A couple of weekends ago I went to a baby shower...my baby shower. It seemed so surreal that I was the pregnant one and that I was the one who was getting showered. I had been swearing off baby showers for quite some time now, the thought of even going to one used to make me cry. And here I was, finally able to celebrate and it was magnificant.
Fortunately I have amazing family and friends and that is what made this shower so special. The weekend started with my wonderful mother picking me up and driving me everywhere. This was such a blessing to me as it has become more and more difficult to move around, let alone drive. (Thanks Mom!) On top of that, we were able to have some great conversation and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Next, it was off to the shower. My dear friend (the one I have had since the second grade!) was throwing me the shower and she did an amazing job. As soon as I walked in I was greeted with crepe paper, balloons, and signs all in honor of our little bump. I even got to wear a special sash that read "Mom to Be." My friend told me that I didn't have to wear it, but I had no problem putting it on and thought to myself, "I want to wear this thing EVERYWHERE!" :) Not only was her home festively decorated, but she also prepared some amazingly delicious food. (The cupcakes were amazing!!! The icing was twice as big as the cake!)
Most of my immediate family was there and we had a great time plaing games, chatting and laughing. I felt so loved and honored to be there. I have discovered that nothing brings people together more than a baby. Not only that, but it makes people softer...they glance at your belly or put a hand on your belly, and they just soften. I love that.
I had a great time that day and got so many amazing gifts (thank you to all, even those of you that couldn't be there!), but the biggest present was just being able to share the special gift of our baby with everyone.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Haven't Met You Yet
For those of you that don't know me, I am a HUGE Michael Buble fan. There's something just so wonderful about his voice. I happen to have his most recent CD in my car, which is great because I really needed some nice, soothing music to listen to on a recent drive home.
I pushed play on the cd player and instantly smiled...I sang along with Michael song after song. Then, the track "Haven't Met You Yet" came on. This song is one that he actually wrote for his girlfriend, but for some reason, the words seemed so apropros for my journey with infertility, our pregnancy, and the anticipation of meeting our little one.
Here are the lyrics:
I'm not surprised, not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times, I stopped keeping track
Talk myself in, I talk myself out
I get all worked up, then I let myself down
I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought, I thought of every possibility
And I know someday that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet
I might have to wait, I'll never give up
I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck
Wherever you are, whenever it's right
You'll come out of nowhere and into my life
And I know that we can be so amazing
And, baby, your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility
And somehow I know that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet
They say all's fair
In love and war
But I won't need to fight it
We'll get it right and we'll be united
And I know that we can be so amazing
And being in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility
And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you, kid, I'll give more than I get
Than I get, than I get, than I get
Oh, you know it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get
Yeah, I just haven't met you yet
I just haven't met you yet
Oh, promise you, kid
To give so much more than I get
I said love, love, love, love
Love, love, love, love (I just haven't met you yet)
Love, love, love, loveLove, love
I just haven't met you yet
I started to cry in the car (yes, I know that's not a good idea, but at least I was stuck in traffic and not moving) when I heard those lyrics. The words just seemed to ring so true. After all of our heartache and pain, we finally have our little one...we just haven't met her yet!!!
I pushed play on the cd player and instantly smiled...I sang along with Michael song after song. Then, the track "Haven't Met You Yet" came on. This song is one that he actually wrote for his girlfriend, but for some reason, the words seemed so apropros for my journey with infertility, our pregnancy, and the anticipation of meeting our little one.
Here are the lyrics:
I'm not surprised, not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times, I stopped keeping track
Talk myself in, I talk myself out
I get all worked up, then I let myself down
I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought, I thought of every possibility
And I know someday that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet
I might have to wait, I'll never give up
I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck
Wherever you are, whenever it's right
You'll come out of nowhere and into my life
And I know that we can be so amazing
And, baby, your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility
And somehow I know that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet
They say all's fair
In love and war
But I won't need to fight it
We'll get it right and we'll be united
And I know that we can be so amazing
And being in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility
And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you, kid, I'll give more than I get
Than I get, than I get, than I get
Oh, you know it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get
Yeah, I just haven't met you yet
I just haven't met you yet
Oh, promise you, kid
To give so much more than I get
I said love, love, love, love
Love, love, love, love (I just haven't met you yet)
Love, love, love, loveLove, love
I just haven't met you yet
I started to cry in the car (yes, I know that's not a good idea, but at least I was stuck in traffic and not moving) when I heard those lyrics. The words just seemed to ring so true. After all of our heartache and pain, we finally have our little one...we just haven't met her yet!!!
Friday, July 20, 2012
It's kind of a funny thing...pregnancy
In the recent past few months I have had some interesting pregnancy moments. Every day, especially now that I am showing...I mean REALLY showing, something new/interesting/funny/offensive happens to me. As I am apparently in the business of sharing my pregnancy experience with you, I feel it is appropriate to let you in on the wonders of being pregnant.
First off, being pregnant opens the door for any and every conversation...whether or not you would like to have it. A couple of days ago, I was invited into a conversation while waiting in line for the bathroom. The conversations usually all go the same way...."Oh, how far along are you?" then "Do you know what you're having?" then "Is this your first?" Then it usually leads into some story about their personal experience with pregnancy. I find it quite hilarious and yet, kind of fun (at least most of the time). Pregnancy is kind of the great denomiator and most women love to talk about it.
Second, people will feel free to tell you what they think of you being pregnant. Case in point, I walked into a book store and was just looking around when all of the sudden the lady behind the counter yells out, "Woah, you are soooo big!" Awesome, thanks lady. Usually there is a lot of staring at the belly and comments/guesses about how far along I am...like it's some kind of game show...guess how far along the pregnant lady is and win a million dollars! Probably my most favorite comment came from a friend's husband. He hadn't seen me in awhile and said, "You look great....um, very small and...tight." Followed by, "I'm sorry, I don't really know what I am supposed to say." Hilarious!
Other than experiences with people, there are other interesting things that happen. For instance, yesterday when I was washing my hands at work, I realized that I had to lean over more than normal to reach the soap...which also meant leaning against the counter and acquiring a huge water stain across my belly. No way to hide that. So I proudly took my wet belly back to work. Also, I have learned that my actual stomach has shrunk to the size of a golf ball. I get full so fast that it seems hard to believe. I have become the master of snacking and pack away goodies in bags and purses like a squirrel. Finally, I've been getting signals from my little one now when she isn't happy...or at least that is what I assume. For example, if I somehow end up a little too far on my side while sleeping, I'll feel my little one start to squirm and I swear, pound on me. I can tell already there's a big personality in there.
So there they are, my most recent experiences with pregnancy. I wonder what the next few months will hold.
First off, being pregnant opens the door for any and every conversation...whether or not you would like to have it. A couple of days ago, I was invited into a conversation while waiting in line for the bathroom. The conversations usually all go the same way...."Oh, how far along are you?" then "Do you know what you're having?" then "Is this your first?" Then it usually leads into some story about their personal experience with pregnancy. I find it quite hilarious and yet, kind of fun (at least most of the time). Pregnancy is kind of the great denomiator and most women love to talk about it.
Second, people will feel free to tell you what they think of you being pregnant. Case in point, I walked into a book store and was just looking around when all of the sudden the lady behind the counter yells out, "Woah, you are soooo big!" Awesome, thanks lady. Usually there is a lot of staring at the belly and comments/guesses about how far along I am...like it's some kind of game show...guess how far along the pregnant lady is and win a million dollars! Probably my most favorite comment came from a friend's husband. He hadn't seen me in awhile and said, "You look great....um, very small and...tight." Followed by, "I'm sorry, I don't really know what I am supposed to say." Hilarious!
Other than experiences with people, there are other interesting things that happen. For instance, yesterday when I was washing my hands at work, I realized that I had to lean over more than normal to reach the soap...which also meant leaning against the counter and acquiring a huge water stain across my belly. No way to hide that. So I proudly took my wet belly back to work. Also, I have learned that my actual stomach has shrunk to the size of a golf ball. I get full so fast that it seems hard to believe. I have become the master of snacking and pack away goodies in bags and purses like a squirrel. Finally, I've been getting signals from my little one now when she isn't happy...or at least that is what I assume. For example, if I somehow end up a little too far on my side while sleeping, I'll feel my little one start to squirm and I swear, pound on me. I can tell already there's a big personality in there.
So there they are, my most recent experiences with pregnancy. I wonder what the next few months will hold.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
A Great Cup of Joe...Heritage Chicago
I love, love, love coffee. It is probably one of my most favorite things. When I started on my infertility journey, I gave it up...at least initially. After some research and with the reassurance of both my infertility doctor and my OB, I occasionally have a cup of decaf (although 1 cup of regular coffee a day they said is ok too) here and there...making it more of treat rather than as a regular part of my morning routine like it used to be.
Now when I drink coffee, I make sure it is a worthwhile experience. I opt for a good, well-made latte and I see it as a win-win. I get my coffee and also some calcium...and it makes me happy.
But, on to the point of the post. In Chicago, there are some great places for coffee...local places. One such place that just opened recently is Heritage Chicago. YOU MUST GO HERE! Really, if you like coffee and/or bikes (yes, I said bikes!), this place should be your mecca. The baristas take the time to make a delicious cup of coffee every time and they serve Stumptown Coffee. Never heard of it? It is an amazing coffee company based in Portland, Oregon (one of my favorite places!) and their coffee is fantastic.
Not only does this place serve great coffee, but they are also a bike shop. How fun is that? As a former avid cyclist, I can totally appreciate this concept. It is the perfect place to stop for a tune-up, a coffee drink and a local pastry.
Heritage, you have my heart...here's to many more lattes!!!
Check them out at:
http://www.heritagebicycles.com/
Now when I drink coffee, I make sure it is a worthwhile experience. I opt for a good, well-made latte and I see it as a win-win. I get my coffee and also some calcium...and it makes me happy.
But, on to the point of the post. In Chicago, there are some great places for coffee...local places. One such place that just opened recently is Heritage Chicago. YOU MUST GO HERE! Really, if you like coffee and/or bikes (yes, I said bikes!), this place should be your mecca. The baristas take the time to make a delicious cup of coffee every time and they serve Stumptown Coffee. Never heard of it? It is an amazing coffee company based in Portland, Oregon (one of my favorite places!) and their coffee is fantastic.
Not only does this place serve great coffee, but they are also a bike shop. How fun is that? As a former avid cyclist, I can totally appreciate this concept. It is the perfect place to stop for a tune-up, a coffee drink and a local pastry.
Heritage, you have my heart...here's to many more lattes!!!
http://www.heritagebicycles.com/
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Life is a Journey
It seems hard to believe that my little one will be entering the world pretty soon. Not even a year ago I was still on my infertility journey. Making weekly trips to the doctor followed by disappointment after disappointment. To say that it was rough would be an understatement.
I have been so consumed with the pregnancy and getting ready for our bundle of joy, that I have pushed those memories to the back of my brain. But something stirred them up, and I am glad that it did. The other day when I was in church, I was sitting there, enjoying the peace, the quiet and the air conditioning and I started to day dream a little. I was remembering the past couple of years and the struggle and then all of a sudden a sense of peace and happiness spilled over me. It kind of took me by surprise actually...a sort feeling like being tucked in by a warm blanket...and as I rubbed my belly, I realized just how lucky I truly am...I finally had been blessed with a baby and I felt so grateful.
It's easy to get caught up in the rigamarole of daily life. Little things happen that seem so important at the time. I don't ever want to forget the journey that took place to get me here. It's a part of who I am and it's a story that makes the existence of our little gift so precious.
So, let's not forget our journey's...no matter how painful, as they shape who we are and what we become. Not only that, but they make us grateful for how lucky we truly are.
I have been so consumed with the pregnancy and getting ready for our bundle of joy, that I have pushed those memories to the back of my brain. But something stirred them up, and I am glad that it did. The other day when I was in church, I was sitting there, enjoying the peace, the quiet and the air conditioning and I started to day dream a little. I was remembering the past couple of years and the struggle and then all of a sudden a sense of peace and happiness spilled over me. It kind of took me by surprise actually...a sort feeling like being tucked in by a warm blanket...and as I rubbed my belly, I realized just how lucky I truly am...I finally had been blessed with a baby and I felt so grateful.
It's easy to get caught up in the rigamarole of daily life. Little things happen that seem so important at the time. I don't ever want to forget the journey that took place to get me here. It's a part of who I am and it's a story that makes the existence of our little gift so precious.
So, let's not forget our journey's...no matter how painful, as they shape who we are and what we become. Not only that, but they make us grateful for how lucky we truly are.
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