Lindsay's mini-me?

The top one is Lindsay. The bottom one is this baby. Is it a mini me or what? Now this baby's head is not quite as round as Lindsay's. So, I still say boy.

Today's Peri & OB appointment 21 weeks 2 days

Well, I went to the perinatologist today for my monthly scan. The pics are to the left here (duh) . The one profile looks like Lindsay's profile around the same gestation, so I am guessing this one will look more like Lindsay than Tim (although, they do look like brother and sister). I still think its a boy. I did not see any clear indication of gender, and I didn't want them to tell me. (The kids were with me anyway, so if I cave and ask, I don't want them there.)

The peri gave me a hard time about not getting

the amnio done. I don't want it done, though. When I went to my OB today after the peri appointment, I told him I felt like I was being a bit pressured on getting it done. He said my decision was the same he'd make. He also told me of a friend who is a patient who had it done, nearly died a year ago, the baby did die, and now she's pregnant again. He said he had to ask her if she wanted it because of her age but didn't want to. He said they just gave him a look.

The one above looks like Lindsay's profile.

Cute foot shot to the left here :-)

So, in three weeks, I lost a pound. I am not trying to, I just did. Its okay. I am not supposed to gain a whole lot of weight anyway, so I am doing good. I think so far the total weight gain is no more than 5 pounds in 5 months. Baby measured right on target and heart rate was in the 140s.

A quick update and new pics of the "big kids"

Aren't they cute? My mom and sister took them for their portraits. I was actually waiting for the baby to come and get all three but apparently my mom and sister couldn't wait. I absolutely LOVE this one. And this is how they are with each other most of the time!

Okay, so for the pregnancy update. I am 21 weeks today. 17 weeks (or less) to go. C-section will be at 38 weeks, which is March 9, unless my students stress me out and I go on my own sooner :-) I have another ultrasound on Wednesday and the kids get to go with me since they have a half day of school. They are pretty excited. So am I! I will try to post the new pics on Wednesday when I get home :-)

17 Week Ultrasound Appointment

So, I know I post few and far between. School keeps me on my toes, not to mention swimming practice and dance practice! Anyway, I went for my peri appointment yesterday. They did lots of scanning. I was a little disappointed that these are the only two pics I got. I saw SO MUCH! I saw all four chambers of the heart, the kidneys, stomach and bladder. It was just so freaking cool! The tech was really nice. She was scanning the baby's feet and when she was trying to get them, the baby moved them away!!! What a bugger! The baby is about 8 ounces. I am so incredibly happy that the baby is doing so well and that I know the pain I have in my side is from the little soccer player's feet...pushing....constantly!!! LOL


This picture I don't like as much, but the first one the baby is smiling at us :-)

D/A Appointment Update from last week

I am getting really terrible at keeping up with this now that school is in session. I have been mostly tired but feeling pretty good. Lots of people are guessing we are having a boy. It is making it difficult to not find out but I do want to be surprised. So, when I go for my perinatal u/s I will look at what's going but not too hard...at least try not to. AT my OB appointment last week, I lost a pound! The baby's hr was in the 150's. I still worry every day but there is not much I can do about it at this point. Just pray.

On a totally different topic, my Lindsay donated her hair to Locks for Love last week. She cut off 8 inches! Her dad and I are really proud of her and it looks so stinking cute!

1st Perinatal Appointment

Today I had my first perinatal appointment. They did the u/s first. Baby measured 14w, I am 13w2d, not bad. My babies tend to be bigger due to my diabetes. So far, she liked my blood sugars too. They also did the NT scan for the thickness in the neck. NORMAL!!! WOOHOO!!!! Was a little worried about...but not too worried, at least now that its over :-) We did see the right hand and foot and saw five fingers and five toes. Didn't see the left hand and foot. The u/s tech kind of had no personality but she was nice enough. I hated going with a full bladder but I got through it! They also did the bloodwork for the first trimester screening. Again, not really worried because the scan looked normal. The HB was 156bpm. Yesterday at my OB appointment it was in the 170s.

I wanted to scan my u/s photos but my scanner is not cooperating. I don't think we got the best pics today, but nonetheless, we got some pics. One is a profile of the baby's face. The other is an alien shot. I am very, very excited now. The baby was moving all over too. It was great!

I also got screened yesterday for parvovirus since I work with Kindergarteners. Parvovirus is fifths disease, which both of my kids actually had last spring.

Once I get the pictures to scan, I will add them to the blog.

Just a boring update

Nothing much new to report. I started school officially today, even though I've been in my classroom since the end of July setting up. I had parent meetings tonight (ugh!) I've been using my doppler because I don't "feel" pregnant. I miss my weekly ultrasounds! The next one I will have is on September 17...two weeks from today! Anyway, I didn't tell my parents that I was pregnant, I wanted to save my principal from some people calling and wanting a change because their child's teacher will be on maternity leave for two months! Anyway, it went pretty well and I hid behind a big podium, so my protruding belly was hidden...at least for tonight. That's about it for tonight!

1st OB appointment

Since our area decided to close the maternity ward at the hospital where I had my other two kids, my ob decided to not do ob anymore. So....I asked the RE for a recommendation at the hospital where I want to deliver. He gave me a name and said he is phenominal! They weren't kidding. I told him last night that he came highly recommended and when he asked who, I told him my 2 RE's names and he said he was honored. He is so upbeat, walks around singing and took time to answer all of my questions (this at 9:00 at night!!!!). I did ask about a VBAC. He said he is not against it, however, in Philadelphia, the biggest lawsuits where filed by VBAC patients and therefore the hospitals really don't go for it, unless you've already had a successful VBAC. Plus, since I've had 2 c-sections already, they really don't recommend it. He said he doesn't agree with it, but has to follow hospital policy. I am okay with it. I just had to ask. I asked when I could get a flu shot, he said any time they come out. (Not only am I pg and diabetic but I also teach kindergarten so I am getting it!) He also said that he would schedule a c-section around 38 weeks which is the week of March 9. That worked for me. He did the internal (fun) and said I was a perfect size. He also did the pap because I was due for one. He said there might be some bleeding and/or spotting so not to worry. (obviously I told him of my mc history). All in all, I was overly satisfied with meeting him and his bedside manner. Great recommendation, Dr. Castlebaum!!!!

Last RE appt today!

Today was my last appt with the RE's office. It was sad but a great milestone! The baby's hb was 177 and is measuring 10w1d. I am 10w1d today. Dr said I must have had all A's in high school. I said, "mostly." :-)

Oh and the coolest part today, the baby was waving at us! It was so cute!!!! I don't know when I get another u/s. Probably won't be until I go see the Perinatologist.


(1st pic-Baby facing head down)














(Baby profile and the little hand waving!)

We told the kids

I couldn't wait. I just hope it doesn't come back to bite me in the @$$! I have my next appointment tomorrow morning with the Re and then with my new OB on Wednesday night. I am a little nervous about tomorrow, but not too nervous. I have all of the same pregnancy symptoms that I've been having and I am eating like a horse!!!!!!! Anyway, Timmy said, "Mommy, I've been praying for a baby in your belly." :*-) How sweet! Lindsay said, "I want a sister!". Too bad for her that so many people are predicting a boy. BTW, as of right now, we are not finding out...that could change but I am trying to hold off :-)

Another Great Appointment

Today's appointment was great. The hb was 193 bpm. The baby is measuring exactly 8w4d. He/she looks like a tadpole with little nubby arms.

Another Great Appointment!

I'm sorry it took so long to update today. My kids were on the computer and I had to kick them off. They still don't know we are pregnant. We plan on telling them the day of our block party, which is September 6.

Okay, so now for the appointment. I was a COMPLETE NERVOUS WRECK! My first m/c the baby stopped developing at 7w4d, and we found out at 8w. Today I am 7w4d. Not only did we see baby and hearbeat again but the heartrate was 156bpm. So, I'm already thinking boy...and that's what everyone has predicted for us anyway. The doctor knew how anxious I was and he was very reassuring. Of course, he made a little joke about me being nervous and the heartbeat being mine! Oh and not only did we see the heartbeat, but we heard it too!!! It was the BEST sound I've heard in a long time!!

Making myself crazy!!!!!

Oh how miscarriage steals the sure joy and innocence of pregnancy!!! Yesterday, I didn't have one of my symptoms in the morning and I made myself nuts all day! Finally it came back around dinner time! Today, they are here in full force! Nausea, dizziness, more nausea, sore breasts, more nausea!! Oh yeah, and anxiety for tomorrow's appointment. I'll post an update tomorrow.

An Outing with the Family

On Friday, August 1, we went to Six Flaggs Great Adventure with some friends. Here are some pics from that!


Lindsay, Matt, and Sarah getting ready to take off on the parachuttes.



This was right after they "landed."


Sylvester, Tim, Tweety, and Lindsay (and some girl getting in our picture! LOL)

Tim, Daffy, and Lindsay at the fountain. Daffy stole Tim's hat!


Tim, Porky Pig, and Lindsay.

Lindsay after the Congo River Rapids. She got completely soaked. The little girl at the fountain is Holly, Sarah's little sister.

An outing with the big kids

On Friday, July 25, my sister and I took Tim and Lindsay to the Crayola Factory. Here's a couple of pics.




Lindsay coloring her frog

Tim coloring his lizard


Tim and Lindsay with a giant crayon!

We saw a flutter today!

I was very nervous going in today. Of course, I was fine for a few days after last week's appt. Then, as the week progressed, I was getting nervous again. Not that I wasn't having symptoms, because trust me, they are THERE! But just general anxiety after two miscarriages in 18 months time. When the dr first did the scan, I didn't see anything in the sac and my heart sunk! I was so nervous. But then he said, well, there's your kid. Can you see the flutter? Honestly, at first I didn't. But then I did. Man was that a load off my shoulders! Then he measured the baby and it measured exactly 6w4d, which is what I am. So my official due date is March 23, 2009. I get more confident after each appointment that this one will stay here on Earth with us. My HCG level today was 30,476 and my progesterone was greater than 20 (they haven't given me an exact number for prog, probably to give me one less thing to worry about!) I go back in a week. He said we should see a little bean with a heartbeat and in two weeks we should see what looks like a Teddy Graham! After all this, we met up with some friends and took the kids to Six Flags Great Adventure. After I get the pics downloaded of the kids, I will post them. Maybe tomorrow.

WE HAVE A SAC!

Sounds almost silly to post but we have a gestational sac. I've made it past the point I was at in Dec/January. I am so thrilled. Our next hurdle is seeing the heartbeat next week and then keeping the hb for a long, long time! By the drs estimates, my EDD is 3/23/09.
Here's the little sac:

Made One Milestone

I have made it to 5w with so far, no complications, other than being scared out of my mind. I have an appt on Fri. I hope and pray we see a sac. I will be 5w5d, so we should be able to. That's my next hurdle. Following that will be making it to 8w!

There has been lots of nausea and fatigue and I will take it! As much of an inconvenience as it may be, it is also reassuring that things are progressing well.

Also HCG was 312 last Wednesday. Doubling time was 37 hours!!!

1st HCG #

Is 127. My progesterone is over 20. All is good so far. I go back on Wednesday for a repeat draw. Its looking like only one...and that's okay with me! I just want healthy!

Things looking positive +

Well, the news has sunk in, I think. Today I am exactly 4 weeks. My temps are still climbing, so that is good. The HPT still says "Pregnant", which is good. I have nausea, a headache and very sore, full breasts, all good. I will take any symptom I can get to reassure me that this one is coming home with us!

Tested again

With the same result!! I am trying to be excited but cautious, given our recent history. I have an appointment for bloodwork on Monday. Hopefully HCG is anywhere about 100. EPT Certainty (digital) says it picks up HCG levels of 50 or more. Levels should double every 48-96 hours. We are keeping our fingers crossed that this one will come home in March!

I can't believe it!

I just hope its a true BFP!!!! I will test again in two days. But at least the writing is clear "PREGNANT"

A whole month has gone by

Since I last updated...so here's the latest. After my HSG, I went back on Thursday 5/29 and my dr thought I had already ovulated. BUT my b/w came back showing that I did NOT ovulate. SO I went in again on 5/31, my birthday. I had a mature follicle on my right. I took ovidrel that night and Matt and I took care of things at home. At first I thought it may have worked, but I started seeing signs of my period. Two weeks ago, when my cycle started AGAIN, I was ready to throw in the towel. I even cried over it because we both truly want another child. I even said I was going to give up. After my dear friend, Aunt Flo, came for a visit, I was rejuvenated and called the RE. He had wanted to start injectibles but we just cannot afford them. So I told them that. He increased my Clomid to 150 mg. This is the first time since October that he increased the dosage. Fast forward to today, CD12. I went in for my b/w and u/s follicle check. I had a HUGE follicle on my left measuring 20x18mm. I had a few smaller ones on the left too. Nothing really on the right side. So, depending on my b/w today, I will either take Ovidrel tonight or early tomorrow morning and do another round of IUI either Saturday and Sunday or Sunday and Monday. XXfingers crossedXX

HSG was successful!!

I had the HSG done today as well as my CD 12 u/s & bw. I have two follicles on my right ovary, one measuring 17mm and the other measuring 10 mm. I don't know if the second one will mature enough before taking the ovidrel. I am supposed to go back on Thursday morning. I have to see if I can get someone to cover me for my class in the beginning of the morning.

The HSG was just a little uncomfortable but not too bad. It showed that my uterus is picture perfect and my tubes are 100% open. So there should be no problem getting pregnant :-) I just hope that it works the way it is supposed to!

Happy Mother's Day

I just had a nice breakfast with my family at IHOP. I usually cook breakfast on weekends but this is the one day we HAVE to go out.

I wish I was feeling more confident about our chance this month. I feel like I will have to go through with the HSG next month. I am not looking forward to that at all!!!

Have a happy day!

Officially in the dreaded 2ww

I had a temp rise today so now I am in the dreaded 2WW. I am quite sure that I will be analyzing every little twinge, pain and whatever comes my way. I'm already excited I had a nosebleed today. That was something I got back in January when I got pregnant.

Here's a pic of my family that we want to add to.

We are a nice looking bunch, aren't we?

2nd IUI went well

Matt's count was 80 million again, this time with 80% motility! The doctor called them "super sperm." My CM is VERY FERTILE today, so hopefully this does the trick!!

1st IUI completed

Well, the numbers were good today. 80 million swimmers and 60% motility. Now I just have to wait the next two weeks out!!! Hopefully tomorrow's numbers are just as good.

RE appointment for Ultrasound & Bloodwork

This morning I went for my CD12 u/s and b/w. The u/s showed one mature follice measuring 17 mm. He wasn't sure if he saw a second one or if it was the same one from a different view. My estrodial was 233, my progesterone was 1.0 and my LH was 49. I took the Ovidrel at 6:30 PM and go for another round of IUI on Thursday and Friday. If this time doesn't work, then he is going to schedule an HSG (histosaliogram??) for the next cycle. I really hope that's not necessary. I am trying to stay relaxed over the next couple of days so that this really has a chance to work.
Note: stayed on 100 mg of Clomid this cycle.

On to another month

Well, last months round of Clomid, Ovidrel, and IUI didn't work. Of course, I was upset. This would have given us a due date of Christmas day. How thrilling!! But that was not meant to be. Tomorrow, I will put in a call to my RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist) and find out what's next. Maybe I will stay on the same dosage of Clomid or maybe bump it up to 150mg. Hopefully, this one will give me a nice mother's day present with good news!

Introduction

My name is Carin and I am 33, 34 next month. I have been married to Matt for 11 1/2 years and we've known each other for 18 years! We have two children. Timothy is 9 and loves baseball. Lindsay is 7 and she loves dance and Carrie Underwood. They both love their 22 Webkinz! Matt and I decided about 4 years ago that we wanted to add to our family. We tried for about two years and then just kind of figured Tim and Lindsay were it for us. Then, in July 2006, I unexpectedly found myself pregnant! We were both so over the moon!!! At the time, the kids were 5 & 7. We told the kids we were going to have a new baby after I went to the dr to confirm. I went for my first u/s at 8 weeks. Sadly, there was no heartbeat and an emergency D&E was done on July 28, 2006. We were so heartbroken. It was a very difficult six months, emotionally for me after the loss. Finally, I was feeling better. In July 2007, I talked to my ob/gyn and she suggested we see a specialist. At the end of August, I went to Northern Fertility and met with Dr. Freedman. They ran some blood tests and then started me on Clomid 50mg in Aug. We were unsuccessful in getting pregnant without any means of assisted fertilization. In November, 2007, we had our first two IUIs (Interuterine Insemination) along with 100 mg of Clomid. They were unsuccesful. However, it is rare to get pregnant on the first IUI done. In December, still on 100 mg of Clomid, we had another round of IUI. This time, we achieved pregnancy! My first HCG produced a hormone level of nearly 3800! I went in again the next day for another draw and and u/s. It was too soon to see anything on u/s but Dr. Freedman said with my levels, that there were probably two, possibly three babies! I though that Matt was going to fall on the floor! The hormone level that day was 4500! We were to go back on Christmas Eve. Well, I went by myself. I went in and Dr. Freedman got very grim. He could not see anything and should have been able to see a gestational sac. Later that day, the nurse called with my hormone levels. They had dropped to about 3600. I tried to reason with myself that one baby didn't make it and that was the reason for the drop. Two days later, still no sac and hormone levels had leveled off. I knew then that I was going to miscarry again. On January 6, 2008, I passed one baby and on January 7, I passed the second baby. The twins I had so desperately wanted were gone.
Fast forward to March 2008. I am back on 100 mg of Clomid. My dominant side was my right side this month. I had one follie measuring 19mm x 21mm. I took the Ovidrel to induce ovulation and on Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4, I again had IUI done. Dr. Freedman said that the sample looked good and that "this should get you pregnant." Friday, he said that the sample was superb! So now I am in the dreaded 2ww that women must wait and see if they "caught the egg" or not.
Here is the link to my Fertility Friend chart: http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/carin53174