It's been forever

It's been forever since I've posted a message here. It's not that there's been nothing to say. There's been plenty. I'm hitting the 6-month mark, and I have found myself surprised by the following:

* Being pregnant is actually kinda painful; nice of my sisters to "forget" about ligament pain and back pain that makes me re-think trips to the bathroom whilst laying on the couch

* Rather than bonding with everyone using my new-found hormones, I've found that I've become extremely protective of my independence. Want to be my new friend because we're both pregnant? Thanks, but I have enough friends. Want to offer me advice about baby furniture, prenatal care, etc.? Back off. I've already read about it and can reference sources. Insist on being protective of me? Don't worry. If I'm attacked by a stranger, I'll sit on 'em or suffocate 'em with my ever-growing breasts. Really, I'm quite happy to be going it alone. I'll let you know if I need anything.

* The baby kicking in the womb thing is pretty creepy. The first time it happened, my honest response was "Holy crap. It's chewing its way out. Get it out now." Now when I feel it, it's less creepy.

* Sleep deprivation kicks in very early; basically, a comfortable position would require pure magic

But I'm not complaining because I realize how lucky I am....

Month 5 and counting

I started my 5th month last week. So far, I have been very, very lucky. (Oh, crap, is that bad luck to say?) I think I felt it move last week. Some people describe it as feeling like little butterflies fluttering inside your abdomen or even--get this--little angel wings. I describe it as this: creepy. My honest first reaction was: Oh my God. It's chewing its way out. Get it out of me right now.

We're pretty sure it's a boy but should get a more definitive answer in about two weeks.

Starting second trimester

I had my 12-week appt last week and all went well. I am now entering my second trimester, and I still can't believe it. This week, I'm doing something called an Ultra-Screen, which is a combination blood test/ultrasound that will give me a ratio for my chances of having a baby with chromosomal problems. After I get those results, I can decided whether to do the amnio at week 15. I'll be a very happy and relieved camper by week 17.

Still allegedly pregnant

I am officially 8 weeks pregnant tomorrow. I have my first doctor's appointment, and I really hope that I get some proof that my body isn't just playing an evil trick on me. Fingers are crossed!

Holy cow

Wow. I'm pregnant. I am stunned. We tried one last time before the medicated IUI and it took. Did I mention that I'm stunned?

Medicated IUI - Needles. Yuck.

My FSH is still slightly elevated and I have about 8 months left to try to conceive before the ovaries go outta business. Our RE recommended IVF but we've decided to start with a medicated IUI first. With the help of something called Follistim (which I'll inject into my abs for 5 days) and another injection called Ovidrel, my ovaries should produce some viable eggs. Then we'll do the IUI and try to catch one (or two). The sucky thing is that I have a trip planned in the middle and can't really get out of it (brother's big 5-0). Fingers are crossed, but thankfully, the tubes aren't.

Speaking of which, I had one of those evil HSGs. That's where they shoot dye through your cervix to see if your tubes are blocked. Feels like someone is eletrocuting you from the inside. My doctor walked me through the whole thing in his soothing voice, which made it less terrible. But I survived. Yay.

I've heard that you're more likely to conceive after having an HSG, so we're gunna try on our own this week. Couldn't hurt!

Got a new RE

I got a new RE (reproductive endocrinologist) who is very cool. I liked his staff, his office decor (might not sound important, but it is), and he's right down the street. Plus, he's kinda hot. Yes, I know how sick that is. Anyway, unlike Mr. Condescending Asshole from 6 months ago, this one didn't make up any shit like "there's a connection between chronic bronchitis and miscarriages." The new one also didn't make a comment when giving me a pelvic ultrasound like "don't be so sure that everything is fine; I always find something." Also, the receptionist at the new place gave me chocolate and randomly shared some overly personal info with me, so I liked her immediately. But, mostly. And I mean mostly...there was not a single Anne Geddes baby print in sight at the new place. If I never see a baby dressed like bee pollen or a maggot again, I'll be happy.