wednesday's words

Joy does not simply happen to us.  We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.

- Henri Nouwen -

waiting

I literally am making myself sick just waiting to see if I am pregnant.  This has been the longest week ever just trying to keep myself busy and not think about it.  Work has kept me plenty busy as we are trying to finish up this time of year, but the week is going so slow!!  We are trying to keep busy with Christmas parties and getting together with friends.  We have the best friends – such wonderful support through this whole processJ

I want to test early, but don’t because I don’t want to get discouraged if its negative since it would be early.  Just praying for patience and hoping for the best.

fertilization day 6

Extremely overwhelmed this morning!!  The lab just called to let us know that 5 more embryo’s have fully developed and they froze them, in addition to the 2 from yesterday, so we now have 7 little snow babies!  WOW – that is more than I could have asked for.

Back to work today – feeling a little sore, but nothing terrible.  Now just waiting – the worst part of this whole journey – except the progesterone injections in my booty – those are horrible!!

fertilization day 5 / embryo transfer day!

This morning was extremely overwhelming!!  We arrived at the ARTS lab around 845am to get checked in for our procedure.  We were taken back to our pre-op room right away and were told that we still had quite a few embryo’s growing strong.  The embryologist told us that we had 2 wonderful embryos and 1 good one.  We then had the hard decision of how many to transfer.

Dr L came in to examine me before the transfer as I have massive bloating and look like Im already 4 months pregnant – and this was not from the 2 bottles of water that I had to drink prior to getting to the lab.  I am in mild to moderate stages of OHSS, so she strongly suggested that we only transfer 1 embryo at this time because of all the health risks that it could cause for me, as well that the babies later on (as much as Im sure she wants to give her husband some business – he is a neonatologist!).

The ARTS lab then offered us a program that we qualified for.  Because of my age, our embryo quality and a few other factors, if we elected to do a single embryo transfer, they would cryo-preserve and freeze the remaining embryos for up to 2 years free.  Not only that, but if this transfer didn’t result in a live birth, the next transfer is completely free!  So that was a no brainer.  Between the free storage and my health condition – single embryo transfer it is!

C and I took about 15 minutes to figure out what we wanted to do.  It was a hard decision, but we know that we made the right now.  Within 10 minutes of telling the staff there what we decided, C was all subbed up and I was in my surgical gown and we were back getting prepped in the OR.  Dr started by doing an abdominal sonogram – my ovaries are so big that she couldn’t even visualize my uterus on the sonogram machine!  So everything was done by measurement.  Embryo was placed and stitches from my cervix were removed.

I spend the next 30 minutes in recovery before I was able to go home.  I was able to rest the entire afternoon – it was wonderful.

So now we just wait some more – and pray that God’s will be done and this little baby sticks!

fertilization day 3

I’m still extremely overwhelmed by how great things are going so far.  The embryologist called again today to let us know that we still have 14 little babies!!  Eeek!  9 embryos are in excellent condition and 5 are good quality – but they are all still continuing to develop.  WOW – Im sure by Monday we will only have a few excellent ones, but still – amazing!  All we needed to do is get those eggs to meet the sperm – now we just got to pray that it sticks in my uterus!

We won’t get our next report on how they are doing until our transfer on Monday morning @ 9am.  At that time they will let us know what we have left, how many they recommend transferring, and talk about freezing options (assuming we still have a few left to freeze – which I’m assuming we will!).

We went to a friend’s holiday party tonight.  I had a little glass of wine and was joking with all of our friends that I left all 14 of my kiddos with the babysitter tonight in the incubator.  Got to find humor in it somewhere.

Still a little crampy, but not terrible.  I look like I am about 3 months pregnant already – just so bloated!!  But, I have not gained any weight yet, thank goodness.  Dr L has been calling to check on me to make sure I’m doing ok and not developing any signs of OHSS.  So far so good!

Praying that Monday’s embryo transfer goes well.  It will be a long 2 week wait to know if I am pregnant!!!  Here’s to hoping - 

fertilization day 1

OMG!  We have 14 little babies developing!!!!  The embryologist called today and he said that those numbers were amazing!  The 5 that did not fertilize were most likely the ones that were from my mid-size follicles that were not mature enough, not that there was anything wrong.  He said don’t be surprised when they call me on Saturday to only have about 10 doing well.  There is usually around a 25% decrease each time they take a look at them.  I don’t care how many – I’m so overwhelmed that things are going so well so far!

I’m feeling ok.  Still a little sore, but nothing Tylenol can’t control.  I have had a few other little complications, but nothing terrible that I had to be seen for.  Got lots more rest today and my sister took amazing care of me!

YAY!!!J

egg retrieval

** I am so behind on blogging, so I’m just going to write these as if I did the day that they were done**

I didn’t sleep very well last night.  I kept tossing and turning wondering what surgery was going to be like.  I have never been so nervous about the unknown.  Thank goodness that is over and I’m praying I will sleep better tonight.

Arrived to the hospital around 8.45a to get checked in.  I sat in the waiting room for about 45 minutes – it was pure torture just sitting and waiting.  I was finally taken back to my pre-op room. My sister came back with me to hold my hand.  I had to finish signing all the consents for anesthesia and finally got my gown on.  Then the nurse wrapped my hands in hot towels to see if she could get a vein to pop for my IV – I absolutely HATE when they palpate your veins – smacking them – ugg!  Anyway – I started crying as she was finally putting it in.  My sweet sister was holding my other hand the whole time and telling me it was going to be ok.  I just couldn’t believe that we were going to this extreme to have a baby!!

The anesthesiologist came in to ask me the routine questions and looked down my throat/at my teeth. Funniest moment all morning – he said I have nice teeth and that most people who can afford to have this surgery doJ  HAH!

Big C was able to come back to pre-op with me as well once they got me all settled.  I sat in that room for almost another hour.  They had 3 other retrievals before me in the OR that morning and they were all running behind.  Finally around 11.15a – they came to get me and I took the long walk to the OR after giving hugs and kisses to my sister and hubby.

I was wrapped up in a blanket around my gown and had my silly little blue hat on.  I walked through the doors into the OR and took a look around.  It was cold and white.  I got positioned on the table and they started to strap my arms down on boards out to the sides.  I finally just closed my eyes and took a deep breath in so that I would not start hyperventilating.

Then they were calling my name to wake up because it was over. Really?  Already!?  Awesome!  They wheeled me back into my recovery room where things are pretty hazy.  I was there for about an hour being monitored and eating crackers.  I was so nauseated!

SO – they got 19 eggs!  19!!!  Holy Cow!  That is unreal.  We will get a call tomorrow morning telling us how many of them fertilized.

Finally got to go home around 2p and rest. I was out most of the day, after I ate my pimento cheese sandwich from Yogi’s!  That’s what I wantedJ

A little sore tonight, but nothing terrible.  I started my progesterone injections into my booty, which hurt really bad, but oh well – if it results in a baby I will keep doing it!

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and continued support.  Hope I have a great report on our little eggs tomorrow!

the day of nothing

yay! a day of nothing - no shots, no medications, no blood draw, no dr appointments!! what an awesome break! i think i have done remarkably well on all the hormones.
not much of a report today - im anxious and so ready for tomorrow morning! i cant have anything to eat or drink after midnight tonight, so we defiantly went to in-n-out for dinner and sweet sammies for dessert!! mmmmmmmm!!

i have to report to the surgical lab tomorrow morning at 8.45a, and then will be taken to the OR to start my anesthesia around 9.45a with surgery scheduled to start at 10a and it will take about an hour. praying all goes well!

stimulation day 10 & hcg trigger

2097 – that is today’s estrodial level.  That is equivalent for OHSS (Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome).  OHSS is a complication occasionally seen in women who take certain fertility medicines that stimulate egg production.  Great!  No wonder I have been in so much pain the past few days in my lower abdominal region!  I feel like I have been carrying my stomach around all day today because of all the pressure.  We will just keep an eye on it and make sure that my levels don’t get too much higher and that I don’t have any of the symptoms.

Here is the best part:  OHSS affects up to 1 in 10 women who go through in vitro fertilization.  Additional risk factors for OHSS include:  Age younger than 35, very high estrogen levels while undergoing fertility treatments, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - HA – I have all those risk factors! Aye – thank goodness I have such a great Dr who will take great care of me through all this.

Today’s sonogram looked good – about 30 little follicles total combined between my 2 ovaries.  The follicles on the left ovary got much bigger, but the ones of the right didn’t grow very much.  There isn’t much room for more growth because they are so big.  Dr L told me that my ovaries are the size of navel oranges, or baseballs.  Ouch!

So I am set to have my sister give me my hCG trigger injection tonight @ 9.45pm.  This is one of the most critical parts of the IVF medication protocol as this is the final medication given before the egg retrieval.  It helps induce final maturation of the eggs, loosens the egg's attachment from the follicle wall & allows for the timing of the egg retrieval, which is about 36 hours later.

Surgery is set for Wednesday morning @ 10am.  I’m ready – I can’t believe that it is here!!

stim day 8

things looked amazing this morning at my appointment.  i have over 22 little (big really) follicles that are developing nicely.  my sono took about 45 minutes because dr l measured each one individually to make sure they were all about the same.  most of them were around 12-14mm and they need to be around 20-22 for retrieval.  most follicles will develop around 2mm/day, so we are looking around wednesday or thursday for the retrieval date!


the nurse called me this afternoon and my estrodial levels are at 775 - high, but still right on track there as well.  no medication changes, just keeping on the same amount of all 3 injections.  next appointment will be monday morning for more blood work and another sonogram to see how things are processing.


thank you doesn't even begin to express how thankful i am for those of you who have been texting me, sending me messages, and commenting on my blog to let me know that you are thinking of me.  this is an extremely hard time right now since i feel like I'm going through it by myself. i hate to call friends and tell them what all is going on since most probably don't care about my e2 levels and follicles, but its so exciting and I'm glad that i can share it on my blog - just to write it down and feel like I'm sharing a little bit.


off for more shots - hopefully only a few more days of stimulation!!

stim day 6

12p

OMG – these shots are terrible.  Im a raging lunatic!  Headaches, bloating, and moodswings, OH MY! Had my blood drawn again this am to see what my med changes will be for tonight.  Im just ready – Im tired of waiting – I want the retrieval NOW!!  HA – did I say I had hormone issues?:-)

5.25p

Got my lab results back - estrodial at a 372.  Things are still looking really good and they are going to keep me on the same amount of meds for the next 2 days.  I will be back in the office @ 9am on Saturday for my first sonogram to measure folicular development and for more blood work.  I think things are going pretty slow - Im just hoping that my retrieval will be around Wednesday next week since my sister is coming from CO - don't want it to be a wasted trip!!

Off to give myself 2 more shots:-)

wednesday's words

Joy comes not from our happy circumstances, but by looking into the face of God & knowing HE is all we ever need!

stimulation day 4

things are moving right along.  the nurse called me tonight and my estrodial levels are not too elevated - yay!  no sign on hyperstimulation yet, thank goodness.  the dr is really worried about my ovaries "blowing up" since i have PCOS and have so many small follicles/cysts on them normally. so we now add in the menopur 75 u daily every morning and continue lupron 10u, but decrease the follistem to 150u.  there will be another blood draw on thrusday to determine how adding the menopur in works out.  a friend who i met here at the clinic told me that this week moves so fast now that you are in the treatment - but for some reason it is just dragging!  im ready for retireval already - so nervous - just come on!

stimulation start

Tonight was rough.  I gave myself the 2 injections and I just started crying – tears rolling down my face.  I didn’t cry because it hurt but because I really can’t believe that I’m doing this.  I never thought that IVF would be part of my vocabulary or that it was going to be a reality in my life.  I texted a few of my friends and my friend M came back with “Let’s go pop a blow-up” – you know, those horrible things that people put in their yards during the holiday season! HA!  That made my night better for sure!  The worst part was that Big C was at the library studying for finals – he wasn’t even there for a little emotional support.  I know I have been giving myself shots for a week now – but this was the start of something big!

Im better tonight as I sit here and write this.  I think right now the emotion that Im trying to deal with is disbelieve – trying to wrap my head around the fact that I don’t have power over the situation at hand – that I have got to give this all to the LORD – He is my rock and my salvation – I will turn all my worries to Him!

baseline evaluation

Today I had a Dr appt for a baseline sonogram and blood work to determine my estrodial levels.  I started my period yesterday evening and today’s appointment was just to make sure that everything was  good to go.  I got a call from the nurse around 4.30p to tell me to go ahead and start my stimulations meds tomorrow!  So today is my last day of just 1 injection – tomorrow I move onto 2 and next week I move onto more!  Ahhh!

treatment update

So, I have been bad about blogging this last week – so here is a recap:

Friday, November 18

Second lupron injectin – still itching and really red, but Dr Lawrence said to just keep an eye on it and that localized reaction is pretty typical.

Saturday, November 19

Shots are getting a little easier each day.  Know by the end of this I will be a pro.  Still itchy, but no redness/swelling.

Sunday, November 20

LAST BIRTH CONTROL PILL!  YAY – the estrogen has been giving me horrible headaches and acne.  Ready for a period to get all this out of my body before I start putting more artificial hormones into itJ  I was taking the bcp’s to allow my ovaries to rest during this cycle and because it lowers the risk of an ovarian cyst prior to ovarian stimulation.  Bring on the period!!

Monday, November 21

Nothing to report – same ol, same ol.

Tuesday, November 22

Still nothing – pretty boring.  Just keep wishing and hoping that my period will start.  How weird is that coming from an infertile woman?  HA!

Wednesday, November 23

So here we are today – still nothing – yet.  No cramps, no symptoms, nothing of a period about to start.  Hopefully it will soon because I have my baseline blood work and sonogram scheduled for Friday morning so I can start my stimulation on Saturday.  Im so excited/nervous/ready.

I booked my sister a flight last night to come be with me the first week of December during retrieval.  Im so glad that Nurse K will be here during that time to hold my hand and be with me.  My husband will be in the middle of law school finals, so he will be a little pre-occupied, so this will be a great help to me and it will be so wonderful to have her in TX.  She has not been here since little c was born in July 2008.  Can’t wait for her to get here.

No plans for Thanksgiving tomorrow.  I’m going to try to go to the store tonight and see what I can put together to eat.

I will update after my doctor appt on Friday!!!

getting to know my stomach -

Goodbye white stomach - you soon will be full of fun colors in the yellow and brown spectrum.  You will become numb from being poked so many times a day.  Luckily this first week you will only be stuck once a day.  But next week it will be numerous times a day.  Before we get too far ahead, let me tell you what I will be putting into you - 

Today we started the Lupron.  Lupron suppresses the pituitary gland (the gland which is normally responsible for triggering ovulation) and will stop the production of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) so that ovulation will not happen on its own spontaneously.

The first shot was not terrible.  The needles are so little and it was relatively quick.  I gave it to myself, just as I have in the past with the other shots for treatment cycles we have been through.

However, about 15 minutes after my shot my injection site got really red and swollen, almost like a bug bite, and was itching really bad.  I started to feel dizzy and nauseated.  Who knows what that was all about - I hope it doesn't happen again tomorrow.  The swelling and itching has stopped now, so I don't think there is anything to worry about.

So goodbye little/big white tummy - hopefully you being tortured for the next few weeks will result in an amazing miracle!

wednesdays words (thursday really!)

‎"find a place inside where there is joy,

and it will draw the hurt out."

Joseph Campbell

I saw this quote on a freinds facebook page this morning and it was so inspiring.

Thanks R for posting!

t minus 3 days

wow - the last 2 weeks have gone by so fast that i haven't even had a chance to update on our progress.  guess there hasn't been that much to report though.  still on bcp's and getting bad headaches.  ready to finish them.  i start my lupron in just 3 days, and then we are in this full swing! wow - and then my last bcp will be on sunday.  i can't believe that its here.  i keep questioning if i should still be doing this because its so big, but i know that if i don't i will regret it.


i think the thing that i am still the most anxious about is going under anesthesia since i have never done that before.  i know what is going to happen while im under and i have compete trust and faith in all those who will be with me (kind of nice to personally know them all too), but its still a little scary.  just trusting that the Lord will bring me through it safely.


i was talking to my mom the other day and i told her that i am just ready for Christmas to be here.  im ready for all this to be over and just know if we are going to have a baby or not.  as much as i didn't want to hear it, she told me to relax and enjoy every moment because not everyone has this incredible story of how their baby came to be.  it really is incredible.  medical technology just amazes me!


here we come IVF - you are getting so close!!!

ivf consultation

We had our IVF consultation with Dr Lawrence on Monday.  I think that Big C walked out of there feeling more overwhelmed and confused than before.  Although, I have to say that I was a little overwhelmed too and I started questioning everything!!  Why are we doing this?  Why do we have to go through all this to have a baby?  Why, why, why?!?!  Dr Lawrence was so through on walking us through every step that we will be going through the next 5 weeks.  Crazy to think that I will know in less than 2 months if it all worked and if I’m pregnant!!

We had to sign our lives away on a huge consent form.  We had to decide what we are going to do if we have left over embryo’s that we don’t transfer and what happens to them if we decide that we don’t want to use them at a later date and time.  So many thought provoking questions and decisions to be made.  Then we get to do it all over again before I go under anesthesia for the procedure in a month!  Eeeek!

We then met with the nurse, Coral, for our injection teaching.  I am pretty comfortable with giving myself the injections from all the last IUI’s we did.  But Big C was able to practice his shot giving skills on a cube with the consistency of a bottom.  I still am nervous about him giving my shots in the backside, but know that it will be worth it in the end.

So – now we continue to wait.  I just finished 3 weeks of BCP’s and only have 2 more to go before I start my lupron injections on the 17^th!

why?

Why do bad things happen to good people?? I have asked myself this question so many times in so many different circumstances. And every time there is never a good answer. It's usually always the same answer in fact- and that is that it's all in God's ultimate plan for our lives. Sometimes that's easier to hear than others. It's especially hard to hear in the middle of your "storm."

I have had 2 dear friends suffer the loss of a life growing inside them this past week. I have had a friend who's mother was diagnosed with cancer. I have had a friend who's struggling to find a job. I have had a friend who's loved one is battling an addiction. All of these are our individual storms- and we are only as strong as the faith running deep inside us- the faith that it's all going to be ok even when the world is crashing down around us.

Every month I start my cycle my world ends for just a moment. I cry, I pray, I get up and move on. It's not easy. I feel like a failure most of the time. In that moment I cry out for answers to "why me?" And through it all I have never gotten sufficient answers. Maybe it's all just part of God's plan for my life-

So why do bad things happen to good people?? I wish I could answer that question!

I wish nothing but peace and comfort for those around me struggling with their inner storm. We all have a story to tell- who wants to listen?

10.24.09

2 years ago today we started our second leg of trying to expand our family. 2 years ago today we were crazy enough to think it would be easier the second time around.  2 years ago today we decided to try for baby #2.

It has been a long and trying 2 years. I thought those 2 years of trying for little c were hard- but they were nothing compared to what we have put ourselves through this time around. It's something that we yearn for so much that we are willing to undergo almost anything to get it. And we are still holding out that we will.

The last 2 years have taught me so many things: that life is so precious and you can't take it for granted; that marriage can be strengthened in tough times; that getting pregnant is down to a 12 hour science; that no matter how badly you want something, God is ultimately in control; that faith will waiver and you just have to keep on believing; and that I am already surrounded by so many blessings!!

So here is to the next year- may the Lord's great plan be revealed and may we grow in His plan accordingly!

no shame campaign

I think that this series that Redbook Magazine & resolve put together is amazing!  Check out other's stories on their struggles with infertility!!

http://www.redbookmag.com/health-wellness/advice/infertility-video-series?click=pp

cd 8, 6 days bcp's

I’m on day 6 of BPC’s already!  And I can feel the mood swings coming on already – watch out if you happen to be around me the next few months!  HAH!  The main thing is how tired I am.  Hormones really take it out of you!!

Big C is in for all his lab testing today.  He has to have a lot of labs drawn as well before he can be my sperm donor! HA!  We will schedule our IVF consultation with Dr L here in the next few weeks to talk about all the specifics of our procedure.  We will need to make some decisions at that time re: extra embryo’s and such (praying that there are going to be some) and sign a consent as thick as the US Constitution.  We will also be having our injection teaching as well since C will have to give me a few injections in the booty.  I have done quite a few in my stomach over the past few years, so Im not worried about that.  Then we will also have our Artificial Reproductive Technology Services (ARTS) Lab IVF Orientation since we will not be able to attend the one they are hosting around Thanksgiving.  That will just allow us to sit with the nursing staff and embryologists and ask questions about what they will be doing those 3-5 days they are harvesting our embryo’s.

Had lunch with a dear friend today who underwent IVF with my office back in the spring.  It was nice to hear her story and get feedback from her on her experience.  She is now 30 weeks pregnant with baby L and due a few days after Christmas.  What a gift!

ivf is a go!

Here we go!  I’m so excited, scared, nervous!  We have officially started the IVF process and will know in just 8 weeks if we are pregnant (or not!).  At the end of this long and crazy process we will know that we have tried everything in our power to have another biological child.

Big C and I had a long, not so pleasant, conversation last week about all the pros and cons for this extreme way to conceive a baby.  I was in tears for most of it.  I honestly did think that we would ever have to have this conversation.  Who knew having a baby would be so hard/expensive/emotional/physically demanding??  In the end, we both know that we are doing the right thing so that we don’t regret it later down the line.  We are so blessed right now because our insurance (which ends December 31) covers most of the in-vitro procedure.  Yes, we are still looking to put out a good chunk of $$, but it’s better than $12k later on down the road.

I have lost 12 pounds and down a full clothing size.  My blood sugars are regulated and doing well.  Feeling good!!

I started the birth control pills last night.  We were laughing because it clearly states on the package ‘do not take if you are planning on becoming pregnant.’  HAHA!  Cracked us up.  We have to keep some humor in this whole process because when he starts sticking me in the butt with long needles everyday that will not be so funny!  But really, I have not been on bcp’s for 6 years – this is going to be different to have to remember it every day.  But I just have to keep remembering the end result.

I’m hopeful.  I’m comforted having a wonderful doctor and supportive staff.  I’m blessed with a loving husband and partner.  I’m ready!

Thanks for joining us in this journey.  My blog will be a place for me to document the whole process and give some of you who have not been through this insight on what we are going though.  Questions are welcome!  And for those of you who have been through it, any words of encouragement are welcomed as well!!

2 year theory

I have told some of you about my 2 year theory. I just find it interesting how true it just keeps ringing true. So here it goes:

If you have been dating someone seriously for 2 years, it inevitable that you will start getting the question from everyone about when the engagement is coming. And if your answer involves something like you are comfortable how thing are or y'all are just taking it slow, you will get questioned and lots of funny looks!!


We were engaged after 1.5 years of dating and married a year after that. I was never questions about getting married, but I know of friends who have and they hate it.

So the day finally comes and you get married!! Such a magical day when the whole world revolves around you and only you. However- If you are not pregnant before or around your 2nd Anniversary, you will start getting questions on when you are going to start your family and have babies. This is not always so easy for all couples. I have seen lots of my friends through the loss of jobs, moving, continuing their education, traveling the world, infertility  or plain and simple- just not ready yet. Though sometimes you don't need to give a reason, you will still get the question. Sometimes I feel as if society has programmed humans (specifically women) to ask these questions without thinking about them first.


We started trying to get pregnant after being married for 1.5 years. Little did we know it was going to take 2 years to get pregnant. The questions started coming about having babies, but most of our close friends were still getting married and hadn't started their families yet, so this questioning really didn't bother me.  We were so blessed after that time of trying to welcome baby c into our lives a few weeks before our 4th Anniversary.

So the day comes and you welcome your sweet first little baby into the world!! It will most likely be one of the best days ever! Then that same sweet baby is about to turn 2 years old. If you are not pregnant around this time, you will be asked when the next little one is coming. Does it occur to people that maybe you only want 1 child? Do people think that there could be a reason, like infertility in our situation, why we aren't pregnant again yet? NO!


When baby c turned 1, we knew it would probably take a while to get pregnant again. So when he was 15 months old, exactly 2 years ago this month, we decided to try for baby #2.  9 months later the questions started flowing!!! And for the last 15 months since c turned 2 they just keep coming!! Aye! Oh well- some people are just too dang nosey! I started with the answer of we were trying- then moved to we were only going to have 1 child (that opened up even more questions)- then I have now moved onto telling people we are struggling with infertility- that shuts them up really fast!!

Moral of the story- screw the 2 year theory!! Every family has their own story and are so different. Some are big, some are small. Some grow quickly, some take longer. Some face tough situations, some have an easy path. But no matter how a family is made, it should be made with love!!

30 before 30 - september update

Here is the ’30 before 30’ update for this month.  Still have lots of work to do, but it’s getting there.  I feel like I really can accomplish all this!!!  YAY!

1. Walk a 5k – DONE - July

2. Run a 5k – Sadly, not happening.  I am going to try to do this before the end of 2011, but it is not happening before I turn 30 in a few weeks.  FAIL!

3. Walk on the beach – DONE – March

4. See a parade – DONE -  July

5. Leave my 20's in style - DONE -ish - Currently on my Birthday Cruise with my mom, sister and friend M!!  My Birthday Party is scheduled for October 14!! :-)

6. Sail on a boat – DONE – March

7. Take a cooking class – DONE - August

8. Take a decorating class – DONE - September 18th  at Pottery Barn on how to decorate your house for autumn.

9. Cook a 4 course meal – DONE – April

10. Use wedding china – Hummm - maybe the next time Chad cooks I will pull it out! HA!

11. Get C potty trained – DONE – May

12. Get C off his binky – DONE – May

13. Get off caffeine – DONE – July

14. Attend monthly "GNO” – DONE – January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August , September - J

15. Read 2 novels – DONE – April & May

16. Cook a large piece of meat – DONE – April

17. Finish scrapbooking our 2008 cruise – working on it - 

18. Clean out closet and donate all clothes that don't fit – DONE - June

19. Organize master closet – DONE - August

20. De-clutter the study – DONE – July

21. Learn how to bake a tiered caked from Michelle – DONE - June

22. Get new eye glasses – DONE - August

23. Take a photography class – Probably not happening - there is just no time right now!  Bad planning on my part!  FAIL!

24. Take a romantic weekend trip with Chad – DONE - August

25. Get a couples massage – DONE - August

26. Plan a family vacation – DONE planning in May – DONE trip in June

27. Plant flowers in the front yard – DONE – March

28. Write about my infertility journey – DONE – May

29. Attend an art class – DONE – March

30. Learn to use a sewing machine – DONE – June