martkeet89

Hi everyone, thanks for visiting our blog. Since this is all new to us, we have visited other sites and decided to change. Our new website for our blog is http://mommyjswildride.blogspot.com I hope you will continue to visit us at the new site, thank you. Jen and Michelle

Well today was my friday, which is good.......but was a long week and glad it is over. Found myself watching "Baby Borrowers" today.....great show. They take 5 teenage couples and give them a house, a van, and make them live as adults. First, they had to deal with babies, then toddlers, preteens, teenagers, and finally senior citizens. So, tonight I was watching the final episode with the senior citizens.....both Michelle and I were in tears.......quite emotional. The teens all did really well with the older people, but it really made me miss my granparents that have passed away. I have a soft spot for animals, older people and babies.
For a whole year before I moved out to San Francisco, October 2000 to October 2001, I lived with my grandparents in a tiny town in South Dakota. I took care of them while working full time and looking for a career at the same time. It was really a good experience. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I was always close to my grandma but this time was really special to both of us. She had Alzheimers so it was very difficult at times but very rewarding at others. It was almost like she was a little kid. I moved away in October of 2001, and then when I was able to go back home to visit, November of 2002, I was really afraid she wasn't going to remember me......I was wrong. When I walked in the back door, she was sitting on a chair, I walked over to her, her eyes lit up and she got up and hugged me. She remembered me as the nice girl that lived with them for a year and took care of them. So, even though she remembered me, she wasn't remembering her granddaughter but someone she knew really cared for her. Which was fine.
She passed away March of 2003.....she is missed so much and forever lives in my heart.
Okay......I vented and can moved onto other things. I just was thinking of her so had to blog in her rememberance. I love you, grandma!
Today was not a good day for Michelle as she was nauseous all day. She is trying to stay away from the medications and therefore feeling very crappy. I made her some ice water with fresh lemons in it, she said nothing tastes good but she was able to keep it down, so thats good. After working all week, I had to catch up with some things here. I really don't know about these dogs, I swear they are bottomless pits. They eat and eat and eat......therefore you know what comes after that.....many trips outside. Can't imagine when we have a little one, being able to keep up with two cats and two dogs but I guess it can be done.
I am off the next three days.....therefore should be able to catch up on the rest of what needs to be done at home and wait on Michelle so she doesn't have to do much. Hoping that if she does feel better I can get her out for a walk, she seems to feel better when she gets some sunlight and fresh air.
Sorry this blog today seems a bit down.......I just got really sad thinking of my grandparents.......but now I will go back to thinking about the baby......Michelle said she feels like her stomach has a water balloon inside and someone is shaking it. That can't be good, huh? We are at 12 weeks 6 days. Yeah!!
--Mommy "J"

Todays picture of our little trooper.
Well, today was very exciting for us. We had our 2nd sonogram (only because she/he was too small for the 1st one).  She/He was quite the show off today. For one she was bigger and looking more like a human.  The last one she looked like an alien (no offense to all those aliens out there).  Last time she seemed a bit stressed, moving around a lot, like "leave me alone" hands to her face, etc.  Oh by the way, when I say her, that means him or her, we won't know for another 3 weeks or so.  But to make it easier and because Michelle and I both think she is a girl, I will say her.  This time she was asleep.  It was as if she understood the Dr.  First, she was sleeping on her back, then she brought her left hand to her face.  Then she decided to get more comfortable and pushed the wall with both feet and lifted her back up.  Then as if she knew the Dr needed her to roll over on her side, she rolled over with her back to us, so the Dr could do the measurements.  Which by the way, she passed the test.  We are waiting on blood work, etc.  But so far so good.  Her little heart is racing away.  What a little trooper. 
 My sister and my brother inlaw, Duane.
This is all surreal to me.  When my sister was pregnant with my nephew, fourteen and a half years ago,  I never knew about all this stuff.  When he was born it was one of the best days of my life.  He was precious, and still is.  I tell him, no matter how old he gets, he is still getting stuffed animals from me and still getting hugged.  
Michael and I.
So, after all that......it was back to work.  Just worked 11am to 3pm today so that was nice.  One more day and I am off until Wed.  Maybe I can catch up on some of these blogs Michelle has found.  
If your new to our blog, we thank you for visiting and hope you will feel free to comment.
Mommy "J"

I'm very excited right now! When we first started TTC over two years ago, I found a few blogs that I liked to read. My two favorites were Two Georgia Mommies, which I think I mentioned in my sanity blogs entry, and Indy Ness. I really liked Indy Ness, because you could go there and read about TTC, but also so many other things going on in life. They also love the dogs and we, well, have two furry canine children of our own. So, I really enjoyed it. Well, somehow today, in my daily blog hunt, I found it again. As soon as I saw the name, I clicked so fast I think I tore a ligament in my finger. As soon as I saw the little puppy eyes peering at me, I knew it was the right one.

So, I was curious as to why I still didnt have it bookmarked???? I went through all of my folders and finally found it. Under shopping. Shopping?? I must have been dragging and just dropped it, obviously, off track. So, my point is, read this blog from start to finish. Very down to earth, and easy read.

Since I'm on the subject of off track and confused.....I did something crazy today. We had our sonogram appointment at 7:45am. We were ready to go and put the dogs up. They stay in our room right now while we're out and we leave Animal Planet on for them while we're gone. So, I put the channel on AP and walked out to the car. I get to the car and sit down, and what's still in my hand? You guessed it. The remote. Jen looked at me, laughed and shook her head. She said she couldnt believe that I brought the remote.

For those of you who havent been pregnant before, or who are still on your way, let me tell you a little about early pregnancy confusion. If I can keep it together long enough to write about it. Just kidding. Even if you are the sharpest cookie on the block or the head of the CIA, at some point, when you're pregnant, you're going to go through a little confusion. So far, here's a list of things I've done. In case you felt as though you were going crazy:

I've washed my hair forgetting to put the shampoo in it.

I took the remote for a ride in the car. Good remote.

I've looked for an item for a half of an hour before realizing that I'd walked by it ten times.

I've been unable to switch the tv from Direct TV to DVD player to save my life.

And, I've taken one of the dogs out for potties with just the leash. No dog, just the leash. Really.

On that last one, when I came back in the door, even the dog was looking at me like I was an idiot. So, does it pass? I dont know. I've had it now for about three weeks. It's momentary, and it comes and goes. So, I'll keep you updated.

I have a confession to make. I love to do outdoors things. My favorite two places in the world to be are at the beach and in the water. I love trying to live green and doing everything as organically as I possibly can. However, i'm NOT, one of those people who hates television. I admit it. I relish in it. I embrace it. We have DVR, it goes non stop. I do try to watch socially responsible television for those of you who are reeling in your screens right now. I love Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, National Geographic, anything medical etc. Since I've been home sick for about a month, I've really gotten to feed the need.

I love Jon and Kate plus 8. I dont know if you've ever seen this show, but it's about a family who's first pregnancy resulted in twins (girls). They decided that they wanted to have one more child and they ended up with 6! Thus, Jon and Kate plus eight. Anyway, it's very much the reality of relationships and children and that's why I like it. Jon and Kate get frustrated, argue, make up and live their lives honestly and it's always nice to see. So many people try to live with faces of perfection on relationships. I feel that it really takes away from a quality of life and from so many experiences that help us grow as individuals and couples. Good show if you havent seen it.

It's that time of day. The naming of the roller coaster. It's actually been, dare I say, a pretty good day. My worst bout of nausea just hit me about an hour ago. Today, I bring you:

Boulder Dash

Lake Compounce

One of the things that this coaster is known for, is that it only has one intense drop. Since today, I've had one, intense drop and a few mild ones, here you go:

Lake Compounce built this unique wooden roller coaster in 2000. Boulder Dash is one-of-a-kind, since it is the first roller coaster to be entirely built on a mountain. The ride gets its name from the rugged terrain it's built atop that consists of rock faces, boulders and plenty of trees. Leaving the station, the lift hill climbs the mountainside and disappears into the forest. By the time it reappears, Boulder Dash has already descending the 115 foot first drop. Most of the roller coaster is hidden from view which adds an element of surprise for first time riders.

Roller Coaster Details
Track Type Year Designer/Manufacturer
Wood Terrain, Out and Back 2000 Custom Coasters, Inc.
Roller Coaster Stats

Height: 50 feet Drop: 115 feet
Top speed: 60 mph Length: 4,752 feet
Ride time: 2 minutes, 30 seconds Trains: 2 - 24 passenger
Train Mfg: Philadelphia Toboggan Co.
More Information About Boulder Dash

Ranked as one of the Top 10 wooden roller coaster in the annual Golden Ticket Awards since 2001.
The total vertical drop from end-to-end is 145 feet.

Estimated Cost: $6 million

Trains have six cars with two rows each, seating two abreast per row.

Height requirement: Must be at least 48 inches tall

I obviously met the height requirement :) Oh, one more thing. One of my friends from high school, Korin, said that if she lived in the same city we did, that she'd go get me Daphne's every day. If she reads this: Korin, I'm cashing out my 401K to move your family here, start packing >:) Thanks Buddy! Have a great night all!

So. Well. However. Words that I feel I overuse in my writings. I will be perusing my thesaurus for other options so as not to sound redundant.

I'm starting off with naming my roller coaster of the day, because (I almost said well, lol) my roll bar came down at about 3am this morning.

FUJI-Q HIGHLAND

It's been different then any other day. Maybe because it was a long night. Jen's still sick and didnt sleep well. The animals were out of their minds and if you add me getting up every hour to pee, then it was mild chaos; and it ruined our sleep. Jen had to work a double today and I had to get up at 7:45 for an appointment. I'm sure you can figure it out from there. When we get our new bed, there will be no more dogs in the bed. They have a bed, I dont want to share mine anymore. Mine mine mine! And Jen's of course. :)

FUJI-Q HIGHLAND

With all of the mild chaos, my 3am wake up call to get on the coaster arrived.

FUJI-Q HIGHLAND

Someone gently gripped my stomach, squeezed like they were applying vice grips, shook it up good and said "Please be seated, keep you arms and legs inside the ride at all times......."

FUJI-Q HIGHLAND

I dont know where it came from, but the nausea hit me like a ton of bricks. I didnt throw up, but I ran to the kitchen to get an Ensure full of ice and pray that it would restore the balance to my digestive track that prevents nausea.

It worked well enough for me to be able to sack back out for a bit. This has been how my whole day's been though. I actually feel pretty good for a couple of hours

FUJI-Q HIGHLAND is this car moving up the rail?? click clack click clack click clack

and then suddenly, I'm not sure whether to run to the bathroom or for my Ensure.

FUJI-Q HIGHLAND Oh shit! we just rounded the top of the coaster and here comes the drop!

The coaster I found for your entertainment today is out of Japan. It is renowned for it's steep drops and lengthy climbs to the top of them:

Fuji-Q Highland

In Japanese Fujiyama means the "king of mountains", therefore you can infer that Fuji-Q Highland park chose this name so it could be known as the king of all roller coasters in Japan. Fujiyama is one of the tallest and longest steel coasters in the world. This megacoaster stands 26 stories tall, features a steep 230-foot descent at a 65 degree angle and a top speed of 80.8 mph. After the twenty three story plunge, Fujiyama's trains follow a double out and back layout with a number of airtime producing hills and drops that is well over a mile in length.

Roller Coaster Details
Track Type Year Designer/Manufacturer
Steel Hypercoaster 1996 Togo
Roller Coaster Stats

Height: 259 feet Drop: 230 feet
Angle of descent: 65 degrees Top speed: 81 mph
G-Force: 3.5 G's Length: 6,709 feet
Ride time: 3 minutes, 36 seconds Trains: 3 - 28 passenger
Ride Location

On to better things! I promised yesterday that I would talk about the Organic baby food maker. My sister loves it even more because it's French. It makes me wish that I spoke French so I could talk in French while I used it. When my sister showed me this little machine, I was instantly sold. Not just because you get to make organic baby food, but because of the demo. If you go to this link:

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku5279732/index.cfm?pkey=xsrd0m1%7C16%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7Cbaby%20food%20maker&cm%5Fsrc=SCH

You can watch the demo. It's at the bottom of the page. It's called the Beaba Babycook and I love it. You can do meats, fruits, vegetables, all kinds of foods! I'm very excited. Not that we'll need this for over a year, but it's still exciting :)

The Land of Tomorrows. I've had a hard time lately enjoying the day I'm in, and not praying that tomorrow was already here in hopes that I'll feel better. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. I am genuinely looking forward to tomorrow. We have our second sonogram. We had our first last week which was a part of our 1st trimester screen (since I'm over 35), but Green Dot was too small for the sonogram to adequately see the back of the neck.

I'm really looking forward to this for several reasons. #1 - Jen gets to go. She has to go back to work afterward, but I love to have her with me anytime we see our little dot. #2 - The Dot changes so much every week, that it's always amazing to see her from week to week. I cant wait to see what changes took place this week, how much she grew and if she's active. For the first sonogram, she was SOOO active. She was doing flips and waving and kicking! Oh my gosh, it was so exciting to watch! The only negative of that appointment, was who I'll call Ralph. Ralph because it's a funny name.

Ralph was our sonogram tech. For those of you who dont know, sonograms are MUCH more detailed then an ultrasound or the dildo cam. They are clear, big and just amazing. So, when you get one early, they REALLLLLYYYYY want to get a good shot. Because of that, you have to go in with a full bladder. Oops, I just said so a sentence ago. So?? Here, I might as well run with it....Well, Ralph, really wanted to get that money shot and just about put that damned piece of equipment in my vagina, through my abdominal wall.

Ralph did smell good. I dont know what the cologne was, but it smelled good. This was surprising because most smells right now are incredibly overwhelming to me. Once Ralph was done, he called in our Dr and she brought a trainee in with her. She asked the trainee, "Would you like to try?" I kind of laughed internally, because, isnt that something they should have asked Jen and I? The trainee was a very sweet gay boy, so we didnt mind so much, other then he sent me home with a belly button full of the 'goo'. Tomorrow will be exciting, and hopefully we'll all get a better night's sleep. Until then though, I'm going to go try to make the best of the rest of today... :)

Well, I haven't blogged in a few days as I worked 6 shifts in 4 days. I have been so tired, I come home and sleep. I needed to take today off for a little R&R. Woke up this morning and Michelle wasn't feeling so good.
I got up, got dressed, took the dogs out. I could tell she was irritated or upset or something. Then I came into the kitchen and asked her if she was okay and if she wanted to go with me to the Dr. She started tearing up and said "I feel frustrated". At this point I felt so bad. I have been working so much that things at home have been going undone. I gave her a hug and told her to go with me, it would help for her to get out of the house.
So, we went to the Dr. Then we went to our favorite place to eat http://www.daphnesgreekcafe.com/index.asp seems to be one place that Michelle can actually keep it all down. Its a great place. Yum.
Then I suggested a movie. We went to Step Brothers, it was a funny movie and I heard Michelle laugh out loud quite a few times so that was nice. She got her black cherry ice cream too.
Then we got home and a nasty smell was coming out of our condo. I was like what the heck is that. She said it smelled like old people, I said it smelled like poo poo. Still we couldn't figure out what it was. I checked the litter box, it was fine. Then when I went to get on the computer, I really smelled it, ugh! Well it turns out that one of the cats had an accident in the cat carrier. Problem solved. Then it was time for the cat to get a bath, that is always fun. NOT!! But we got it done and now he smells so much better.
I just caught up with Michelle's entries today, she is quite the little writer, glad I started this. I will have to check out some of the blogs she talks about since I haven't yet. I don't seem to have as much time.
Trying to get some extra hours at work while I can. So far we have managed to hang in there, so I don't want it to get too bad where we are fighting pay check to pay check. I am so thankful that I have Mommy M to carry our child. I appreciate everything she is going through. I just want her to rest and take care of her and pea.
From Mommy J

Hi everyone!

Today started out a little rocky. I woke up and looked at the kitchen with dishes piling up. I've been super sick and Jen's been working a lot of overtime. So, I slowly started putting things in the dishwasher and clearing off counters and got really emotional. Frustrated actually because I just cant seem to keep up lately. Jen asked me what was wrong and I couldnt even finish a sentence. I started crying. Love those pregnancy hormones. I might have cried even without them, lol. She said "get dressed, your going to my appointment with me, you need to get out of this house". Even though I didnt think that I felt well enough to go, getting out sounded really good. So I got ready as she waited patiently and we went.

She had her appointment and then we went to Daphne's. For those of you who dont know what Daphne's is or dont have one, it's kind of Greek fast food, but it's all very fresh. Now, I dont know what it is, or why it is (actually, my nutritionist told me, more on that later), but a grilled steak pita with a small greek salad and rice is THE only meal that I can not only eat, but keep down. It takes me for-ev-er to eat it, but my body and the baby LOVE it. It just happens to be within a stone's throw of our OB office, so we get it every time. It almost brings me to tears, because I know that I get to eat and enjoy it. For some reason, my only craving thus far, has been for those Greek salads. Oh man, I cant get enough! My nutritionist said it's because my body's craving the fats and oils and Greek salad has all of that. I am craving other salads though. I'm in love with a fresh mexican salsa salad and any kind of house salad from anywhere. They're a little hard on my digestive system, but I just want to woof them down. I guess that I could be craving much worse, right?

After lunch, Jen said she was taking me to a movie. I wanted to see Wall-E (something you didnt have to think about while watching, lol). Well, the times were wrong, so we ended up going to see Step-Brothers. It was actually pretty funny. If you're not looking to think, and just want simple, basic 'that's funny', this is the movie to see. Crazy. I still want to see Wall-e, but I really enjoyed the movie. And, a bonus, I didnt have to walk out to pee not even once! Hope is alive! Once the movie was over, we walked to Borders to get our fill of baby and pregnancy books, magazines and all things baby. Then we went to Jamba Juice and I got a delicious Aloha Pineapple with a couple of boosts and sipped it all the way home. Jen was incredibly sweet today and I think she knew that I needed fresh air and sunlight, or at least some walking around. It was nice getting to spend the day with her more then anything. She was very loving today and it made me very happy. Gold star next to her name on the refrigerator :)

In my post yesterday, I mentioned 'The Green Dot'. Well, I'll explain that now. Jen and I want to raise our baby as organically and green as possible. It's very much the path our lives have taken in recent years and how we'd like to raise our children. We've found organic disposable diapers and organic cloth diapers. Organic baby clothing etc etc etc. On to the story.....My little sister Jayme (27yrs old, but still younger then me) is also very healthy, organic and VERY VERY green. Let me give her a capital G on that Green, because she really does her part. When I sent her the first sonogram last week (we've have lots of ultrasounds, but just one sonogram) she sent me an email back, with this statement in it:

"Ok so did jen love the baby food steamer thing or what? The fact that it is french makes me love it more. Lastly I love the sonogram pic that you sent. I am surprised that dot wasnt green since it is an organic baby."

For some reason, I laughed pretty hard at that. I told Jen that it made me want to go get a little tattoo on my belly of the organic symbol with writing inside that says Organic Baby. I wont, but the thought crossed my mind. I'll talk more in the next couple of days about the food steamer. It's for making organic baby food and is completely amazing. I'll include a link for the demo.

News Flash for the day. I have NOT thrown up or dry heaved once today. Not ONCE. Now, we've had a good day here and there followed by some really bad ones, but I'm going to stay 'glass half full' on this day, and pray that tomorrow is as good, if not better. So, today's roller coaster is something subtle:

Gadget's Go Coaster

Disneyland

Gadget's Go Coaster is a standard Vekoma "Roller Skater" junior roller coaster that has been slightly extended for two-train operation. Of course, the word standard is unheard of at a Disney theme park since Walt Disney Imagineering puts their touch on the entire ride by overlaying it with a unique theme and adding many creative details to the roller coaster's trains. Beware even though it's a family ride and appears small, Gadget's Go Coaster offers up plenty of thrills for Disneyland guests young and old.

Roller Coaster Details
Track Type Year Designer/Manufacturer
Steel Junior Twister 1993 Vekoma
Roller Coaster Stats

Height: 28 feet Drop: 20 feet
Top speed: 22 mph Length: 679 feet
Ride time: 44 seconds Trains: 2 - 16 passenger
Train Mfg: WDI and Vekoma
More Information About Gadget's Go Coaster

Gadget's Go Coaster is a Vekoma production model "Roller Skater" junior coaster.
Trains have eight cars with one row each, seating two abreast per row.

Have a great night! :)

We're still new at this blog thing. I really feel that it's one of the greatest gifts that Jen could have given me. I'm a rampant writer and it's a great outlet. We're still trying to figure out the picture thing. Inserting pics into the blog etc etc. I'm sure that as time passes, so will our 'mad skillz'. I think that I'll actually try to embed a picture of Jen and I into this entry. **Late addition to this entry. Ok, we have the picture thing underway. The pic on this entry is our most recent sonogram at 12 weeks :)

Today was another roller coaster kind of day. I'm going to go out on a limb here and actually do a little online research. I'm going to start naming my days according to how 'extreme' the roller coaster was. I actually saw a show on the Discovery channel about the roller coasters of the nation. Why shouldnt I pay them a little homage? So, today, I dub thee 'The Cyclone'. Here's a short history quote about this coaster:

"Today, the Cyclone (aka Hypremesis Gravitum) is the yardstick by which many other coasters are measured. It had steep drops (to the floor in front of the toilet), plenty of airtime (gas), lateral g's (that feeling you have when you actually WANT to puke, but nothing's happening) and only a lapbar to hold passengers in". Boy, at times I WISH I had a lapbar for our toilet.

If you have any desire to read about Roller Coaster History, much of my info will be coming from:
http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com

All about roller coaster history. By the way, I've never liked roller coasters. Maybe that's why I'm not enjoying the morning sickness so much....The only good thing about it, is that they say it means that your baby is healthy. I think I'm pregnant with an Olympian. Pole Vaulter? Equestrian?....

Today, for the first time, even on my heavier medication, I had a hard time sleeping during the day. So I fed my addiction to TTC and pregnancy blogs. Now, I recommended a few in my last entry. Dont think for a second that it's because they are the only ones I've read so far. Oh no my friends. I'm on blog OVERLOAD. It's just such a satisfying feeling to feel that you can relate, or that others relate or have gone through similar situations. So, my blog path today began in disappointing fashion. Read a few that were very technical. Date, time, attempts and mood. ZZzZzzzZZ. I really did think that they would put me to sleep. No such luck.

After reading bits and pieces of about 8, I came across this one:

http://2-moms.blogspot.com/

I was a little envious at first, because this couple became pregnant on their first attempt. They went through the same fertility clinic that we did. However, that never lasts long for me, because I'm really happy when any lesbian couple has success in this process that is already so involved with feelings, judgments and tests. If you get the chance, read this blog. I spent the better part of my day today sipping a chocolate ensure full of ice and reading through every month or their life since 2006. Sick and twisted? Maybe. But it was great. I think one of my favorite entries was when the pregnant mommy threw her fork away instead of putting in the dishwasher. Hilarious because I'm in that odd confusion stage right now.

I never know quite how to explain it to Jen because I'm usually the one who's pretty 'on the ball'. Pardon the ball reference. I'll look for something forever before she lets me know that it's right in front of me. Anyway, GREAT blog, visit it, take a gander at their beautiful little one and enjoy.

I discovered something today that I could have easily done without. Our dogs, whom we love dearly, have a talent. Let me say a little something before I reveal the talent. We just recently moved. Because of this, our dogs normal elevated dog dish frame isnt being used. So, they're eating out of just the bowls on the floor. Well, as some of you may know, this causes gas. Unfortunately in our dogs, it causes extreme gas. They seem to love to relieve themselves when they're snuggled up in bed with us and within sniffing range. It's not so bad with Jersey, because she snuggles like a human. Head at your head, spooning etc.

With Tess. Well, it's a little like what I imagine dying would be like. She loves to spoon, yes. However, she likes to put her butt where your face is and her head in your groin. So, when she releases her 'winds of love', you get it full force. In the face. Disgusting. So, here's the new talent. I was quite nauseous today. Very much high highs and low lows. At a moment where I thought that I could actually fall asleep, I lay down and Tess immediately curls up with me. She was warm and it felt good on my little green dot (blog for tomorrow), so I snuggled with her. I was very comfortable when she decided it was time to release what can only be described as a New York garbage dump after a bad drunken New Year's Eve.

I was already slightly queezy when I had layed down. Not expecting what had just happened, I had been on the inhale portion of my breathing when it did. I immediately sat up and decided that I wasnt close enough to the toilet. I was. I only dry heaved, but it was enough. Needless to say, the dog knows how to make the bed her own. I will be flipping her when we snuggle from now on and tucking the rump into a blanket so that I never inhale again. I wonder if that's what Bush really meant when he said he never inhaled?

Hi All!

Well, today has been a pretty decent day. It's funny, because prior to getting pregnant (and I remember this with our first son), you have all kinds of 'ideals'. I think with the second child, they are more hopes and desires, but you have them nonetheless. Our son is 15, so when I had him, my morning sickness was as bad, but I had to literally suffer it out. This time, we were hoping that it wouldnt be as bad. It is, but prior to it coming to a head, we had talked about how we didnt want to take any medications. I mean, who really wants to pump their body full of anything but love when you're pregnant?

We spent months with a nutritionist after two years of unsuccessful IUI's, cleaning up our diets and doing everything we could to get healthy. We figured that if the tests all said that I should be getting pregnant, then maybe there was more we could do. I say we, because Jen went along for the ride. At first involuntarily, but once I started cooking every night, I didnt hear one complaint >:) I think that that tweak in our lives worked, because our first insemination three months after the dietary changes, we became pregnant. We had hoped that since our bodies had changed so much to this point, that maybe we'd miss out on the sheer joy of spontaneous vomiting. Not a chance.

So, after about 2 weeks of violent puking, sleepless nights and deciding that you'd rather perform your own dental work then smell food again in your life, we talked to the OB about medications. She explained a few to us and as in a previous blog, had us try a few. Things have been a bit like a roller coaster. We actually had a great day on Saturday! I was barely nauseous and thought that maybe week 12 really is the breaking point. That was, until Sunday arrived. Aside from a migraine (an unfortunate side effect of Zofran) Sunday was Puke-O-Rama 08'. In case you missed it, reruns are being shown on Pay per view at $12.95 a shot. Riveting.

Thankfully, I had an OB appt today. Unfortunately Jen had to work, so I had to update her later. My OB walked in and asked how things had been going and when I started to tell her, for whatever reason, tears began to roll down my face. She kindly handed me the tissue box and told me that I was right on schedule for migraines from the Zofran and that it was time to rearrange the meds again. She also prescribed Vicodin. Now, we had quite a lengthy discussion about this. I asked, of course, how Vicodin would affect the baby.

She explained to me that I would only be taking one at a lower dose and only at the onset of a migraine. The affects are moderate to zero on the baby if taken as directed. We did an ultrasound, and our little bundle's heart was beating away. She actually (I only say she because I hate the way 'It' sounds) did a few flips and looked like she was having a good ol' time. That was great as far as I was concerned. I know that I'll recover, so as long as the baby's fine, then mentally, I'm great. So, the new schedule was: two more weeks off of work (at least)/1/2 of a Phengren at night/Zofran during the day ONLY as needed(I had stopped taking them on Friday altogether in hopes of getting rid of the migraine)/and 1 Vicodin at the onset of a headache.

Well, I still had the headache today that I've had for the past five days. So, I came home, drank an Ensure and took a Vicodin. I have to say, as against it all as I was, I feel REALLY good. I never really put anything into my body before I got pregnant. Wasnt much on taking prescription or over the counter stuff, so I'm sure that my body's a little more sensitive to even lower doses of medication. So, this one Vicodin, has been great. I feel like I'm floating on a cloud. I'm comfortable and for the first time in a week, I have no headache. I'm sure that the wee one is taking a nap right now too.

So. Thank you pharmaceutical companies for your contribution to responsible society. On to the dog reference in the title today. We have a Boxer (pics to come) and a Stafforshire mix. They are great dogs and very loving. They're funny, because they usually gravitate to the one of us who ISNT calling them. Their way of making the other jealous I'm sure. Lately though, they've been extra loving. Tess the Boxer, loves to sit and watch me while I throw up. I'm not sure if she thinks I'm dying, or wants to see if anything comes up whole that she can tear off with. Jersey the Staff is like cleanup. She'll come snuggle after I've crawled back into bed. Offering me a warm body on my tummy. Both are funny though, because they've sniffed at my belly as though they know what's going on. I have no doubt that they do.

Ok, this blog is getting long. I think that my first few probably will be. I tend to get chatty when I write. I have to write on one more subject though. Other people's blogs. They have really saved my sanity for the last month. I search online for all kinds of pregnancy and lesbian family blogs. I read things that are relatable and/or heart warming and it just reminds me that another chapter of joy is coming our way, even after all of the heartache.

A few of my favorites right now are:

Two Mommies and a Meatball - http://2mommies.wordpress.com/
These two women have a loving relationship that's gone through all of the hard work and trials that great long lasting relationships do. The outcome? The SHMOO!! Unbelievably cute little man. A must-read.

Two Georgia Mommies - http://twogeorgiamommies.blogspot.com/
I've actually been reading this one for the entire two years we've been TTC. I havent read it in a while because you have to be an invited member of blogspot to read. I'll be doing it, I just havent yet. Another great blog. They went through a lot of heartache to get pregnant. If you've been trying for a long time, reading this from their inception will give you a lot of strength and hope.

Hatchling - http://hatchling.wordpress.com/
This is a young blog. However, I think that young(er) lesbians in the earlier stages of their relationships need the support of the ones who have been in longer relationships and gone through the hardships that face not just lesbian, but any long term relationship. They are at the tip of TTC and having issues with family. Compelling and true to life, I enjoy reading the developments.

We are Fambly - http://wearefambly.wordpress.com/
Yes, I'm a Word Press addict. This is just a really great, sweet blog. I'll make you read it to find out more.

Of course, everyone knows LesbianDad, Mombian and many other really great larger scale blogs out there. Sometimes though, it's nice to hear and read the raw side of life and feel like you're just as human as the next person. Hope everyone out there is doing well today :)

Well. It's Friday and this is my first entry (Mommy M). I really want to change the title of our blog to "Mommy J's Wild Ride". I'll run it by Jen first though :) She's priceless and the love of my life. I've read her first few entries and she definitely downplays her role in our pregnancy. She's taken care of me like you wouldnt believe. We're both in law enforcement, so we have incredibly busy schedules. I'm not in patrol anymore, so that slowed things down a bit. Our normal dynamic though, is that I usually do the cooking and cleaning and she helps with what I ask her to. Not because we have a 'man thing' 'woman thing' dynamic (I think that this is a ridiculous assumption on the heterosexual communitie's part). It's because I'm anal retentive and love to cook. I do what I enjoy and she's glad to pick up the slack on what I dont like to do.

However, since I've been sick with this 'All Day Sickness', she's been a one woman wonder. Like a little tornado in our house, lol. She cooks, cleans, shops, takes the dogs out, keeps up with the cats (we have two of each) and just anything that I want or need, it's done. It brings me a lot of guilt, because I'm watching her wear herself out, but I love her for it because right now, I barely function. She's amazing and I dont know what I did to deserve such an amazing partner.

She, will be an incredibly mother. I really think, that when we go to friends houses who have babies...that if she could non-chalantly walk out as we're saying good bye with the baby and go on home, she would. Not in a scary kidnap way, lol. She just really, genuinely, loves kids. They love her too though. All of them. Kids, animals, they cant get enough of her. She's like the Pied Piper of all things small and innocent. Her patience and love run deep and I'm so excited to parent with her.

On the pregnancy side of things. Ugh. What a ride this is so far. Thus, Mommy J's Wild Ride (Kind of like I'm Mr. Toad and she's just having to hang on). With our first son (now 15), I also had Hypermesis Gravitum. I lost about 30lbs in one month, ended up in the hospital for a couple of days, but my doctor back then refused to put me on any type of medication. Nothing against male doctors, but we have a female this time, and she's amazing. She promised us that we wouldnt go through the horrors that were gone through with our son. More on that story in a later blog.

For this pregnancy so far, I've been on Phenargen, Zofran, B6 and every natural, homeopathic thing you can imagine. We tried everything before meds, because, as with everyone I'm sure, we didnt want to take them. However, once you lose 12lbs in a week, arent sleeping or eating and barely drinking, it's time to do something. So, we started with Phenargen. Now, let me say, the first couple of days were nice. Or as nice as they could be. I hadnt really been sleeping, and this med knocked me out COLD. After four days of coma-like sleep though, it got strange. It was like involuntary sleeping that didnt feel like rest. It felt like you were sleeping, but someone was still sucking the life energy out of you.

As that week went on, I had to start taking it at closer intervals. Every 8 hrs went to 6, then to 4 and then I was vomitting with it or without it, so I stopped taking it. We saw our OB a few days later and she took us off of the Phenargen and put us on the Zofran. For those of you who dont know, Zofran is about $600 for 9 disolving tablets. So, we obviously asked for the generic, which took it down to a very pleasing $5 co-pay. Love our insurance :)

The first day on Zofran, I was able to eat. I felt like it was a God send. The down side with Zofran is that it constipates you. Not to sound gross (those of you with kids wont care, lol), but we ate really healthy before the pregnancy, so I was used to about 3 bowel movements a day. Consistent, easy. I am now lucky if I go every four days. And that's with the Metamucil, stool softener, etc. So, needless to say, there's a down side to every med. I was willing to take this hit, as long as I was able to eat and the nausea subsided. Unfortunately, the effectiveness wore off as quickly as the first med. By the fifth day, I was taking it between the 4th and 6th hour. So, the doctor told us, take a Phenergen at night (Zofran also causes some insomnia) and the Zofran during the day.

As of today, I feel at the end of my rope. We're almost at week 12, so I'm praying that we're near the end. The metallic taste in my mouth is now at the point where it makes everything taste the same. DISGUSTING. The thought of eating makes me want to vomit all in itself. I'm sick, of being sick. This is an unusual place for me to be too, because regardless of the above rant, I'm not a complainer. I'm pretty much a move on and get it done kind of person. Jen can attest to that. I feel like not a moment of the day goes by right now where I'm not complaining. Even if not out loud, my mind's still racing. However, I feel solidly validated because I do feel so crappy. I promise future blogs will be more entertaining, if not gross to hold your interest :) Good Night all!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I'd like to say its morning sickness but I don't believe that it is. Michelle is sick pretty much all day off and on. I am still trying to see what kind of joy being pregnant actually brings to her. I know the outcome will be well worth it but I wish she didn't have to go through all this to get there.
I had a really hard time falling asleep last night, I believe it was around 2am. I made the mistake of drinking a large vanilla iced coffee at dinner time. UGH!! Won't do that again. So, caught up on the DVR things. I get so behind.
I am on vacation this week. We drove to the High Desert friday and stayed with Jayme and Richard. Corey's 15th birthday was actually July 16th but he had a birthday party on saturday at his grandma and grandpa's. It was fun and nice to see him. Didn't like meeting his dad. I really have a dislike for him. It was really nice to see her sister and brother in law though. We had a good time. They got to meet the dogs, and Jayme made a big step by being able to take them out herself and play ball with them.
So, we woke up this morning at 7am. (the alarm went off at 6am but I couldn't do it) We went to the Bear Claw Bakery and got some donuts. Came home and went back to bed. When I woke up I moved the air bed to the living room, made Michelle move in there and lay down while I cleaned the bedroom. Washed the bedding, vacuumed. The animals leave so much hair on the floor, even when you think it is clean its not. Moved the bed back and waiting for the laundry to finish. Took another nap. Michelle was out cold. She hasn't been feeling well at all.
When I woke up I ran to the store to get a few things. Trying to get some easy things for her to snack on or drink. I want her to be able to keep vitamins down.
As far as me, I am feeling well. Been in a pretty good mood. Feel very busy. Trying to do as much as I can so that she doesn't have to do it. She is the one that usually does everything. I am usually not of much help. At least I don't feel like I am. Am just glad I am off this week to help her out. I want her to rest as much as needed.
I am so excited about the baby. Very exciting time for us.

July 21, 2008
This is the first time I have ever done this and I wanted this to be something that I could do with my life partner, Michelle. We are 11 weeks pregnant. I should say she is 11 weeks pregnant, I am her support system. Ha! I still have not seen the joy in her face, she has been very sick. We had another ultrasound today......every time we do, I get more and more excited.
This is all new to me. But I know it is going to be an experience that I wouldn't want to share with anyone else.
Okay......off to show Michelle this site so she can add to it also.
MJ