belt goes too fast so she sticks them down her shirt and in her mouth!!) although, I couldn't possibly put the racks anywhere on my body...so, of course, they have no where to go except down...(oh, just so we are clear, they don't reuse the dough that fell on the floor!! :D ) Finally, it's about 5:30pm and the bun line is done for the day. Well, I am lowest on the totem pole, so it's up to me to clean up. Cleaning I can do!! YAY!! No more lifting those damn pans!! After everything was cleaned up...I then went to another line...the line that the finished bun product is on. That was a much better job...you take the buns out that won't pass muster (I didn't say mustard!!) and you repackage them. After that, the last of the buns were coming off the cooling rack and getting packaged...so I went over to that line and made sure they were coming at the ideal rate for the bagger to bag them. Then...after that, it's time to clean up and then go home. Home...the place I long for!! So, I get home, and Kent has dinner on the table for me and a glass of wine and Yanni playing in the background...like it used to be oh so long ago when I would come home from a 12 hour shift at work...well, I totally bypass everyone...go have a nice CRY in the shower...and finally make my way back upstairs, where I sob saying this is the worst job on earth and how can they make anyone do a job like that? How can anyone stay there doing a job like that for 25 years?? My family is very sympathetic to me...they dry my tears, and tell me that I don't have to go back if I don't want to. Well, I am not a quitter, so I get up at 4am the next day to go back. There is a meeting at 6am...which lasts till about 7am...and then it's back to the bun line. I again, put the pans on the line for what seemed like an eternity...but was only about an hour. I mean, I looked at the clock thinking that at least a half hour had passed...and it was only 10 minutes. I tried singing to myself...I tried praying (Lord, make this go faster!!) I tried dancing...nothing worked to make this job go any faster!! So then, a while later, they tell me that there is a back up in the proofer, so I am to go to lunch. I zombie walk to the lunch room, eat a few bites...then go to the ladies changing room and text Kent telling him I just don't think that I can do this!! I had looked at the schedule for the next week, and all I saw was BUN LINE..all 5 days of the next week!! Holy Sh*T!!
Well, Kent tells me to come up to his office...so I do...and I tell him I just don't think this is the job for me (I was crying...yet again!!) He tells me it's OK...so we go and talk to Joe...who oversees the bakery part. Joe is fine with me just leaving (he too is sympathetic to me...so I go and give the key fob thing to Carol...and say I am sorry. They are all very nice there...(They all DID try to tell me that this was a very physical job!!) so I go out to my car...and I leave!! I don't look back!! This was NOT the job for me!! However, yesterday, Joe goes up to Kent and asks Kent if he could talk to him..privately. So, Kent says..come up to my office...so Joe goes in and shuts the door and tells Kent that they are going to redo the lines...and that if they put me somewhere else...and not just on the killer line, would I be interested in coming back? WHOA!! Maybe they weren't purposely trying to kill me off in the first place!!

But....
I see this job on Craigslist the other day...and it's for a receptionist position at this hair salon in Sellwood. So, I call and talk to the owner...and go in for an interview the next day (which is Saturday.) Well, I felt very old on Saturday...kind of like Mrs. Doubtfire...not THAT old...but just really frumpy...and my hair was in desperate need of a haircut...so it looked poofy...and I just felt grandmotherly. So, I go in and meet Eric the owner...and we talk...and he tells me to come back in for another interview on Monday at 4:30 pm. He isn't the one to make the decision, but Rebecca (who originally was in this position) makes the decision. So, I get to the salon about 20 minutes early (that's not unusual for me...I HATE being late!!), and I walk in, and there is an interview going on so Eric asks me if I would mind waiting on the front porch. I said no problem, and sat on a chair, enjoying the warm weather and sunshine.

Normally, I am not a nervous person...but I am that day!! I am totally freaked out...knowing they are interviewing other people...and I feel like I just want to bolt...I mean, I want to just peek my head in the door and say there is an emergency or something at home and tell them I hope they find their perfect someone. I WANT to do that...but I don't.

I sit there like a good girl, and wait patiently for my turn. Then it's my turn...and I go in and talk to Eric and Rebecca, and I am in there all of 15 minutes and there is another gal waiting to be interviewed as well, so I don't want to take up too much of their time. I tell them I hope they find their match...and thanked them for the interview. They told me they would call me that night...either way.

So, with a kind of heavy heart, I head home. I am somewhat a pessimist at times. My husband on the other hand is the exact opposite...he has all the faith in that small mustard seed...and I LOVE him for that!! So, he is out to dinner with some clients, and he texts me and asks me how it went, and I just say...I don't know...but my gut feeling is probably not...knowing how many people inquired for this position!! The kids and I eat dinner, and I am lazily browsing SMO when my phone rings...upstairs!! So, I run upstairs and Ashlyn hands me my phone and it's Rebecca. She tells me that I am in the running and she has a few questions to ask me about my surrogacy...like if I will keep them informed of the time I need off and so on and I assure her that I will. She then says that will talk it over with Eric and call me back. So, Ashlyn and I sit on my bed talking about a recipe that she is doing, and Rebecca calls back and.............

She offered me the position!!! I want to scream and jump up and down at that point because I really felt that I would be a good receptionist, and it's part time so the hours would be fabulous for my family...and they are great with the surrogacy...and...and...and!! I can't believe it!! I got the job!! On my own merit...(meaning...without my husbands help, but thanks babe!!) YAY!!! So, I start on Friday!! And I get to wear cute clothes (well, I guess someone needs to go shopping!!) And...we move on Saturday...OOPS...gotta work that day!! But...I will be plenty busy this week...so...what the heck am I doing typing out my life story!! I have to go...This is a crazy week!! Oh...
and one more thing...Aunt Flo came visit...so, I started a new packet of pills yesterday and should be getting my calendar sometime soon since they were just waiting on me!! HOORAY!! We are finally getting to move forward!! YAY!! Baby (ies) here we come!! I feel very POSITIVE about EVERYTHING!!!!

Your gonna do WHAT???

2008-09-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember last December, when we moved into the house that we are currently living in. It was a very stormy day...rain, rain, rain!! We moved from Keizer to Milwaukie in 8 hours including the hour drive. Suffice it to say...I think we are PROFESSIONALS!!

Fast forward to last night. Kent, myself, and the kids went and looked at a lovely home in Oregon City. It has everything we need/want (except a bonus room) and it is updated and very nice. And, the best part about this house is.....We are going to buy it!! WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY??? Buy it?? Yes!!!

The main reason that we are not going to buy the house we are currently living in, is the owners. We feel they want to keep this house as a rental...and we feel like if they eventually DID want to sell it, it would be pretty expensive, due to the upgrades and such....Now...on to the "other" house!!!

The people who currently own it wanted to sell it, but the market isn't/wasn't so hot...they put lots of money into upgrades, however, when they went to sell the house, it wouldn't go. So, we are doing a lease option which will allow us to lock in a price now, and purchase it within the next 2-3 years...thus also allowing us to finish paying off all of our debt before jumping into a large house payment!!

The kids are thrilled...we are thrilled...I am nervous...but that's just me!! Nervous Nellie...if I can't worry about something...why even show up? :)

So, here are some pics of our new house. We are looking to move around the 4th of October...so, if ya'll are not busy..........................I can't promise that there won't be any rain, but I would assume it wouldn't be as bad as the last move. Oh, and this IS the last move!! Scouts HONOR!! (Well...maybe when Kayte is out of high school....we may do it again...but for now!! YEAH BABY!!)

Morning Pics....

2008-09-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

I had to take a couple of pics of the kids this morning...I was remarking just yesterday at how when the kids were younger, I would always take pictures of the kids on their first day of school. What a horrid mom I am, now that they are older!! Here it is...day 3...and I am just now grabbing some pics. Sheesh!!

Ashlyn was SO looking like an Audrey Hepburn DIVA this morning!! Oh, and she looked pretty darn cute too!!

Michael doesn't go to school until about 8:15 (that's late...he catches the bus about 8:25!!) so he was just reading this morning. Cartoons? NAH!! Give him a book any day!!

And the last picture is of Miss Kayte...

DON'T BLINK!!

2008-09-02T08:03:00.001-07:00

Because if you do...life will pass you by!!

Can you believe that school is here again? We just said goodbye to the teachers...and now, we are saying our hello's!!

I think I will really like Kayte's teacher this year. First impressions....she seems very sweet and down to earth!! I love that in people. She looks like someone you could genuinely talk to...which is a wonderful feeling!! Kayte and I were going to get her a small plant this morning while at Fred Meyers...(we forgot the tissues yesterday while school shopping!!) so, we got the tissues...and then thought...well, maybe we would wait until Friday to get her something. Something to say.."WOW!! You made it through the first week!!" Kayte really liked that idea...and she (Kayte) said that then, she could possibly see what kinds of things she might like.

I think it will be a fabulous school year!!

Yesterday was labor day...however, instead of laboring...we exercised!! After a lazy morning, Kent, myself and Kayte went for a six mile bike ride. (Note to self...Ask if you CAN actually bruise your inner butt bone!!) And after dinner, the 5 of us went for a jog/run (for some) and walk...it's so nice being a family that gets along and loves to be with each other!!

No news really on the surro front. However, I did get a call from my agency saying that my IP's did find a new egg donor...so we hope to get everything underway again. Also, (I think this part is pretty cool...) my case manager asked me if I would mind being a "mentor" to a new surro who lives in my area. I said yes..no problem!! I would have loved to have someone show me the ropes...so to speak...have someone answer the mundane questions...perhaps even as far as telling me..in honest terms...just how bad the shots really are. So, I hope that she does call...and it's always wonderful to see other new surro's.

Well, that's it for this post. Michael doesn't start school till tomorrow...so it just him and I hanging out for the day. Maybe if I am really energetic...I might make some chocolate chip cookies for the girls after school. But then again, in our house, we will eat probably 5 cookies in all, then the rest will go to waste because we are not a huge, sweet eating family. So, we will just see what they day brings!!

I didn't take the job...

2008-08-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were curious about the job a couple of posts back...well....

I decided against taking the job.

So, for now...I will stay at home and talk to the walls....now, if they start talking back to me...then we know there is a problem.

No, just kidding...DUH!! WALLS CAN'T TALK!!!!

Actually, there are a lot of volunteer positions that I am going to look into. Sounds like a plan!!

This is too funny!!!

2008-08-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine had this on her blog...so, I copied it...It is wayy too funny!! ENJOY!!

Dear Diary...

For my fiftieth birthday this year, my husband (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since playing on my high school softball team, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer I'll call Bruce, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started. The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

Ø Monday:
Started my day at 6:00 am. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Bruce waiting for me. He is something of a Greek God - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo! Bruce gave me a tour and showed me the machines. He took my pulse after five minutes on the treadmill. He was alarmed that my pulse was so fast, but I attribute it to standing next to him in his Lycra aerobic outfit. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring. Bruce was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!

Ø Tuesday:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Bruce made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air -- then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Bruce's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.

Ø Wednesday:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying on the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Bruce was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Bruce put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Bruce told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.

Ø Thursday:
Bruce was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late; it took me that long to tie my shoes. Bruce took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the ladies room. He sent some skinny bitch to find me, then, as punishment, put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

Ø Friday:
I hate that bastard Bruce more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Bruce wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. (Which I am sure you learned in the sadist school you attended and graduated magna cum laude from.) The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

Ø Saturday:
Bruce left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing him made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the stupid Weather Channel.

Ø Sunday:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband (the BASTARD) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds

Hood to Coast...WOW!!

2008-08-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday...and man...what a weekend!!

Some of you know about the Hood to Coast here in Portland...others who don't know about it...let me tell you!!

Hood to Coast is a relay race that starts at Mount Hood, and finishes in Seaside, Or. The Nike Hood to Coast Relay stretches 197 miles near the top of Oregon's majestic Mt. Hood down to the beautiful Pacific Ocean beach in Seaside, Oregon. Over 12,000 Hood to Coast runners and 4,800 walkers, share in the experience of this annual event now in its 27th year! (I got that from the HTC website!!) Anyways, this was Kent's first year to run in it. There are 12 runners per team, each runner does 3 legs which consist of anywhere between 5 miles to about 8 miles. Of course Kent's legs were considered 2 VH (very hards) and 1 E (easy.) He ran about a 7.23 pace and ran 17.91 miles in all!! WOW!!! HE ROCKS!!

Anyways, I wasn't a volunteer for his team (Fred Meyers) but I volunteered for my ex-sister-in-law...so, my job at leg #35 was to call runners numbers out when they were running in so that the person that was doing the last leg was ready to go. It was really inspiring seeing all of the runners!! I AM NOT a runner...but, I wonder if I could be?? :) Perhaps...but, perhaps not!!

This morning, Kent, the kids and myself all walked down on the beach. It was a very nice morning for a beach walk. We then went back to the hotel and packed up all of our stuff...and checked out of the hotel...to find it raining!! Just like that...it went from nice to a little nasty in about a half hour!! And, here in Portland, it's about 85 degrees or so...(I am thinking the rain was pretty nice after all!!)

On the surro front, we are back on track...at least I am crossing my fingers about the whole thing. I started BCP's on the 13th...and it looks like if the moons alight and the coyote's are quiet...we may transfer around the end of September. YAY!! I really, really, really, really, really, (I could go on and on here, but I won't...I think you get the point...) want this to work this time around. REALLY!!! So, say a prayer for me if you would, or cross your fingers and all of your toes... :)

That's it for now...Hugs!!

I AM BORED!!!

2008-08-13T14:08:00.001-07:00

So, I went for a job interview this morning. The hours are 12-4 M-F. That "sounds" perfect to me...but, we will see.

It's at a retirement community...basic housekeeping..which I do all day at my home anyways!! I am just thinking that I want something to do instead of being in the house all day long. I mean really, these walls just don't talk back to me (very often anyways!!)

BUT...I don't know..now I am having second thoughts...

I went for the interview (she was in a meeting, so I waited 10 minutes for her to get out of the meeting-(did I mention I am not a very patient person? If you tell me to be somewhere at a certain time, I will be there...10 minutes early!! But, I digress...) then she comes out and we go sit down...she hardly asked any questions and asked me if I wanted to tour the facility. So, we walked around..and she showed me different places where I would be working. I love older people...and I think I would like the job...It's only 4 hours a day, M-F...so, it's pretty perfect...I can still see my family in the evenings and get the kids off to school in the mornings.

Here is what I don't understand...

As we were walking back to the front of the center, she tells me that she has 2 other interviews to do (the 2 girls were sitting there when we got back) and she kind of whispered that she really liked me and asked me when I could start. So, I told her I could start Monday. I told her to give me a call and let me know. By the way, Helen seems extremely timid to me...I almost thought she might think I would bite her or something...

Well, Helen doesn't call, it's Brandy, the receptionist, who wasn't at all friendly when I first walked in. So, Brandy calls and tells me that Helen really liked me, but she really liked one of the other girls too. GREAT!! NOW I have competition!! Brandy then asks me if I really want the job...UMMM...Hello...I didn't put nylons on just so you could see me in a skirt!! Yes, I want the job...I feel it would fit our family just fine!! She then asks me if she can contact my references...(Yeah, everybody except the drug dealer!! Don't talk to the dealer!!) DUH!! Of course she can! That's why I put them down there. So, she then tells me that she will call my references...so, I ask her if she will call me back, and she says yes...but it won't be today. (She is WAY to busy!! -Reading her magazine!!-) I almost feel like calling her back and saying...just give it to the other chick...I can make the same amount of money doing eBay and on my hours...SO...DO I REALLY WANT THE JOB?? I don't know!! ARGH!!!!

In other news...I got a call from Dr. S today...and he told me to start BCP's TODAY since he had the egg donor in his office and he wanted us to get going. YAY!! So, I need to get to the pharmacy and pick them up...YIPPEE!!

That's another thing that's bothering me...IF I got this job...then are they gonna let me have the time off to go to L.A. to get pregnant? QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS!!!

Miss Ashlyn is a blogger!!!

2008-08-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

I just have to smile!! :)

Ashlyn is FINALLY a blogger!! Good job kiddo!! You can read her blog at http://bakerashlyn.blogspot.com/ and, she has really great music on it too!!

OK...now for the news:

No transfer next month...read....no meds this month to get ready for our transfer next month. Insert tear here!!

I guess the egg donor was going through two agencies...(Have no clue how she achieved that!!) so therefor, she won't be used for the egg donation. There is no way that she could have pulled it off...I am curious as to what she was thinking when she did this? It's not like it's Easter and she can take 3 eggs out of her "basket" and give them to someone and then take 4 more eggs out and give them to someone else. REALLY!! It just doesn't work that way!!

So, the positive side to this, was that I hadn't started my meds yet...so that is good!! I was on birth control pills to regulate our cycle's (the egg donor and myself) but found myself with some break through bleeding. So, I contacted the Dr. and he said to just go off of them, have my period, then next month, when I have my period again, give them a call and I will go on them again. So, I did. That's it...no more to write...SIGH!!

Feeling SO MUCH better!!

2008-08-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Ahhh!!! The tummy is feeling SO much better today!! And I slept through the night even...YAY!!

Here is a tid bit of information that you probably didn't know..

If you take Peptol Bismol...it may turn your tongue black. Did you know that?

Well, I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned yesterday...and the first thing that Fran the Hygentist said to me is, "why is your tongue black?" And I thought.."Oh CRAP!!" (see previous post!!)
I told her that I had some red wine the night before, but I brushed my teeth and tongue and flossed rigorously (one of the things I always do the night prior to going to the dentist!! Want the dentist to "think" that I am a good brusher/flosser!!) , so that shouldn't still be there. But, because of the "issues" with the tummy, I failed to brush in the morning before going to the dentist...thus, not brushing my tongue or teeth of any left over bits of toast to settle my stomach. (For the record, I didn't even want to be there...so they could put up with my stinky mouth..and they should have been happy just to have me there!!) Anyways.....she didn't have anything for me to "scrape" my tongue with (umm..hello..you have toothbrushes!!) so, she just pulled my tongue all around making sure there wasn't any unscene trouble lurking because of the blackness!!
After she was done cleaning my teeth (insert pearly white smile here..*DING*) Ashlyn and I went home. I then looked on the Pepto bottle, and sure enough..it says "When using this product a temporary, but harmless, darkening of the stool and/or tongue may occur." Wow!!

So, now you have a bit of useless information to store in the back of your mind!! :)

Warning..Could be Graphic...

2008-08-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am curious how "bugs" get into your system. Yesterday..around noon time or so...after lunch...my tummy started feeling a little weird. So, I drank some water, and resumed by normal activities. But, an hour later...I am running to the loo...really running. So, I go...I won't bore you with the TMI details...but let's just say, I had to RUN!!
So, Ashlyn and I go to the grocery store...and again, my tummy kind of aches...not the kind of ache where one thinks they are in labor because it hurts so bad. Just more of a rumbling in my tummy. We then go home (where there is safety in my own bathroom!!) and I proceed to let loose, what I would think, is the rest of my lunch..and possibly breakfast. I KNOW that there is nothing left in my stomach..I mean REALLY!!
We make dinner..with me grumbling only a couple of times that my tummy isn't so hot. I just didn't "feel" right. So, around 8pm...I decide it's time for bed because I am REALLY tired!! Around 11:45pm...my tummy again wakes me up...and there goes dinner. Again at 2:30...I don't know..there goes everything else that I have remotely thought of eating in the past week. So, I go back to bed...and lay there...and listen to my tummy grumble...and feel like I am going to get sick..just really nauseous. I don't get sick..thank you very much. Kent brings me some coffee at 5am..and there is NO WAY IN HOLY HECK that I am going to drink it. Can you imagine..acid on a yucky tummy?
I sleep a little more...and then I feel the need to pass some air...well, just so we are all on the same page, I DON'T...cause I KNOW what would happen!! HAHA...How sad is that, when you know you can't fart cause you are not sure if air or something horrifyingly liquid will come out.

And, to make my day even lovelier, I get to go to the dentist...and we all know how Andrea "Just LOVES the Dentist" now don't we!!

After the dentist, I think I will come home, climb back into my bed...maybe eat some toast...and take a snooze. I just don't think I can take this "crap" much longer. HEE HEE!!

A KABILLION reasons why I love my husband...

2008-08-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

A KABILLION reasons why I love my husband…

Actually, I honestly don’t know just how many are in a KABILLION…but from my perspective..I would say a whole lot!!

There are many reasons why I love my husband..and I will name a few…don’t want anyone to get bored with the yada, yada, yada type list!!

The first and foremost reason that I love Kent…is that his love for me is absolutely real and unconditional. I have never met a man like Kent…actually; I may have “read” books about men like him in romance novels. However, I never thought that I would be living a romance novel.

There isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t say “l Love You” or something to that effect.

He wants to be with me…just because. To me…that’s pretty amazing!!

He constantly says that I am “hot!” I have to remind him that I am just warm…but he likes to see me as hot. WOW!!

He is SO dedicated to…well…everything. And his dedication does not wane when something new comes along. To this day...10 years after marrying him…he is still enraptured with wanting to backpack the Pacific Crest Trail. I admire that about him!!

He puts me and my feelings first, and does not hesitate to apologize when needed. I have actually “learned” to apologize from him…It is AMAZING!!

He is very protective of me…again...WOW!! If someone hurts my feelings, he will want to go and make the person who hurt my feelings apologize.

He has a work ethic that just won’t quit. (No pun intended!!)

He can diffuse a “break down” situation. (There are times that I can be a raging lunatic, and he can come home with a smile on his face, happy to see me… and there I am…stark raving mad with the world. And instead of him egging me on…he brings me a glass of wine and asks me “what can he do” with dinner or whatever.)

He loves Ashlyn and Michael as if they are his own…however, he will keep his distance when he needs to.

He let’s me know when he gets to work (when he bikes) and lets me know whey he leaves so that I don’t worry.

I could go on and on… but I am sure ya’ll would get pretty tired of my blogging. So, with that said...I will leave you with this…

Kent is an amazing man…and I love him with the absolute core of my heart. Thank you Kent for being you…and being in my life. You are a wonderful provider, and I probably don’t thank you enough for all you do…and the way you make me feel. My heart will always belong to you. A

This is almost all of the blogs from the other "site.."

2008-08-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

I am going to post my bloggings from the easyjournal site...since it has gone down now, twice...for an extended period of time...so...if you have already read these (I am going from last to first) then disregard them...

July 9th, 2008
"I just want to feel loved"
So, I got an email today from my case manager saying that I have to be rescreened since it's been 6 months. So, now, I need to go through all the blood tests and the pap and such. No big deal.

Well, I called my IP's because they had originally wanted to help me pick out an OB since we are new to the area...and I don't know of any good doctors in the area. I mean, I may be up a crick..if my kids get sick cause I wouldn't know where to take them!! ACK..

But, I digress...
So, I call them..and they are on vacation in Colorado. So, I talk to J, and I ask him if they might have heard of any good OB's (as per our emails.) Well, no, they have not..and that it seems no one is taking on any new patients right now. So, I say, that is fine, and we will just talk when they get back. So, I tell them to have a good time, and I say goodbye..but as I put down my phone, I could still faintly hear him talking.

I then get a phone call back about 10 minutes later, and he said he felt that our conversation didn't go so great, and that it was very loud in their car, so he felt that he needed to call me back. Well...at this point..I was at my "whatever" stage...which is a stage that I get to when I really just want to stop everything that is making the problems and pretty much just leave me alone. I know..mature huh? J then explains that sometimes it's hard for them to try to want to get close to others because of what happened with their last surro. (I am not sure all of the details of their last journey..so, I can't know what they feel.) They said that it has nothing to do with me, and that they feel a little gun shy.

I do understand where they are coming from...so, I told them that I felt that I have tried several times to want to get together with them, but nothing ever comes of it. I mean, I told him that I have to go look at their picture to know who they are...since it's been February since I have seen them. He did apologize, and told me that I should be now talking to him and not T...which I think is ok since there isn't too much that has gone on with T. He said that we "would" get together once they get back and once we get back from our vacation. I told him that the ball is now in their court...

I do understand that it's hard having kids...and there isn't much time for anything...he agreed that they get up in the morning and go about their day, and before they know it, it is night time and "where did the day go?" I totally understand. I told him that I really just wanted them to love me in the friendly sense...and that I just wasn't feeling it. I also told him that I usually am not a "needy" or "insecure" type person...but that I just wanted to feel like they did like me. Know what I mean?

Anyways, I just got off the phone with T, and they are going to email some OB's in which they asked their pediatrician about...so, that is a good thing. I didn't really just want to close my eyes and pick a name out of the yellow pages.

I hope I said the right things...and that they are not running and screaming because they have a PSYCHO SURROGATE on their hands.:D

7/08/2008
"Memories"
So, yesterday, as I was changing the sheets on my bed..I started to think of my Grandma Margie. Isn't it amazing how sometimes, (when you think of someone who you have not thought of in a while,) the memories just come flooding back?
I was remembering her voice...how gravely it was from the many years that she had smoked. I was remembering how she would always go to bed with a hard candy in her mouth so that she wouldn't cough all night..And how every time I smell Bounce, it always makes me think of her.
Certain flowers make me think of her...she always had a garden of some sort...be it just flowers...or a full fledge, overflowing vegetable garden...her and grandpa had the best green thumbs.
I remember when my sister and I first came back from Idaho...and she told me she had a daughter. I was so excited, and I asked if I could play with her. Grandma laughed, and said, no..she was old and married.
I remember the time that grandma had a big box of candy...like the kind you would buy at Costco...and Marianne and I both "stole" some before we went back to our dads house. And, oh, the guilt I felt for taking that candy when she told me I couldn't. I think I still feel bad to this day.
There are so many other things that I think of about her...her laugh, her smile..her stance. I guess I miss her. Then last night, as Kent and I were driving home, I thought about her again. But this time, I remembered that yesterday was her birthday. So, Happy Birthday yesterday, grandma. :)

6/30/2008
"Total Blog SLACKER!!"
Oh geez...nothing like not blogging in like...what...a month??

But, that's ok...cause I can say everything that I need to say...right here..and right now. :)

(Which, in all reality...is not much...but here it is anyways!!)

There are some little coyote pups and a mom that live in the back area of our house...our house and all of the neighbors houses are contained by a fence.

Well, those little buggers!! Every time a siren goes off...(be it an ambulance, fire truck, police car...or some strange siren over in Gladstone...) these little pups go nuts!! And, when it's hot outside, and we sleep with our window open...well, yeah...you totally hear those pups...and the mom too. They howl, and howl...and if the siren is silent..they become silent...and then the siren goes off again, and again, the pups howl!! This happened at about 1am this morning. Sheesh!! I emailed the Dept of Fish and Wildlife asking what they do to the coyotes...and I have not heard a response from them. I don't want them to take the coyotes and kill them...I just would like them to be moved into the wilderness. So, I didn't give my name or address to the OFDW...just to be on the safe side. I would also hate it if a neighbor went out and hurt them. Guess I will just deal with the howls for now...and perhaps, re-email the ODFW.

In other news...

Kent, I, Kayte and our friend Dave went backpacking this weekend. It was very hot here in Portland over the weekend...and it was also warm where we went...but, not as hot as it was here. We hiked about 2 miles in...and then set up camp.
The next day, after breakfast, we hiked about 5 miles or so...then came back and cooled off in the COLD river!! BRRR!! Then, Kent and I took a hike (just the two of us) and hiked about another 2 miles. It was very nice!!

Sunday, we packed up and hiked out. We went to this place called Calamity Jane's for lunch...My gracious!! The burgers were HUGE!! They were good too!!

Got home around 2pm...unpacked out stuff. HOTTTTTT in the house...then, it cooled off a little outside because of thunderstorms...(which were awesome!!) It rained huge drops!! It got pretty humid after that...so, we ate our dinner downstairs since it was so hot upstairs. Yep..no AC!! (SAD!!)

That's pretty much it for now. The kids are at Shawn's house till the 9th...and they both are not happy about that. Guess mom's not happy about it either...cause I sure am MISSING them!! So, the countdown is on!!

That's it for now..Hugs, A

6/11/2008
"The power of..well...POWER!!"
Yesterday, about 11:30 am...I was working out in the garage and noticed that the lights started flickering...all 3 of them. Thought that was weird...so I came inside, sat down to the computer...and BOOM!! (That is a literal BOOM!!) No power!! 2 transformers blew...so PGE came out...and stayed until 3:30 am!! (At least that's when the lights came back on!!) So, we had a nice dinner (out of course) and came home and had candles and flashlights everywhere. I like romance, but not when you HAVE to have candlelight!! Thank goodness my mom sent me a power failure clock for Christmas!! :)
A neighbor said that a couple of neighbors up the street are still without power. WOW!! Hopefully, they will get everything fixed and won't need to dig up anyone else's yard. (A neighbor just did a beautiful job landscaping her yard...and wouldn't you know it? That's where PGE had to dig!!)

6/05/2008
"AF is BACK!!"
So, I have to tell you something...and this is from the heart. I was kind of secretly hoping that maybe the clinic was wrong with the blood test/beta...and that I REALLY WOULD be pregnant...and that maybe, there was a small number...not just the negative that they told me. But, sadly, it really DID NOT work...since Aunt Flo is coming to pay me a visit...

And quite possibly, maybe not getting pregnant the first time around DID bother me more than what I thought. I suppose that I just did not want to admit defeat. Oh well...another lesson to jot down in my little "been there...done that" non existent book. :)

But, that won't mean that I won't hope and pray that things will turn out differently next time. And, if it's meant to be, then it will be. Plain and simple!!

On another note...I have a @#$%^& root canal in 3 hours. Am I counting the hours down? Yep...and I am totally feeling like I am gonna puke!! I do not like the dentist...Nope, I don't!! I have let this thing bother me for about 4 years now...and, I guess it's time to get er done. Although, the thought crossed my mind this morning that maybe I could be sick today and not have to have it done. But, then we get charged for breaking the appointment...so, I don't want that to happen. But, it went through my head more than once...I tell you that!!

OK...off to find something to do to get my mind off of the above mentioned dreaded R.C. WHAAAA!!!

6/4/2008
It's Wednesday..In case you forgot!!"
Hmnn... What to write??

Well, for starters, as posted in my title...today is Wednesday. So, that means that there are exactly 7 days left of school for the kids. Now, if you ask them...they will be inclined to say 6...because they have a couple of half days in there. So, I guess I will say 6 with them...just so they don't holler at me.

My IP's (Intended Parents) are looking into a new egg donor. They said that last time, they chose her based on her looks. This time, I think they will delve deeper...and maybe go for smarts and looks. And of course good genes. I am not sure how long the process takes...it seems to me that it takes a while. I have never looked into egg donation..although I am too old now, and I don't think I would, even if I could. But, that's just me. It seems to me that there are way more things involved with egg donation. And, since they are measuring your follicles and actually taking the minute (read tiny) eggs out of you...there is way more pain and bloating involved!! No thanks...I will just stick to being a surrogate.

I am excited to see how doing a fresh transfer will work. Some people say that the chances are greater (to get pregnant) than they are with a frozen transfer. With the frozen transfer, you risk losing a lot of eggs, due to the thawing. With a fresh transfer (and I am going off of hearsay and reading things) they fertilize the egg, and sometimes it start to hatch. And, if you get, say 20 eggs from the donor...and 15 of those eggs look great and are growing steadily, and you transfer the 3 best (into me of course) then you still have 12 eggs that you freeze...and on the off chance that I don't get pregnant with one of those three...then we still have the 12 totcycles.

Ok...enough about that. So, remember when I told you last Saturday, that I had hives and I thought it was from the caffeine? Well, it wasn't from the caffeine. And, it's not from coming off the meds either. I have a theory, but I am not going to tell it just yet...until I try a little experiment. Then I will tell you. Dr. S told me to see a dermatologist. Well, if you Google hives...it simply means that something is going on in your body. Some people get hives for years, and never know the cause of it. Hives are not necessarily bad...unless your throat starts to close shut...(That WOULD be BAD!!) but for the most case, they are just really bothersome (read ITCHY!!) I shaved my legs last night...bad move on my part since there were raised spots just above my knee...I shaved there on one leg and now am the proud wearer of lots of little scabs. (Yeah I know..SMART MOVE!!)

Well, I should probably do the never ending laundry. It's kind of like the energizer bunny...it just keep going, and going, and ....

5/31/2008
"So long coffee!!"
Yes, 2 posts from me in less than an hour!! WOW!!

So, I guess I really DO have to say "so long...coffee!!"

Right after writing in my journal...I went upstairs and suddenly, my legs were kind of itchy. I thought maybe it was because of my unshaven legs...(you know...that can make you itch when you have p.j. bottoms on!!)

Anyways, I came back downstairs...and took them off...and wow...I have HIVES!! They are mainly ALL OVER my legs, and some on my arms, and a few here and there on my torso...but all over my legs!!

So, of course I googled hives and caffeine...and yep, I guess you can get hives from caffeine. Parting ways with coffee will truly be such sorrow. Unless I decide to live with them till my body can adjust...hahaha

5/31/2008
"I caved"
So much for NOT drinking coffee!! HAHA!!

I tell ya...Kent asked me this morning if I wanted Tea or Coffee...so, I himmed and hawed...and well, I chose the coffee!!

The taste was AMAZING!! I need to go easy on it though...I can just see me bouncing off the walls.

My theory behind my drinking coffee is this...If I did it before (go off of it) then I can do it again...RIGHT??

However, I DID NOT have my glass of wine last night. I suppose if I am going to be naughty, then I will do it all today...HAHA

Hugs, Andrea

5/30/2008
"No baby this time around"
Well, after much stressing out, (I think it's due to those stupid home pregnancy tests!!) it looks as though my beta is negative.

What that means is that we are out of the baby window (for this month anyways.) The Intended Parents are going to start looking for an egg donor...so, after all is said and done, we will probably do a fresh transfer in August or September. What that means for me is that my cycle will need to be synced up with the egg donor, so that will involve birth control pills, more shots, and playing the waiting game again.

I am a little sad that it didn't turn out for the positive. But, I am OK with it at the same time. At least now, no more SHOTS...(for the time being...) My upper buttocks was starting to get welts from all of the progesterone shots...So, that will be nice to take some time off from that!! Actually, they instructed me to stop ALL of the meds...So, no prenatal vitamins either. I think though, because I was doing such a good job of taking the prenatal at night before bed, I will bring some regular vitamins down and take them each night.

And you know what???

I AM GOING TO DRINK A GLASS OF WINE TONIGHT!! MAYBE EVEN TWO!! And it's all because I can!! I don't think I will start drinking coffee again though because that is really one thing I do miss...and it's so easy to go back to your old ways, only to have to start going off stuff again. I can easily miss the alcohol...coffee is a different story all together!!

Please keep reading my blog...don't give up on me yet. I will continue to update as the time goes on. You never know what I might write about!!

5/28/2008
"Ack..The WAIT!!"
So, my beta is on Friday, where they will tell me what my HCG is (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-is produced during pregnancy. It is made by cells that form the placenta, which nourishes the egg after it has been fertilized and becomes attached to the uterine wall. Levels can first be detected by a blood test about 11 days after conception and about 12 - 14 days after conception by a urine test. )

If the beta is 0-well, that would mean that I am not pregnant and we will do the IVF again. If the HCG is over 100, then they will do another test on Sunday to see if it is doubling.

Therefore...I am just waiting, waiting, and waiting some more!! I have taken, hold on...let me count them...12 home pregnancy tests...yes 12!! I have one more left, which is a digital test (which is supposed to detect the HCG sooner than in other tests.) Don't worry...we are not going broke because of the tests...that's what the dollar tree is for!! At least for 10 of the initial tests anyways!!

Kayte was awarded a Citizen of the Month this morning at her school. They had a school assembly, and she was one out of 2 in her class to get it. Kent and I were both there. She was at first shocked to see us, then she figured it out that because we were there, she must be getting something. :)

Ashlyn has her last Master Choir concert on Friday. I did tell you all that the Master Choir went to STATE, didn't I? They sounded really good, but because they did so poorly on their sight reading part of the competition, then they didn't do so well overall. But, at least she can say that her school DID go to state!! Next year, she will be able to letter in choir. Who knew that? I thought you had to be in a sport to letter, but nope...Good for her!!

Shawn (Ashlyn and Michaels Dad) said that he would pay half of her trip to Washington D.C. In a previous post, I said New York, but I was mistaken. Oops. I still think that Ashlyn wants to earn some of the money herself. She is going to help cater a friends graduation party. I know she will do a fabulous job, because she has already catered 2 parties that we have had. That includes everything, from the appetizers, to the desserts, to the clean-up. She will hopefully get more money for helping at this party than what I paid her. Heehee.

Michael is still just Michael. Nothing new really to report on him. Happy as a clam...

Kent is busy, busy...as usual. He did go to Kayte's thing this morning...but he will be gone for dinner tonight with one of his bosses boss. I am super sure it will be better than the spaghetti that I am planning to make for dinner. At least I hope it will be. :)

OK...I am off to do something other than sit in front of this computer and Google in "how many days did it take for someone to get their first positive on the Home Pregnancy Tests." Yes, I have done that in case any of you were wondering. And, I MAY just do it again.

Waiting Sucks!! Especially when you are not a patient person....

5/22/2008
"Now, the waiting begins"
I had originally typed out a blog on my phone while I was waiting my hour with my feet in the air right after transfer, but for some reason, it didn't show up. So, now I am officially here to update...

(This might be long...just a forewarning...)

Kent and I flew out of Portland on Sunday at 11am. We arrived at LAX around 1pm and caught the shuttle to our hotel. We then wondered what we would do for the rest of the day since my doctors appointment wasn't until the next day. So, we asked the concierge how much a cab would cost to get to Venice Beach? Well, he said it runs about $30.00-$40.00 to get there, and $50.00-$60.00 to come back. That was a lot of money, so we decided not to go that route. He suggested to us though to take the city bus which would only cost us $.75 each way and he gave us a map and directions to get to the "Big Blue Bus." So, we went upstairs, and changed and were on our way.

We get to Venice Avenue and get off the bus and start walking towards Venice Beach. It was about a mile and a half to get there...and once we were there...WOW!! What an interesting community!! So, we walk, and walk and walk checking out this and that and the people...which on a Sunday afternoon...suffice it to say, there were plenty!! So, we decide to walk to the Santa Monica Pier...where we found a nice Mexican restaurantto go for dinner. We then hopped the Big Blue Bus back to the hotel and went and sat in the hot tub as our feet were very tired.

The next day, we get a cab to take us to the Dr.'s office. We left at 8am for our 8:45 am appointment, to get there at 8:55 am!! I hate being late!! Anyways, we wait to be called, go in, have the ultrasound, and was told by Dr. S that everything was great!! No fluid whatsoever...and that he would see us the next day. HOORAY!! So, we get the instructions from the nurse...and wander outside...wondering now what do we do? So, we go have a bagel and a smoothie...and then start walking...just walking along. We finally find a Ross Dress for Less where I buy a new swimsuit...(the one I brought was literally the most awful swimsuit I have ever wore!! So, it's not in the L.A. garbage!!) So, then, we catch another BBB (Big Blue Bus) and we slowly make it back to our hotel. I think we probably walked at least 3 miles that day!! And probably 5 miles the day before!! So, we get back to the hotel, slip into our swimsuits, and head on down to the pool. The weather was wonderful...warm...the pool was nice. So, after about 3 hours out in the sun, and after all the sun we got from walking in the morning...we decide to go find some dinner. So, we end up walking easily another mile and a half to have a burger and then another mile and a half back to the hotel, where we vegged all night.

We figured that since we were late on Monday to the Dr.s office, we would give ourselves a good hour to get there...we had to be at the office by 7:15 for the transfer. Well, we left the hotel at 6am, and got to the Dr's office at 6:20am!! So, we went to Starbucks where Kent had a cup of coffee and we waited. We went up to the office at 6:45am, but there wasn't anyone there until 7:15am...so, we waited...and waited.

I was supposed to drink a steady amount of water to make my bladder full so that the Dr could see where to place the embryo's in my uterus better. So, by the time he came in to do the procedure, I had at least drank 32 ounces of water, plus the cup of tea that I had that morning.

Dr. S came in and told us that out of the 10 embryos...only 3 of them made the thaw. They do a grading on the embryo's...with 10 being perfect, and down to one or zero to not being anything of quality. So, he explained that the embryo's that they would transfer were graded as an 8, a 5, and a 4. So, hopefully, out of the 3 that they transfered...at least one will take!!

After the transfer, I had to lay on my back with my feet raised way above my head...and I had to lay there for an hour!! Well, knowing that I had to pee...I thought I could easily wait it out. After 30 minutes, I was dying...I thought that I was going to lose it...yeah...the pee!! Oh MY GOSH!! I don't think that I have EVER had to pee THAT bad!! So, I waited another 10 minutes and a nurse came in to get something and I said, "ya know, I just don't think that I am gonna make it...I think I will need the bed pan." So, she goes and gets my nurse, and she comes in and says that I had only 10 minutes to go and that I could get up and go to the bathroom. OK...so, you try getting your panties and pants on when you can't raise your leg knowing you will pee if you do!! ARGH!! So, Kent helps me, tells me to leave my shoes there, and we rush out to the bathroom...where it's in use!! So, we rush to another bathroom, and again, it's in use!! I swear...they were going to have a mess to clean up!! Finally...the door opens...and I rush in, and I go!! Sweet Mother of Lamb Chops!! I think I peed for 10 minutes!! Na...that's an exaggeration, but I did pee for a while. After my bladder was nice and empty, I slip on my shoes..and we head to the nurses station to get my discharge instructions. Basically, lay in bed for the next 36 hours, and do nothing. Yes, I could get up to go to the bathroom...but then right back to bed. I swear...that was very boring!! And, the bed wasn't all the comfortable...(not like my own bed) so it just made matters worse.

Kent was a doll though...he ran to McD's for some French Fries, and got me pineapple as well...(that's what you are supposed to eat when you are trying to conceive...or so I have been told.)

So, now we are back home...Kent dropped me home and went to work. Now we just play the waiting game. I go in on the 30th for my Beta...which will tell me if I am pregnant or not. Keep us in your thoughts that we are pregnant...

May 16th, 2008
"Well, It's today which was tomorrow, yesterday!!"
So, the news is good.

Kent and I will fly down to L.A. on Sunday night, then we will have another ultrasound on Monday morning at 8:45 am to recheck the lining. I don't know if Dr. S didn't trust the tech here in Portland or what...but, since we are on the ball...then that's great!!

I finally told my ex-husband about the Surrogacy. I have put it off, and put it off because it's really none of his business. But, I kind of needed to tell him something since there was no way that I could get the kids on Sunday night...so he will bring them all the way home. I think he was in complete shock...He asked if we were doing it for friends and I said yes...because in all actuality, they are friends that we are doing it for.

The pain in my neck is almost completely gone now. Hooray. I think it could have been stress...Kent tried to pop my back the other morning, but I was just too tense. So, he hugged me and told me to relax and that if this is what's meant to happen, then it will happen. He is such a wonderful man!!

Hope everyones weekend goes well. It's supposed to be 96-98 degrees here today. It's pretty overcast though...so, I don't know if we will make it. I say this because I am downstairs in my office, and it's always cold downstairs. Only when I go upstairs, I can feel the heat.

Hugs-A

5/15/2008
"Great..No news till tomorrow!!"
So, there is no news...none, nada, zippo, zilch!! Dr. S's office FINALLY got the report...but wouldn't ya know it? Dr. S has to look at it, and he was gone for the day. GRRR!!!
So, this is what I am thinking...
Worst Case Scenario...We have to stop this cycle...wait for AF and then begin again in June.
Best Case Scenario...We go to L.A. on Monday to have Dr. S do his own ultrasound and then we transfer on Tuesday.

Kent is a very positive person and he is going with the best case option. Gosh!! I love him for that!! Always the optimist. Balances me out..I tell ya since I am not overly optimistic at times. I feel like I have to worry about something...anything really. If I can't worry...then that means I am probably no longer living!! And that worries me. HaHa!!

So, till tomorrow...

5/15/2008
"Too thick of lining?"
Well, I went in this morning for my ultrasound and bloodwork. I guess my uterine lining is at a 21...and I don't think that is good. Crum!! And there seems to be some fluid in the uterine cavity and I have no idea what that means. I won't know anything until Dr. S calls me and tells me what to expect...either we will drop this cycle and do it again next month, or we will go ahead and see what happens. But, now I just need to wait on that phone call. ACK!! Wish me luck...A

5/13/2008
"They said it was going to get nice...and it's raining!!"
So it looks like the embryos will be 3 dayers as opposed to 5 dayers. I am not sure exactly what that means, but I am assuming it means that they thaw them and then grow them for only 3 days instead of 5...purely speculating though.

J & T (the Intended Parents) asked me today if I wanted to have fertility acupuncture. I told them that I am game for it. Anything to help them get their baby!!

We went to that dinner last night at the Governors Hotel here in Portland. That's a nice hotel...looks old and very sturdy. There was also an auction there...and we won...4 bottles of wine. Doesn't do me any good right now as I am not drinking...but, maybe by the time we are through with the surrogacy, one of the bottles might still be around. I drank tonic waters all night...no gin, no vodka. Sigh. :)

Ashlyn has a choir concert tonight. I wish it wasn't tonight as we got home later than usual last night and bed way later than usual. So, I am tired today. Hopefully the concert will be nice and quick...then we can all come home and go to bed.

That's it for now...

5/12/2008
"A Day in the life of a MONDAY!!"
Yup...Tis Monday, again!! Sometimes, I really would like the week to just stop at Sunday so that you can have a few days of rest...not just the one Sunday, but several...all in a row. But, if I could change that, then some might call me God, so I guess I will just leave the calendar as it is. :)

The day started out pretty good...then I got out of bed. I feel like my shoulders are being weighted down by rocks...and I am not sure why. I had Ashlyn massage them for me this morning...but, you can't really relax when you are being massaged and making lunches at the same time now can you? So, I took some Ibuprofen instead...didn't really help...so, here I sit and complain. Maybe I slept on my back wrong or something...I just don't know.

Ashlyn got a letter in the mail on Saturday...actually, it was a huge envelope and it was addressed to the parents of Ashlyn Korin Swisher. But, me being the nice mom that I am...I put the envelope on the bed so that she could open it when she got home from her dads.
Well, I was getting some items out of the car and she comes running out saying "Oh My Gosh, Oh My Gosh!!" So, I looked at what she had, and it's a letter to her from the NYLC- National Youth Leaders Conference. She has been nominated to represent her school (I am not sure just how many students are going from her school, but I don't think there are very many...) in the fall in New York.

The National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) is designed to instruct and enrich promising students in a hands-on, experiential atmosphere while preparing them for a lifetime of leadership.

NYLC offers students the opportunity to discuss current events and issues with top policy makers in Washington, D.C., analyze concepts and then put them immediately to work. This dynamic program features creative decision-making simulations that challenge young minds to solve problems and lead their peers through role-playing exercises in an energy-charged environment far from the traditional classroom experience.

(yeah, I got that from the NYLC website...)

Anyways, I am so very proud of her...I told her to think about it since it will cost us an arm, a spleen, and possibly a leg...but, I don't want money to stand in the way of her achieving higher goals for herself. I mean, can you imagine being able to put that experience on a college application? That is just so "WHOA!!"

Kent and I talked it over, and we feel that it might be a good idea if she earns some of the money for her trip on her own. I mean, the politicians fund raise, right? But, I have not talked to her about that yet...so, we will see how she feels about it. I was thinking of maybe a penny or change drive...there are lots of people who would rather give up their change than their hard earned greenbacks. I suppose I probably have some change around here that I could start her out on. What a great slogan it could be too... " Ashlyn, trying to make some change, so that Ashlyn could change the world." Well, that was really just off the top of my head, so we will need to give it some more thought.

Kent and I are going to a dinner tonight in downtown Portland for the NW Grocers Association. And, I kind of don't feel up to it cause my neck and shoulders are so tight...I should go take a hot shower to see if I can loosen it up. Good idea me thinks!!

TTFN....

There are more to these blogs, but I don't want to run out of room and have blogger not work for me..so, if you want to see the other one's, feel free...if easyjournal still works..
www.lovingmylife36.easyjournal.com

Wednesday...

2008-07-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that the Easy Journal is STILL down?? Sheesh!!

So, I started my birth control pills last Tuesday..and I will take them until the 14th..and then start again on the meds. Yup...shots in the bum...Here I come!!

Kent and I are going to a dinner at the Langdon Golf Course tonight for the City Of Hope. We went last year and spent WAYYY tooo much money...Of course, it is for a great cause...It's the auctions that really get me...

Well, that's it for me..I have way to much to do today...so, I can't be just sitting here. Although..it sounds pretty good to me.

Wow!! Second blog of the day...

2008-07-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

OK..so, on with our vacation...

Well, Kent and I went to the little lodge store at Lake of the Woods to inquire about some coffee. They didn't have any, so we went over to the restaurant and could smell some mighty fine smells coming from there. Mmmm...breakfast is what we were thinking!! So we asked the gal who was carrying plates if we could sit outside, and her reply was, "yeah, if you want." I suppose she wasn't really one for words so early on a Sunday morning. We perused the menu and sat there, and sat there and sat there. Finally, a new gal came out and in the same, bored tone, asked us what we wanted. Kent and I both looked at each other and said..Umm..No, I think we will just go. So, we did.

We got into White City about 11am..located a Dutch Bros. and placed our order. YUM!! We then drove over to the gas station as we were pretty much on fumes..told them 10 bucks for us please, and then drove on into Grants Pass where we filled up at Fred Meyer and got out 10 cent discount on gas. (Thanks Freddies!!)

We then made our way out to the Illinois River where we had gone a few years back to swim with the kids. Nothing had changed...the little island that we played on was still there...however, there were a lot of people there. One would think that a little itty bitty car couldn't get up and down those jeep roads, but there were plenty of them on that road...thus, the people. We set up our camp site on a small place of sand...jumped into our swim suits, and AHHH!! Cool water...Hot day!! RELIEF!! Twas wonderful...really. Finally, about 5pm, all of the people that were there left...which left Kent and I all to ourselves. We walked around a little bit, dove into the water from a high rock, and then decided that our "spot" wasn't very big and that there was lots of glass and litter everywhere. So, for the 2nd time that day, packed up the tent and our stuff, and went back up the jeep road to a spot that had lots of sand. So, we settled in for the night, eating some BBQ chicken from pouches and some cold Uncle Bens rice. We also had some Shiraz...some of us had a little too many swigs out of the Nalgene bottle...but we won't mention which one of us it was. Suffice it to say, after the sun came up..Kent felt better after he slept a few more hours. :)

We got up Monday morning...and, well, since we were into moving camp...we decided that we would go and see how the Rogue River was...but, before we totally went away from the Illinois River, we walked about a mile down to this little place called appropriately, "Little Falls" and we did a skinny dip. That's always nice after a mile hike. It really was probably a half a mile, but the water felt good nonetheless!! After our little swim near the little falls, we went back to the car, and drove on over to the Rogue River. We drove around for a while looking for a decent camping spot...and finally found one. It was a little small, but pretty private, and we could see the people coming down on their rafts and boats. And..it was hot..and the water again felt wonderful. Kent and I read, laid in the sun, he made the "ocean front property" bigger by cutting away some branches...and then he proceeded to make a little table and benches for us to sit on so that we could have a place for our stove and our stuff. Now, when I say stove, I mean this thing is no bigger than a soda pop can...so, you can imagine how big the "table" was...yeah, it was a nice rock to put the stove on. But, I digress.

We then went up to the little porta potty that they had (Thank Goodness!!) and saw that there was an even larger, nicer "beach front property" just up from us. So, can you guess what we did? Again? This time, Kent just carried the tent over to the new spot. The next morning, after breakfast, Kent built a little lean-to so that when the sun was directly over us, we would have a little bit of shade. Then, we decided to go into town (we left our stuff there) and we picked up some blow up inner tubes...I tell you...THAT was the BEST $4.26 that I have EVER spent. We went back down to the Rogue..put our swim suits back on...and made our way up river so that we could float down through the riffle. All in all, I think we must have "floated" up and down the river about 15 times!! It was SUCH a blast!! I will post some pics of Kent...They are a riot!!

Ok..condensed version time..

We then moved...Nah!! Just kidding!! We stayed there another night (I'll be darned!!) but decided that we were missing the kids wayyyy toooo much, so the next morning, which was Wednesday, we packed everything up...and went down to Redding (we were originally supposed to meet Mom and Don on Friday in Medford) to surprise the kids. We showed up at Mom and Dons, and they were not home. So, I called Ashlyn, and asked where they were at? She said they were out at Grandpa Charlies...so, we went out there...had lunch with Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Leona, then went to Costco for an alcohol run (gotta love Costco in California for their prices on alcohol!!) We then took the kids back to Mom and Dons house...super surprising them. The next day, we left Redding and went back up to Grants Pass and stayed the night with our friends Ray and Kathie. Had a nice time just chatting and visiting with them..while the kids swam and played on the trampoline. Kathie REALLY wants me to tell you about the "WIZZENATOR) but I will have to do that in another post. :P

We then left Friday morning to go over to the family reunion over in Gold Beach. We got there at Irelands Rustic Lodges (after stopping at the cool liquor store before you get to Oregon on Hwy 101) (Really sounds like we are alcoholics, but we just go for the cool bottles..really!! Well, maybe a little for what's inside, but the bottles are cool regardless!!)We checked in..then went and said hi to the family, then went down to the beach where the wind was blowing SO HARD that you felt like your legs were being in a sand blaster!! It was like that both Friday, and Saturday!! Sunday, before we left, we all went down for a beach walk..and wouldn't you know it...the wind wasn't blowing..and it was a great time on the beach. If only it could have been like that at least one of the days we were there and not leaving that day!! GRR!! Anyways, the reunion was a success...I believe anyways!! I do think that everyone had a great time...if they didn't, well, bring your complaints to one of the elders. :)

OK..time to get off of this computer!! Till next time..maybe I will tell you about the Wiz...enator!!

A New Blog...

2008-07-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

So, after a few times of a different journal (ahem..easyjournal) not coming up when I had the itch to blog, I have decided to move my journal.

So, please bear with me while I hopefully get this new journal going.

I hope this one won't let me down..cause when you gotta blog, you gotta blog!! HAHA

SO...I do apologize that I have not blogged in a while. I was going to look and see when the last time I blogged on the other journal site, but alas, it would not come up. So, poo poo on them. I know, real mature there Andrea!! :P

We got back from our vacation safe and sound...with only scabs from our mosquito bites. What? You haven't HEARD the story? OOOHHH...Read on!!

We left Saturday morning (only 15 minutes later than when I wanted to leave) and headed on down to Ashland to meet Mom and Don. They were going to take Ashlyn, Michael, and Kayte for the week while Kent and I went and spent some quality time by ourselves. So, we met at the appointed time (we were actually early) and we met a friend that we knew from Salem down there. So, we went into Subway so that the kids could visit with our friends, and after lunch, Mom and Don were on their way with our kids, and we ran over to our friends house to see where she lived. Finally, about 3pm, we told her we had to leave so we wouldn't be too late in starting our backpacking trip. So, as per our usual M.O. we had to stop by Fred Meyers to "pick up" the stuff that we had forgotten to get.

5:30pm finds us getting our packs out of the back of the van, and ready to be on our way up the trail. 5:50pm finds us booking up the trail, stopping only for a moment as we had to cover ourselves with DEET. Yes, bring out the mosquito's!! So, as we are walking...the mosquito's get worse..instead of "just a few" there are hundreds. When you would swing your arms, you would feel like you were hitting something...and you were...you were hitting the mosquito's.

Mosquito's and I DO NOT get along. They bite me...and I itch the spot and then will have that spot there for the next 3 weeks...still itching it. I swell up where they bite me...so, yeah..I don't like them..Nope, Nope I don't!!

Before long, I told Kent I think we should just make a camp somewhere so we could get out of the bleeping m's. He agreed, so he told me to drop my pack so I could fully keep up with him. I did as I was told...(I have learned that if he tells me to drop my pack, I do it...thus not having to carry the 35 lb monstrosity on my back any longer!!) SO, I TRY to keep up with him...he is good at trail running, I however AM NOT!! So, after hurrying along for about 10 minutes, I hear him up on this ridge, saying that he is up there. So, I follow his voice and he is up on the ridge, putting up the tent. He tells me to jump into the tent, and then he throws his pack into the tent and tells me he will be right back. 15 minutes later, he is back, and he and the pack jump into the tent. At least 30 M's come in with him..so, we spend the next few minutes killing them. Finally, when all are dead, we can only hear the buzz of the m's outside our tent..and I am sure they were wishing they could be inside with us...sucking our blood!! By this time, it is almost 7pm...we ate bagels and trail mix for dinner since neither one of us wanted to risk sticking any body parts out the door of the tent. Then, after some games of cribbage, we went to sleep.

The next morning finds us awake at the break of dawn...but we just laid there listening to the hum of the m's. So, without breakfast or coffee...we clothed ourselves in long sleeves and pants, applied DEET to our body parts that were still exposed, threw our packs back together and put the tent away. And we set off again.

Thinking the higher we went, the less M's there would be. We thought WRONG!! The higher we went, the MORE M's there were. I couldn't stand it anymore, so I told Kent that I thought it would be a good idea if we just said "screw it", so, he agreed, we switched spots to go back down the trail...and hiked almost 3 miles down in about an hour. Finally, once we were back to the van, we formulated a new plan for how we would spend our time...one that did not include MOSQUITO'S!!

Here is a picture of Kent's arm...they just stuck to him...GROSS!!

More of our trip later...I need to do some laundry. :)

I think you can click on the picture to really see the mosquitos. EWW!!