My Endometriosis Story

Omaha, Not Just a City

2012-01-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

Last summer George, Claire and I were waiting for our flight from Houston to Amarillo. While we sat in the terminal George said, "Hey, you want to go where gate #73 is headed?" For a moment I thought of some places I wanted to visit... like Italy or Chicago... as I looked up I saw Omaha. I smiled and said, "Sure lets go!" and tears came to my eyes. George was surprised I got all sentimental... and asked if I was OK. Sure I was fine, but for a brief moment I was back in May of 2008.

To most people, Omaha is a city in the middle of the United States... but to women who are suffering, it is a city that holds a doctor who provides a lot of answers. They may not be all the answers we want, but they are answers that move us towards soluntions. From our 12 hour car ride, the hotel, downtown brewery, botanical gardens... Creighton hospital, Pope Paul VI Institute, the staff, the restaurants... all of it was an experience that built a memory I will always cherish. It brought us closer together as husband and wife and placed us in an environment where I had complete trust and confidence that someone was going to take very good care of not only me, but us.

As I connect more to the online community of women on Facebook, I find so many are suffering not only with infertility, but with gynecological issues that are simply not being addressed by their OB. How is it that we live in 2012 and the best answer an OB can give us is "We are really not sure how to fix your problem, but if you take this birth control pill we can ~~fix~~ mask your symptoms"- this so burns me!

I may not be an OB, but I am a strong woman who has been down the road of suffering. To help other women from suffering any longer, I am going to use this blog as a platform for discussing solutions, current information and my continued fertility story. While I love posting about the happenings of our cute little family and the renovation of our 1920's home... that will now take place on our family blog, HavrillaVilla.

So ladies, lets stand-up and demand more! Direct your questions to the comment sections and I promise to post weekly on fertility matters!

Nicole
NaproTechnology & Creighton FertilityCare Model

Project 52:48 - Story

2011-12-02T21:24:00.001-08:00

We are very big into books right now. She loves to carry a book over to me and say, "Story". As we shared our morning together, I look over to find her sharing a story. Love watching her pretend.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Project 52:45 - Babywearing

2011-11-14T09:05:00.001-08:00

Babywearing: Since Claire was about 3 months old I have carried her in a sling. I loved having my hands free, the support of the sling on my back and the ability to sense what it was she was needing because I held her so much. Well, now we are allllll toddler... and I could not continue to carry a 25lb toddler in a sling on my hip for very long. I mean, its still a fast way to pop her into my arms... but not for extended periods of time. With the time change, little one has been really fussy around 4pm when I start dinner. She wants to see what it is I am doing up at the counter... and will constantly push herself between me and the stove/counter/pantry whatever it is, until I pick her up. Well that is not too productive and clearly she is needing some attention during this time. Enter the woven wrap! Wraps are good for all ages and weights, I just now found one I could try before I purchased. They are handmade and actually could increase in value. So this is how we cook these days... or maybe take a walk...or go shopping. I can carry her in several different positions... and the key..... I have worn her for over 30 mins and due to the support of the wrap, felt GREAT! When she wants to get on my back, she will go grab the wrap, bring it to me and say "Back, back, back" - love it! Its a new thing for toddler and Mommy. You can also learn more at Fort Worth Babywearers - mamas helping other mamas figure it all out!

PS: I have been a little slow to post bc in the move I misplaced my camera battery charger. Those babies are $50 bones to replace... so I just kept hunting until we found it! More to come soon.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Project 52:41 - Afternoon Lunches

2011-10-21T16:33:00.001-07:00

This week we took our lunch to the front porch and the park down the street. Claire and I have really enjoyed the drop in temperature...and she is also trying to enjoy my sandwich!

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Claire's Birthday Pictures

2011-10-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks after Claire turned 1 we sold our house...which followed with us sleeping in 7 different beds before we unpacked here at Willing. As I work on her baby book tonight, I realized I never made a birthday post of her photos from the party and "mini" shoot we did in the backyard. It's hard to believe she will be 19mo in a couple days! Time is flying by... at lightening speed!

Fort Worth Creighton Model Intro Session

2011-10-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

I will hold a Creighton Model Intro Session on October 25th at 7pm. If you are in the Fort Worth area, and interested in learning this method of family planning or want more answers because you are struggling with infertility, take a look at this website www.creightonmodel.com and RSVP to me for the October session. This first meeting is free of charge.

Nicole
nicolehavrilla@gmail.com

Before & After : Living Room, Inspiring Willing

2011-09-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it is coming together! I am such a creature for comfortable spots. From the cozy spot at a coffee shop, to the window seat on a plane - I must always find the spot I am most comfortable in, to enjoy myself. Well, this house is a work in progress... but, the living room is almost done. We need a fan to replace the beautiful chandelier (that we will reuse somewhere else in the house) and a rug that will run from the bookcase to the love seat - both could take a while longer, so I wanted to share what we have so far. Thanks for helping me make the curtains Mom, I think they are fabulous!

Before & After:

Body Healed...

2011-09-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

When I started my blog I wanted to share the journey I was having with endometriosis... and how there are better answers for women out there - NaproTechnology! While I was sharing my story, I held back on our TTC story. It was too emotional to share, knowing co-workers might see too much.

I didn't have an opportunity to share how George and I went over to a friends house in December of 2008.... so the husband could show George how to do HCG injections for me. When I look back now... laying on their couch, having the husband get everything ready and then giving step by step directions to George on how to do the shot properly. It blows my mind the journey we started out on.

So a little recap and lesson learned... I was on HCG shots, Fertile CM, and Vitamin B6. I was having CM issues. We started this monthly process in January 09 and by May I was pretty emotional that after surgery and 5 months of this, maybe it wasn't going to happen. I know its a short time... but the needles every month were messing with my mind. I would rather you throw spiders at me then stick me with needles. I once told my mom as a little girl, "I am not going to have a baby bc they have to stick a needle in your arm!" - Joke is clearly on me!

So June we conceived Claire and the rest you should know... took a blood test at 4 weeks to confirm pregnancy and test progesterone. I was low on progesterone, like we expected and started shots that week. Didn't see my local OB until 10 weeks - and he was very open to working with Dr. Hilgers and his progesterone protocol. We had a beautiful pregnancy and delivered at 40 weeks!

Now, 18 mo later, we are trying for #2... and I figured I would share. Share for two reasons... to help others and to spread the word of NaproTechnology!

Last Friday I drove around all afternoon trying to find someone to draw my blood for a peak plus 7 draw...so I could send it to PPVI lab. See, the way the normal medical communities works is not the same as the lab at PPVI, so I wanted to ship my blood to Omaha and have their lab run the test. Hours later I come home so frustrated because NO ONE WILL DO THIS! I would have paid $100 dollar for the service of taking my blood, spin it and then give it to me... nope, no can do. I came home beyond frustrated. Within the hour I got a call from a sweet dear friend who has been down this road here in the DFW area... and she had answers. She directed me to a hospital with a lab that was happy to help... a small hospital with a sweet wonderful lady. Got everything taken care of and then off to the airport to overnight the sample... and wait.

You see, we have tried for a couple of months... and while its only been a couple of months, to someone with infertility I am already freaking out. With my history, after calling PPVI, they wanted to see what my levels were this month... and you know what... I am fine, TOTALLY FINE! Estro was 11 and Progesterone was 13... absolutely within range. We just need to relax and try... they see no reason why it would be a problem for us this time. So, we'll relax for a couple of months and maybe do some cycle reviews.

I am currently waiting for thyroid results... those take a couple weeks.

In the end... after surgery... after hormone support to get pregnant... hormone support to keep the baby growing... drug free delievery... I am healed.

Everything looks good. Gods time....

You should read the blog I follow below, Hebrews... she has a good story too.

If you are still searching for answers, there is a community here to support you.. and real doctors who are open to different treatments to help you. More to come :)

Project 52:36 - Coasters

2011-09-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

Coasters - Everyday she takes notice of what I do. This morning, she went and picked her own coaster to set her water on... just like Mommy sets her coffee.

She didn't feel her self today... there was lots of holding and rocking... and lots of times I thought, "She is only 18mo once"... how does she grow so fast? When we were in high school we wanted to be in college... when in college we wanted to be conquering the business world... when single we wanted to be married so badly... now that I have her, I want time to just slow down... slow down. Staying at home with her is a sacrifice, I want to work... but, "She is only 18mo once"... and this struggle I have to be creative, is poured into sharing coasters together.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

NaProTechnology vs. IVF - - LIVE DEBATE

2011-09-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

Live Webcast of Dr. Hilgers’ Debate in Poland

Thomas Hilgers, MD will be debating one of Poland’s leading IVF physicians on Friday, September 23rd (2:00 am CST) following his Thursday, September 22nd (4:00 am CST) lectures on NaProTechnology at the Polish Society of Perinatal Medicine meeting in Poznan, Poland. Both meetings will be broadcast live on the Internet. Tune in to hear the live webcasts of Dr. Hilgers as he presents the culture of life and the benefits of NaProTechnology at a conference for perinatologists in Poland.

For more information visit: http://www.drhilgers.com

Project 52:35 - Mommy Trips

2011-09-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

Mommy Trips:catching a fast trip from DFW to ORD to spend time with family...and to show everyone how fast we are growing. On a trip to Grant Park, Claire wanted to skip the little kid swing and prove she can manage the big kid one. Where does the time go? No more baby, all toddler.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Project 52:34 - Dinner on Time

2011-08-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Recently we developed a bit of a routine around here. After the massive move... massive in that any move with a baby is massive.... we are now sleeping and napping regularly! To keep this new routine requires mommy and daddy to eat dinner during dinner time and not at 7:30. Dinner is ready when George gets home (normally) and we move right into sitting down before 5:30. Afterwards, we have cleanup and some play followed by bath and in bed by 8! Enjoying her dinner :)

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Its becoming a home...

2011-08-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Thought I would load a couple before and after photos of the recent paint and stair remodel. Its a process, and we are starting to feel more like its our home.

Dark green - - - too dark for our things!

Nice new cream.... makes the room seem lighter

too dark

light and ope

Dark red and a light pink on the ceiling.... too much

Light grey... looks blue, but its grey

Master bedroom... Fathers Day

Light Blue... and we painted the ceiling... not sure we like it

other side of the master

No pantry store...

Really, no where to out my cans of soup!

Welcome to the land of IKEA!

Its a process... getting everything put in its place.

So, its coming together. More photos with furniture and such to come.

Project 52:29 - A Little "Kid"

2011-08-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

A Little "Kid" - all of a sudden she is doing things that a little kid would do... not a baby, not even a toddler... but a little kid. We were sittin on the patio last week and I look over to see this "little kid" showing off. Wonder who taught her this trick... and the trick where she hangs from the bathroom sink edge. I have stayed home with her all these months and she went from a tiny baby to someone climbing on tables, all in 17 very short months.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Project 52:28 -Grocery Shoppin!

2011-07-25T15:40:00.001-07:00

Grocery Shopping The day is ours to do what we please. Sometimes we take in a little grocery shopping at 10:30....with other SAHM who visit the FTW museum.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Check out my other post for more Project 52 bloggers - I'm having trouble copying all their sites on the iPhone app

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Project 52:?? - Lap Naps

2011-07-09T20:08:00.001-07:00

Lap Naps Baby has slept in 7 different beds in 2 months. It will take time to get her settled. Since I stay at home, some days she naps on my lap...and I, text friends, read the news, play on Pinterest, words w friends, FB, email, make a list...or just rest with her. It's how we roll for now bc it's what she needs.

Three weeks into the new house. Lots of changes...before and after photos soon.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Check out my other post for more Project 52 bloggers - I'm having trouble copying all their sites on the iPhone app.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

NaProTechnology Networking: Bowel Resection

2011-06-13T19:41:00.001-07:00

I know several women, who have received treatment from Dr. Hilgers, may read my blog....so we have a question. There is a fellow reader who would like to connect with anyone who has had a bowel resection by Dr. Hilgers. If you have, leave a comment or email me. This other reader is just looking to connect with someone who has been down this road.

Thanks so much ladies!
Nicole

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Project 52:22 - A Home

2011-06-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

We have been away from our "house" for over a month.... and I am so tired and really need our "home" back. While we said goodbye to our house in Amarillo back in April, it looks like we will say hello to our new house in Fort Worth next week. Looking forward to making this our new HOME!

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Also, check these blogs out for more Project 52 viewing!

bump meet baby | capturing memories | capturing my time |cyan baby bliss | fitori |katie clay photography | McBabyBump | new mom adventure | phreckle face photography | {rik-see } photography | the buckeye homestead | the vandyck family | wicked kate

Project 52:20 - Crazy!

2011-05-20T10:19:00.001-07:00

Crazy...unsettled, war zone, college dorm room, nuts.. can you even find the baby in this picture? Since leaving our home on the 28th of April we have slept in 4 different locations! This is our life, in this 20th week of the year. We were in this room for a week - slept here two nights. Tuesday night we moved back to our regular room - thank heaven.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Check out my other post for more Project 52 bloggers - I'm having trouble copying all their sites on the iPhone app.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Project 52:18 - Holy Spirit

2011-05-13T13:26:00.001-07:00

Holy Spirit

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Check out my other post for more Project 52 bloggers - I'm having trouble copying all their sites on the iPhone app.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Project 52:17 - Moving

2011-04-30T13:24:00.001-07:00

Moving: It's all really emotional. Our first house as newlyweds...our first years together...our first parties...our first baby...and our first memories. George was always worried I didn't love the house, but as we shut the back door, with all the keys inside, I cried like we just dropped off our first at college. So many good memories behind and so much adventure ahead. We have to grow and change...and it's time for growing and changing. So the 17th week of the year, big change.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Check out my other post for more Project 52 bloggers - I'm having trouble copying all their sites on the iPhone app.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Project 52:14 - Homemade

2011-04-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

Homemade: Easier than you think, portable, less expensive and fun! As we started to consider solids for Claire I read a couple books on how to cook for her. I will admit, with reading so much on food for her I became inspired to have even healthier options around the house for George and me. I thought we ate pretty well, but we can do even better. As we move out of our house next week and practically move into a 30-60 timeframe of eating "on the road" this will become an even bigger challenge.

I didn't feed Claire solids until 7/8 months....and we still breastfeed at night and in the early morning. The homemade food really allowed for flexibility. Side note - we did do store purchased organic baby food to supplement when I did not have time to make her food at home or on the road. It was a nice balance to what I made at home and didn't break the bank.

Below: from the toddler section of this book - apples and pumpkin soup. Great book, covers from 6mo to toddler.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Also, check these blogs out for more Project 52 viewing!

Project 52:13 - I'll make that call...(a little late)

2011-04-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

I'll make that call: I was reminded that I get to see all the firsts.... she picked up the toy telephone and played like she knew how to use it? I have been with her practically every minute since she arrived.... we don't even have phones that look like this (iPhone)... when did she learn this, because I think I missed it. :-)

PS... I wish I could take better pictures, these are a little out of focus... I was trying not to use the flash inside... however, the expressions on her face are priceless!

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Also, check these blogs out for more Project 52 viewing!

Project 52:12 - Whatcha doin'?

2011-03-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Whatcha doin': Nothing Mommy.... I get to see it all.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Also, check these blogs out for more Project 52 viewing!

Project 52:9 - Naps

2011-03-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Naps: Morning naps... I might rush off to get things done while she sleeps.... or I might just hold her :)

A lot is going on in the Havrilla house this past week... details to come soon!

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Also, check these blogs out for more Project 52 viewing!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl: A Birth Story

2011-03-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

Claire Marie Havrilla

It was Friday March 5^th, and I was at my desk after lunch when my boss stops by my office. He asks, “You are due this weekend, right?” – I said yes and he smiled saying, “Take the rest of the afternoon off and go get some rest.” I gather my things and add, “If I am not here on Monday, do not worry. No news is good news and George will call when we have something to share.”

The weekend was ahead of us. I was feeling pretty confident. We completed the Bradley program several weeks earlier and felt good about the pregnancy and how I was feeling. We were not anxious and carried on as usual.

In the very late hours of Saturday and early morning hours of Sunday I started waking-up repetitively and needing to go to the bathroom over and over again. I would wake, look at the clock and see only an hour had passed since the last bathroom trip. Oh well…

Since we went to Mass on Saturday I woke late on Sunday for breakfast. Around 10:30 – 11am, I shared with George that “something” is happening. Besides feeling her move from time to time… I never felt anything more during the pregnancy, so this was different. Something was “washing” over me about twice an hour. I would say to George, “There it is again, something is happening.” We learned in Bradley classes that you should try and get some sleep when labor begins. Do not get excited and start cleaning or calling friends and family. The road ahead of us could be long. I needed rest and headed back to the bedroom after breakfast and TOOK A 4 HOUR NAP!!!

It is now early evening and George starts to time the contractions. Complete with stopwatch around his neck… a true coach! My contractions are very mild and about every 20 or so minutes. We made dinner, ate – gonna need my strength – and finished packing hospital bag. George printed extra copies of birth plan and started to feel very anxious. I on the other hand feel very matter of fact as I am packing my new “cute” hospital bag.

Around 8:30pm, we decided to start our 2010 Lenten activity by listening to Dr. Brant Pitre CD on Prayer. While we listen, I downloaded a couple free iphone apps on timing contractions – they are coming around 10 mins apart, but not regular. I tell George, “Oh I think this is really it, things are starting to take shape here.” He smiles and tells me to relax.

We decided to both go to bed around 10pm. However, I’m too excited now and stay up to time contractions on my iphone in the dark. Contractions are less than 10 mins apart. It’s getting closer. I am wide AWAKE!

I wake George at 1:30AM with contractions less than 5 mins apart – however, still not regular in length. I got a little freaked out. They were 5 mins apart and it was 1:30 IN THE MORNING. What is a new mama to do? Well, I should have relaxed. Still wasn’t time yet.

George takes a shower and has oatmeal breakfast – he will need his strength, this is the last time he has time to take care of anything for himself.

I get in the shower to relax… when is the right time to go to the hospital? When should we call friends and family? We always heard not to call them too early… what is too early? The shower was very relaxing… I should have just stayed right there.

About an hour later we decided to go to the hospital. Contractions are not regular, but they are freaking me out a little because they are 3 to 5 mins apart. However, they are not consistent.

George followed our “preplanned” route to the hospital avoiding neighborhood bumps and the awful road of Hillside! Who wants to be on that road and contracting? Not me!

George is thrilled! This was the ideal time to go to the hospital – 3AM, on a Monday; no one was on the road. Total stress free for him!

I sat in the back of the Matrix and would tell George when a contraction was too much to continue down the road. He would pull over and try to pull off into a parking lot – I suggested that he just stop the car in the middle of the road… really, at 3AM who was behind us on the street… JUST STOP THE CAR!

I-40 at 3AM was a breeze for George, calm papa driving mama to the hospital… and a breeze for me, no more bumps.

We arrived at BSA and sat in the car for 15 mins. Is it time to go in or not? Is this really it? Should we call people? This is crazy, its 3AM! What should we do?

During this time, while I am contracting, and it’s a little frightening… I could still talk to George and walk into the hospital… we should have known it was still too early.

We walk into the ER. Nurse asks what seems to be the problem, “Just in labor and the front door is locked, how do we get upstairs?” – nurse replies that I didn’t even look pregnant. I think the night shift may have been a little sleepy.

We are wheeled around to the back elevator and head up to labor and delivery. Is this really it?

Arrive at L&D desk and they show me into the triage room. As George is helping me change into a gown in the bathroom… the nurse opens up his folder, that he left on the table, and finds…. THE. BIRTH. PLAN!!!! Oh yes, this couple just walked into a hospital in Amarillo Texas with a birth plan. One that, given mom and baby are safe, lists “Please Do:” and “No, Thank You:”…. I am certain they thought I seen one too many TLC’s Baby Story!

When George and I come out of the bathroom, the nurse has brought the charge nurse into the room and they are both standing there. The charge nurse asks, “We found your birth plan, is your doctor aware of this? We say yes and Dr. C is fully supportive of our wishes. Oh course I did not watch TLC to get my birth plan organized. George and I took over 20 hours of Bradley instructed birth classes and were well prepared for this birth.

I sit down on bed and start 45 mins of monitoring – they check me and say, “You are at 2cm.” I say or think something about making a mistake and that we should go home. I am disappointed. We are not supposed to come to the hospital this early! What are we doing here? It’s still too early.

Nurse comes back and says Dr. C would like for me to walk the hospital floor for 2 hours and be checked by the same nurse before 7. Sounds reasonable, we head off to tour the hospital. It is now raining outside and George runs to the car to put some things away… he comes back to find me asleep on the lobby couch. All I wanted to do was sleep!!!! I would have camped on the floor if he had let me.

We head up the stairs and find the cafeteria – OH. GROSS. Nothing like early morning eggs to throw a laboring mama into being nauseous! Lets get away from here. We find a hallway filled with BSA heritage items. It was like walking down a museum hall on the history of BSA. Kept us busy for a little while…. reading, contracting, walking, reading, contracting, walking… We started to develop a rhythm and a path – past the board of directors’ pictures, across the artifacts and circle around by the staircase… oh that staircase was a sweet spot. It felt so good to lean over it, making my laboring sounds and feel the cool breeze coming up from downstairs! We walked from the stairwell to the end of the hallway and would repeat – all with George’s encouragement… otherwise I would have napped right there at the top of the stairs, all I wanted to do was sleep.

The two hours goes by really fast for me… very slow for George.

At 6:45AM – we head back to L&D, check me, I am at a 3cm. I say, “We are out of here, I want to go home”. Nurse calls Dr. C and he wants to talk with me. They patch him into the phone by the bed, I tell him I want to go home, he is encouraging and says, “I bet you’ll have this baby soon and I’ll see ya around lunch.” – I think I apologized for waking him up. He said not to worry, I wasn’t the first and I won’t be the last.

We head out to the car. Its now about 8AM – the hospital lobby is very very busy – it also seemed really loud. But I guess since I was in labor, all my senses were heightened. George goes to get the car and I run into someone from church. To this day, when I see her I always remember this moment and smile. She came up to me and asked how I was doing… I shared that I was in labor and not ready just yet, so we were heading back home. She smiled and said, “It would be soon and everything was going to be OK.” George pulled up and we headed home.

George is now driving in a full on rainstorm with a traffic filled on I-40… very different from 5 hours earlier. But we are going home; baby is not ready yet… the hospital is not where I need to be.

8:30AM – Get home and I immediately get into bed. George and I talk about if he should go into work or stay with me. For a brief moment I encourage him to maybe go in… then we reconsider. While it’s not time, it is more serious than things were at 1AM. He stays and continues to time contractions.

Because of the Bradley birth classes we took via Donna Ryan in the DFW area – I was 100% confident. I would have stayed at the hospital if we did not have the education of Bradley. Being at home was soooooo comfortable… and once I settled in, I was able to SLEEP between contractions. Really, I actually took naps in-between contractions. Amazing!

George starts timing contractions again. I do not care to play with the iphone anymore. I start to lose the concept of time and just manage each contraction as it comes… I would wake from a mini nap and say “Time” – indicating to George one was coming on. At some point I get sick…. It was a little frightening because it was an uncontrollable throw-up that I could not catch my breath for. George helps me and I settle back down again.

I now have the urge to go to the bathroom. I need to have a BM. George remembers this is one of the signs and calls Donna in Fort Worth. While I am in the bathroom, a little unsure of this new sensation, George is on the phone with Donna. Things have changed. I can no longer talk during the contractions….nor stand. I walk back out to the bedroom and George wants me to lean on him for support and to keep moving. I am not able to do anything. I do not want to walk, talk, think, move…nothing!

We learned that you should try and keep moving to encourage the labor… but I am now at the point where he has to “talk me into doing things” – ah ha, time to go to the hospital!

We head back up to BSA at 1PM

L&D triage me again and check me, I. AM. AT. A 4!!!! WHAT? It’s still too early to be here… but mentally, I know I am done being at home.

While I am waiting for the nurse, I start to hold onto the bed rails when a contraction comes on. I still have that urge to go to the bathroom... so I need something to counter that pressure I am feeling. So pulling on the side of the bed helps.

A fabulous nurse is assigned to us, Brooke, and she totally understood our birth plan. She put my hep lock in and moved us to our room. Apparently we ended up with some of my blood squirting out onto the floor. Both George and Brooke played it cool, and I was none the wiser (in fact George wrote this part), because my husband knows I would freak out and then probably pass out while Brooke was just being professional. George changed into his bicycle scrubs and we settled in.

The room is dark. The nurse settles us in and heads off to get me some ice. I am relaxed and for the next few hours things pretty much feel the same…. I have the urge to go to the bathroom so I am in and out of there… nothing happens except the last time I go, I come out to announce that I have lost my mucus plug.

I progress along to a 6 and I think then an 8. Dr. C comes in after 4:30 and checks me saying things are going fine.

As each contraction washes over me I go from freezing to blazing hot – Brooke brings me this blanket that feels like it was in some type of oven… HEAVEN. I request George to turn the AC up and then to turn the AC down. This is cycling about every 3 to 5 mins.

Looking back now, I realize that this is the time when people normally call family and friends… maybe even do a little posting on facebook. Little do I know that people are actually looking for me. It’s Monday and I didn’t show up for work….so I am MIA. But the last time I could put two thoughts together was 3AM – so here we are at 3PM and I have no concept of anything outside of our little room.

Things begin to intensify… I go from hot to cold, cold to hot. I keep asking George to turn the AC on and to turn it off. I tell George I must be in transition. He says, “You are not in transition because you keep talking to me.” I do not find this helpful.

On a side note, George pointed out after Claire was born that he was not really turning the AC on and off because he was afraid he might break it, so he pretended to fulfill my request. I later share with him that instead of saying “Turn the AC up, turn the AC down” I just pointed to make him think I am in transition.

At some point after 6PM I say, “Brooke, I’m gonna say something funny. It feels like my butt is gonna blow out and I might hurt myself.” Brooke says, “Well that means you can start pushing.” Now mind you I have felt this sensation since we came back to the hospital a second time. I just kept “taken it” if you will until I felt like I was gonna hurt myself. Could I have pushed sooner all along if I would have spoke up?

Its 6:15 and I start pushing. But wait! Where is the water that is supposed to break? I have not mentioned anything about my water breaking. My water is still 100% intact. I asked that it not be broken and here I start to push with the “comfort” of it still there.

During my pushing I asked that the perineum oil I brought be used. Again, both nurse and doctor are happy to fill this birthing plan request. Putting pressure where needed and massaging.

I remember a handful of long pushing sessions, Dr. C holding a towel up and saying, “When that water breaks it will hit the wall.”, Brooke encouraging me but not being a cheerleader and George filling me with confidence as he watched from my side with excitement. Saying all along, “Babe, you are really doing this! I can see the baby coming!”

At 6:45 Claire was born, and the sack of water broke as she came out. After checking her out for about just a minute, they gave her to me and I started to breastfeed her. I then said, “I am never going back to work!” Everyone in the room laughs and says that’s not what they normally hear. I guess since the decision to stay home with her was talked about so much, all of a sudden having her I found a release. It has always been a struggle on what I was going to do concerning work. I struggled in the months after she was born on what I wanted to do too. However, I am stepping out of the business world to take a few years off. She is only little and at home all day for so long, for our family it’s what will be best.

Dr. C continued to tend to me. I think I had a couple 2-degree tears. This is the first time I worried about not having an epidural. The entire labor and delivery has passed and this is my first time I actually worry that something may hurt really bad, stitching me up. However, nothing hurt. It was about as painful as my trips to the dental office. Little prick here and there.

While Dr. C is stitching me up I ask, “Are you putting the melting stitches in so they go away like magic?” – the nurses, George and Dr. C laugh saying, “Yes the ones that dissolve.”

After everyone is done with their job and shift change takes place, we get the best compliment ever. The night charge nurse comes in and says, “You just gave Brooke the best day at work! She said your birth was amazing and you guys worked as a great team! So Thank YOU!” – WOW, we were just thankful to have such an amazing, kind and supportive nurse what was willing to work with my body and baby! Everyone won that night!

So here we sit on Claire’s birthday and I would go natural all over again. The education we received prepared us to understand the phases of birth that my body passed thru, which allowed us to be prepared and manage the birth along with my body. My cycles returned 3 months after she was born and everything has worked like clockwork since. We’ll see what the future holds!

Project 52:8 - Mexico Vacation

2011-03-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

Vacation: We are a little behind after our week in Mexico. This is just the first shot from Day 1 that I pulled this morning while loading our photos... love her expression.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Also, check these blogs out for more Project 52 viewing!

Project 52:7 - My Afternoon View

2011-02-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

My Afternoon View: It's feeling a little like spring around here... well minus the -20 last week and the wool socks. Claire loves to take a walk around the neighborhood... and after lunch, we did just that.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Also, check these blogs out for more Project 52 viewing!

Project 52:6 - Baby It's Cold Outside

2011-02-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

Baby Its Cold Outside: One of the things I like most about staying at home is not making Claire wake-up because we need to rush off to work. This past week we were down to one car, so we did have to wake her, to rush Daddy off to work. We pretty much just took her from bed to car seat...and headed off. However as the temps dropped to below 0 and we were back at home snug in her room - I was reminded, I am happy I do not have to get her out every morning in this cold because I have to go to work.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

PS: Did not edit this picture... do not mind our summer clothes piled on the couch... we are heading to Mexico on Monday and getting ready ;-)

Cloth Diapers for Sale

2011-02-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies,

We kinda over-purchased AND have some diapers that are too big for Claire's tummy & legs. Thought I would post here before I take this stash to e-bay. If you are interested, please email me.

CuteyBaby was used once - just too big for her - Everything else has NEVER been used.

CuteyBaby

MEDIUM FuzziBunz

Happy Heinys Cover

Kissa's M/L

Project 52:5 - Just Too Much

2011-02-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

With the death in our family, we traveled all last week and I was not able to get a picture up for week 5. From the ice here in Texas to the messed up flights to PA, I was a little overwhelmed in getting us all together and out of here. Sorry I missed it, such is family life. See you Friday. We are still trying to get back to normal.

Project 52:4 - Getting to the Shower

2011-01-31T18:39:00.000-08:00

Getting to the Shower: When I worked from 8 to 5, I was up early and started the day with a nice HOT shower! Now, well the morning starts with some coffee and my shower comes along during that first nap. However, pending the previous night and how the morning has flowed... that shower may come along at 8, 11 or eek 2:30. This morning I had a couple obstacles to pass on the way to the shower. Love how we turn the bathroom floor into a little play yard!

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Project 52:4 - Standby....

2011-01-30T21:14:00.000-08:00

We had a death in the family and my goals for tonight did not all come to fruition. For those watching, my Project 52 image will post tomorrow ;-(

In the meantime, pray for our family as we make our way east. Due to flights we have to travel by car to DFW, fly a connection into Chicago and then into PA. With the snow storm brewing, lets hope things move along before Wednesday night!

Until tomorrow...Nicole

Project 52:3 - It Will Keep

2011-01-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

It Will Keep: Someone asked me why I was bothering to finish my MBA if I was having a baby....well, because the degree will still be valuable to me when she starts school. I spent more time working on my MBA than I will spend staying at home with her. This time is so short... she is my focus now, the MBA will still open the doors I need later.

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Project 52:2 - Hop When We Want

2011-01-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

Hop When We Want: When I worked, vacations were reserved for well planned out trips. Time away from work was rare. George and I both had to ask for time off, account for travel days and return home on Sunday to be at work by Monday. Now as a SAHM, if we want to hop a flight Wednesday to fly down to San Antonio for a couple of days... well, we do.

Claire last Wednesday reading the inflight menu as we flew to Grammie & Gramppy in San Antonio! Stow your tray table in the upright ;)

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires!

Project 52:1 - Mornings

2011-01-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

Into a new Mama's ears...
   "Why would you ever stay at home?"
   "You would be a better Mom if you worked!"
   "Are you still going to finish your MBA, now that you are pregnant?"
   "It is so boring to be at home with the kids..."

Since March 8th I have never felt more judged. Why is that when a new mom makes the decision to stay at home, do we not give her glowing support like you do when someone starts their first day of work at a new job?

Coming out of college I would NEVER have dreamed of staying at home with my babies. I thought things like, "Why would I ever stay at home when I have so much going on?"... "Its bad if I stay at home, because I have many things I want to prove!"... " I make so much extra money working, why would I leave that behind?"...and the list goes on.

Well 10 years later, I feel differently. While it may not be for everyone, it is for us. After coming into some infertility problems and struggling to get pregnant with Claire, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel after I had her. How would I feel those first couple of months? How would I feel after I left my job? It was such a big change in roles for me - Independent Strong Business Women.... to what? On top of all that, something that made my decision even more difficult, I had a wonderful boss with a wonderful job. I hated telling him I needed to take a different direction for awhile. Hated. IT!

But I knew with as much difficulty as I had in telling him I needed to leave to stay at home with her... all it took was one look at her to show me the new and exciting road ahead!

So my Project 52 will focus on the things I get to do because I am a Stay At Home Mom!

Mornings. I would be rushed Monday to Friday if I had a regular 8 to 5 job... instead, as a Stay At Home Mom, I get to see this. Claire and I have our routine. While I read the news and drink coffee, she sits at my feet playing. Love her!

I picked up the Project 52 idea from StyleBerry's blog - check her out, she inspires me to get a little more serious with my SLR camera.

NaproTechnology Update

2010-11-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

I thought I would take a moment to address how things are with my health post Baby Claire and 2 years post my surgery.

First, the cycles that followed surgery were wonderful. Can you say that about cycles? I actually had 9 cycles before we conceived, and they were all perfect cycles. We may have conceived her sooner, but I traveled to 6 different cities the first 4 months of the year.

Post Baby Claire I started cycling again 3 months after she was born, followed by 8 cycles. While I did have some pain a couple months ago. I am attributing it to painful ovulation.

So, for lack of details, I feel great! Things continue to look good and I feel healthy. I am so thankful for knowing about Dr. Hilgers, seeking treatment and having this blog to share about my endometriosis journey.

If anyone has any particular questions, please let me know, I would love to address them here.

Up next, Claire's birth story.

Family Rosary Night

2010-10-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

We are heading over to friend's house for Family Rosary Night. Claire is trying to decide which one she will take.

Claire's Room

2010-10-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

Since we did not know that we were going to have a girl... the room has been a work in progress post her arrival. :)

I post these to teach a little lesson in crafting. Notice her name? Every other letter when colored a different color... spells, car and lie. UGH. This is the second time I have redone these letters... looks like I will make it a 3rd. I'll post a redo of the letters. A moms work is never done!

Two Full Weeks....

2010-10-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

...and I will be able to really relax.

While I am not writing 100% of the time, I am thinking or reading MBA material. The past 4 months have been full to the brim with stats, finance, accounting and org behavior all swirling in my head.

In two full weeks, from today, all my late work will be in! I will be finishing up my very last class here in November and looking forward to reading a book for pleasure :)

Any suggestions on the book I should pick up first?

And a little baby Claire love....

Study Break....

2010-10-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

I am in the final days of completing all my MBA work. Currently I am working on STATS... the light is at the end of the tunnel, I can almost feel it.

All week and weekend I have been here, at the computer typing. In the last month alone I would guess I have completed 45+ pages of writing. So for a study break we took Claire outside for a couple of pictures.

Ready, Set, GO!

Looking forward to the day I am done and can get back into writing on the blog more.

Baby Claire Love

2010-10-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the tutu Charlotte :) We love it!

Dr. Hilgers: Start the video at 23 mins 38 secs

2010-09-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Words will never be able to describe how I feel when I see or hear him talk. I say to George, "Did we really go to Omaha and did he really make me better?" With 800+ women seeking his attention, I was blessed to be seen not just once but twice by him. It is only our faith in the Catholic church that pointed us directly to his door just a few short month after my Creighton Model chart started showing I was sick. This man is a blessing to all women!

Maybe I can take this MBA I am finishing up on and go work in Omaha to spread the message :)

My Weekend.....

2010-09-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is where I spent my weekend. Almost done. I will be so happy when I am finished :)

7 Quick Takes

2010-09-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

--1--
I feel like I am always writing.... writing.....In the middle of another MBA class and looking to move onto Accounting this weekend. Please pray for me. I HAVE to finish everything by November 8th to graduate in December! I have STATS, ACCT, MKTING and MGT to finish!

--2--
Claire is rolling over, sitting up and doing push-ups with Daddy!

--3--
There are some interesting sparks going on over a Sew's blog. If you know who I am talking about, stop by and read her post on IVF/abortion/fertility. Thought provoking comments.

--4--
Great book I just finished - Caree.r Distinction by A.rruda and Di.xson. It will have you looking at your career in a whole new way. Plus it is filled with great ideas. You have to own your personal brand in the business world, what are you doing to grow it today?

--5--
Over a month without the TV - loving it. Except the whole issue with college football. So we gave it up to save money monthly... and George now figured out how to get the local channels for free!!!

--6--
Have you tried Davy Ramsey Financial Peace? Well 6 mo into our marriage we did and boy did it help with communication on finances. He was a saver that had no fun spending - I was a spender that hated to save. We met in the middle. Now we are taking a new class at church on raising kids. Thought we would start things off on the right foot... well the same foot. Did you and your husband agree from the beginning on how the kids would be disciplined?

--7--
I have come to a whole new understanding after having a baby - nothing you do, say, practice or question seems to make any sense to anyone else. Its your own reality.

Some people keep asking me about leaving work and staying at home. So I figured since this is my blog I would help clear the air.

I would think we all make choices as parents bc we think these are the best choices for our families. Why the heck else would I research something over and over? I choose to stay at home bc I would not enjoy MY day if I was away from Claire. Its that simple. I choose to cloth diaper bc disposables were not working for ME. I chose to research vaccines bc I reacted to them as a small child. I choose to practice NFP bc its what I know is right and MY husband does not want the chemicals of BCP in MY body, WE did a natural birth bc it was what WE wanted to do bc WE felt it was best for us.... You would be surprised by the reaction I get from people from making these choices....or maybe you wouldn't.

I am just very discouraged with people right now... because of the reactions I get for making choices for my family.....from staying at home to vaccines, and she is only 6 mos. Its gonna be a lonely road as a parent.

Check out another Mom who asks questions too, Jen at Conversion Diary who host Quick Takes!

Back to writing papers...

A little cloth diapering love...

2010-09-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

We even like to match when we sleep....

Paying down debt like a Gazelle

2010-08-31T11:57:00.000-07:00

Three years ago I found myself working full time, teaching Creighton clients in the evening, traveling a lot for work, volunteering with church and the Amarillo Junior League... leaving not much for enjoying time at home expect on the weekends... and then I started my MBA and that took at least one weekend a month away. So we decided to hire a cleaning lady. It was so wonderful to have her come to the house...and she did a really nice job.

Well after all the budget cutting we are doing.... we are cutting our cleaning lady. There really is no real reason I should have her. I can absolutely make time to do the cleaning during the day... and it will save us $170 per month. So, today is her last day with us. I hate to see her go, but she understands. If you are ever as busy as I found myself a couple years ago with travel stacked up on top... treat yourself... it made for relaxing weekends.

Totals Saved per month: $70 for cable, $12 for scaling back phone at the house, $10 for alarm, $170 for cleaning, $40 for DAC membership, $5 on internet = $307!!!!

PS: George said he would clean the bathrooms if I kept the rest of the house clean. I think thats fair :)

PSS: We have done without cable for over a week now. I miss the news... but finding other ways to occupy my time. Getting more homework done!!!!

New Baby Room Art... and more

2010-08-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

Just a short study break to make a post. My dear friend has this thing called a Cricket and you can cut any letters you want with it... so we came up with a saying for Claire's room and then I had her cut one for my bedroom. Inside our wedding rings it says, "I promise My best" - something George said when he first asked me out. I love how these turned out! Ok, back to the paper I am writing... sometimes you just need a break!

7 Quick Takes Friday!

2010-08-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

-- 1 --
Is it Friday already? And friends teased me that I would be bored at home not working. Saying I would be a better Mom if I worked. Time goes by even faster now... guess I am enjoying little Baby Claire. :)

-- 2 --
MBA: Crossing off assignments and making progress. However, from this point forward no more detours from my daily plan and schedule. If I have to give up Omaha, then I need to stick with my balance on George, Claire and schoolwork. 15 weeks until the program is over - I have work to do!

-- 3 --
DISH: We SHUT IT OFF! Actually it was pretty easy when they gave me hassle and planned on charging a $5 "downgrade" fee... and then I got upset when they would not credit the account bc I wasn't George. I said, "Well, I am his wife and taking care of this while he is at work. So if you do not credit the account this afternoon, he is going to call you and cancel it tonight" - they wouldn't budge on this "rule" - side note, why do companies implement rules to replace actual THINKING? So they lost their $70/mo revenue stream from us. I wonder what changes will take place in our life now that it is off? I wish I was given a little more props on disconnecting....I am getting teased for making the change. Oh well, what else is new.

-- 4 --
Thanks for all your budgeting tips. I think we actually have a plan here at the Havrilla house. I took a little look at the student loans I have taken out in the last two years and went into full on freak-out rant. We are cutting everything we can and going lean. I called our telephone and security companies in the past week and saved money off the monthly bill, cancelled gym membership... you name it, if we can do without, its coming out of the monthly cash flow. This now has us watching where our money is going. Really, call your monthly bills and ask about options for different service or to cancel, they just might offer you the same deals they offered me.

-- 5 --
Was talking with a friend tonight about being a Mom and planning your weekly schedule so you can have more rest time in the evening with your husband and time to get to bed. We all know we need to do it... Get Up Before The Kids to start the day! Here is a blog I follow that has some really good tips about managing your week and family. I have read her for about a month - pretty good stuff. Especially if you need the motivation. http://inspiredtoaction.com/

-- 6 --
Speaking of getting to bed... 12:11, study break is over and I need to get to the pillow for some rest. I think I made myself sick a week ago bc I was burning too much of the midnight oil. Which I so love... but its not good.

-- 7 --
Please pray for George's grandfather. He seems to have good days and bad. Right now he is really protesting staying in the nursing home. I hope when I get old that nursing homes seem like dorms. Think about it, the majority of the generation that is old now never went off to college and lived on campus. Do you think we will all be so old that we might actually think we are back in college? Just trying to have a positive look on things.

Check Jen at Conversion Diary

Prayer Buddy Revealed....

2010-08-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

I have had the privilege of praying for someone I didn't even know until Prayer Buddies matched us up. Over the past several weeks she had several things going on and I was right there watching and asking God for continued guidance and blessings. She was in my special intentions when I attended the Cathedral in Santa Fe, early church before class in Lubbock and I took her intentions all the way up to Denver when we attended mass at the Basilica with Bishop Chaput. I lit a candle in her honor at the Basilica and asked that God be with her as she came into the church, found out about a new pregnancy, made changes with her job and manages symptoms of nausea. It was an honor to get to know her over the blog.... I was praying for Karen over at Hope Pray Trust.

7 Quick Takes Friday!

2010-08-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

--1--
Love, love, love staying at home with Claire. Prior to getting pregnant I NEVER would have thought I would like staying at home this much. After I had her, I still wasn't too sure. But the other morning, after Daddy brings her to me in bed, while we were both waking up.... well it just was a special time I could never miss. Don't count me out... I am still a passionate business woman that wants to storm the business world with great surprise... but for the meantime, Claire and I will take a couple years off for some lazy morning time.

--2--
You know what I like best about cloth diapering... the wipes! Love. Them! Every few washes I have a new clean stash that I cover with a water/solution mix. It smells ohhh so clean and good. Not to mention, one wipe usually cleans up whatever mess she makes... so I use less per change. Just made up a whole box of clean ones... very cute colors too.

--3--
Tomorrow I will start another weekend of hitting the books for the MBA. I am actually making a lot of progress. Knocking out assignments left and right. I have high hopes of completing on time in December.

--4--
Since I still have too much to complete we are still not going to the 25th Anniversary Celebration... very sad. http://www.popepaulvi.com/celebrate-love-life1.html - if you are involved with Creighton, consider going. I would be there in a heartbeat if we could make it work. Love Dr. Hilgers and all he has done.

--5--
Outstanding Customer Service Alert! If you shop here in Amarillo, I have to say that http://www.etceteraonline.com/etcetera/ did great by me the other day concerning a return. I purchased Claire's baby book from them and the book started to fall apart. I have already written in it and everything. Not a problem. She gave me a store credit (since they dont have any more books) and let me keep the book so I could transfer what I wrote. Very impressed! Also, they have tons of new baby gift items! Very cute!

--6--
I have to confess... we still have cable. However, I did cut the phone bill back by $10 by dropping caller ID and such. I am still going to drop it... baby steps....or maybe tear it off like a band-aid and call AT&T right now...... to be continued.

--7--
Little Baby Claire love...

Jen is away, so http://www.bettybeguiles.com/ is hosting this week.

We HAVE TWO now :)

2010-08-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

Can Babies Have Broccoli?

2010-08-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

She is so yummy.....

Thats Daddy's Hand... he always presses the limits

Taking a break tonight from studying.

Books, Books and Teeth...

2010-08-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Needing prayers for a productive study day! Trying to get more work done for the MBA. George is doing a great job at taking care of Claire so I can study with interruptions.

PS: We have teeth!

As of today, my last day of work....

2010-07-30T22:11:00.001-07:00

How are you doin'?

7 Quick Takes Friday!

2010-07-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

--1--
The big news...I am a SAHM now! Prior to having Claire I wasn't sure what I wanted to do (And one day I will get the story of her birth all written down). However, the one thing that surprised both of us was the moment they put her on my chest I said, "I am never going back to work". I kinda surprised the doctors and nurses in the room... not the normal thing they hear... and I also surprised myself. But after the 12 weeks were up... I knew, that was what I wanted to do and I needed to talk with my boss. So today I officially told the rest of the staff, I am a SAHM now.

--2--
For the first time in 3 months George and I have NOTHING TO DO THIS WEEKEND! We have been on the go since April - trips to Ohio, New Mexico, Maryland, PA, NJ, CO... the list goes on. But tomorrow we get to just be at HOME!

--3--
What do you do for your marriage to keep it strong? Are you part of a couples group? Do a bible study together? Focus on evening prayer... looking for suggestions and just curious what everyone else out there does. George and I are part of a couples group and we are not so sure everyone is gonna stay with it. So we are considering additional options. So, what do you and your spouse do to have a more prayerful marriage?

--4--
Tour de France - after its over, we are pulling the plug on cable. Who is gonna let us come over and watch college football?

--5--
This is where we are going in Feb for vacation. I have a ton of school work to get done before then.. BUT I AM NOT TAKING SCHOOL BOOKS WITH ME TO MEXICO, say it with me, "Nicole will finish in December!"

http://www.laspalmashuatulco.com/galleries/house_of_raising/index.html#/4

--6--
I took the My.ers Briggs personality test in class last weekend. Really didnt tell me anything I didnt already know. (LOL) However, if you are at all like me... a list maker, check out this blog - its heaven!

http://penelopeloveslists.com/

--7--
I ask for your prayers for George's grandfather. He seems to be having some issues and it might be serious. Please pray for the doctors and his health.

Until the next time, have a great weekend. And dont forget to check out Jen's Blog at Conversion Diary.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

PS: I just turned in one of my papers tonight and finished a class I was working on right before I had Claire!!! WOO!!

7 Quick Takes Friday!

2010-07-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Friday is not over yet....

--1--

I guess my husband reads my blog. He made the comment yesterday about my last post and I almost fell over laughing bc I had no clue he even paid attention to this silly little place of mine. Hi Honey!

--2--
We are well into cloth diapers and LOVE THEM! No more blow-outs and such cute diapers. I even line dry them so that saves on energy costs!

--3--
I have class in Lubbock this week! I love the MBA program I am in. It almost feels like a mini work retreat for me. While I am overwhelmed with getting caught up on my previous homework.... I will miss it when the program is over come December

--4--
We are considering dropping DISH? It would be something radical for me - I love TV!!!!! But really, do we need it? Would not having it free up time in a way we never knew? Someone last night shared with me that they dont have DISH and just use Netflixs. It would also free up $60 for the iphone I am considering. Anyone out there not have cable?

--5--
Getting exercise in. Claire and I went for a run yesterday with our new stroller. Things started out good... but before I got too far in, we were ATTACKED BY GIANT MAN EATING MOSQUITOS! If you were a neighbor in our hood checking the view from your window - you would have had a site. Picture it... woman casually out for a high power walk with cute baby... few minutes later I am running the other way back to my house swatting myself and the stroller. Seriously, these things were so vicious I thought they were gonna carry Claire away. Needless to say, our area is not use to the rain.

--6--
Are you a morning person or a night person? I think people are really one or the other. I am a night person....as much as I want to be a morning person, it just hurts. SO I will continue my battle with attempting to rise before Claire to get some additional study time in. I have asked George to start my coffee and say, "Babe its gonna get cold if you dont get up now" (bc I hate re-warming it, so maybe that will work)

--6.5--
Two more.. Who has an iphone? I am considering the iphone 4 and not sure. We have had our flip phones for 5 years. So we are looking to take the plung... it will also help us as a family bc I have a MAC and the phones will communicate with the family laptop. Any suggestions would help here. Take the plung... or stick with the basic model?

--7--
Come back next Friday. My first take with be something radical for me. I promise. If you know me, are a reader or just someone dropping by....come back next Friday.

Have a great weekend! And check out Jen over at Conversion Diary.

Prayer Request....

2010-07-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

George just finished his big race in CO this past weekend. He rode the Triple Bypass and did great. It was a long trip up and back from CO, but he is so happy he finished it.

Updating the blog is a little difficult right now with the limited time I have. I hope my prayer buddy is reading... bc I am going to list a few things that we have going on and ask for her prayers. As soon as things get a little better with time - I'll go back to updating the fun every day things.

School - I am behind with class and trying my best to get on track with getting assignments done. I have a LOT TO DO. Being so sick with Claire my 1st trimester really put me behind, then I had Claire and missed a class. The program finishes in Dec. We have cancelled all additional trips and activities (No trip to Omaha for the 25th Anniversary :( nor a trip to Chicago) so I can stay focused on getting caught up and stay focused on the new classes that keep coming every month. Please pray that I can stay focused and do well in my classes.

I am still working PT right now. Its a little overwhelming.. but I have a few projects I really feel compelled to finish. Please pray that I can do a good job for my boss and wrap some of these things up... and balance my time with class.

We travel to Lubbock this weekend for class. We have been out of town so much with family travel and training for George's race, it feel like just one more trip. Pray that Claire does well for George while I am in class and that class goes well for me. Lubbock is about an 1hr and 1/2 away. It makes for a pretty long trip when I have class.

Finally, I ask for prayers for general balance with family. I just love my time with Claire and dont want to feel so rushed with the stuff above that I miss something with her. Right now my time during the day is devoted to her and my time from George getting home is devoted to work/school. I just pray that I dont let the distractions from school and work interfere with her. AND that we all get the rest we need at night.

Thanks prayer buddy for all you are doing. I hope I am giving you enough of a look inside our world so you know what today. Until the next time I post :)

Prayer Buddies

2010-07-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

So excited to be part of this Summers Prayer Buddies! It was a little over a year ago that I started my blog...and I am so amazed at the women I have found in this group of Catholic infertility. This is my first time to participate with the prayer buddies group. Looking forward to the days and weeks ahead.

A Nursing MUST!

2010-06-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I picked up two nursing t-shirts. LOVE THEM! They are by Momzelle. There is so much out there when it comes to nursing... yet very difficult to buy online bc of size. I will buy a small, when I needed a medium. Or I buy a large, when I really needed a small. So it always helps when I come across a store that sells nursing tops and you can stop to try them on!

I wear a size 8... yet with nursing my cup size increased. These follow pretty true to size. So my size 8 body really fits their size medium tops! I have the tank and a regular t-shirt! I plan to buy more!

Here is the link to their website http://www.momzelle.com/nursing-clothing

Also - they really support breastfeeding. Here is a link to their help page http://www.momzelle.com/page/I-want-to-breastfeed-help-me - GREAT INFO!!!

Baby Claire....Love Her!

2010-06-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

The BEST $29 we ever spent!

2010-06-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

So we picked this little number up at the store yesterday.

It's Friday Already?

2010-06-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

Man, its Friday already. Ok, here we go again. Its 1:51 and I am still up... but,

--1--

My paper that is due this weekend is DONE and submitted to my professors!!!! YEA!!!! I have such a weight lifted off my shoulders! I dont know why the paper was so difficult to write.. maybe bc it was for a marketing class and since I am a marketing professional I was holding myself to a higher standard!

--2--

Well I alluded last week that I figured out a solution to Claire's major BLOW-OUTS! Well.... its cloth diapers and we are not only having the most fun with them.. but no more blow-outs. Its true. I know its bound to happen again... but nothing so far this week. In the coming weeks I will share more on my blog about which ones I like better, good resources for finding diapers and why they are working for our family. In the meantime... if you want to check out a pretty cool family that is doing it with success check out this link. StyleBerry - she also has some pretty awesome photography!

--3--

Want to make a little something yummy for breakfast this weekend - try what I like to call My Tricia Scones - On our trip to the east coast we stayed with my college friend for a couple of days and she made these for breakfast. Pretty tasty!

--4--

Well its a sad state of affairs when you have to hire someone to pull the weeds out of your garden. I am so overwhelmed (school, work, the house, Claire) and with George training every night for his upcoming race - see race here YIKES - that the garden out front is ignored. All last summer it was ignored bc I was so sick in my first trimester and ignored now bc we have Claire to take care of - that it turned into this infestation of WEEDS! So I went to our local nursery and asked who they would recommend. I called a lady and I kid you not - she showed up in her gardeners hat on Tuesday and offered to come back next week and do the job. She was so sweet! She is also gonna help me plant after we get the beds cleaned up. I will take before and after shots.

--5--

I am taking photography lessons in 1 week from Davy - SO EXCITED!

--6--

Breastfeeding in public - to use a hooter hider or not? I was given such a nice shot of support on the flight coming back from out trip. I was trying to work that stupid thing, Claire was hot and overall everyone was frustrated. This nice woman sitting in the seat next to George said, "Honey dont use that thing on account of me, just nurse your baby!" Thought?

--7--

Zumba class. So twitter is all buzzing about Zumba class. Has anyone tried it before? Our gym has it on Thursday nights. I missed tonight bc I was working on the paper - but I intend to go next Thursday.

Ok - thats it for me tonight. I am still so wide awake. Just happy I finished that PAPER! Go check out Jen at Conversation Diary for her takes! That is where I am headed!

7 Quick Takes Friday!

2010-06-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

OK... I know if I wait until the morning I won't get this posted. So here I am 12:40AM, still awake and determined to hammer out this post. I will finish in 15 mins.

---1---

George, Claire and I just returned from "Claire's East Coast" tour. From May 28th till June 8 we were on 7 planes, 6 different beds, 5 states, 900miles on a rental and 1 hotel room! We took Claire to see family in Toledo, Baltimore, West New York, Harrisburg, York and Saylorsburg. It was a fun trip and Claire did great. The funny thing... well, we over packed. Seriously, does a three month old really need three sweaters..in June? I thought she might get cold and we needed things to match. I overpacked so much that we had to spend $20 on shipping a box back home bc our families gave us such nice gifts.

--2--

George and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on the 28th. We started the day off by attending daily mass. I think George was very surprised I suggested it since I am not a morning person. Mass was great and a welcome time together before the busy trip. We were not suppose to buy each other gifts... well George did and he went a little overboard. He purchased a beautiful bracelet for me from our favorite jeweler. It is so pretty... it made me cry. Do you have to save a fancy bracelet for a fancy day - or do you wear it with a t-shirt? I vote t-shirt!

--3--

My daughter - warning this is a poop story- has the ability to BLOW OUT a diaper. We have had some pretty wild blowouts since she was born. Its like comedy around the house... well yesterday morning her cute little self was laughing over in her pack-n-play around 7AM. After a 3:30AM feeding I was just letting her play while I slept. UNTIL I heard the blow-out. Well I jumped up to change her... however, after I slipped my hand under her neck to pick her up, I was SHOCKED to find it was wet. Yes friends - she turned her little sleeper into a poop sack! So for the morning person I am not - I found myself WIDE awake bathing Claire. Good morning! I find it all very funny - bc at any time during our plane trip she could have done this.. but didn't. :)

---4---

I am working on my MBA right now.. a little behind with giving birth to Claire and all. You could say I am overwhelmed. Trying to balance a day full of baby... get dinner together and encourage my husband to get ride time in (he has a race coming up) at night leaves me up pretty late. I feel guilty for sleeping during the day when Claire sleeps.. but I guess its how things need to work right now. Graduation is in December - I plan to finish on time.

--5--

Anyone out there living on a budget? I hate this stupid thing. I hate the check registry and I hate figuring it all out. We are pretty conservative with our spending and save beyond what we need to... but I need to find a system that works so we know where the money is going.. any suggestions on how you and your family manages money is welcome.

--6--

I have a radical solution to Claire's diaper blowouts. Its all thanks to my cousins AWESOME wife in Chicago. More details to come... you wont want to miss it.

--7--

One minute left... I am considering becoming a Bradley Instructor. We had such an awesome birth I think I want to take the upcoming class in December in Dallas. With being a trained fertility instructor I could offer from start to finish instructions... and given the horrible nursing experience I had... I may include lactation in the future. (things are better now, and breast feeding will be a post of its own in the future)

OK - thats all. Finished a little after 1 bc I went back to make sure what I said made sense. Pictures to follow from Claire's trip! Nite...now go enjoy Jen's Quick Takes @ www.conversiondiary.com

I'm a Lion!

2010-05-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

So much to share.....but where does the time go?

2010-05-05T22:32:00.000-07:00

What, its 12:20AM already??! Ugh, I have so much to share about the last two months... but never seem to have time to write.

Topics to cover in the very near future.....

Claire's birth story.... George and I had such an amazing experience. If you are pregnant, take a BRADLEY CLASS!!!! You learn so much...how to trust your body so fear doesn't overwhelm you, what your husband can do to help you...and how your body works. Trust me, it will be the most enlightening class you can take next to a Creighton Intro Session :) I plan on becoming a Bradley instructor some day soon.... because, every woman should be informed about childbirth, and most of the time we are not given enough credit by the medical community to become informed.
Claire and how she is changing... I am trying to soak everything in, she is changing soooo fast! I love her so much.
Products that I have found and LOVE concerning nursing, post baby etc... maybe a QTF for this one.
BREASTFEEDING!!!! This is now a topic that is very near to my heart. I DID NOT get the help I needed here and if I wasn't determined, I would have given it up. My experience with lactation here in Amarillo was a trip - imagine meeting with a lactation consultant while your OB is sewing up your 2 degree damage down there! I have a friend who gave up nursing bc it hurt too much... ladies it should NOT HURT. On a pain scale, it should NEVER be above a 2. If it is, seek an experienced lactation consultant! I had to find mine in Lubbock!

Know that I am watching and keeping up with your blogs. CONGRATS to SEW!!!!! I am so happy for you! Lots of prayers!

Now its 12:30... gotta go to bed before Claire gets up!

Nicole

Claire was Baptized!

2010-04-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Claire was baptized this weekend. It all came together really fast! Our friend, Fr. Jeff, is her Godfather... and being a priest he does not have many free weekends. So when his upcoming trip was called off - we jumped on the chance to get him and Mandy out from Fort Worth to hold the baptism....otherwise we were waiting until late June. The weekend was so busy and wonderful to have everyone in town.

More pictures of Baby Claire

2010-04-04T14:21:00.001-07:00

You have to read this.....

2010-03-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

Found this from Minnesota Moms page.

Truly an amazing hope-filled birth story. I read this at 5am while I was feeding Claire. Was soooo moved.

Nella Cordelia: A Birth Story

Baby Bump Photos!

2010-03-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Davy did such a good job!!!

We take Claire tomorrow for 3 week photos... and then we'll go back to Davy three more times this year for more photos of her. Its called the Baby Club. He takes pictures over the course of a year to document how much she will change and then makes them into a book. So excited. I love working with him!

Davy's Blog www.davyknapp.com/?p=330

Diaper Rash, Did You Know?

2010-03-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

Did you know that mothers breastmilk will take care of diaper rash?

I just had to jump on and post this. Since Claire has been home she has had one messy diaper after another. We have changed her ever second we notice a messy diaper in hopes of keeping diaper rash away. Well, her little bottom started getting red last week. So we searched the internet for suggestions before I started with the traditional creams. Read something about putting mother breastmilk right on the bottom after cleaning it - the next day it was gone. Her little red bottom was now back to normal newborn skin!

I went to look a little further into other things breastmilk will cure... there is a whole google search world out there for cures. Who knew?

In other news... things are going well. Very little sleep around here... but Claire is a great baby. Heading off to bed now. I try to sleep when she sleeps.

I'll post more on the birth in the next day or so.

PICTURES!!!!

2010-03-11T13:27:00.001-08:00

Little Claire Marie Havrilla ~ Things are going great. I'll post more about the birth and how wonderful everything went.

Enjoy meeting her :)

Nicole

It's A Girl!

2010-03-08T22:39:00.000-08:00

It's a girl. 8lbs 6 oz. Started labor on Sunday early morning. Baby Havrilla arrived at 645 tonight. Pictures and more details to come. George is with her giving her a bath, and I'm off to rest.

I'll post more later when I'm not on the iPhone. Must sleep.

Waiting....UPDATE...PS

2010-03-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

Forgot - with the head being so far down, she said I didnt need to worry about the cord getting in the way when my water breaks. I am past that stage. Which is GREAT. BC we want to stay home as long as possible and I would have been a little worried about that.

-----------------------------------------------
Getting there.. but not there...

When the nurse checked me yesterday she said - "WOW, the head is right down there." So the plan is to wait out the weekend and since the Doc was across the street in delievery, he wants to actually see me on Monday.

With that said... I went home last night and I think I might have just been anxious... but I didnt feel so good. Lots of pressure... upset stomach.... got sick this morning...more pressure. Something different is brewing.

I'll keep you posted as I can :)

-------------------------------------------------

I'll see the doctor today at 3:30pm. Not sure if anything new has developed. I still feel the same....but I know from another blogger you can go to the doc in the afternoon and your waters break that night. We are ready....whenever little GC wants to make a showing. :)

Any Day Now....

2010-03-01T09:03:00.001-08:00

No way! George and I spent the whole weekend just hanging out. We realized this may have been the last weekend of just the two of us. Strange to think about it that way.... Every time I walk past the pack 'n play I think, a new little baby is going to be in there before the milk has a chance to expire in the frig. (I know, its odd to compare but I do things like that with dates, always have)

We are ready! We have everything set up at the house... laundry is all done, bags are semi packed, talked to a ton of Bradley friends about their birth stories, birth plan is approved, have read over our notes, car seats are in the cars, pads are down on the bed (under the sheets in case I break water in the middle of the night), pantry is stocked, work is taken care of, caught up on most of my MBA classes, car is filled with gas... I could go on, but we are ready.

So as of now... I'll just keep you guys posted on any new developments. I see the doc on Thursday. He has said for the past 4 weeks that he thinks I'll go a day or two past my due date. Good news.. he is in town and wont be leaving to go anywhere until the end of March. That makes me very happy.

I'll post on Thursday after the appointment.

Professional Baby Bump Photos - UPDATE

2010-02-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay... I will post the link as soon as Davy has them up.

Well George and I purchased an auction item at the Church Carnival back in October - a session with one of the local professional photographers!

We had the session last week - we are meeting him tomorrow to go over the proofs!! I'll post whatever we are considering tomorrow night. SOOOOO Excited!

Here is his website www.davyknapp.com

More to come....

7 Quick Maternity Takes for Friday

2010-02-19T10:01:00.001-08:00

I love Jen's Quick Takes Friday... so I thought I would start off my FIRST 7 Quick Takes Friday with some top products/things I found helpful during pregnancy.

--1--
Bradley Childbirth Classes!!!! We have finished the 12 week childbirth classes with the Bradley Method. Donna Ryan was kind enough to work long distance with us from the DFW area. I was so fearful of what was to come... and the classes are so informative that the education took the fear away. The class really involves the husband. You can find out more information at http://www.bradleymethod.com/ or See Donna's Blog over to the left.

--2--
I was sooooooo sick the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy. I am talking having to pull over in the alley, run to the bathroom at work, get up in the middle of the night... 4 times a day, could keep nothing down. I lost 11lbs before my first OB appointment. Nothing seemed to work. A dear friend shared with me that she ate baked potatoes. It worked! It was the one thing I could keep down... and the one thing that gave me a bit of a break from the sick feeling. I also ate Blue Bell Popsicles all the time... I went through about 5 boxes in those weeks. The good news... woke up at 13 weeks and had chili that night for dinner.

--3--

I sleep in these now. Found them back around month 5... from the same friend who told me to eat potatoes. Its a side sling tank (built in bra) from T.arget. I have 6 of them in all different colors. Great for now while I am uncomfortable....great for when its time to nurse. Not too expensive.

--4--

LOVE!!!! Everly Grey Seamless Maternity Tanks! I picked up two (one white and one nude) back in December. A little expensive... but I wear one every day under all my clothes. Its a wonderful layer piece... and has kept me warm. Its also great for under T-shirts... some of the maternity ones I ordered online were too thin. With one of these tanks, its perfect. I stop and do laundry when they are dirty.

--5--

Golden Graham Cereal... I must have a box in the house at all times! Helps with those middle of the night hunger pains. ALSO, Simply Orange OJ... I can not get enough of this stuff. We always have two bottles in the frig. I am not an OJ drinker - but once I got a taste of this, it satisfies every time! YUM!

--6--

I have found this book very helpful in preparing for nursing. Unsure with what to expect... this book has great sketches, helpful tips and an overall understanding. I picked it up at the beginning of the pregnancy... so I am starting to reread it now.

--7--
Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil. This stuff smells soooo good and feels great on. I have just started using it. Its not too greasy and really absorbs into the skin. Its also organic. I ordered some post baby products to help with healing after delivery... I'll report more on those later.

35 weeks, oh MY!

2010-01-30T21:39:00.001-08:00

Me at 35 weeks! Where has the time gone?

Tricycle Diaper Cake! From the shower. Too cute!

Good Post

2010-01-26T14:15:00.001-08:00

Check out Jen's article over on her blog.

"We hated the anti-abortion zealots because we thought they tried to take away women's freedom; what we didn't understand is that women's freedom had already been taken, when society bought the lie that sex is primarily about bonding and pleasure, and that its life-giving potential is tangential and optional."

Birth & Cycles

2010-01-25T08:34:00.001-08:00

In the next 5 or so weeks I'll have a baby... and then in the next few months that follow, my cycles will return. Its been 35 weeks since my last period. That seems so long ago.... and its just now that I have started to notice that its missing.

I know my OB will ask me after the birth if we "need anything" and I may even be asked in the hospital if I want my tubes tied.... bc so many of us are asked, "So are you done?" People will think we are crazy and not be able to understand, you don't always have to listen to the norm... there are other answers out there.

I am really looking forward to getting back to charting my Creighton chart, seeing how my body responds after the birth and when I will ovulate again.

As George and I have taken the walk of a contraception free marriage bc we looked into so many options to plan our family, we have approached birth in the same manner. I'm not saying this will be easy and I am not saying OB and L&D nurses are not needed. There are times when something may go wrong - and that is why we have hired them for this birth.

We have done a lot of research on drugs used during labor and what seems to be "auto-pilot" for L&D in the hospital. I find it very interesting the reponse I have seen out there....and while reading a blog today about the BCP, this pretty much puts into words how I felt pill free and now trying to go drug free for the birth.

"The pill is to contraception, what the epidural is to labor - if a woman does not accept it, she is in the wrong."

Ladies, research what is out there. Every Woman has the Right to Know!

I picked up the quote from this site http://www.sweeteningthepill.blogspot.com What I have read so far seems like some really good post on the BCP.

Baby Shower Photos

2010-01-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you girls. It was a wonderful shower! Such a nice party and a great way to have the guys there too. George and I are so blessed!

More pictures to come......

Baby Pictures!

2010-01-08T14:16:00.001-08:00

A couple of pictures from yesterday.

Then don't star in a movie about it!

2010-01-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

I commend Jennifer Lopez's statement on where she stands... but don't then star in a movie about it.

ALSO - for the Catholic comment mid-way down. I just love how the article states this guy is a Catholic with his comment, but doesn't state the Catholic church's position on it. Also, I really enjoy how they always go for the "Catholic Comment" when they write these articles.

Jerome Ballard, whose wife had IVF, said their decision to turn to reproductive assistance only made their faith stronger. “I am Catholic, but I believe in life if you want something, you have to make it happen yourself regardless of whether you believe in God,” he said. “We had faith in what we were doing, and IVF was there to help us.”

So he believes more in "getting what he wants" than what God has designed marriage and family to be? Also, he had more "faith" in what he was doing than the plan God could have had for their life.

You can talk yourself into anything you want. However, this is a black and white issue with the church.

32 and 1/2 weeks

2010-01-07T15:43:00.001-08:00

Well we just finished a great appointment with the OB. We asked him a ton of questions and he took his time with us to answer all of them. I was very appreciative, seeing that he had a surgery scheduled across the street.

Then we stopped over for our ultrasound! Everything looks great! The lady kept point out how active GC was and how wonderful everything looked. She said between the movement, development, measurements and my overall health its a perfect pregnancy. She really complemented us on how well we have prepared and taken care of the pregnancy. She gave George a lot of complements for what an engaged husband he has been with the whole process too. :) She measured the amount of skin between the baby and the outside of the body (becuase George asked) - she said it looked very good and I was doing a great job at taking care of my health. Perfect weight gain :)

We now have a ton of pictures. The baby is head down and sunny side up right now. She is predicting the last week of Feb as my due date now. The baby is 4lbs and 6oz (I think) so that was her guess based off development. We have learned from Bradley classes not to get hung up on "a date" so we are just having fun with asking and not worried. HOWEVER, I am a little freaked out bc of how much we have to do around this house... like take down the Christmas TREE... before we can bring a baby home :)

I'll post some scanned photos tomorrow of the u/s pictures. We got some with eyes open, hands, yawns and tongue stickin out :) It still doesn't seem real... but its coming together.

Photos to come tomorrow :)

Wonderful Story!!!

2010-01-06T11:56:00.001-08:00

You all have to read this story. I have been following AYWH for several months now. Look what has developed in just days. Praise GOD! What a wonderful journey.

http://allyouwhohope.blogspot.com/

Two...Maybe three more to go

2010-01-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

I hate all the blood draws. The lady missed on Monday and it took her a bit to get it. I immediately went to the chocolate shop for a treat. :) Two more to go... maybe three.

Afterwards my good friend Amy met me at Babies R Us to finish out the registry. I must admit, I got a little more nervous about things when she was teaching me about the bottles. It’s one thing to walk around and scan sheets, toys and blankets... it seemed oh so real when I am scanning bottles. Do you know they have flow rates? We plan on nursing, but my goodness there is still so much to learn.

We ordered the baby furniture two weeks ago. It’s the one in the picture but an espresso color. Just the bed and changing station – we are keeping things simple.

We started our hospital birthing classes last night. Let me just tell you ladies, if you want to be informed, you have to take more than some two hour class the hospital is offering. We are taking the class so we will be familiar with hospital guidelines and policies. We want to know what legs we can stand on when we are there.

HOWEVER, she totally scanned over so much. I am even now more convinced we will have a birth plan. So much is done today that is basically on autopilot.

For example: After the baby is born she was telling us that we will be able to nurse within an hour. Before nursing she said they put some "medicine" in your IV to help your uterus contract. I raised my hand and asked what medicine might that be? She answered, “Pitocin”. Ahhh NO! Only if it’s absolutely necessary are you giving me that. Which it could be, but should not be an automatic. She even went on to explain that pitocin is the synthetic version of what my body produces naturally after birth... RIGHT, so let me nurse my baby so my body can produce it. I was blown away by how she was snowballing us.

She also told the group, since we are first time moms we will tear or an episiodomey will be given. This is not true. It can happen… but not 100% gonna happen. When someone asked about things we can do to help not tear – she said, “Really, there is nothing”

I’m not saying some things are not necessary... but ladies, take a class and be informed. Walking in with a plan and being educated is the best thing we can do for ourselves. Things might not go according to plan – but at least I am not going to get the autopilot treatment on drugs!

More to come as we continue with two more classes.

Bradley Classes

2010-01-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Anyone familiar with the Bradley Method for childbirth? We are taking classes long distance and things are going really well. This past week we sat in on our instructors class in Fort Worth and realized we are really missing out bc we don't have other couples to talk with.

Any feedback from friends who have experienced a Bradley birth would be really helpful.

Thanks

Nicole

30 Week!

2009-12-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Belly Bump at 30 weeks. We are getting a little camera happy around here this morning. My Mom made the ornament. We have them on the tree now.

Merry Christmas! Belly Bump, DH and Crazy Sisters

2009-12-24T22:36:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Nicole

Sinus Issues! In December! And Updates

2009-12-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Are you kidding me? Since last Friday I have been sneezing, which then turned into coughing. I hate being sick..... or almost getting sick bc I am just not sure anything is ever OK to take while pregnant. But something had to be done bc it was starting to hamper my breathing. I tried some oc meds the doc recommended but nothing helped. So now I am on a Z-Pack for 5 days. Today is day two - and I have had some improvement. I had to cancel my business trip to Austin - bummer. However, I just didn't want to push things and end up with being really sick.

So we'll see how this goes.

In other news I am no longer on the T3 support. Dr. Hilgers recommend I take it up to 28 weeks. WOW time has flown by!

Still taking progesterone injections.... I am now down to having a blood draw every 3 weeks to monitor my levels. With the support I am trending normal. So we'll stick with the continued injections.

We are in week 5 of our Bradley Classes. Over the Christmas travels we'll stop in FTW and actually attend a class. The DVD's have been helpful... It just will be nice to be with the class. We are learning sooooo much. The hospital birthing classes offered in our area are nothing compared to what the method has covered so far. George is being great at watching the DVD's too. Its really a husband coached method.

So thats it for now. I'll leave you with a picture we picked up this past weekend. Its the first in decorating the babies room.

24 Weeks

2009-12-07T15:46:00.001-08:00

24 Weeks!

Limits!

2009-11-30T07:02:00.000-08:00

This weekend we took to the backyard and cleared out the flower beds. I spent most of my time pulling weeds and trimming down old flowers. I didn’t feel like I was over doing anything. The weather was nice, we had light jackets on and George was working on hanging the lights on the house as I worked in the garden. In the end, George did most of the racking and piled things in the wheelbarrow to haul off to the trash. I felt great.

Later on Saturday night: About 10pm my hands started to feel a little sore. By midnight they were full on hurting. I tried ice and heat – nothing was helping. The pain was so bad I was starting to feel sick to my stomach. Now nothing was swelling, turning blue or visibly looking like it hurt… they just were hurting.

How do you fall asleep when your hands are hurting to the point of making you sick? Normally I would have taken a muscle relaxer and gone to bed. But since I am pregnant I had to find other ways..and so far ice and heat were not working. So George talked me through some relaxation techniques we are learning with the Bradley Method. They worked – I actually fell asleep some time after midnight!

However, shortly after 2am I was awake again! I sat there rocking back and forth while I rubbed my hands. Again I dozed off, all to wake again after 3am. This time I headed out to the living room. Now my legs were starting to hurt. The feeling was a tingle soreness feeling that was so intense I started to get frightened. I was gathering it was from the yard work – but how was I going to make it stop? Or when was it going to stop? It was the middle of the night… if it were the afternoon I would have called my OB office. George woke up and came out to the living room to check on me. He tried rubbing my hands – but it wasn’t helping or improving anything.

I looked on the internet and decided eating some bananas may help since they are recommended with muscle cramps. So I tried some bananas and headed back to bed. George worked on rubbing my leg and talking me through the Bradley techniques again. I fell asleep shortly after and stayed asleep until 9am! Finally! I woke Sunday to feel sore, but the pain was better. However, after a night like that, I just took naps all day on Sunday to try and get caught up on some sleep.

Lesson learned – while pregnant, you have to stop when you have done enough, not when you feel you have done enough. I should have stopped after the backyard portion was done instead of plowing to the front yard. Knowing your limits can save pain later.

Growing Pains....

2009-11-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Ouch! This weekend we hit the 25 week mark and I started experiencing what I would call growing pains. Around the bottom sides of my belly I am feeling aches and sharp pains every once and awhile. I guess I am getting to the point of stretching the skin and muscles.

We also can actually see the baby moving around in there. It looks like little pokes from behind a sheet. Being pregnant is so weird. I never knew it would feel this way.

Still taking progesterone – I have noticed a GREAT improvement when George goes slower with the shot. It takes over 3mins for 100mg. But the bump is not as great and the skin reaction has decreased. However, I am still so itchy. UGH! The following day I could just about go crazy!

Still taking T3 – I’ll take this until 28 weeks.

Doctor visit: last week Thursday we had a check-up. Everything looks great! I gained 4lbs and the babies HR was 156. We asked a ton of questions about labor & delivery. I am so surprised at the lack of information that is given to help explain/prepare us for labor and delivery. The only reason we know anything at this point is because we have gone looking for it. It’s just like the flipside when it comes to your fertility. The doc is just gonna give you the BCP unless you seek out additional information to learn your cycle. I wish they valued woman more and would at least make the info available, take it or leave it. The good news or at least I hope it means something, the doctor said I will do great in L&D because I am so tall and lean. So coupled with my knowledge on what to expect (and learning how to manage) and my body – we have good expectations for delivery.

In our Bradley classes – we are learning about relaxing. I noticed this morning (when a few aches and sharp pains were coming on) I really tense up. If I focus on relaxing, it’s not as bad or not bad at all. Tensing your body really does increase the sensation of pain. I am also doing kegels, pelvic rocks, relax sitting and squats regularly.

The BIG accomplishment this week – we switched the bedrooms! We now have a guestroom/office and a reading room/baby room in the making. After we were done we looked back at everything and made the comments, “This is sooooo much better, why didn’t we do this earlier?” So between cleaning out the frig on Saturday (full cleanout with draws and shelves getting a good washing) getting the rooms flipped and organized, I would say I am starting the nesting phase. I’ll post pictures later this evening.

Took a little dip....

2009-11-16T11:52:00.001-08:00

They just called from PPVI - 66 is my new level, high zone 2. Will continue with the shots.

I am 24 weeks now. WOW where does the time go? We are over 1/2 way there! I am feeling the baby kick WAY more now. I have an appointment on Thursday. Dont expect anything new, but I have a few questions for the doctor.

We started Bradley Classes this past Friday night. I want to make sure I am as educated as possible to prepare for whats ahead. Education is the easiest way to remove any fear. The class was about 2 hours long and we really got A LOT out of it. Its husband coached and George seems very interested in everything so far. The first class talked a lot about exercises and eating right. We'll watch week 2 this Friday. Since we are doing the class long distance, I am pretty excited about meeting our instructor in December. George and I will be in DFW for a few days and sit in on class week 10. I am not sure what things will look like or how I will feel come March - but at least I will be informed and not looking at the nurse asking her what to do with my choices.

Awesome New Video for NaproTECHNOLOGY

2009-11-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Also, www.fertilitycare.com has launched a new website. Good stuff!

Giving Shots & Thoughts on the Bradley Method

2009-11-02T07:15:00.001-08:00

George has been great with everything from surgery in Omaha (twice) to HCG shots post ovulation, charting, reminding me to take all my meds, and now more shots with progesterone. Recently the shots were starting to really hurt. It almost felt like I had a box of rocks I was sitting on from week to week due to the knots that developed.

However, now I think we found a winning solution - go really, really, really slow. On Thursday of last week he took over 3 mins to inject the meds in. I counted off in groups of 10 seconds and George stayed on pace. This has improved my post experience. Little itching, no pain the next day and no real knots to make of. For someone who HATES shots – this is not all that bad.

In other developments… has anyone heard of the Bradley Method? We have good friends in Chicago who used the method and loved it. Given my track record with doctors I was really trying to seek out a program that would give me the BEST understanding of birth… and include my husband in that too. We are starting classes this week via a remote instructor from Dallas. (We don’t have anyone in the Amarillo area). If you have any experience with the method I would love to hear your thoughts. While I know I am not able to plan for everything… like fertility, I like to learn and know about all my options.

Going up!

2009-10-28T15:47:00.001-07:00

PPVI just called from my Monday blood draw. Progesterone is 68! She said if I stay like this I could come off the shots! It was a really nice rise from last time.

In other shot news. I have been really sore recently. I asked her about it and she said George needed to do the shot REALLY SLOW. Like take 3 mins to get it in. So we are going to try that over the next two weeks. Just a tip for those who are in my same shoes.

Our first photo of GC!

2009-10-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

We had a sono done on Thursday. This was the best scan I could get off the film they gave us. The baby did a big yawn for us and moved around a little. It was playing with its toes, too funny. They said I should drink a little OJ before my next appointment so we can see more pictures bc it will move around more. Each day I feel more and more movement. This morning was funny bc I could feel the movement on my hand as I was holding my belly. Its so unreal.

We are calling the little bug GC - General Classification. Its a cycling term used in racing that means everyone is working to get the GC to the finish line. They support the rider with food, information, and pulling up the hills. We still dont know the sex... and having fun not knowing.

I have more pictures to upload... one at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks. Its amazing, from a little bean with a heart beat to this!

Levels went up, 51.5

2009-10-19T09:33:00.001-07:00

PPVI just called, my levels went up a little. They are in high Zone 2. They say things look good and I will continue at 100mg x 2 a week.

In other baby updates. We are feeling the baby. Its so funny. Feels like popcorn popping. Last night I was trying to show George the new Michael Buble CD. The baby started moving around to where George could feel it. Then we switched to country music... and more movement. So George started singing, "God is great, beer is good and people are crazy..." - it was pretty funny. The baby is pretty active at night. Just like me :)

Thanks for all your prayers. We have an us appointment on Thursday this week. I'll post the pictures on Friday.

Resources: www.naprotechnology.com/progesterone.htm