Many of you know that in January 2008, I started a business with a friend of mine. We busted through the door of wedding planning and coordination to find great success. We absolutely love what we do, and obviously it shows.
Bella Tesora Events, LLC has been nominated for the 2nd year in a row for the WDIV 4 The Best contest and is currently in 5th place! I'm amazed and excited by the outstanding support of our clients and friends.
If you would like to vote for us (and you can vote with each email address you have!) please click here and show your support. Please spread the word!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
I don't know if I should be sad or mad?
WTF, PCOS. I'm kind of convinced it's partially caused by the fact that I was on BCP's since my cycles were pretty much normal when I was younger. Maybe it's my family history of diabetes (apparently, it can become PCOS in women in their 20's and 30's instead of actual diabetes). Lovely. Thanks genetics, I really appreciate you.
Just a bump in the road, someone told me (I'd really rather have a baby bump, thanks) .... and a treatable one at that, so I know I shouldn't be overly upset. Lots of women who have this condition can (and do) get pregnant so I shouldn't get down on myself, but nevertheless, I didn't expect to hear that when the OB's office called me this morning. "Your ultrasound was very normal, BUT there are some small cysts on your ovaries consistant with the PCOS that you and Dr. L discussed at your last appointment, and you will discuss treatment options at your appointment next week."
It just seems so unreal. I don't have symptoms of this condition ... except for these ultrasound results. My bloodwork back in early May was NORMAL. I don't know whether I want to go cry in a corner or punch something.
The plan of the moment:
Follow up appointment on Monday, July 6.
Take HPT that morning, just to be sure.
Start Provera again that night (assuming neither AF has shown nor BFP - either of which would be great at this point).
At least it's a plan.
Just a bump in the road, someone told me (I'd really rather have a baby bump, thanks) .... and a treatable one at that, so I know I shouldn't be overly upset. Lots of women who have this condition can (and do) get pregnant so I shouldn't get down on myself, but nevertheless, I didn't expect to hear that when the OB's office called me this morning. "Your ultrasound was very normal, BUT there are some small cysts on your ovaries consistant with the PCOS that you and Dr. L discussed at your last appointment, and you will discuss treatment options at your appointment next week."
It just seems so unreal. I don't have symptoms of this condition ... except for these ultrasound results. My bloodwork back in early May was NORMAL. I don't know whether I want to go cry in a corner or punch something.
The plan of the moment:
Follow up appointment on Monday, July 6.
Take HPT that morning, just to be sure.
Start Provera again that night (assuming neither AF has shown nor BFP - either of which would be great at this point).
At least it's a plan.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Well, I have an empty ute.
I got to experience my first ultrasound yesterday. They did an internal and external.
It was so sad to look at my empty ute on the monitor ... not precisely how I'd envisioned my first ultrasound, let me tell you. I was expecting it though since I'd taken another HPT yesterday morning for another BFN. I must have stared at that thing for a solid 10min just willing a second line to show up ... ah well, such is the way of it. I've only been off BCP since March 5.
The ultrasound itself was weird because it was all black and white for my right ovary and my uterus ... she got to my left ovary and the screen exploded in red and orange and yellow. Of course, the tech can't answer any questions so I won't know what the heck was going on there until the doctor calls me sometime this week. Let me tell you, I'm a little freaked out about it .... I mean, I was pretty sure I was having ovulation pains on the left this cycle, and that I'd ovulated ... but who knows. I am still experiencing many of the symptoms I was before. Headaches, some fireworks, cramping, fatigue and thirst. Soooo, since I'm not pregnant and AF doesn't appear to be anywhere near ... WHAT IS GOING ON???????
I decided to wait and hear from the doctor before I start another round of progesterone. I want to know what's going on in there before I resort to meds again.
My husband is amazing through all this ... because he knows I'm stressed about it (even though I shouldn't be; it's early in the process yet) but what's cool is that his whole fire department is rooting for us as well. It really continues to resonate that the fire department is another extended family to us. They are some really wonderful people.
It was so sad to look at my empty ute on the monitor ... not precisely how I'd envisioned my first ultrasound, let me tell you. I was expecting it though since I'd taken another HPT yesterday morning for another BFN. I must have stared at that thing for a solid 10min just willing a second line to show up ... ah well, such is the way of it. I've only been off BCP since March 5.
The ultrasound itself was weird because it was all black and white for my right ovary and my uterus ... she got to my left ovary and the screen exploded in red and orange and yellow. Of course, the tech can't answer any questions so I won't know what the heck was going on there until the doctor calls me sometime this week. Let me tell you, I'm a little freaked out about it .... I mean, I was pretty sure I was having ovulation pains on the left this cycle, and that I'd ovulated ... but who knows. I am still experiencing many of the symptoms I was before. Headaches, some fireworks, cramping, fatigue and thirst. Soooo, since I'm not pregnant and AF doesn't appear to be anywhere near ... WHAT IS GOING ON???????
I decided to wait and hear from the doctor before I start another round of progesterone. I want to know what's going on in there before I resort to meds again.
My husband is amazing through all this ... because he knows I'm stressed about it (even though I shouldn't be; it's early in the process yet) but what's cool is that his whole fire department is rooting for us as well. It really continues to resonate that the fire department is another extended family to us. They are some really wonderful people.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Some updates...
Well, I took a pregnancy test on Wednesday. BFN. Seriously made for a crummy day, but I really do think that my O date was wrong, so I went ahead and put in some new information into my chart to show the date that was more likely correct, basically making the test I took on Wednesday too early (at only 10dpo). At least that's what I'm hoping anyway.
Some changes in how I've been feeling:
1. I'm still quite tired most of the time (moreso in the midday and by about 9pm) but I've been waking up easier in the mornings.
2. The 4th of July celebration in my breasts is gone. I had a reduction surgery 2 years ago, so it's highly unlikely that I will ever produce milk, so some of that "pain" was probably from hormone changes (whether AF is coming or I'm pregnant). I still have a few flashes of fireworks here and there each day, but not nearly as constant.
3. Mild cramping (AF style) for the last 3 days or so.
4. Holy bloated. ICK.
I have an ultrasound scheduled for Monday to check my ovaries to see if I am actually ovulating. My temperature charting is probably relatively inaccurate because I don't sleep all that well most of the time and my husband likes it cold in the house. And being that we are (and always will be) a fire family ... he's gone for 24 hour shifts and that changes the temperature in the bedroom, the times we actually go to bed/wake up ... just everything. I'll update again after that appointment. I'll also be taking another HPT Monday morning before the appointment.
Then, if it's another BFN and depending on what they find at the ultrasound, I have to start the Provera again to bring on AF. That will be followed by bloodwork on CD3 and probably even more testing. They are checking me for PCOS, even though I don't really exhibit any other symptoms of that condition. I'm praying that it isn't the case though, and that I'm maybe still adjusting from being on BCP.
I hate the waiting game.
Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading :)
Some changes in how I've been feeling:
1. I'm still quite tired most of the time (moreso in the midday and by about 9pm) but I've been waking up easier in the mornings.
2. The 4th of July celebration in my breasts is gone. I had a reduction surgery 2 years ago, so it's highly unlikely that I will ever produce milk, so some of that "pain" was probably from hormone changes (whether AF is coming or I'm pregnant). I still have a few flashes of fireworks here and there each day, but not nearly as constant.
3. Mild cramping (AF style) for the last 3 days or so.
4. Holy bloated. ICK.
I have an ultrasound scheduled for Monday to check my ovaries to see if I am actually ovulating. My temperature charting is probably relatively inaccurate because I don't sleep all that well most of the time and my husband likes it cold in the house. And being that we are (and always will be) a fire family ... he's gone for 24 hour shifts and that changes the temperature in the bedroom, the times we actually go to bed/wake up ... just everything. I'll update again after that appointment. I'll also be taking another HPT Monday morning before the appointment.
Then, if it's another BFN and depending on what they find at the ultrasound, I have to start the Provera again to bring on AF. That will be followed by bloodwork on CD3 and probably even more testing. They are checking me for PCOS, even though I don't really exhibit any other symptoms of that condition. I'm praying that it isn't the case though, and that I'm maybe still adjusting from being on BCP.
I hate the waiting game.
Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading :)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Finding it hard to resist...
I want to pee. On a pregnancy test. Like, right now.
Fertility Friend keeps changing my crosshairs, so I really don't know when/if I actually ovulated, but for the record, I have so many phantom symptoms that I am starting to think the earlier of the dates may have been correct. Or maybe I'm just crazy since I want it so badly.
What are my phantom symptoms, you ask? Okay, I'll tell you ...
I might be getting sick or even expecting AF, but regardless ... this is how I've been feeling.
1. Extreme thirst. All the time. And I have a funny taste in my mouth if I'm not consuming a beverage.
2. Fireworks in my breasts. It got pretty bad today, but it's been off and on for a few days now.
3. Cramping. Mild and not consistant. Mostly on the left side. And some bloating
4. Fatigue. I am falling asleep by mid afternoon most days, and although I am able to function, my eyes are burning and I feel weak in general.
So yeah, there you have it. The reasons why I want to pee. I'm going to buy a pack of HPT's tomorrow. I am going to try to wait until next weekend, but somehow, I don't think I'll make it that long. If you check out the link to my chart above, you will see how it's kind of misleading. My original ovulation date was predicted at cycle day 14, but it moved yesterday to cycle day 22. What do you think?? And when do you think I should test? Leave me a comment and let me know!!
Have a great weekend!
Fertility Friend keeps changing my crosshairs, so I really don't know when/if I actually ovulated, but for the record, I have so many phantom symptoms that I am starting to think the earlier of the dates may have been correct. Or maybe I'm just crazy since I want it so badly.
What are my phantom symptoms, you ask? Okay, I'll tell you ...
I might be getting sick or even expecting AF, but regardless ... this is how I've been feeling.
1. Extreme thirst. All the time. And I have a funny taste in my mouth if I'm not consuming a beverage.
2. Fireworks in my breasts. It got pretty bad today, but it's been off and on for a few days now.
3. Cramping. Mild and not consistant. Mostly on the left side. And some bloating
4. Fatigue. I am falling asleep by mid afternoon most days, and although I am able to function, my eyes are burning and I feel weak in general.
So yeah, there you have it. The reasons why I want to pee. I'm going to buy a pack of HPT's tomorrow. I am going to try to wait until next weekend, but somehow, I don't think I'll make it that long. If you check out the link to my chart above, you will see how it's kind of misleading. My original ovulation date was predicted at cycle day 14, but it moved yesterday to cycle day 22. What do you think?? And when do you think I should test? Leave me a comment and let me know!!
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hockey and a houseguest
We have a houseguest this week, the hubby's friend from VA Beach Fire Dept. Great guy, really nice ... but he has taken over the spare bathroom ... which is where I keep my hair products and makeup. I was SO irritated this morning and it wouldn't ordinarily bug me. I know, I know! I should have gone in there last night and gotten what I need and put it in our master bath. OH, but the hubs was in that bathroom shaving etc. Yeah .... 6am hotspot for getting ready for work at our house today! So today, my hair is in a bun and I'm makeup free.
Having a houseguest who is also in the fire service does have it's good side though ... he, like my husband, can COOK. And, because we have "company" we are actually eating decent meals at home (which by default means I get decent lunches for work too - I love leftovers). We had marinated, grilled chicken and asparagus on Monday night, coney dogs and sweet potato fries yesterday and who knows what for the rest of the week, but YUM is all I say about that.
The guys are teaching an FEO class (fire engine operator i.e. driver/pump operator for those who don't know) at the local college this week. So they teach during the day, head to the bar for a quick drink after, home for dinner and oh yes, it's hockey playoff season ... so that means more beer and late nights in front of the tv at our house. I, on the other hand, try to go to bed by 10 - which is hard when they are drinking beer and shouting at the tv!
Firemen sure can drink a LOT of beer! Two men, 3 days so far and already 3 12-packs GONE! We should buy stock in Michelob Ultra, I think.
Having a houseguest who is also in the fire service does have it's good side though ... he, like my husband, can COOK. And, because we have "company" we are actually eating decent meals at home (which by default means I get decent lunches for work too - I love leftovers). We had marinated, grilled chicken and asparagus on Monday night, coney dogs and sweet potato fries yesterday and who knows what for the rest of the week, but YUM is all I say about that.
The guys are teaching an FEO class (fire engine operator i.e. driver/pump operator for those who don't know) at the local college this week. So they teach during the day, head to the bar for a quick drink after, home for dinner and oh yes, it's hockey playoff season ... so that means more beer and late nights in front of the tv at our house. I, on the other hand, try to go to bed by 10 - which is hard when they are drinking beer and shouting at the tv!
Firemen sure can drink a LOT of beer! Two men, 3 days so far and already 3 12-packs GONE! We should buy stock in Michelob Ultra, I think.
Monday, June 8, 2009
A Visit to the OB!
I am so glad that I have found an OB who is proactive.
After my last cycle, which lasted 68 days and was ended with progesterone supplements, I am very excited that after my appointment today we have a definite plan of action.
I am to test at cd35 if no AF ... but I'm probably going to test at 18dpo, which will be cd33 ... and if it's a BFN I'm to start Provera again. I hate taking hormone supplements, but if this is what it takes, then I'll try it again. He scheduled me an ultrasound for 2 weeks from today, just to rule out PCOS (and I'm crossing my fingers that it IS ruled out). From there, hopefully we'll have AF starting from the Provera (or of course, a BFP this cycle - though I'm not overly hopeful for that). I'll also have to have bloodwork done again on cd3 of the next cycle.
Anyway, I've heard that many doctors make you wait a year of trying before they do any testing, so I'm grateful that my doctor isn't like that! Maybe the fact that I'll be 30 in a few months and Aron is 36 comes into play ... I don't know, but I am glad that I'll be getting some results.
All things considered now, I wish I'd stopped the BCP's a year ago. If only I'd known about charting and such way back when, maybe I'd have never started them in the first place. Oh well ... live and learn, I guess!
After my last cycle, which lasted 68 days and was ended with progesterone supplements, I am very excited that after my appointment today we have a definite plan of action.
I am to test at cd35 if no AF ... but I'm probably going to test at 18dpo, which will be cd33 ... and if it's a BFN I'm to start Provera again. I hate taking hormone supplements, but if this is what it takes, then I'll try it again. He scheduled me an ultrasound for 2 weeks from today, just to rule out PCOS (and I'm crossing my fingers that it IS ruled out). From there, hopefully we'll have AF starting from the Provera (or of course, a BFP this cycle - though I'm not overly hopeful for that). I'll also have to have bloodwork done again on cd3 of the next cycle.
Anyway, I've heard that many doctors make you wait a year of trying before they do any testing, so I'm grateful that my doctor isn't like that! Maybe the fact that I'll be 30 in a few months and Aron is 36 comes into play ... I don't know, but I am glad that I'll be getting some results.
All things considered now, I wish I'd stopped the BCP's a year ago. If only I'd known about charting and such way back when, maybe I'd have never started them in the first place. Oh well ... live and learn, I guess!
Baby Shoe Giveaway!
Okay, so this is pretty shameless in attempt to win for myself, but nonetheless ...
I have a friend who has a fabulous website (read it, it's great!) and she's doing a giveaway right now for some adorable baby shoes ... and since I know some of you are also baby-minded lately, I figured I'd share the info:
Clicky here for Kitchen Stewardship's Baby Shoe Giveaway!
Have a great day everyone!
I have a friend who has a fabulous website (read it, it's great!) and she's doing a giveaway right now for some adorable baby shoes ... and since I know some of you are also baby-minded lately, I figured I'd share the info:
Clicky here for Kitchen Stewardship's Baby Shoe Giveaway!
Have a great day everyone!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
This week's gonna be great!
I'm being as optimistic as I can!
I have a 4 day work-week ... I'm off tomorrow (thank goodness!) That will at least make the weekend come faster. And work's been okay the last couple of weeks. I mean, I hate it and I've sent my resume all sorts of places ... but I don't expect any changes in the near future. It would be nice to win the lotto about now.
In fact, winning the lotto was our topic of conversation at breakfast this morning. Aron and I have a tradition that we go out to breakfast together once a week, usually on Sundays (except when he's at the fire station ... and those weeks, we'll go on Saturday or Monday if I'm off). Anyway, so today we got to talking about lotto winnings and what we would do if we won - knowing of course that you actually have to play to win, which we don't - and it made for decent conversation over egg beater omlets and coffee. We decided that if we won, he'd keep his job at the fire station for health insurance purposes and we'd pay people to work for him so he would end up only putting in 5-6 shifts a month, and never on weekends. We'd pay off our condo and either rent it out or donate it. We'd buy a nice house, no different than what we're already planning to eventually buy anyway ... but it would be top of the line everything inside. So we're talking about 2500 sqft ranch with a full finished basement in a nice area with a decent piece of property. We'd have my dad and uncle build it for us and it would be everything we dream about! I wouldn't work except for some tutoring and the occasional wedding (like I do now in addition to my full time work) and otherwise just be a SAHM. It would be so nice! We'd also replace both cars, but nothing fancy there either ... we'd get a Jeep Grand Cherokee to replace the Liberty and a Dodge Journey (I love that car!!!) to replace the PT Cruiser. We'd get the best possible editions of the cars we could. We would set up college funds for our kids and invest the rest appropriately. It's so nice to dream. Regardless, these are all things we hope to do anyway - with slight variation - sell the condo, buy a nice home, replace our cars and set up college funds for our children. But to not have to worry about where the money will come from - THAT would be beautiful.
And now, Aron's gone to the airport to pick up our friend Matt (VA Beach FD) who's staying with us for a week so he and Aron can teach an FEO (fire engine operator - driver) academy to some guys from Warren FD. We're all going out tonight to the local fireman's bar, so it should be good times! I always look forward to Matt being in town because he is Aron's BFF (though guys will rarely admit such things) and I love seeing them hang out ... it's like old times. They used to work in PH together, until Matt and his brother Tim applied and both got hired in VA Beach a year and a half ago. We only get together about 4 times a year now, so it's sad - but it makes it something to look forward to. We're heading down to VA in October to celebrate my 30th birthday (god, I'm getting old!) and our 1st anniversary. We'll be staying for a week in a beach house right on the canal and only 1 block off the ocean! I'm SO looking forward to it!
Finally, in baby news, I've got an OB appointment tomorrow morning. I'm 8dpo today and I've been having all kinds of phantom symptoms ... sore boobs, cramping, bloated, a little bit of nausea, headaches and I'm VERY tired. All of which could mean AF is coming too, so I'm not getting my hopes up. I wonder if they can do a blood test tomorrow at 9dpo and have it read successfully? Probably not, but oh how cool would that be?! In reality though, my temps are too low, I don't think I am producing enough progesterone on my own yet to sustain a pregnancy, even if we did by some miracle conceive this cycle. I hope the doctor can give me some answers, now that we're in our 4th month of TTC.
Hope everyone's doing well :)
I have a 4 day work-week ... I'm off tomorrow (thank goodness!) That will at least make the weekend come faster. And work's been okay the last couple of weeks. I mean, I hate it and I've sent my resume all sorts of places ... but I don't expect any changes in the near future. It would be nice to win the lotto about now.
In fact, winning the lotto was our topic of conversation at breakfast this morning. Aron and I have a tradition that we go out to breakfast together once a week, usually on Sundays (except when he's at the fire station ... and those weeks, we'll go on Saturday or Monday if I'm off). Anyway, so today we got to talking about lotto winnings and what we would do if we won - knowing of course that you actually have to play to win, which we don't - and it made for decent conversation over egg beater omlets and coffee. We decided that if we won, he'd keep his job at the fire station for health insurance purposes and we'd pay people to work for him so he would end up only putting in 5-6 shifts a month, and never on weekends. We'd pay off our condo and either rent it out or donate it. We'd buy a nice house, no different than what we're already planning to eventually buy anyway ... but it would be top of the line everything inside. So we're talking about 2500 sqft ranch with a full finished basement in a nice area with a decent piece of property. We'd have my dad and uncle build it for us and it would be everything we dream about! I wouldn't work except for some tutoring and the occasional wedding (like I do now in addition to my full time work) and otherwise just be a SAHM. It would be so nice! We'd also replace both cars, but nothing fancy there either ... we'd get a Jeep Grand Cherokee to replace the Liberty and a Dodge Journey (I love that car!!!) to replace the PT Cruiser. We'd get the best possible editions of the cars we could. We would set up college funds for our kids and invest the rest appropriately. It's so nice to dream. Regardless, these are all things we hope to do anyway - with slight variation - sell the condo, buy a nice home, replace our cars and set up college funds for our children. But to not have to worry about where the money will come from - THAT would be beautiful.
And now, Aron's gone to the airport to pick up our friend Matt (VA Beach FD) who's staying with us for a week so he and Aron can teach an FEO (fire engine operator - driver) academy to some guys from Warren FD. We're all going out tonight to the local fireman's bar, so it should be good times! I always look forward to Matt being in town because he is Aron's BFF (though guys will rarely admit such things) and I love seeing them hang out ... it's like old times. They used to work in PH together, until Matt and his brother Tim applied and both got hired in VA Beach a year and a half ago. We only get together about 4 times a year now, so it's sad - but it makes it something to look forward to. We're heading down to VA in October to celebrate my 30th birthday (god, I'm getting old!) and our 1st anniversary. We'll be staying for a week in a beach house right on the canal and only 1 block off the ocean! I'm SO looking forward to it!
Finally, in baby news, I've got an OB appointment tomorrow morning. I'm 8dpo today and I've been having all kinds of phantom symptoms ... sore boobs, cramping, bloated, a little bit of nausea, headaches and I'm VERY tired. All of which could mean AF is coming too, so I'm not getting my hopes up. I wonder if they can do a blood test tomorrow at 9dpo and have it read successfully? Probably not, but oh how cool would that be?! In reality though, my temps are too low, I don't think I am producing enough progesterone on my own yet to sustain a pregnancy, even if we did by some miracle conceive this cycle. I hope the doctor can give me some answers, now that we're in our 4th month of TTC.
Hope everyone's doing well :)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Oily Skin + Breakouts = Hatred.
Really, I'm far beyond my teenage years (during which I had remarkably clear and beautiful skin) so I'm more than frustrated at the current state of affairs related to my face. I've always been a normal to quite dry sort of girl, so as of late I have been cleansing my face 3 times a day with Neutragena acne treatments - but this means that I am also doing this at lunch in the skeevy work bathroom. Which also means I can't wear makeup since I just don't have time to put it back on. BUT, I can literally feel the film on my face right now and it's annoying the hell out of me!!!! Luckily, the pimples themselves are scarce, but the oil, OH the OIL. I just can't deal and it makes me almost cry. (I'm not even going to go into the emotions in this post)
Does anyone know a good remedy for that?? Something I can use instead of washing my face in the middle of the day at work - because let's face it - that's not really something I enjoy.
This happened to me last cycle too, while I was taking the progesterone supplements, which leads me to believe that this oil debacle is related somehow to the introduction of progesterone into my system. Except that I'm not sure if I'm even producing progesterone on my own yet. Stupid residual birth control side effects.
So yeah ... hit me with your oily skin remedies, please!!
Does anyone know a good remedy for that?? Something I can use instead of washing my face in the middle of the day at work - because let's face it - that's not really something I enjoy.
This happened to me last cycle too, while I was taking the progesterone supplements, which leads me to believe that this oil debacle is related somehow to the introduction of progesterone into my system. Except that I'm not sure if I'm even producing progesterone on my own yet. Stupid residual birth control side effects.
So yeah ... hit me with your oily skin remedies, please!!
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