Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Awkward days

Let's see....where did I leave off? Okay...multiple follicles=potential litter. Well, it turns out that I produced 2 good follicles for the procedure. No mini series for us just yet ;)

Saturday night (well, technically Sunday morning) at 1:30am Russ had to give me my biggest shot yet. I was a little antsy on this one because it was about 2 inches long. So this shot went in my rear. Lovely. Oh, but don't worry..."X" marked the spot. The nurse was so kind to draw a little X on my rear so we could inject it in the right place! lol Well, Russ was a champ because I didn't feel a thing! DONE with needles for now!!

Sooo...36 hours later.....Monday came around and we were totally pumped for our IUI. No one told me this was going to be the MOST. AWKWARD. DAY. OF. MY. LIFE. This is an open blog so I'll keep it PG and leave out some of the "fun" details....but let me just say......the "ever so wondered about cabinet" of nudey magazines EXIST!! Oh yes friends....you can go ahead and laugh. Russ and I did. The thing that's so cool about an IUI is that they take the sperm, wash it, then insert (only the good movers) closer to the egg being released. Something cool? My fabulous nurse even prayed before the procedure started!! We love Dendy and the staff at Dr Dorsett's office. The procedure itself was fine. A little uncomfortable at times but pretty painless and quick. Another funny moment? They sure did wrap me up like a burrito in a blanket and tip me upside down for 15 minutes!! Thank goodness for the website "Damn You Auto Correct"... Russ felt like I needed to laugh through the upside down waiting period. I couldn't have agreed more.....(damnyouautocorrect.com) in case you're interested.

From here I wait. We go in on the 27th to see if I'm preggers :) This could be the longest 2 weeks of my life. We've come this far publicly so we'll make the announcement of yes or no publicly too. So I'll keep ya updated. Thank you for all the encouraging words and PRAYERS!!! We appreciate every one of them!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Super Ovulation here we go.....

I think I mentioned in my last post that we are taking the "Super Ovulation" route. Well....the journey through this treatment has started. I made it through a month of birth control. It was an emotional month. Nothing major.....just a lil' more on the sensitive side than normal. But now the waiting is over......here we go!

So....the shots.....dun dun duuuunnnn. Not gonna lie, I totally cried like a baby before the first shot. There's just something about holding a needle to your stomach that is a little unnerving. Lucky for me it's a small skinny needle so once I got over the fear of injecting myself I was good to go.....the actual injection didn't hurt at all! In fact, I didn't feel a thing! Whew! Oh, I'm also a lucky gal because I have the most supportive husband EVER! He was totally willing to step in there and give me the shot if I needed him too. Luckily he didn't have to. It took a good prayer from him and a tight squeeze before I just reached over and bam! DONE! So now it's not a big deal at all....just something I do every night before bed.

I had a doctor's appointment today to check my follicles. The nurse said everything looks okay. I seem to be producing more follicles than necessary which can lead to multiples (aka: a litter) So that's no bueno. They usually want 2 or 3 good sized follicles not 9 like I have on one side. This is called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome which I had never heard of until today. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have trouble becoming pregnant due to infrequent or lack of ovulation. Soooo......that could explain some of this infertility business. If all the little follicles stay small and only 2 or 3 of them grow larger then I should be good to go. If not....then we have the option to stop the Super Ovulation cycle altogether OR go straight into IVF (invitro fertilization). I think at that point we would choose to move right into IVF.

So that's where we are today! Extremely hopeful and optimistic :) Thank you for the encouraging words and sweet prayers. We are SO incredibly blessed to have such great friends and relatives supporting us in this journey. I know a lot of this may be tmi....but I'm hoping that this story can one day be a ministry to somebody else in the same boat.

Thanks again! Much love!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Operation Baby Sewell

So we met with our fertility specialist today, Dr. Dorsett. I have to say I really like her. She's nice but straight to the point. As this point in the game I don't need sugar coating or someone to hold my hand. We need a baby and a plan.

That's just what we got today. Here it is: I go on birth control for a month (I was a little bummed about that but I see the logic behind it now) We have to get control of my hormones so my body is ready for more medicine. That's the scary part. We opted for the "Super Ovulation" route. I'll go off of Clomid and basically I'll take a series of injections. I'm a little geeked out about giving myself a shot in the stomach but thank goodness Russ is here! He said he'll step in to give me the shots. Then after that we'll have an IUI. That's where they go in, extract the sperm, clean it, then insert it closer to the egg. Bada bing...bada boom. Then comes baby. The success rate is 35%. The rate for multiples is 30%. Yowzers. But hey, at this point we'll be more than happy to take multiples! Okay maybe just 2....sheesh, beggars can't be choosers though ;)

If this route fails then it's off to IVF. (Invitro fertilization)

But.... our belief is that the IUI and injections are going to work. I honestly believe that with all my heart. I'm excited to get started. Thank you for all the sweet encouraging words and prayers :) We are so blessed to have such fantastic family members and friends. I'll keep ya updated!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Infertility Adventure

For many of you that know me, you know that I'm an open book. I've never had a problem with sharing my feelings or thoughts. So, it only seems natural that I would blog about the most frustrating thing in my life right now.....infertility.

Here's some background info: I've actually been playing this game on and off for 5 years. I became pregnant 3 years ago. Unfortunately it ended in a miscarriage at 12 weeks. Devastating time for sure. So a year and a half later I decided to really "try again." I had surgery to check everything out. Tubes were just fine. Russ checked out A-Okay too. Nothing was "wrong." So we moved to the next step......Clomid. Well, it didn't work out so well. My emotions were a wreck. I just wasn't in a good place so I quit after 2 cycles. Sooooo.....here we are today.

I'm back on Clomid. I just started my 3rd round. You can only stay on Clomid for 6 cycles. Basically I'm dropping eggs like bombs over here but no pregnancy is taking place. Very frustrating. The medicine has funny side effects too. The most obvious one is the shaking. I shake like a crack head every day. It's almost comical. My doctor says it's because it's a steroid so my body is all amped up. You'd think that would help with losing weight.....negative flight tower. It's annoying....that's what it is. Don't get me wrong.....I'm willing to do whatever it takes to have a baby so I'm not trying to complain. There are some things in this process that suck.

Next step? Fertility specialist....Dr. Dorsett on November 1st. I'm totally pumped but a little nervous at the same time.

We have so many people praying for a little baby Sewell. If you are one of those people I truly thank you. I will accept any words of encouragement. scripture, and/or advice. Just don't tell me to "relax." I'm totally working on that and really my stress level is okay. I love my job, my marriage is better than ever, I have amazing family and friends....so life is pretty peachy. Oh, and don't tell me to "adopt because then you'll have a baby." Yes, people have said that. I would never adopt in order to get pregnant. That's silly.

I'm having total 100% faith that God is going to bless us with a child. I don't know how that baby is going to get here. Who knows.....3rd month could be a charm and we don't even have to see the specialist. I don't know. But if we do I'm okay with that too. I'm not giving up this time. Plus, God knows the perfect time for baby Sewell to rock this world. In the mean time I just have to go with the flow and be patient.

I'll keep ya updated!!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

"Free from all the things that I used to be...."

On a whim Russ and I have decided to sell our house. No plan. No clue to where we will go. Idea? Yes. I kinda enjoy the shock on people's faces when they ask, "Where are y'all going to go!!?" Our reply, "Hmmm, good question." (insert gasp and shocked expression)

So much of my life has been a "plan." Married, house, car, job, dog, cat, and 2.5 kids. Oh yah, and we live happily ever after. Well, that plan doesn't seem to be working for me these days. Somewhere along the way a beautiful wrench got thrown into "the plan." One that at first, I thought was wrecking my life. The same wrench now that has actually saved my life.

I went to the Artist Studio Tour today with Russ. Probably not a good idea for someone as "manic" as myself. It makes me want to sell everything I have, move to the mountains, and become an artist. (Well, maybe Russ could be the artist....I can draw some bad ass pictures with Crayola markers though ;) Actually, not many know that I have an artistic flair.....used to win art competitions and such.....I'm getting back into it now. I finally saw art today that made my soul feel at peace. It's been a while since I've allowed myself to see beauty and to actually feel it. (If that makes sense)

I can't help but wonder why we put things on a "time-line?" Those are actually words of wisdom from my older sister for me when I was going through all the fertility junk. I find myself asking that same question now. I have NO clue what this life has in store for me. I can make all the "plans" in the world but that doesn't mean that they will go according to MY desire. This sounds like a pessimistic or anarchy outlook on life, but really it's not. Certain plans are good..."I plan on getting dressed this morning. Yes, good for me and everyone." ;) haha.....

I'm "chasing pavements" that may not lead to anywhere, but I keep chasing in search for the beauty that I know this life has to offer. Sometimes it's obvious and slaps you in the face, but most of the time you have to look closely and be patient. That's why I've missed so many beautiful moments (aka: total lack of patience) I was in such a rush for the next best thing that I couldn't see what was happening in the "now." It's usually in the "unplanned" moments that we discover something unique, challenging, or inspiring about ourselves. Yah, that would sum up the last 2 years of my life. Gotta love that "quarter life crisis."

I'm learning to appreciate those unplanned moments. It's not always easy. Hmmm, let's throw in some more "cliche quotes...." a personal favorite: Life is a journey not a destination. My journey is certainly a ride ;)


To wrap up my day today while sitting at a stop light on 34th Street......words from John Mayer:

"Who says I can't be free
From all of the things that I used to be
Rewrite my history
Who says I can't be free"

Amen ;)

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

When a "Sandstorm" moved in....


Conversation with parent 2 minutes before the bell:

Me: Good morning, this is Mrs. Sewell....
Parent: Ashley, just to let you know my child is bringing in a snake that she caught over the weekend. She has it in a container.
Me: Uhhhh...okay. How secure is the container?
Parent: Secure. I just thought I would give you a heads up.
Me: ****silent thought to myself: "deep breath, deep breath...@!!#@****

So here comes my little "friend" (that's the name for all my students) as happy as she can be! (Yes, one of my GIRLS caught this snake!!) I look at the little thing and shout "Dear Lord! Is that a RATTLE SNAKE!!???" She says, "Oh no Mrs. Sewell. It's a Bull Snake."

Our day goes on....Our snake seems content in his little plastic container chillin' out with his uneaten legless cricket friend (snack) who continues to twitch when I walk by. (gross) Here's the kicker and where people think I'm just being "soooo cool." Actually, this is where I'm a COMPLETE sucker! Or, I need to talk to my Dr. about my current medication working TOO well..(is THAT even possible?) I look into this precious child's eyes as she tells me that her mom and dad said NO WAY to the snake staying with them. In fact, the mother wouldn't even let her bring it in the house! (Gasp!!!) In this moment of weakness is where I say, "Ohhhh well, I guess we can keep him here. We have a great animal program so I'm sure we can get him a SECURE container. But, under NO circumstances will I touch, feed, or love on that thing. YOU will take care of him." Of course she promises to be totally responsible for our new pet...then I watch her float off on cloud 9....

****Flashback: Remember when you were a kid and you begged and pleaded for a puppy? You SWORE that you would take care of it, love it, walk it, play with it, oh and pick up it's poop. Yah, what happened 2 weeks later? Uh huh...you get where I'm headed with this. I fell for the OLDEST trick in the book...the promise to take care of a pet ;)*****

Well, "Sandstorm" is the newest addition to my classroom. I didn't discuss this living arrangement with my current salamander, Striper. Nor did I consult with the 2 box turtles, Leonardo and Michelangelo. (remind me to tell you a story about the 2 "easy" turtles I was suckered into this year as well....I'm seeing a pattern here) But after a current background check on this Bull Snake I made some startling discoveries that are SURE to terrify my current pets:

Bull Snake Background Check Results:

  • one of the most temperamental snakes of their kind..they are known for their "bad attitudes"
  • they will exceed (yes, I said exceed) 6 feet LONG..making them one of the largest snakes in the US
  • eat small mammals (like a kitten) and oh....baby snakes. We should have named him "Jeffery"
  • it also cross dresses as a rattlesnake and likes to IMITATE them too ;)
So there you have it....."Sandstorm" the Bull snake has blown on in. I was told today that we can only keep him for a year and that ALL children will have to wear gloves to hold him (bad attitude=biter) Great.

Thank you for all the HILARIOUS comments on my facebook! I'll keep you updated on the Wild Kingdom that I call "my classroom"....

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Maccarroni on the side, spilled juice in the middle

I don't know what it is about fall that gets me so chatty. I laughed when I started feeling all "bloggy" tonight and I noticed that I started my blogspot in September of '08. And well, the fire usually dies out in ohhhhh December. But dang it, I have some stuff to say until then!!

It must be because I feel all "older" and "wiser" (since my birthday uhh.....well "birthday week" is in September) So here is a wiser blab....well, more like a mini-vent that I just need to "type" off my chest ;) It has a crazy happy ending though...

This year is a little "wowish" meaning I only have 2 years left in my 20's. "Not a big deal," you say??? Oh but it is. I'm pretty much the ONLY 28 year old in my circle of friends (with the exception of a few precious jewels that are in this boat with me) who have not jumped on the "mommy train." That hasn't been by choice either. Well, kinda. I tried wrecking my mind and body with hormones. I turned into the ultimate over-hormoned obsessed psycho beast. Gained a glorious 15 pounds that I have YET to get off. (that's another blog topic) So....I guess you can say that "I've given up" tossed that dream out the window.....and before you DARE say, "Ohhh that's when IT happens!!!" DON'T. That saying is enough to make me punch a stranger in the face.

Okay, so you're probably thinking I'm a little bitter? Hmmm....not exactly. More like...in limbo, at a standstill, paused, but yet strangely okay, and slowly moving forward in an excited anxious way. Doesn't make sense, huh? Welcome to my life. Kinda fed up with the "decoding" that takes place with God. I had such a great conversation with one of my "non mommy friends" that really made me think. I'm not necessarily mad at God, just sorta spent...ya know? I'm tired of trying to decode all the messages, hear the illusive voice that doesn't seem to want to talk back, tired of "figuring out what this all means." etc. Don't get me wrong, I totally believe in Jesus, Holy Spirit, and God. I've been on both sides of the spectrum with spirituality......wild as all get out as far as I could get during one phase, then another phase where I was the girl who carried her Bible in her purse (with Tobi Mac blaring in my headphones) BOTH extremes weren't really "ME." So here I am, trying to find the balance, which is not easy. Another friend slapped me in the face the other night (without even knowing it) about my prayer life with God. She told me about how foolish it is to think that OUR plan is the SAME as HIS!!! Well.....DUH!!! Why didn't I think of that!? So why am I constantly WANTING something?? My prayers usually consist of "God, why are you wrecking my life and not giving me what I THINK I want???" Yah, ouch...petty stuff....Just like a little kid who doesn't understand that they can't eat candy for every meal. You get where I'm going.

So...28 and no kids. You know...my plan just might be different than the "typical female" design. I love love love all my mommy friends and I learn so much from them every day but I have to stop comparing my life to theirs. I can't crawl into a corner when another friend pops up pregnant. I have to stop thinking that I'm worth less because I can't have my own child. I have to stop thinking I'm the defect. I'd like to think that God has a REALLY good sense of humor with me. His design for my life is unique. I'm not like the other kids. Never have been. Never will be. That's a beautiful messy thing. You know how you look at a painting made from a toddler or small child? The colors are all blended together, out of the lines, and well...messy, but yet so thought provoking and strangely beautiful? Yah, I wouldn't mind being compared to one of those paintings. I think God has JUST that picture of me on his fridge, with a maccaronni stain on the corner and some spilled juice in the middle. He smiles every time He sees it too....... ;)