Great news! All three eggs fertilized! We have three embryos!
Transfer will be on Monday, I will not know the exact time of the appointment until tomorow but I do know that me and Kate are beyond excited.
Kenny is taking the day off of work on Monday thankfully since I am unable to drive home from the clinic on my own. I'll have to relax the day of the transfer and the following day, but I'll probably be ok to move more around on Wednesday which is my 29th birthday!!
Everyone always asks how long it will take to find out if I am pregnant.. and to answer that question I'll most likely have a blood test 2 weeks after the transfer - I will take home tests as well, but sometimes they can have errors. Yes, these 2 weeks will go by very slowly!!! Hopefully everyone wants to keep me company! Or I have lots of books to read
Saturday, April 30, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #22. 23, and 24
Day 22-Favorite city
This is easy - NONE! I totally dislike cities. I am not a city girl. I do not like NYC at all and I hope to never go back! Providence.. ehhh.. I suppose I can deal with but Boston is another city I cannot stand. I like green grass, and tress, curvey streets without traffic and cattle in people's yards.. I would happily live on a farm for the rest of my life and never enter a city again!
Day 23-Favorite vacation
I don't have much to choose from, but last year we did go to Virginia Beach for cheerleading. Angelina drove down with another cheer mom, Alianna and Dominic stayed with my mom so Kenny and I drove down alone - I was sooo paranoid driving over the Cheasapeaka Bay bridge but I ended up loving it.. we were even rebels and stopped on it to take a few quick pictures! Virginia was beautiful - we loved walking the strip and enjoying the beach, it was only a quick weekend trip - but I loved it and I hope we can go back one day.
Day 24-Something you’ve learned
I have learned to just be myself, because that is what I am best at. :)
Friday, April 29, 2011
Eggs, Sperm and Shots!
Yay! Kate had her retrieval today!! She had 4 follicles, but only 3 had an egg - one was empty - and Nain's sperm was great so now our fingers are crossed that all three will fertilize nicely - The clinic is thinking of doing a 2 day transfer instead of a 3 day since they rather just hurry and get them in my uterus and since there's only 3 eggs, it doesn't make much sense waiting to see which are the best quality. That means we could be transferring on Sunday, May 1st instead of Monday, May 2nd! We'll still only transfer 2 and freeze the 3rd.
This morning was my last dose of Lurpon and I started the progesterone-in-oil (PIO) tonight.. OUCH! I hope I get use to this quickly! My lovely husband, who has been saying this whole time that he would do my PIO for me, happened to fall asleep so instead of waking him, I decided to attempt the shot my self but did have to end up waking Kenny up with the needle stuck in but just there.. I couldn't seem to get a good hold so I could push it in.. I never realized how arkward it is to twist around and give yourself a shot in the behind.. I think it would be easier if I didn't have boobs which just get in the way! Kenny did ok, but I don't think I'll ask him again, he ripped the needle out of me so fast and caused alot of bleeding.. oh well atleast day 1 of PIO is done.. YAY! It can only get easier now, right?!
This morning was my last dose of Lurpon and I started the progesterone-in-oil (PIO) tonight.. OUCH! I hope I get use to this quickly! My lovely husband, who has been saying this whole time that he would do my PIO for me, happened to fall asleep so instead of waking him, I decided to attempt the shot my self but did have to end up waking Kenny up with the needle stuck in but just there.. I couldn't seem to get a good hold so I could push it in.. I never realized how arkward it is to twist around and give yourself a shot in the behind.. I think it would be easier if I didn't have boobs which just get in the way! Kenny did ok, but I don't think I'll ask him again, he ripped the needle out of me so fast and caused alot of bleeding.. oh well atleast day 1 of PIO is done.. YAY! It can only get easier now, right?!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
MONDAY!!!
Monday is the day!!
The nurse from the clinic called me today and Monday is looking like baby making day :)
Kate's ultrasound looked great today.. she definitely had 4 good follicles and maybe more! She is doing her trigger shot tonight and her retrievel (and Nain's ehm-ehm) is scheduled for Friday at 12:45pm!!! I am hoping and hoping they get some really good eggs that want to grow in to a beautiful baby!
My details....
Friday morning is the last time I need to stab myself in my belly aka give myself Lupron!
but then I start my PIO (Progesterone in oil) Friday evening - YIKES!! That is the B-I-G shot in my butt that I have to trust Kenny to do.. I wonder if I trust him, I better start being reallllllyyyy nice to him! Or, if anyone else wants to come to my house nightly to give me a shot, I'm taking applications!
I will stay on my 3 tablets of estrace in the AM and in the PM.
Just waiting for the call on Sunday to tell me what time to be in Boston on Monday!!
OMG! This is it! It is really it! Soooo I decided to celebrate since we finally have a date - I went shopping to buy some things..
..just a few to get me started....
The nurse from the clinic called me today and Monday is looking like baby making day :)
Kate's ultrasound looked great today.. she definitely had 4 good follicles and maybe more! She is doing her trigger shot tonight and her retrievel (and Nain's ehm-ehm) is scheduled for Friday at 12:45pm!!! I am hoping and hoping they get some really good eggs that want to grow in to a beautiful baby!
My details....
Friday morning is the last time I need to stab myself in my belly aka give myself Lupron!
but then I start my PIO (Progesterone in oil) Friday evening - YIKES!! That is the B-I-G shot in my butt that I have to trust Kenny to do.. I wonder if I trust him, I better start being reallllllyyyy nice to him! Or, if anyone else wants to come to my house nightly to give me a shot, I'm taking applications!
I will stay on my 3 tablets of estrace in the AM and in the PM.
Just waiting for the call on Sunday to tell me what time to be in Boston on Monday!!
OMG! This is it! It is really it! Soooo I decided to celebrate since we finally have a date - I went shopping to buy some things..
..just a few to get me started....
30 Days of Blogging - Day #21
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Here is a picture of me at a friend's wedding - it isn't the greatest picture but I choose it for several reasons:
1) It is a rare occasion to see me with my hair up
2) It is a rarer occasion to see me in a dress
3) This was the first wedding I've been too (well, besides my parent's when I was 7 and my sister's when I was 15)
4) The venue used to be a place I visited often as a child, Bobby's Rollerway!
5) and because I think I look pretty cute :)
Kenny and I had a great time at this wedding! It was a nice few hours without kids, and totally fun to get dressed up and hang out with friends. I can't wait until our next wedding!! We actually have three that we're 'saving the date' for!!
In August my cousin is getting married in Florida! Kenny and I will go without kids for a weekend for the first time ever! I couldn't be more excited!
In September my friend is getting married here in RI and I know it's going to be absolutely perfect!
and thennnnnn May of next year, I WILL be a bridesmaid at one of my best friend's wedding! First time ever being a bridesmaid!! Can you say SUPER EXCITED?!
I think more of my friends need to get married!!
1) It is a rare occasion to see me with my hair up
2) It is a rarer occasion to see me in a dress
3) This was the first wedding I've been too (well, besides my parent's when I was 7 and my sister's when I was 15)
4) The venue used to be a place I visited often as a child, Bobby's Rollerway!
5) and because I think I look pretty cute :)
Kenny and I had a great time at this wedding! It was a nice few hours without kids, and totally fun to get dressed up and hang out with friends. I can't wait until our next wedding!! We actually have three that we're 'saving the date' for!!
In August my cousin is getting married in Florida! Kenny and I will go without kids for a weekend for the first time ever! I couldn't be more excited!
In September my friend is getting married here in RI and I know it's going to be absolutely perfect!
and thennnnnn May of next year, I WILL be a bridesmaid at one of my best friend's wedding! First time ever being a bridesmaid!! Can you say SUPER EXCITED?!
I think more of my friends need to get married!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday Maybe!?!
SOOO!! Kate went for her ultrasound and blood testing this morning and she goes back tomorrow morning but it looks like she'll be taking her trigger shot TOMORROW and having the egg retrievel on FRIDAY!! Which of course would mean two cutie-patootie embryos will be transfered in to me on MONDAY!!!
MONDAY!! Can you believe it?! I sure can't!! Ahh - fingers crossed that all goes well this week and weekend!! Ahh, the day is finally coming :)
MONDAY!! Can you believe it?! I sure can't!! Ahh - fingers crossed that all goes well this week and weekend!! Ahh, the day is finally coming :)
30 Days of Blogging - Day #20
Day 20-Nicknames
I can't remember if I had a nickname when I was a baby or young girl.. the first nickname I ever remember was in 5th and 6th grade.. it was "C.T.".. it came about one day when my name was on the board (for good reasons!) and after Mr. Blackwell erased it the letters C and T stayed up for a couple days (we didn't use the board that often) and so I became known as "C.T.".
In junior high I graduated to being called "Cheeks".. and no, not after my non-existed butt, the cheeks on my face!.. everyone always said I have chubby cheeks and it just stuck!
Back in 1998 or so, Kenny began calling me "Coco"... that is the most used nickname for me. If Kenny calls me "Courtney" it is a RARE occasion. I am even known as "Coco" around Superior :)
I wonder what my next nickname will be :)
I can't remember if I had a nickname when I was a baby or young girl.. the first nickname I ever remember was in 5th and 6th grade.. it was "C.T.".. it came about one day when my name was on the board (for good reasons!) and after Mr. Blackwell erased it the letters C and T stayed up for a couple days (we didn't use the board that often) and so I became known as "C.T.".
In junior high I graduated to being called "Cheeks".. and no, not after my non-existed butt, the cheeks on my face!.. everyone always said I have chubby cheeks and it just stuck!
Back in 1998 or so, Kenny began calling me "Coco"... that is the most used nickname for me. If Kenny calls me "Courtney" it is a RARE occasion. I am even known as "Coco" around Superior :)
I wonder what my next nickname will be :)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Back on track
Finally, an update about the surrogacy! There were a few days with some uncertainty but we're finally getting back on track! Kate is doing well. Her estrogen levels are going up and up! She had another ultrasound today (she has been having them every other day) and she has follicles growing, 3 measurable ones and 2 smaller ones to be exact! She has, of course, another ultrasound tomorrow and they're thinking her trigger day will be in 1-2 days!! Triggering is getting a shot to send the eggs into the last stage of maturity before retrieval and then the retrieval happens around 36 hours after trigger day! And since we're planning to do a 3 day fresh transfer, that means, as Kate stated, I may be knocked up for my May 4th birthday ;) !
I am so happy that things are starting to look much more promising! How happy? So happy that I don't mind if I am on bedrest for my birthday! Let's have a baby... or two!!
I am so happy that things are starting to look much more promising! How happy? So happy that I don't mind if I am on bedrest for my birthday! Let's have a baby... or two!!
30 Days of Blogging - Day #16. 17, 18 and 19
Day 16-Dream house
I don't have a picture of my 'dream house'. My 'dream house' isn't about location or features. More important than the 4 bedroom, marble kitchen with island and counter top stove and trash compactor (I always wanted one of those), pocket doors throughout, rec/game/play room in the basement, master bedroom with master bath with amazing jacuzzi above a three car heated garage, farmer's porch, veggie garden, horse barn and inground pool (and pool house) that I would LOVE to have, the 'things' inside the house that can not be purchased or fabricated.. such as my family.. are more important to me. My family members are all that truly matters. I don't care if we're living in a shack (ok, maybe I care a little bit) or a Newport mansion, we can turn anything into my dream house as long as we have each other.
Day 17-Something you’re looking forward to
Silly question.. I am looking forward to enjoying this journey!! Wow, this was my shortest answer so far :)
Day 18-Something you regret
No regrets here. Of course there are things I would change if I had a do-over, things I would think more thoroughly through but instead of sitting and listing or dweeling about all the things I would change, I just think of all the choices that brought me to this point in my life.. in Rhode Island (still), married to Kenny, a mom of three.. even though I didn't always make the best desisions, I made the decisions I thought were right for me at that time.. like the quotes "Never regret what once made you smile" or "There are no regrets in life, just lesson".
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 18-Something you regret
No regrets here. Of course there are things I would change if I had a do-over, things I would think more thoroughly through but instead of sitting and listing or dweeling about all the things I would change, I just think of all the choices that brought me to this point in my life.. in Rhode Island (still), married to Kenny, a mom of three.. even though I didn't always make the best desisions, I made the decisions I thought were right for me at that time.. like the quotes "Never regret what once made you smile" or "There are no regrets in life, just lesson".
Day 19-Something you miss
I miss being young. Living life with no worries, no responsibilities. The biggest thing I worried about was my mom getting mad at me because I didn't put all my toys away. No working, no bills, no one depending on me.. I don't know why kids and teenages seem to be rushing to grow up - young is fun!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #15
Day 15-Bible verse
Mark 10:6-9
Jesus said, “From the beginning of creation, `God made them male and female.' `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
It was differcult for me to pick just one.. I went back and forth with decided which one to quote, but I ended up picking this one.. this verse was one that the priest recited at my church ceremony and I absolutely love it. Kenny and I are one, and no matter when we disagree and argue about, we were not joined together by chance, we were joined together for a reason, and "what god has joined together, let no one separate."
Others I considered....
Anything in Genesis
Corinthians 13
Luke 21
Mark 10:6-9
Jesus said, “From the beginning of creation, `God made them male and female.' `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
It was differcult for me to pick just one.. I went back and forth with decided which one to quote, but I ended up picking this one.. this verse was one that the priest recited at my church ceremony and I absolutely love it. Kenny and I are one, and no matter when we disagree and argue about, we were not joined together by chance, we were joined together for a reason, and "what god has joined together, let no one separate."
Others I considered....
Anything in Genesis
Corinthians 13
Luke 21
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #14
Day 14-A picture you love
I absolutely LOVE any photo like this - I really want to get a good camera and start making my own pictures like these! I have never been too crafty and if it was possible to fail art class, I would have been the first to do so - but this.. this I think I could do!
I absolutely LOVE any photo like this - I really want to get a good camera and start making my own pictures like these! I have never been too crafty and if it was possible to fail art class, I would have been the first to do so - but this.. this I think I could do!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #13
Day 13-Goals
Goals.. we all have them.. I try to set mine realistically so that I have a better chance of achieving them but one goal I set a while ago, I am still nowhere reaching and that would be completing nursing school. It is so hard to find the time to go and to study.. or at least that is my excuse.. I know that many mothers do it on a daily basis and it will pay off in the long run.. I truly hope I can find the time and motivation to get back to school soon! Another problem that is holding me back, besides the time, is sometimes I doubt that the nursing field is right for me.. I also think I would enjoy the radiology field.. I also have a huge interest in human services and would love to do counseling with either substance abusers or children who've been abused but all I ever hear about is how it's not worth it, when it comes down to the amount of time spent in school and the starting salary.. but I realize that, I am not interested in the field to become rich, I am interested in helping others!
Other goals.. buy our first house, become debt free (minus the house I just mentioned), become a godmother, to travel out of the US, and most importantly to raise my children to be respectful, loving, honest and eager to succeed in life.
Goals.. we all have them.. I try to set mine realistically so that I have a better chance of achieving them but one goal I set a while ago, I am still nowhere reaching and that would be completing nursing school. It is so hard to find the time to go and to study.. or at least that is my excuse.. I know that many mothers do it on a daily basis and it will pay off in the long run.. I truly hope I can find the time and motivation to get back to school soon! Another problem that is holding me back, besides the time, is sometimes I doubt that the nursing field is right for me.. I also think I would enjoy the radiology field.. I also have a huge interest in human services and would love to do counseling with either substance abusers or children who've been abused but all I ever hear about is how it's not worth it, when it comes down to the amount of time spent in school and the starting salary.. but I realize that, I am not interested in the field to become rich, I am interested in helping others!
Other goals.. buy our first house, become debt free (minus the house I just mentioned), become a godmother, to travel out of the US, and most importantly to raise my children to be respectful, loving, honest and eager to succeed in life.
Feeling down..
I just seem to be in a funk these past few days.. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the medications and all the extra hormones running through my body.. or maybe its the fact that Angelina is in Florida without me for almost 2 weeks, or it could be how Kate is responding to her medications a little slower than the doctor would like.. Let me take a moment to further explain all my feelings...
Medications.. self explanatory.. I am still on the same meds.. just waiting :)
Florida.. Angelina left last Thursday and hopefully will be home next Tuesday. She is there for the biggest cheerleading competition of the year! I almost didn't send her. I knew I couldn't go.. it was too close to the expected transfer date and I didn't want to risk throwing the whole cycle off track. Angelina was so upset when I told her we could not go. But thankfully, one of the cheer moms offered to bring Angelina along with her. I was so hesitant at first and I said no. I just didn't feel like I could be without her for that long, and I didn't think it was a good idea for her to travel so far without me or Kenny. Yes, Angelina has slept out, sometimes multiple days in a row, but always within 20 minutes from me, if she missed me, or got scared, or God forbid, was injured, I could quickly be there for her.. but how can I let her go from Rhode Island to Florida without me?
I knew how upset Angelina was, and the cheer mom, as well as Angelina's coach talked to me a lot and they made me feel much more comfortable letting her go without me - when I told Angelina that she was going, she couldn't have been happier.. not only would she still be part of her team, she was going to be going to Magic Kingdom, MGM, Universal and Busch Gardens!
They left last Friday.. Angelina, the cheer mom and her daughter, the coach and her daughter and the cheer mom's dog... (Angelina left our house last Thursday night and slept at the cheer mom's house since they were leaving so early Friday morning). They went to Pennsylvania first for a competition on Saturday, Angelina didn't compete at that one but the other two girls in the car did. The girls placed 2nd out of 12 teams!! They didn't stay long in PA and quickly got to Florida on Sunday.
Pit stop in North Carolina for breakfast at 2:30am (Angelina is on the right)
At Magic Kingdom
Medications.. self explanatory.. I am still on the same meds.. just waiting :)
Florida.. Angelina left last Thursday and hopefully will be home next Tuesday. She is there for the biggest cheerleading competition of the year! I almost didn't send her. I knew I couldn't go.. it was too close to the expected transfer date and I didn't want to risk throwing the whole cycle off track. Angelina was so upset when I told her we could not go. But thankfully, one of the cheer moms offered to bring Angelina along with her. I was so hesitant at first and I said no. I just didn't feel like I could be without her for that long, and I didn't think it was a good idea for her to travel so far without me or Kenny. Yes, Angelina has slept out, sometimes multiple days in a row, but always within 20 minutes from me, if she missed me, or got scared, or God forbid, was injured, I could quickly be there for her.. but how can I let her go from Rhode Island to Florida without me?
I knew how upset Angelina was, and the cheer mom, as well as Angelina's coach talked to me a lot and they made me feel much more comfortable letting her go without me - when I told Angelina that she was going, she couldn't have been happier.. not only would she still be part of her team, she was going to be going to Magic Kingdom, MGM, Universal and Busch Gardens!
They left last Friday.. Angelina, the cheer mom and her daughter, the coach and her daughter and the cheer mom's dog... (Angelina left our house last Thursday night and slept at the cheer mom's house since they were leaving so early Friday morning). They went to Pennsylvania first for a competition on Saturday, Angelina didn't compete at that one but the other two girls in the car did. The girls placed 2nd out of 12 teams!! They didn't stay long in PA and quickly got to Florida on Sunday.
Pit stop in North Carolina for breakfast at 2:30am (Angelina is on the right)
Angelina called me this morning at 7am and said they were at Magic Kingdom all day yesterday - Angelina had a blast! Her favorite ride was Space Mountain and she was so happy to buy a Pin Trading Lanyard.
Today they're off to Universal Studios and Island of Adventures - As much as I know she is having a blast, I just can't help to miss her!! Friday and Saturday will be the hardest, when she is competing and I am not in the stands cheering for her :( This is definitely the biggest competition of the year - COA Ultimate Nationals. I wish I could be there.. I look at the plane ticket prices daily, I just want to go so badly, but I have commitments here.. Alianna and Dominic, work, and most importantly, the surrogacy.
Angelina doing what she LOVES to do!
Kate.. Her and I stay in constant contact, mostly through texting and email, so she quickly told me about the results of her blood test/ultrasound she had on Friday.. her estrogen levels were not as high as they should be so she was instructed to up her dose and return on Monday for more testing.. well, yesterday's testing did show sign of improvement but still not as high as the clinic wanted them to be. She is going back for more testing (poor Kate) on Thursday and (fingers-crossed) hopefully her levels will be where they should be at. If not, we may have to cancel this month's transfer but I am not going to say those words again until the clinic says them for sure.. I really hope that is not the case, but then again, I want the biggest chance of this transfer to be successful and if that means waiting another cycle, that is exactly what I want.
Monday, April 18, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #11 and #12
Day 11-Favorite TV shows
Lots!! My favorite was LOST! with Matthew Fox, but it ended last year and I wasn't at all happy with the way it ended - I think it had WAY more potential to have a great ending, but they just killed it, totally!
I am a MTV (which should be re-named to NMTV, non-music television) junkie, worse than a junkie.. if I could OD on one channel, it would be MTV, no lie! 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom, Jersey Shore (i<3PaulyD), True Life, MADE and Silent Library (I'd win on that show for sure!) and who can forget the classics? Laguna Beach (I remember I wanted to name Dominic, Talan), TRL, Punked, Pimp My Ride.. LOVE MTV!
I also love Law & Order:SVU, Grey's Anatomy, Secret Life of an American Teenager, and Ellen (I sooo want to see her in person!)..
Day 12-What you believe
Wow! This is the most vague question and I have no idea where to begin to even attempt to answer this so I am going to say ONE very simple answer....
I BELIEVE I WILL MAKE KATE AND NAIN'S DREAMS COME TRUE!!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #10
Day 10-Something you’re afraid of
Although absolutely beautiful, my greatest fear is and always has been the ocean.. I am scared of what is in the ocean, I am scared of the waves and possible under tow, I am scared of getting stranded, I am scared of drowning.. I do love going to the beach, but I do not go in the ocean and I usually won't go in the water unless my child seems to be in danger.. (my children come before my fears, always!).. every once in a while I will walk along the shore line and may be brave enough to let my feet get wet but I am usually so nervous that I am unable to enjoy it.
I am also scared of rodents and snakes, dark basements, and not reaching my career goals.
But right now, above anything else, I am scared of.. actually terrified of being a failure. Being a failure to the two people who have put so much trust in me already. As much as I am trying to stay positive about the upcoming procedure, I can't help but worrying about the 'what ifs'. Kate and Nain are counting on ME! I am just hoping, wishing, and praying that I can and will make them proud - that this journey will be a SUCCESS!
I am also scared of rodents and snakes, dark basements, and not reaching my career goals.
Friday, April 15, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #9
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Gosh, I was totally dreading this day! It is not possible to show "a picture" with all my friends in it.. I really would like to add about 3 dozen photos below but since I don't want to bore you with photo after photo, here are just a handful photos of SOME of my favorite people, my FRIENDS!.. if you're not shown below, it does not mean I love you any less, it just means we need a picture day ;)
My Husband, Kenny
My daugther, Angelina
And last, but not least, My Cheer Friends :)
Gosh, I was totally dreading this day! It is not possible to show "a picture" with all my friends in it.. I really would like to add about 3 dozen photos below but since I don't want to bore you with photo after photo, here are just a handful photos of SOME of my favorite people, my FRIENDS!.. if you're not shown below, it does not mean I love you any less, it just means we need a picture day ;)
My Husband, Kenny
My daugther, Angelina
My Daughter, Alianna
My Son, Dominic
My Sister, Brittany
My best friends since jr high school, Kristen and Betsy
The other half of the package deal, Shannon
The girl I cannot live without, Priscilla
And last, but not least, My Cheer Friends :)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Surrogacy Related :)
I am not sure if I've already wrote this or not but Kate went for blood work and an ultrasound on Monday and her results looked great so she was able to start her next medications :) They asked her to go back for another blood test on Saturday to once again check her levels - I am still taking my daily 5 units of Lupron and 3mg of Estradiol two times a day and waiting until I am needed but it seems like we're getting much closer! I am so excited, except when I step on the scale and realize I've already gained 10lbs just from the meds- YIKES!
Then yesterday I got an email from Kate.. she wrote that she is going for a FDA required blood test on Friday and Nain has one on Monday - they were sort of wondering why the tests were on separate days and then she seen on a surrogacy forum that the intended father has to have their blood test within 7 days of the transfer!! And it hit her - 7 days from Monday we could be transfering!! I could tell her happiness just from reading her words - a day that she's always dreamed about but seemed like it would never come and then BOOM it's right in front of your eyes.. almost like how Christmas feels to a 6 year old, but multiply that feeling by about million.. that's how I think she feels right now! Her "Christmas" is a week from Monday! WOOHOO!!!
Then yesterday I got an email from Kate.. she wrote that she is going for a FDA required blood test on Friday and Nain has one on Monday - they were sort of wondering why the tests were on separate days and then she seen on a surrogacy forum that the intended father has to have their blood test within 7 days of the transfer!! And it hit her - 7 days from Monday we could be transfering!! I could tell her happiness just from reading her words - a day that she's always dreamed about but seemed like it would never come and then BOOM it's right in front of your eyes.. almost like how Christmas feels to a 6 year old, but multiply that feeling by about million.. that's how I think she feels right now! Her "Christmas" is a week from Monday! WOOHOO!!!
30 Days of Blogging - Day #8
Day 8-A place you’ve traveled to
Well, this will be a pathetic post.. I haven't 'traveled'. Kenny and I started having children young and we just never had the time or finances to be able to travel for pleasure but we do talk about everywhere we'll go once the kids get older!
Where have I been so far? Rhode Island (where I live), Massachusetts (next state over, I am honestly in MA more than RI most days), Connecticut (aquarium), Vermont (skiing, visit grandparents), New Hampshire (visit family, skiing), Maine (skiing), New York (visit Kenny's family), Hershey, Pennsylvania (cheerleading), Virginia Beach (cheerleading), North Carolina (stopped while driving to Florida to pick up Kenny's niece) and Florida (visit inlaws and cheerleading). See, we've done some visiting and lots of cheer related traveling but never to just to enjoy it.
Where do I want to go? Greece, Italy, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Auschwitz (and/or any Holocaust related location/museum), Venice, Paris, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, and any of the many seven wonders! I always wanted to visit Japan also, but now I am not too sure.
Well, this will be a pathetic post.. I haven't 'traveled'. Kenny and I started having children young and we just never had the time or finances to be able to travel for pleasure but we do talk about everywhere we'll go once the kids get older!
Where have I been so far? Rhode Island (where I live), Massachusetts (next state over, I am honestly in MA more than RI most days), Connecticut (aquarium), Vermont (skiing, visit grandparents), New Hampshire (visit family, skiing), Maine (skiing), New York (visit Kenny's family), Hershey, Pennsylvania (cheerleading), Virginia Beach (cheerleading), North Carolina (stopped while driving to Florida to pick up Kenny's niece) and Florida (visit inlaws and cheerleading). See, we've done some visiting and lots of cheer related traveling but never to just to enjoy it.
Where do I want to go? Greece, Italy, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Auschwitz (and/or any Holocaust related location/museum), Venice, Paris, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, and any of the many seven wonders! I always wanted to visit Japan also, but now I am not too sure.
30 Days of Blogging - Day #7
Day 7-Favorite movies
It may sound a little cliche, but hands down, no doubt about it, Titanic is my all-time favorite movie.. there's no other movie that I can watch over and over and still be worried about what the outcome will be. I absolutely love the whole Jack and Rose story. I remember how happy I was when Kenny bought me the soundtrack and several years later we danced to one of the songs at our wedding. Definitely the best movie!
Some other all time favorites (in no particular order) are: Remember The Titans, Sweet Home Alabama, The Hangover, BIG, The 6th Sense, Forrest Gump, The Truman Show, The Others, Ghost, Freaky Friday, The Village,17 Again, Super Bad, The Green Mile, The Wizard of Oz, Willow (was my favorite when I was little), Grease... just to name a 'few'...
It may sound a little cliche, but hands down, no doubt about it, Titanic is my all-time favorite movie.. there's no other movie that I can watch over and over and still be worried about what the outcome will be. I absolutely love the whole Jack and Rose story. I remember how happy I was when Kenny bought me the soundtrack and several years later we danced to one of the songs at our wedding. Definitely the best movie!
Some other all time favorites (in no particular order) are: Remember The Titans, Sweet Home Alabama, The Hangover, BIG, The 6th Sense, Forrest Gump, The Truman Show, The Others, Ghost, Freaky Friday, The Village,17 Again, Super Bad, The Green Mile, The Wizard of Oz, Willow (was my favorite when I was little), Grease... just to name a 'few'...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #4 (and #5 and #6!)
So, I am a blogging slacker but I have excuses, I mean reasons!!
This weekend was so hectic, Angelina had a cheer comp both days which took up the whole weekend and when I wasn't doing something cheer-related, I was sleeping.. and THEN my laptop decided to just go to heaven :( Kenny currently has it in pieces and is attempting to bring it back to life, so keep your fingers crossed... so now I have to use the desktop, which isn't on a desk so it requires sitting on the floor.. yeah.. I should buy a desk but usually I don't use this computer so it never bothered me, well, I've been sitting here about 5 minutes and I am ready to run to the store to buy a desk!
Anyhow.. let's catch up on the 30 Days of Blogging, shall we?!
Day 5-Your siblings
This weekend was so hectic, Angelina had a cheer comp both days which took up the whole weekend and when I wasn't doing something cheer-related, I was sleeping.. and THEN my laptop decided to just go to heaven :( Kenny currently has it in pieces and is attempting to bring it back to life, so keep your fingers crossed... so now I have to use the desktop, which isn't on a desk so it requires sitting on the floor.. yeah.. I should buy a desk but usually I don't use this computer so it never bothered me, well, I've been sitting here about 5 minutes and I am ready to run to the store to buy a desk!
Anyhow.. let's catch up on the 30 Days of Blogging, shall we?!
Day 4-Your parents
My mom - she is great but she does have her off days and on those days, I stay as far away as I can. We have always been close but definitely had our ups and downs but she is always there for me if I need her. She raised me a lot on her own and always put me first, even though I didn't always see it that way.. I just think kids never really see what and how much a mother sacrifices while raising her children until the kid has a child. We still talk daily and she only lives about 7 minutes from me so we see each other often too. Last week I went into the salon she was getting her hair done at so I could get my hair trimmed and she was ever so happy to quickly announce to everyone there that I was going to be an "oven". I guess I make her proud :)
My father - ok, so I have two..
I have my real, biological father.. we did not have much of a relationship while I was a child, I am pretty sure he wasn't really ready to be a dad when I was born so I think it was harder for him to adjust to the lifestyle change not to mention him and my mother didn't get along at all, so that always made it hard for them to communicate about me. We have improved a lot but I don't think it will ever be as good as is could.. it could be the distance, there is only about 90 or so miles between us which seems like a lot more when you both have busy lives. Or maybe its due to the delayed father/daughter relationship start we received or just because I still have some hard feelings but what ever it is, I do appreciate how much he has stepped up and that he now tries to be a dad.
(my gram is on the left, me, my stepdad)
Then there is my stepfather.. he raised me from the time I was one years old, he potty trained me, and helped me to talk, he spent days outside showing me how to ride a two wheeler, and he took me to work at the truck stop and let me slide under the trucks and 'work' with him.. I lost my first tooth at his work and put it in the top drawer of his tool box. He never looked at me like a stepdaughter.. to him (and his whole family), I was HIS child and for that I will always be grateful. Sadly, the time spent with him was short-lived as he lost his battle with cancer when I was just 7 years old - I still remember every detail of that day, EVERY detail, even hanging my coat on my hook (with a picture of an apple above it that said "Courtney") that morning. It's been over 21 years since he passed away, and I will never, ever forget him!
Day 5-Your siblings
Brittany (on the left) - Brittany is the total opposite of me - she is 5' even, very petite, extremely socialable and doesn't want kids until she is well in her 30s. Her and I have the same mother, her father is my stepfather and she was just 1yr5mos when he passed away. We're very close even when work prevents us from hanging out as much as we wish we could - we weren't always so close though.. I had a hard time adjusting to having a baby sister after being the baby for 6 years but I am thankful that I finally got use to it and I appreciate having her, the little miracle baby who was conceived around the time our dad was going through cancer treatments and survived being trampled by a full-sized horse while inside my mother's uterus - which after going to the ER to be checked out is how my mom found out she was expecting!
Stephen - Stephen or Stevie as I always called him growing up is my (step) brother.. I remember being very jealous of him when we all lived together in a house that was shaped like an A and he had the bedroom upstairs! It was so cool but I was banned from the stairs that went up there since they were steel spiral stairs and my parents always thought I'd fall and die or something (I snuck up plenty of times and I am still here!). Although we live in separate states now and we're both grown with our own families, I know we'll always have a brother/sister bond and he'll always be there for me.
Tina - Tina and I are stepsisters technically but if you asked either of us our relationship, we'd reply with just "we're sisters". Not too many big sisters would take their 9 yr old sister to see New Kids on the Block but that is exactly what she did - and she wasn't paid to do it either (at least not that I know of!). Tina has two kids of her own and if I thought I was busy with cheerleading, her schedule is 10x more busy than mine with all the sports her kids are into but just like Stephen, I also know she'll always be here for me too, just as she always was!
I have a great family - I am so blessed!
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
It's not the greatest photo, and Dominic is not smiling, but this picture makes me smile, and the people in it make me smile more - This was from December 2010 while we were on the Polar Express train ride in New Hampshire (Thanks Gramma!).. We all enjoyed it sooo much! Pink shirt is Alianna, blue snowman jammies is Dominic, lime green top is Angelina and then Me on the left and Kenny on the right. And yes, we're all in our pjs! It made the ride and story even better!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #3
Day 3-Your first love
Woot, Woot! An easy one! My first love was Kenny, the man that fathered my three children, the man that told me "ok" both times I told him we were getting married, the man that says I am beautiful even when I am a hot mess and look like the hobo who lives under the bridge near family court in Providence, he was truly my first love and I am confident he'll be my last!
Unless, that is, you count back in 5th and 6th grade when I was in 'love' with my classmate, Evan Silverhorn. His blue eyes and blonde hair - and he was soooo smart and F-I-N-E.. he was the total package if I had ever seen one (which I had not because I was 10/11 years old). Evan was diabetic and insulin-dependent and I thought I could gain his affection by offering him sugarless gym daily but my little tactics did not work (he always took the gum, but never fell in love with me). What a shame :( then again, my whole life would have been totally different and I wouldn't be writing this blog right now and YOU would have nothing to read - so I guess we should both be happy my life worked out the way it did! (Plus, a few years ago, I stalked him on some social network sites and I think he may be gay now - which would make sense to why I was not his type)
Woot, Woot! An easy one! My first love was Kenny, the man that fathered my three children, the man that told me "ok" both times I told him we were getting married, the man that says I am beautiful even when I am a hot mess and look like the hobo who lives under the bridge near family court in Providence, he was truly my first love and I am confident he'll be my last!
Unless, that is, you count back in 5th and 6th grade when I was in 'love' with my classmate, Evan Silverhorn. His blue eyes and blonde hair - and he was soooo smart and F-I-N-E.. he was the total package if I had ever seen one (which I had not because I was 10/11 years old). Evan was diabetic and insulin-dependent and I thought I could gain his affection by offering him sugarless gym daily but my little tactics did not work (he always took the gum, but never fell in love with me). What a shame :( then again, my whole life would have been totally different and I wouldn't be writing this blog right now and YOU would have nothing to read - so I guess we should both be happy my life worked out the way it did! (Plus, a few years ago, I stalked him on some social network sites and I think he may be gay now - which would make sense to why I was not his type)
Friday, April 8, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #2
Meaning behind your blog name
When I first decided to make this blog, I can honestly say I did not know I'd be doing this '30 Days of Blogging' - and I also did not know the name I picked for my blog would ever need to be discussed. Naming this blog seemed simple, not at all like naming my three children - Kenny and I always went back and forth, and could never agree on a name, finally for our first pregnancy, I asked Kenny to make a deal, he picks her first name, I'll pick her godparents and her middle name. When he agreed to this, I thought 'sweet!, I definitely have the better end of the deal!' then he told me the name - the name I never cared for, the name I never would have picked, the name that made me roll my eyes.. the dreaded (I thought) name of 'Angelina'. When I thought of this name, I thought of Angelina Jolie, I thought of bad girl, a girl withount boundries, a girl too wild to be my child.. but a deal was a deal and 9 years later, I am wondering what I was so worried about - I love her name! It fits her so well, and no, not the way I explained above, she is sweet, kind and amazing. I don't even think of Angelina Jolie anymore - who IS Angelina Jolie anyhow? All I know now is that my Angelina is truly an Angel!
If I thought Angelina was hard, the second time around was harder - but, he named Angelina and now it was my turn.. I had always loved the name Arianna, but it was way too common and common is not a thing I am fond of - of course I'm also not fond of names that make you go 'hmm what were their parents thinking?' or 'that sure is different'... I like names that you've heard before, but not TOO often. I also always liked the name Ali, so it just made sense - combine the two and get Alianna - I still love it as much as the day I thought I made it up!
Dominic was probably the easiest - don't get me wrong, we went back in forth with names that we could not agree on but then one day at work, I answered the telephone and it was a guy named Dominic, I called Kenny as soon as I hung up with him and ding, ding, ding! My little fetus-with-a-penis had a name :)
So when it came to naming this blog.. I didn't think, I didn't hesitate, I didn't try to get creative.. I let my fingers do the thinking for me.. I put my fingers on the keyboard, on the home keys like I learned back in school, "..and let the journey begin" my fingers wrote. Had I known that I would have to explain the meaning of it, I probably would have actually thought about it but, knowing me, I probably would have still came up with the same name...
I realize 'journey' technically references a trip, and although I am not going on an actually trip to, let's say Greece (my dream!) or somewhere tropical, I will be going on the biggest emotional and physical trip I'll ever be invited to go on. Not only am I going on it, my husband is, my kids are, my close family and friends will be talked to so much about it from me, they'll think they are too! It is a 'journey' that I am going on and I'm sure it will be better than the best Greece trip!
Although this journey started back in July, to me, it is just begining now, before was wonderful, the time we spent getting to know each other and getting all the testing out of the way, but now is the exciting part, the part we've all been waiting for, the part that sometimes felt like it would never come.. We're finally more than ready to let the journey begin!
When I first decided to make this blog, I can honestly say I did not know I'd be doing this '30 Days of Blogging' - and I also did not know the name I picked for my blog would ever need to be discussed. Naming this blog seemed simple, not at all like naming my three children - Kenny and I always went back and forth, and could never agree on a name, finally for our first pregnancy, I asked Kenny to make a deal, he picks her first name, I'll pick her godparents and her middle name. When he agreed to this, I thought 'sweet!, I definitely have the better end of the deal!' then he told me the name - the name I never cared for, the name I never would have picked, the name that made me roll my eyes.. the dreaded (I thought) name of 'Angelina'. When I thought of this name, I thought of Angelina Jolie, I thought of bad girl, a girl withount boundries, a girl too wild to be my child.. but a deal was a deal and 9 years later, I am wondering what I was so worried about - I love her name! It fits her so well, and no, not the way I explained above, she is sweet, kind and amazing. I don't even think of Angelina Jolie anymore - who IS Angelina Jolie anyhow? All I know now is that my Angelina is truly an Angel!
If I thought Angelina was hard, the second time around was harder - but, he named Angelina and now it was my turn.. I had always loved the name Arianna, but it was way too common and common is not a thing I am fond of - of course I'm also not fond of names that make you go 'hmm what were their parents thinking?' or 'that sure is different'... I like names that you've heard before, but not TOO often. I also always liked the name Ali, so it just made sense - combine the two and get Alianna - I still love it as much as the day I thought I made it up!
Dominic was probably the easiest - don't get me wrong, we went back in forth with names that we could not agree on but then one day at work, I answered the telephone and it was a guy named Dominic, I called Kenny as soon as I hung up with him and ding, ding, ding! My little fetus-with-a-penis had a name :)
So when it came to naming this blog.. I didn't think, I didn't hesitate, I didn't try to get creative.. I let my fingers do the thinking for me.. I put my fingers on the keyboard, on the home keys like I learned back in school, "..and let the journey begin" my fingers wrote. Had I known that I would have to explain the meaning of it, I probably would have actually thought about it but, knowing me, I probably would have still came up with the same name...
I realize 'journey' technically references a trip, and although I am not going on an actually trip to, let's say Greece (my dream!) or somewhere tropical, I will be going on the biggest emotional and physical trip I'll ever be invited to go on. Not only am I going on it, my husband is, my kids are, my close family and friends will be talked to so much about it from me, they'll think they are too! It is a 'journey' that I am going on and I'm sure it will be better than the best Greece trip!
Although this journey started back in July, to me, it is just begining now, before was wonderful, the time we spent getting to know each other and getting all the testing out of the way, but now is the exciting part, the part we've all been waiting for, the part that sometimes felt like it would never come.. We're finally more than ready to let the journey begin!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
30 Days of Blogging - Day #1
Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Introduce
Wow, I can't believe that I didn't already do something like that, besides in the "About Me" area - so here it goes....
My name is Courtneylee, I am 28 (not for too much longer) and I live in Pawtucket, Rhode Island with my husband, Kenny and three children - Angelina, 9 going on 19, Alianna who is 7 and acts 7 and then there is the man of the house, Dominic, he is 5. Kenny, 29, is an auto mechanic, has been for 13 years and he loves it, although I do think he is 'too good' for it, he should be working in the computer or electronic field but I don't complain - it is sweet having a car guy in the family.
The kids? What can I say about them...
Angelina, Lina, Angie, Bean, Beanie, BeanHead - she'll be 10 in July, she is very smart, mature and sensitive. She loves cheerleading and being with her friends. She prefers reading over television and would stop whatever she is doing to help someone else, she has a quiet voice, but if you take the time to listen, she'll amaze you with her thoughts and ideas!
Alianna aka Alikat - She is a handfull! She fits 'middle child' perfectly. Kenny and I both agree she'll give us the most heart attacks when she's a teen. She is free-spirited, not phased by what anyone says or does. She handles her own things - although she is a little punk, she is the sweetest girl you can meet (if u meet her at the right time). She seems to have her teachers fooled because they always tell me she is always an angel!
Dominic, Domi, Dom, Dominator - he tells people that his name is Dominico Puertorico but I promise you, his true name is Dominic Alberto, close, I know, but different and he tends to forget that. He is my mama's boy and I love it - hearing him say "i want to cuddle with mama" gives me the best feeling in the world! He enjoys playing outside with the neighborhood kids and watching the same movies over and over, he wants to be Lightning McQueen's biggest fan - I think he is!!
I truly think I have the best kids - they're completely different with their strong personalities, which sometimes clash, but for the most part, my kids are amazing!!!
A Recent Picture
This picture is from a couple weeks ago - it's not the greatest picture because it's just a "take a quick pic with my cell phone" picture but I like it - I like the color it makes my hair look - my hair is really a not-so-exciting brownish color - maybe it's time for a change!
15 Interesting Facts
Hahaha - 15 interesting facts... Didn't I already mention I am not that interesting? Why couldn't it be for random facts, or single words that describe me, but 'interesting' facts? Random I could do in breeze, but 'interesting' ... geesh, the pressure!!!
1) I prefer PopTart Smores over making my own smores at a campfire - ok ok, I know that isn't interesting one bit, but I just looked at my plate on the table with some smores residue and thought about how yummy it just was!
2) I have lived for 10,565 days, and I've shared 5,046 of those days being Kenny's girlfriend or wife! Now THAT is interesting, and shocking!
3) My favorite dog is a chihuahua, I liked them way before Paris Hilton and before the Taco Bell one and definitely before movies came out about them - they're not a designer dog, they are amazing, smart, fiesty little things and I love them - although, I would LOVE to own a great dane one day.
4) I am not so good at blogging - this is an uninteresting fact, but since it is true, it becomes a tad bit interesting
5) I am a bit obsessed with Jersey Shore, especially Pauly D - I know how stupid the show is but I can't stop - it's like a drug, not that I know what a drug addiction would be like, but if reality tv was a drug, I would be an addict for sure.
6) I have an addictive personality - see #5, websites, games at Chuck E Cheese, vanilla waffers, texting, music, napping (yes, i need a nap daily, I am addicted to naps, it sounds good, right?).. this is why I am not a drinker and why I don't go to casinos.. It would be very dangerous.
7) Honestly, I would die if I could never listen to music again - music is how I self medicate, it's my therapy, it makes me happy when I am sad, it makes me smile when i don't think I can, it makes me dance when I didn't think I could, it makes me ME! Music is my biggest addiction.
8) I don't cook - at all - I just won't. I can't! And what's worst than not being able to cook is having no interest in cooking, so I don't even try, I have no desire to try, at all! And even if I did, I know it would suck - so why bother.. yup, that's my story and I am sticking to it!
9) I would LOVE to adopt a little girl from China or Korea one day - it's always been my dream and I hope I reach it one day (Kenny just texted me while he is at the dentist with the three kids, no school today, and told me about a little adobted asian girl in the waiting room, how cruel!)
10) I've been with my husband almost half my life and he speaks fluent spanish, but I am still unable to speak one complete sentence in spanish - I've thought about getting Rosetta Stone, but I am too scared of failure.
11) Besides one night in a hotel in May 2005, Kenny and I never have had a get-a-way, never been kidfree for more than 24 hours, never just adult time - two weddings and no honeymoons - yes, you're allowed to say 'poor Courtney' :( and feel free to donate to a 'Courtney and Kenny getaway weekend' fund!
12) As much as I fear the ocean and boats, I really want to go on a cruise within the next couple of years... and even considering #11, I'd want to take my kids - those Disney Cruises look beyond amazing!
13) Never believed the people who claimed 'the world is going to end in 2012', and I still don't but I'd be totally lying if I said I don't think about it sometimes and believe that it is semi-possible... that scares me a lot.
14) I seem to always be able to point out other's spelling and grammar errors but I can't for the life of me proof read and correct my own writing - remember this when you're going through my blog ;)
15) I love my huge family - I have my mom's side, my grandmother's side, my grandfather's side, my dad's side, my stepdad's side, my inlaws - there's too many to count and there are some completely normal ones and a few off the wall ones but they're ALL my family members and I wouldn't trade any of them - they make me, ME! Oh and then there's my Superior Cheer family (where Angelina cheerleads) who I did pick and who I'll never leave! Love them!!
1) I prefer PopTart Smores over making my own smores at a campfire - ok ok, I know that isn't interesting one bit, but I just looked at my plate on the table with some smores residue and thought about how yummy it just was!
2) I have lived for 10,565 days, and I've shared 5,046 of those days being Kenny's girlfriend or wife! Now THAT is interesting, and shocking!
3) My favorite dog is a chihuahua, I liked them way before Paris Hilton and before the Taco Bell one and definitely before movies came out about them - they're not a designer dog, they are amazing, smart, fiesty little things and I love them - although, I would LOVE to own a great dane one day.
4) I am not so good at blogging - this is an uninteresting fact, but since it is true, it becomes a tad bit interesting
5) I am a bit obsessed with Jersey Shore, especially Pauly D - I know how stupid the show is but I can't stop - it's like a drug, not that I know what a drug addiction would be like, but if reality tv was a drug, I would be an addict for sure.
6) I have an addictive personality - see #5, websites, games at Chuck E Cheese, vanilla waffers, texting, music, napping (yes, i need a nap daily, I am addicted to naps, it sounds good, right?).. this is why I am not a drinker and why I don't go to casinos.. It would be very dangerous.
7) Honestly, I would die if I could never listen to music again - music is how I self medicate, it's my therapy, it makes me happy when I am sad, it makes me smile when i don't think I can, it makes me dance when I didn't think I could, it makes me ME! Music is my biggest addiction.
8) I don't cook - at all - I just won't. I can't! And what's worst than not being able to cook is having no interest in cooking, so I don't even try, I have no desire to try, at all! And even if I did, I know it would suck - so why bother.. yup, that's my story and I am sticking to it!
9) I would LOVE to adopt a little girl from China or Korea one day - it's always been my dream and I hope I reach it one day (Kenny just texted me while he is at the dentist with the three kids, no school today, and told me about a little adobted asian girl in the waiting room, how cruel!)
10) I've been with my husband almost half my life and he speaks fluent spanish, but I am still unable to speak one complete sentence in spanish - I've thought about getting Rosetta Stone, but I am too scared of failure.
11) Besides one night in a hotel in May 2005, Kenny and I never have had a get-a-way, never been kidfree for more than 24 hours, never just adult time - two weddings and no honeymoons - yes, you're allowed to say 'poor Courtney' :( and feel free to donate to a 'Courtney and Kenny getaway weekend' fund!
12) As much as I fear the ocean and boats, I really want to go on a cruise within the next couple of years... and even considering #11, I'd want to take my kids - those Disney Cruises look beyond amazing!
13) Never believed the people who claimed 'the world is going to end in 2012', and I still don't but I'd be totally lying if I said I don't think about it sometimes and believe that it is semi-possible... that scares me a lot.
14) I seem to always be able to point out other's spelling and grammar errors but I can't for the life of me proof read and correct my own writing - remember this when you're going through my blog ;)
15) I love my huge family - I have my mom's side, my grandmother's side, my grandfather's side, my dad's side, my stepdad's side, my inlaws - there's too many to count and there are some completely normal ones and a few off the wall ones but they're ALL my family members and I wouldn't trade any of them - they make me, ME! Oh and then there's my Superior Cheer family (where Angelina cheerleads) who I did pick and who I'll never leave! Love them!!
OK.. as you can see.. I went more with the random route.. I am not that interesting, there's not much to say about me - I am boring I tell ya!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
30 Days of Blogging
Found this on a blog that I am currently stalking - I think it is awesome, the blog, not the stalking part, but let me note that I did let her know I was stalking her, that counts for something, right?! Anyhow, not only will this "30 Days of Blogging" make sure that I post daily, it will give those that don't know me (and even those that do) a bigger window opening of who I am and what I am all about.
I will start tomorrow as I am sure I've overdone the blogging-limit for one day. See you tomorrow!
30 Days of Blogging
Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you’ve traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you’re afraid of
Day 11-Favorite TV shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you’re looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you’ve learned
Day 25-Favorite memory
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture
Pills, Medicines and Needles.. Oh My!
On March 18th I got THE email we've been waiting for! The email from the nurse, Holly. The email that said it's time to start!
I've gone over the medication information over and over and over but nothing prepared me for what I'd see on March 22nd when I opened the FedEx box - over 100 needles! (or so it seemed, I didn't actually count). Some were tiny diabetic needles but the others, the others were HUGE! I've never been a needle scaredy-cat, but WHOA!
Luckily the "whoa" feeling was short lived and I felt great a few moments after - I can do this! I can really help a wonderful/beautiful couple have a baby! Such a surreal feeling.
The following morning I started the first medicine, Lupron. It basically suppresses my system so I do not ovulate. I used the diabetic insulin needle as directed and injected 10 units to the side of my belly button. It wasn't so bad, we had practiced with the nurse on the medical screening day. It did get a little red but nothing horrible and Angelina gave it a kiss all better. Since that morning, I realized the shots are very unpredictable, maybe it's the way I do it that particular day, or the spot I stick it in, I have no clue but sometimes it doesn't hurt at all, and other times it does, sometimes I bleed or I am left with bruises and sometimes you'd never know a needle was just inserted there. It's actually funny to look at my belly, you can always count atleast 5 dots where I have injected. The worst was the day Dominic bumped into me, once while the needle was all the way in and again when I was taking the needle out - I have a scratch from the needle still - it hurt a little, but I definitely know Dominic was hurt (emotionally) more than I was - poor lil guy.
On 4/1/11 I was scheduled for a blood test to make sure everything was going as well. I went to a satillite office in Foxboro at Patriots' Place, right next to the stadium - RIGHT next to it, it was amazing - Yes, I am sheltered and had not seen the stadium before this day - and YES I love the Patriots - my bank debit card is even Patriots themed... anyhow back to my surrogacy story... several hours later I got the call from the nurse and everything was on target and it was time to start my Estrace pills (3mg in the am, 3mgs in the pm) and lower my Lupron dose to 5 units every morning. Estrace is an estrogen pill and will help raise my estradiol levels - pretty much does the reverse of Lupron - yes, my body is confused and telling me to please make up my mind!
I went back for another blood test on 4/4/11, (and again was mesmerized by the stadium!) to check my estradiol levels and make sure the estrace was doing it's job. When the nurse called that afternoon, she said my levels were "fabulous!" at 302 (not really sure how that number compares, but I trust her) and I am exactly where I should be - now I just have to wait for Kate to be ready - the nurse put it as... my "oven" was preheating and is ready but just needs to wait for the thing we're going to be making to be ready to go in. She said Kate has blood work and an ultrasound scheduled for 4/11/11 and if all goes well, we can be transferring as soon as two weeks after that!! Sooo exciting!
So that is where I am at as of now - I wish I started this blog earlier but I can't change the past (nor can I fake the dates I made the entry) - so now that I am here, I will update as much as possible - you may even get sick of me :)
I've gone over the medication information over and over and over but nothing prepared me for what I'd see on March 22nd when I opened the FedEx box - over 100 needles! (or so it seemed, I didn't actually count). Some were tiny diabetic needles but the others, the others were HUGE! I've never been a needle scaredy-cat, but WHOA!
Medssss Are Herreeeee!
(in Pauly D's "cabsss are hereeee" voice)
(in Pauly D's "cabsss are hereeee" voice)
Luckily the "whoa" feeling was short lived and I felt great a few moments after - I can do this! I can really help a wonderful/beautiful couple have a baby! Such a surreal feeling.
The following morning I started the first medicine, Lupron. It basically suppresses my system so I do not ovulate. I used the diabetic insulin needle as directed and injected 10 units to the side of my belly button. It wasn't so bad, we had practiced with the nurse on the medical screening day. It did get a little red but nothing horrible and Angelina gave it a kiss all better. Since that morning, I realized the shots are very unpredictable, maybe it's the way I do it that particular day, or the spot I stick it in, I have no clue but sometimes it doesn't hurt at all, and other times it does, sometimes I bleed or I am left with bruises and sometimes you'd never know a needle was just inserted there. It's actually funny to look at my belly, you can always count atleast 5 dots where I have injected. The worst was the day Dominic bumped into me, once while the needle was all the way in and again when I was taking the needle out - I have a scratch from the needle still - it hurt a little, but I definitely know Dominic was hurt (emotionally) more than I was - poor lil guy.
My Lupron Setup
On 4/1/11 I was scheduled for a blood test to make sure everything was going as well. I went to a satillite office in Foxboro at Patriots' Place, right next to the stadium - RIGHT next to it, it was amazing - Yes, I am sheltered and had not seen the stadium before this day - and YES I love the Patriots - my bank debit card is even Patriots themed... anyhow back to my surrogacy story... several hours later I got the call from the nurse and everything was on target and it was time to start my Estrace pills (3mg in the am, 3mgs in the pm) and lower my Lupron dose to 5 units every morning. Estrace is an estrogen pill and will help raise my estradiol levels - pretty much does the reverse of Lupron - yes, my body is confused and telling me to please make up my mind!
Brigham & Women's at Patriots' Place - Foxboro
I went back for another blood test on 4/4/11, (and again was mesmerized by the stadium!) to check my estradiol levels and make sure the estrace was doing it's job. When the nurse called that afternoon, she said my levels were "fabulous!" at 302 (not really sure how that number compares, but I trust her) and I am exactly where I should be - now I just have to wait for Kate to be ready - the nurse put it as... my "oven" was preheating and is ready but just needs to wait for the thing we're going to be making to be ready to go in. She said Kate has blood work and an ultrasound scheduled for 4/11/11 and if all goes well, we can be transferring as soon as two weeks after that!! Sooo exciting!
So that is where I am at as of now - I wish I started this blog earlier but I can't change the past (nor can I fake the dates I made the entry) - so now that I am here, I will update as much as possible - you may even get sick of me :)
PS I bet you're wondering about those HUGE needles, those are for after the transfer.. YIKES!
Who, What, Where, When, Why
If I haven't bored you yet, then I know you're now wondering - Who is she helping? What does she need to do? Where is she doing it? When will she do it? WHY is she doing it?
So let's start from the beginning....
Back on July 19, 2010, I received an email from a woman named Kate who said she was seeking a gestational carrier, we both belonged to the same surrogacy forum, www.surromomsonline.com. The first email was short and quick, but I loved what I read - she was my age, her and her husband had been together several years, they were local (within 60 miles). She said she couldn't have children because she had cervical cancer at 21. I responded 4 hours later, we met in person the following week with our husbands and we haven't stopped talking since!
It took a lot longer than we had imagined to get some of the "must-dos" out of the way, such as insurance and pre-screenings but it was actually a good thing because it gave us plenty of time to get to know each other and bond - as much as you can bond through an email, that is.
On December 20th I had my psychological screening in Boston and I got to see Kate for the 2nd time in person. The screening wasn't too hard, basically I had to be able to prove to a psychologist that I was normal, not crazy, and that I'd be able to carry someone else's baby and then hand it over to them - I passed! So next time Kenny says I am crazy, I have proof that I am, in fact, sane :)
On January 10th, Kenny and I both went to Boston to the fertility clinic at Brigham and Women's - we got to see Kate and her husband, Nain, in person again and chat a little. It was the day after Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and it was all over the television, so we were all consumed with the headlines but it was still nice to spend time together, you can tell how much they love each other - they're absolutely adorable!
We had blood drawn - I remember I had SEVEN tubes taken, Kenny had 3. We filled out paper work and I had an exam by Kate's doctor, Dr. Fox, and an ultrasound that looked at my uterus - they even gave me a picture of the inside of my uterus, a colored picture, that they said I could hang on my fridge (although it's still in my folder - don't want to freak anyone out!). We also sat down with the social worker and talked, first just me and Kenny, then just me and the social worker (which was a tad emotional and I cried, a lot! - nothing to do with surrogacy!) and then it was me, Kenny, the social worker and the IPs - we discussed pretty much everything, from privacy rights, to what will happen, what may happen, what could happen, how many eggs to transfer, about selective reduction, about what we all want for the future - basically, it was a way to help us outline the contract and it was nice because a lot of things she mentioned, I had never thought of - like discussing it with my children's teachers and ways to explain the process to a 5 yr old! So very helpful!
So far everything was going smooth - I did have to retake one blood test, which I did and everything was fine - thank goodness!
The contract writing was probably the easiest and quickest part in this whole thing. We had so many months to discuss exactly what we all wanted and expected so the contract was simple. We both had our own lawyers which looked out for everyone's best interest. Kenny and I signed it, sealed it and sent it on March 17th! We were officially and legally ready to begin!
So let's start from the beginning....
Back on July 19, 2010, I received an email from a woman named Kate who said she was seeking a gestational carrier, we both belonged to the same surrogacy forum, www.surromomsonline.com. The first email was short and quick, but I loved what I read - she was my age, her and her husband had been together several years, they were local (within 60 miles). She said she couldn't have children because she had cervical cancer at 21. I responded 4 hours later, we met in person the following week with our husbands and we haven't stopped talking since!
It took a lot longer than we had imagined to get some of the "must-dos" out of the way, such as insurance and pre-screenings but it was actually a good thing because it gave us plenty of time to get to know each other and bond - as much as you can bond through an email, that is.
On December 20th I had my psychological screening in Boston and I got to see Kate for the 2nd time in person. The screening wasn't too hard, basically I had to be able to prove to a psychologist that I was normal, not crazy, and that I'd be able to carry someone else's baby and then hand it over to them - I passed! So next time Kenny says I am crazy, I have proof that I am, in fact, sane :)
On January 10th, Kenny and I both went to Boston to the fertility clinic at Brigham and Women's - we got to see Kate and her husband, Nain, in person again and chat a little. It was the day after Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and it was all over the television, so we were all consumed with the headlines but it was still nice to spend time together, you can tell how much they love each other - they're absolutely adorable!
We had blood drawn - I remember I had SEVEN tubes taken, Kenny had 3. We filled out paper work and I had an exam by Kate's doctor, Dr. Fox, and an ultrasound that looked at my uterus - they even gave me a picture of the inside of my uterus, a colored picture, that they said I could hang on my fridge (although it's still in my folder - don't want to freak anyone out!). We also sat down with the social worker and talked, first just me and Kenny, then just me and the social worker (which was a tad emotional and I cried, a lot! - nothing to do with surrogacy!) and then it was me, Kenny, the social worker and the IPs - we discussed pretty much everything, from privacy rights, to what will happen, what may happen, what could happen, how many eggs to transfer, about selective reduction, about what we all want for the future - basically, it was a way to help us outline the contract and it was nice because a lot of things she mentioned, I had never thought of - like discussing it with my children's teachers and ways to explain the process to a 5 yr old! So very helpful!
So far everything was going smooth - I did have to retake one blood test, which I did and everything was fine - thank goodness!
The contract writing was probably the easiest and quickest part in this whole thing. We had so many months to discuss exactly what we all wanted and expected so the contract was simple. We both had our own lawyers which looked out for everyone's best interest. Kenny and I signed it, sealed it and sent it on March 17th! We were officially and legally ready to begin!
Ok, I got the 1st one out of the way, now let me catch ya'll up on what's been going on
Those of you who are close to me already know, those of you that don't know are about to know if you keep on reading and then everyone will be on the same page (no pun intended, hehe, ya, I know.. I am corny!).
It's been about 5 minutes since I typed that last period, and I am still wondering how to start this off so I guess I'll just have to ramble it all out....
For several years now I have really been interested in infertility and surrogacy - I don't remember where I first heard about it, but ever since I can remember, I've been intrigued - I researched, I read articles, I joined forums. I talked to others, I asked questions, and I read, read and read some more. I heard about it in a movie (Baby Mama), and you hear about it in the news (good and bad) and it seems more and more celebrities are using surrogates these days (Michael Jackson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elton John, Angela Basset, Nicole Kidman/Keith Urban, Neil Patrick Harris, Elizabeth Banks, Ricky Martin, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Quaid, Katey Sagal, Laurie Metcalf, and so on and so on!). I just thought it was something I would like do.. especially since I absolutely loved being pregnant, but I absolutely do not want another child for myself. Plus my husband and I personally know people who suffer from infertility. The simple thought of helping to provide the gift of life to another family just amazed me. These are all reasons that made me realize surrogacy is something for me, even if it's not something for everyone!
Ok.. let me back up a bit - What is "surrogacy" google says: "the action or state of being a surrogate."- ok.. now you're wondering "what the heck is a surrogate?" well, I asked google again and the answer issssssssss.. "a substitute, esp. a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office"
I'm sorry to disappoint all my fans, followers and supporters, but I am not, I repeat, am not running for office - No way Jose (poor Jose, what does he even have to do with this?!) but if you wish to know any of my political opinions, I'd be happy to share.
So if I am not running for office, what the heck AM I doing, you ask? Well simple, sort of. I am planning to be a surrogate mother, a 'substitute' mother! Just as a substitute teacher takes over when the real teacher cannot teach, I will be a substitute for a mother during the pregnancy stage since the real mother is unable to carry a child.. in simpler terms.. ideally, if all goes as planned, I will allow my womb be a temporary home for someone else's baby for 9 months - cool, right?! Thanks, I thought so, too!
So why would someone need surrogacy? More than 10 million Americans are affected by fertility issues - that translates to 1 in 6 couples! I know you're already thinking of 5 of your friends (and their lovers)... wondering which one of you will need extra assistance. And by extra assistance, I don't just mean researching new positions or monitoring ovulation.. It is way more than that.. and it usually takes a lot of time, many doctor appointments, numerous funds, extreme strength and support. It's no jog in the park, it's more like crawling through a battle field - there's lots of forks in the road and deadends and often heartbreak - but once you get there, to the end, it's the best feeling in the world.
Not everyone needs a surrogate though - there's IUI, IVF, ZIFT to name a just a few. There is also egg donation - A woman donates her eggs to someone that doesn't have their own or their's are not healthy enough (i.e. someone who has had a complete hysterectomy, someone who is or close to menopausal, a gay male couple and even single men and so on) and that person can either have the donated egg put into herself, or they find a surrogate to carry for them. There is sperm donation, we've all heard of sperm banks. Then there's surrogacy - Traditional Surrogacy (using the surrogate's egg, the child would be the surrogate's biological child) and Gestational Surrogacy for women who've had partial hysterectomies, cancer, multiple miscarriages, are disabled, high risk, or who have a "broken" uterus, etc.. - these women cannot carry a child no matter what they try but they are either still capable of producing eggs, had a chance to freeze eggs, or found a separate egg donor.
Gestational Surrogacy is want I want to do!
Hmm.. have I bored you yet?!
It's been about 5 minutes since I typed that last period, and I am still wondering how to start this off so I guess I'll just have to ramble it all out....
For several years now I have really been interested in infertility and surrogacy - I don't remember where I first heard about it, but ever since I can remember, I've been intrigued - I researched, I read articles, I joined forums. I talked to others, I asked questions, and I read, read and read some more. I heard about it in a movie (Baby Mama), and you hear about it in the news (good and bad) and it seems more and more celebrities are using surrogates these days (Michael Jackson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elton John, Angela Basset, Nicole Kidman/Keith Urban, Neil Patrick Harris, Elizabeth Banks, Ricky Martin, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Quaid, Katey Sagal, Laurie Metcalf, and so on and so on!). I just thought it was something I would like do.. especially since I absolutely loved being pregnant, but I absolutely do not want another child for myself. Plus my husband and I personally know people who suffer from infertility. The simple thought of helping to provide the gift of life to another family just amazed me. These are all reasons that made me realize surrogacy is something for me, even if it's not something for everyone!
Ok.. let me back up a bit - What is "surrogacy" google says: "the action or state of being a surrogate."- ok.. now you're wondering "what the heck is a surrogate?" well, I asked google again and the answer issssssssss.. "a substitute, esp. a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office"
I'm sorry to disappoint all my fans, followers and supporters, but I am not, I repeat, am not running for office - No way Jose (poor Jose, what does he even have to do with this?!) but if you wish to know any of my political opinions, I'd be happy to share.
So if I am not running for office, what the heck AM I doing, you ask? Well simple, sort of. I am planning to be a surrogate mother, a 'substitute' mother! Just as a substitute teacher takes over when the real teacher cannot teach, I will be a substitute for a mother during the pregnancy stage since the real mother is unable to carry a child.. in simpler terms.. ideally, if all goes as planned, I will allow my womb be a temporary home for someone else's baby for 9 months - cool, right?! Thanks, I thought so, too!
So why would someone need surrogacy? More than 10 million Americans are affected by fertility issues - that translates to 1 in 6 couples! I know you're already thinking of 5 of your friends (and their lovers)... wondering which one of you will need extra assistance. And by extra assistance, I don't just mean researching new positions or monitoring ovulation.. It is way more than that.. and it usually takes a lot of time, many doctor appointments, numerous funds, extreme strength and support. It's no jog in the park, it's more like crawling through a battle field - there's lots of forks in the road and deadends and often heartbreak - but once you get there, to the end, it's the best feeling in the world.
Not everyone needs a surrogate though - there's IUI, IVF, ZIFT to name a just a few. There is also egg donation - A woman donates her eggs to someone that doesn't have their own or their's are not healthy enough (i.e. someone who has had a complete hysterectomy, someone who is or close to menopausal, a gay male couple and even single men and so on) and that person can either have the donated egg put into herself, or they find a surrogate to carry for them. There is sperm donation, we've all heard of sperm banks. Then there's surrogacy - Traditional Surrogacy (using the surrogate's egg, the child would be the surrogate's biological child) and Gestational Surrogacy for women who've had partial hysterectomies, cancer, multiple miscarriages, are disabled, high risk, or who have a "broken" uterus, etc.. - these women cannot carry a child no matter what they try but they are either still capable of producing eggs, had a chance to freeze eggs, or found a separate egg donor.
Gestational Surrogacy is want I want to do!
Hmm.. have I bored you yet?!
My first blog post, ever!
Ok! Let me just say, I am more nervous about making this blog than the day I gave natural child birth (x3), or the day I walked down the aisle to marry my best friend - correction, the two days I walked down the aisle to marry my best friend (same guy both times)! I'm really not sure why I am so nervous - maybe because I am pretty sure my life is not that entertaining.. like, seriously, who is going to want to read my "today I did..." posts, or maybe it is the fact that I've never been much of a writer but it is probably more the fact that everything seems to be happening so fast now, and I am scared that I'll forget something important to write about. But hopefully it's just one of those 'first time' things - like the first-date-jitters or first-day-at-new-job-worries - and once I get through it this first time, I'll become a pro.. then I'll look back and wonder why I was ever so nervous about my first time writing a blog post.. Only time will tell.....
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