Oh Bother...

It has been a kind of  Eeyore week. I haven't posted in update an quite a while so here goes...

November 23, 2011 - Ivy weighs 1lb and shows off her healthy heart.

December-2011

- I can no longer see my lady parts. This is probably a good thing, as many weird things are going on down there.

- I received my first gift off Ivy's registry, some little owl receiving blankets (Thanks Magda). SO Cute!

- Took Ivy's new stroller (Thanks Kim Family) and hat (Thanks Auntie Julie) out for a test run on baby Bishop! He is SOOO cute! (See super cute picture)

- Bought some battery operated snowflakes to attempt and decorate the outside of the house. Major FAIL! The ghetto lights would not stick to the windows.

- I attempted to put together a gingerbread house, gave up, was mocked by Keith, gave it a second try and ended up with a lame GB House. (See picture)

-Slid down half the stairs after attempting to drag a laundry basket down. Landed on my butt, cried, and suffered a small hit to the ego! Otherwise all is well.

There it is...nothing too exciting.

Open Letter

Dear Price Is Right,

You guys are a bunch of idiots! I am not sure how you manage to have 40 years under your belt and not have a clue on how to manage a large group of people.

Congratulations on having a show meant to celebrate expecting women- It was a great idea. However, a BIG FAIL on execution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First, when asking 300 pregnant women to come and attend your show WHY on earth wouldn't you tell them this would be a 7 HOUR process. We NEED to drink and eat and move around! We are pregnant!! I ate breakfast and brought a snack and a bottle of water.  I was expecting to be done with you people before lunch time.

WHY do you think it is OK to let 300 of us share a bathroom with 2 stalls and tell us to all "go" now because there are no bathrooms in the studio.

At any point, maybe like 2 hours in, you could have said 'ok people we still have 5 hours to go, you should grab a snack'. NO, instead you would rather call 911 when the lady sitting in front of me passes out- probably from not eating or drinking. We are hot, packed in like sardines and continuously being herded from one bench to another, you REALLY thought this was a great idea.

Then, 5 hours later you think we have the energy to jump around and scream and be excited so the people at home think we are having the time of our lives for your 2 hours of taping? WRONG

There has got to be a better way: Please contact me to discuss some common sense.
NEVER  AGAIN

*On a brighter note: Thanks to THEBUMP.COM for the goodie bags!

Oh SO Thankful!

This has been a year of MANY MANY things to be Thankful for, as most year are, but this one, of course, is EXTRA special!

1. Baby Ivy Marie Beier- Her little dancing body on the ultrasounds, her Kung Fu kicks in the evening, and her sweet little heartbeat on the doppler!

2. Patient & tolerant Husband and Parents (Especially Mom) who put up with chart topping mood swings DAILY. (I know hard to believe coming from sweet ol' me)

3. Sweat pants- Big Ones

4. My sister, who attends doctor appointments & celebrates good news (IT's a GIRL) bringing the fun and energy I wish I had!

5. Tier One - You know who you are!

6. Supper Club & Breakfast Club- (My friends, therapists, and advice nurses!- not to mention providers of FOOD)

7. Baby Center - "April" Birth group. I am not the only crazy person out there- actually there are people FAR crazier!

8. My Glasses - I like to see.

9. Jobs- Mine and Keith's, that allow us the opportunities that some do not have. And, allow me to buy owl rugs and tooth brush holders for Ivy's bathroom.

10. My iPhone - Out of control- but true!

It's a Girl!!

Today we found that that we will be expecting Ivy Marie Beier sometime around April 2!

Keith and Julie were both at the Ultrasound NOT patiently awaiting the gender reveal. At first, she had her legs crossed, like a good little lady, but she did end up giving us a sneak peek at her lovely bump. I thought it looked like there was  penis there (what do I know), but the tech pointed the labia and determined we had a girl on the way!

Julie was prepared to celebrate be it blue or pink, she came ready with the pink ribbons and baby blocks.

We then headed to Target to buy girly things!!

Can't wait to kiss your little face Ivy!

Yoga

Last night I attended my first Pre Natal yoga class at Haramonymama. I was excited to have 2 hours of relaxation and meeting other moms-to-be. I thought this would be a cinch, as I attended pre natal yoga with Nadien when she was pregnant, and it was pretty fun and low key.

I, of course, was wrong. I do not know if it was different because I am now the pregnant one, or if this place is just a little more "hardcore". Yoga was hard, I worked hard, I was sweating, and when I got home I was sore. It was good sore, we did a lot of stretching, that I defiantly needed, and the meditation (nap time) at the end was great.

I met some new Friends, we talked about our woes, and in the end wished each other a good week, hoping to see one another next Monday. I will surely be there. Although, this time, I will know it will not be 2 hours of relaxation, but some much needed work and hopefully some calm.

Namaste

15 Weeks

15 weeks- Baby Beier is doing great, and loves frozen waffles, sweettarts and In and Out Burger. Not great nutrition, but it is better then nothing. Although I have not gained any weight, I'm sure this diet accounts for the 17cm uterus at 15 weeks.

 Mama Beier is hoping her tiredness and food aversions will quickly be a things of the past. Today via IM I shared my moodiness with Keith.
Keith responded with a lovely haiku:

calm, be so happy
in just twenty-four weeks
constantly awake

 
 Sigh...

Finger in Hand

Alyssa, Charlie and I have been trying to walk twice a week. Every time I arrive at the Wagner's house, Charlie acts as if I am going to torture him, this has given me a complex, and I have come to terms with the fact that Charlie "hates" me.  BUT, very recently, every once in a while, that little monkey will send me a glimmer of hope that one day he will love me. Sometimes during our walks he will reach out and want to hold my hand. I realize this is silly, however, I totally eat it up! I will take whatever love I can get from that kid!

L_O_V_E!

Dear  Full Panel Maternity Jeans,



I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!

Love, Me

Crib!

OH MY GOD! I am having a baby!
Today I bought my baby a crib!
I knew I did not want to spend a lot of money a crib, the most important thing to me was that the crib matched the other furniture already in the room.  I browsed several stores and thought "Oh, we have plenty of time." But, today as I was shopping instead of working I found a crib at Pottery Barn on SALE (50% off), in the right color. So...I sent the link to Keith and the decision was made. Our baby's crib is on its way!

Here it is...not in the right color, but, you get the idea.

I am really trying to be realistic about the all the crap you need when having a baby, and there is ONE thing I really want to splurge on. I want the Pottery Barn Glider (the big butt one). I figure it will be my only "out of control. do I really need this purchase?" so, I am going for it!

12 weeks!

Baby Beier is 12 weeks 3 days today! Yesterday was her "special" ultrasound to see if  she has any genetic disorders or anything that may trigger a red flag. (Everything is perfect!)  At first she was all smiles, she wanted to look and wave for the camera (she just loves attention- wonder where she gets that from), so I had to leave my appointment and spend in hour walking around the building in hopes that when I went back upstairs she would give us a rump shot.  On our second try we barley got a few shots of the back of her neck (the spot needed pictures of), but I loved seeing her wave and sucking her thumb!

She is a whopping 2 inches long! She also hates chocolate (except for in milk), ribs, burritos, and salad with any kind of dressing. She LOVES chocolate milk, orange juice and cold cheese! Second trimester here we come...

I am not posting ultrasound pictures because they are very hard to see. But she is in there!

It's Official...

Today was our 10.5 week check up. Baby Beier has quite the jig. She was dancing around  on the ultrasound showing off her new limbs! I wonder where she gets all that energy...I could sure use some jigging energy.

I also made our official "We're Expecting" announcement on Facebook. Keith was not a big fan of this idea, but it kind of make me feel like it was real and REALLY going to happen!

Here is the cute picture I used to make our announcement... Hehe     WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!!

Week 8 contin...

Week 8 has brought about a few new surprises. Very un-sexy, industrial undergarments, and overall feeling of blah, and the ability of a super smeller. The BEST part of week 8 is we got to hear Baby Beier's heartbeat today!! Dr. S said she is 3/4 of an  inch long and still has a very strong heartbeat. She is right on track for the day we are on. She was also moving around a lot! We have graduated from the IVF clinic to our regular OB. I am a little sad to leave our people who helped us get here - but, it is good news that we are strong enough to move on!

Hello 8 Weeks!

I welcomed my 8th week of pregnancy this morning with violent vomiting!
WELCOME!
It has been my first time actually succumbing to the nausea, but it is also a welcome feeling that all is going in the right direction. Baby Beier is the size of a rasberry and has moving fingers and toes. We will hopefully get to hear the heatbeat at Thursday's ultrasound appointment!

In addition, these beautiful pregnancy hormones that are suppose to be creating my beautful baby have also taken to growing me a full beard...again. Although Laser hair removal was successful, nothing can stop a pregnancy hormone on a mission. My beard is back...don't be afraid!

ONE little monkey jumping on the bed!

Today was our first ultrasound (6.5 weeks) and we got to see Baby B's little heart beat! It was very exciting and I was very relieved. Dr. S said it is a very strong heart beat. We go back in two weeks for a second look!

Her heartbeat is the little white flicker in the middle of the tadpole within the little black circle on the left. Good luck - it is hard to see but that is Baby B!!

Holy Book Reading Batman

As most of you know I am fairly new to reading scene. I use to be strictly be a magazine girl. The last several years have matured me into a seasoned reader. My reading library really only  consists of fluff  books, nothing too serious and nothing stressful.
I consider myself to be a fairly slow reader, reading a chapter or two before bed. But this weekend I blew through three books.


I read the first three this weekend and am already on Chapter 10 of book 4. These are vampire story books, something I have not been into. I have not read Twilight or seen the movie or been part of that whole love of vampire thing recently.
I bought the first book because I was looking for a new series and it got pretty good ratings. I got sucked in and wanted to know what happened to the characters so I kept reading...these are total fluff books and so far I really like them. (Warning: There are graphic sex scenes in these books!)

Positive YES+

  I am officially pregnant for the first time ever!

I got the news today via phone call from Dr. Schmidt in the middle of Costco. He said " Are you shopping?" and I said "Yes, I am at Costco" He said " You better buy some baby clothes!!" WHOOO HOOO It is very exciting news!  

My date at Costco today was with Maryanne and Matty, so of course, we hugged, jumped up and down and cried in the middle of the Costco eye department. Then we got to texting our peeps- Maryanne was double fisted!

Baby Beier also got his/her first gift from Auntie Maryanne and Matty, DUCKY PJ's!

I am confident this will be a successful pregnancy, although there is always the little voice in the back of my head saying be cautious. Dr. S said my numbers were right in the middle of being able to tell if it is one or two. Maybe at the ultrasound we will get an answer! Stay tuned!

MMM,MMM Good

Recently I have discovered un-refrigerated butter. Several months, maybe even years, Alyssa wrote a blog about the debate between whether or not you can keep your butter on the counter and out of the refrigerator. Back then I was an avid believer that you MUST keep butter in the refrigerator! I mean this IS a dairy product! My Mom always kept the butter in the refrigerator.

I decided that I am no longer going to eat spreads and butter-like products. I am going to eat the real thing, and  I have taken quite the liking to eating toast. Butter from the refrigerator, does not spread on toast. However, butter that has been sitting on the counter not only spreads perfectly, but melts perfectly and tastes a little extra salty (which I love). So, I am on week two of unrefrigerated butter, I smell it everyday to see if it smells weird and I examine it for any other weird findings. The only thing I discovered is that I love my counter top butter!

On another note, I made coconut, walnut pancakes yesterday morning and they were SO yummy!

200,000

 

My car has hit the 200,000 mark and is still kicking! I love my car, although sometimes I wish I had all the new bells and whistles he new cars have I have to admit my car is still pretty nice! Thanks Car!

Other news... My pants fit again! YAY My bloating has subsided and I am feeling pretty good. Now we are just waiting, and waiting and waiting until Tuesday. I looked up all the signs of early pregnancy, and OF COURSE I have them ALL!  I try and push down the CRAZY but there is just so much! hehehehehe

Picked up the Embryos

 

We have picked up two of out strongest embryos today!

They both had 8 cells, 2-5% fragmentation, and were both perfectly spherical.

Grow babies Grow!!

Our pregnancy test is 7/26. I made a joke and asked for the first available appointment. He said 7:30AM? So we will be up quite early on the 26th. I should really keep my mouth shut.

14!

That is right people we have 14 embryos!
Of the 16 eggs they removed,
7 attempted fertilization via ICSI* and 6 FERTILIZED!,
the other 9 attempted fertilization via IVF** and 8 FERTILIZED!
We have 14 embryos growing in Palo Alto (I hope they don't miss me).

I am VERY VERY happy as when the doctor left yesterday he told me expected 8 good fertilized eggs, and we almost doubled it! We ARE over achievers!

*With ICSI, the eggs are retrieved the same as if you were doing conventional IVF. However, the eggs and the sperm are then fertilized in the laboratory, by direct injection of a single sperm into each egg.
**The eggs are fertilized in  a Petri dish by allowing to sperm to penetrate the egg 'naturally'.

They've been gotten

Eureka! We've struck gold!
I went in this morning at 9:45 and was back home by 12:00 resting in my cozy bed. While I was away, I adorned a beautiful and gown and stunning headdress. I was joined by my court who were also outfitted quite nicely.

The procedure took about 5 minutes, Dr.S extracted 16 eggs! He said 12 of them looked really good, and that we could expect about 8 to fertilize really well! Tomorrow he will call with the fertility results, and we are expecting to return on Thursday for the transfer.

Thanks to Julie for babysitting me today and Maryanne and Matty for the visit!

Here little eggie, eggie, eggieeess

Our egg retrieval is Monday!
I did not have an ultrasound today, but as of yesterday we had 10 (Ideal is 8-14) good, mature (mature between 15 - 19 in size, I do not know the measurement) eggs to remove.  Likely, by Monday, I will have a few more. Only one more injection tonight and finally I am done sticking myself!

Also, had my best Gold Party last night, well $$$ wise!  Whooo Hooo! I think it is time to retire!

Slowly but Surely

Today's ultrasound shows 7 good eggs growing ideally. My estrogen doubled = good! The best case scenario would be us having over 8 eggs to remove at retrieval. Dr. S 'narrowed' it down to Sunday, Monday or Tuesday- with Monday looking the most promising to get those suckers out.
Another ultrasound tomorrow to see where we are at, hopefully more than 8!!
Get get this baby started...

P.S. He reminded me I need to be getting up at night to drink water. (I kind of stopped doing that - I LOVE to sleep) So, I was called out. CRAP back to sleepless nights. (I know this will be Melissa's favorite part-stop laughing)

What a week!

Hope everyone had a great 4th! 

I love to see everyone's postings with bright eyed kids watching fireworks, dressed in their red, white and blue! Keep them coming.

So this week, started out pretty OK- I am even over Keith's smart ass comment. 

The FSH did help to reduce my headaches, but in exchange brought on 'some' bloating. I have even already used the 'rubber band method' on my jeans (thanks Nadein & Michelle) because the button will not reach the hole. 

I did, however, throw out my back; the one thing I hoped would not happen since my "good drugs" are off limits. But, it happened, and were getting through.  

Today was a different story. Today I woke up feeling like my back was on the mend and I would soon be as good as new. WRONG- 

I am broken, not only has my reproductive area been hijacked, but something is very wrong with the the functions of my body and brain. I went out to get the mail, in my pajamas, so of course a take a quick look to see if anyone is outside and will see me. As I scan my surroundings, I take the first step over the threshold and the next thing I know my pajama wearing, bloated self is on her butt on the front porch.

SOOO, in addition to my back being pissed off over the fall, I have now twisted my ankle and am limping around my house. Yes, I have RICEed it. Basically I am still a mess!

I did not have an ultrasound this morning, just some blood work. My estrogen level was 330 today (Day 7) and I will continue on the same dose of FSH. Things are looking good! Ultrasound is on Thursday- I like to see the eggs in there growing. Maybe I can even get a picture!

Really!?

How about this...

When your wife is on a crap load of Meds and is trying to create large heathy eggs, you DON'T say: 

"Hey babe, you have gained some weight!"

No shit dumbass...thanks for pointing it out - I realize my jeans don't button!

GRRRRRRR!

HOLY HUEVOS

Today was our baseline ultrasound.
Left ovary 11 follicles, Right ovary 17
Good news is there are a lot of eggs!
Bad news is there are a lot of eggs, and now we will start more injections that will make these follicles GROW AND GROW. This might cause a lot of bloating pain due to many large follicles growing in each ovary.
However, these new FSH shots we are starting should also help to decrease the migraines because it will add estrogen back into my body (fingers crossed).

Our next ultrasound/blood work appointment is next Tuesday, then we should have a more concrete day as to when the egg retrieval will be and we will see how big our follicles have grown.

Give me a- B I G
Give me a- F O L L I C L E S
What do we want? BIG FOLLICLES
When do we want them? NEXT WEEK
GOOOOOOOOOO BABY BEIER!!!
(Insert high kicks)

Thsnks for all the emails and texts checking in on my crazy self. Days seem to be getting better, not sure if I am just getting use to feeling crazy or if my body is adjusting. Either way, it is totally worth it, and much easier to cope with the AWESOME support I have! Xoxo

Frosty

Maryanne, Matty and I went to lunch today and then visited the new cupcake shop in downtown Campbell. I was a little disappointed they only had 4 flavors, but I decided to go with Tahitian Vanilla and Velvet Chocolate. OMG so yummy! I am thinking these are a good competition for Sprinkles, the cupcakes are different and they are good. They blow Kara's out of the water.
Stop by if you are in Campbell! You won't be sorry!

Happy Father's Day!

I told myself I would NOT complain, I will deal with the side effects and issues that come with all my IVF business. My baby is that important- and I want one THAT bad!

So this is NOT for your sympathy, becasue I WILL do what needs to be done, this a solely an outlet, and my therapy. (I NEED IT)

Let me tell you, I am in 5 days...ONLY 5 DAYS, and this shit is kicking my butt BIG time! So far I have a consistant headache that will not go away (Tylenol SUCKS and will not help), most of the day I have PMS like cramps in my lower abdomen, and I CRY at ANYTHING!

This morning, I started bawling, yes bawling, at all the Father's Day wishes on Facebook! They are so sweet and loving I just lost my mind. Poor Keith- he is at a loss, I told him I realize it is crazyness, but he just does not know what to do.

So, there it is me in all my glory. sigh.....

Let the Egg growing Commence

Today is it, there is no turning back...I took my first IVF shot! I am concentrating on making the biggest, healthiest, cutest eggs ever.

Our doctor appointment yesterday showed that I still have a "beautiful" uterus. (Sideways shaped rain drop = Beautiful) And Keith's swimmers are strong and manly. (That is, I'm sure, how he would want me to descibe them).
All the things you are not suppose to eat/drink while you are pregnant starts now...the scariest ones are:
No Caffine (BOOOOOOOOO)
No Good Drugs (Hope my back does not go out)

In addition, I am suppose to set my alarm for 1AM & 4AM in the morning so that I can get up and drink water. According to the doctor you can wake up with dealthy pains in your body if you do not remain hydrated all night. Hmmmmmm Do I risk it and sleep through the night?? Or is this some backward plan to get me use to not sleeping? Either way I hate it.

So we are one step closer to creating the perfect baby!
Because, of course, my baby will be perfect. ;>

Hawaii Professional Style

In yet another ploy to get you to leave money in Maui the Hotel offers a free sitting and 4x6 picture of you and your family. The Beier/Stewart photo shoot was a good time and we (Doug rather - still owe you) plunked down the cash for the CD of all the photos. We are such suckers...These are my favorites

More fun non-professionals to come...

Holy crocs

Owen got BRIGHT yellow crocs. (self portrait)

Flamingos

Our hotel lobby has a waterfall and flamingos!

Party time

The Stewarts have arrived!

Dinner

Tonight for dinner I am having white chocolate, macadamia, caramel, coconut ice cream.mmmmmmmm

Mai Tais in first class

When we got the airport they were offering cheap upgrades to first class. We decided this was a great splurge to start our vacation with! Let me tell you.... It was so worth it. Complimentary mai tais at 8AM sounded like a great idea too. We were wrong, I passed out almost imediatley, as it was the only thing I had in my stomach, and then woke up 2 hours later with a hangover. God I am getting old!

This was my first post via iphone! Maybe this means more posts. I will definatly be rubbibg in hawaii this week. Bear with me.

Reflection

Not quite sure what it is about today, maybe the rainy weather, maybe the afterglow of spending last night with Bishop, maybe just one of those days where your cup runneth over with gratitude for you life and your people.

I will start with...
I LOVE Kelle Hamption, and if you do not read her blog, you should. It is a trifecta of amazing writing, wisdom and reflection with awesome pictures that jump out to you and make you want to spend a day in the life of this family. Sometimes it what gets me through my day.
http://www.kellehampton.com/2011/05/pensive-sky.html

I am flooded with thoughts and feelings and interesting insights today. Many of them too jumbled to share, some a little disturbing - (maybe I will share anyway I know you people like to see how crazy I am), and some maybe just a little too sappy to write down. (Like...I love my husband, he is pretty great! What would do without my parents? No REALLY? What would I do? My sister is severe pain in the ass but I love her to death.)

As we plan vacations for next year, and plan out schedules for upcoming events, I am excited to be starting IVF. I have shared with many of you the dramas thus far, yet I think I am little more hesitant to write about it this time as I do not want to update you if something 'goes wrong' or 'doesn't happen'. Or maybe it will just be easier to pretend that nothing went wrong if I do not put it out into the world.
However, I did start this blog to share this ride (not with the world) but with my people.
So I will share what I can because I know I will only get support in return. (And, if someone write something non-supportive I will kick your ass - you know I will! ;>)

At the end of June, when we return from Hawaii, all the adventures will begin...I know you will all be glued to your computers to see what's new with my lady parts, and who got to look at my vagina that day.
 Warning: this is the disturbing part of  today's blog:
What kind of made me warm and fuzzy was...I was making a guest list for my baby shower- YES I KNOW- I am not pregnant. (Melissa - shut up)  But, what I was thinking, was first, holy shit this is a long list, but also I was thinking that I have a lot of really great people around me, the people on this list are really friends! I see these people on a regular basis and they are people I would call and talk to, and I was just feeling very grateful.  So, there that it. Let the crazy continue!

Happy Yosemite Easter

This year we did not color eggs,
we did not decorate them with each others names
and we did not consume too many Cadbury eggs.
We did however have an 'Easter family short' in Yosemite!
We took Friday off, and headed to Tenaya Lodge.

We are a Yummy dinner at the Lodge and turned in for a movie.
Saturday we spent the day on a tour of the park. (It was crazy - free entrance day)
But we got to enjoy all the best spots there!

Sunday we stopped at Bass Lake for Easter brunch, and then in Colivs for the Rodeo.
It was my first time at the Rodeo and I loved it!!

Another Great Family Short!

BABYMOMMA?

Ok, so tomorrow is the official start of our IVF adventure! I will keep you posted on status!

Dana Point

Headed down to Southern California last weekend to attend a conference for The Gold Refinery.  We stayed at a pretty nice hotel in Dana Point.  When I got there I asked if they could change my room to a King bed as my roommate bailed...(and stuck me with the bill) and not only did I get my King bed, but I got an upgrade to a room with a view.

The weather was PERFECT, and the convention was pretty fun! I got sick on Saturday and spent the day in bed, but it is hard to complain when you are spending a day in bed with an awesome view and nothing to do but rest!

The convention's goal of pumping everyone up, WORKED! So...who is ready to book their very own gold party! Let's get some money in your pocket so you can buy me yourself a very nice Valentine's present!

Sexy 60

Happy 60th birthday to my Dad!

We threw my dad his very first surprise party! My dad is...in a word...antisocial.  He is not fond of large groups of people. His tolerance for big, noisy, crazy crowds is almost non existent (which is ALL my extended family)!  When I told Keith about the party he asked me "Do you love your dad?"  My answer was , of course, yes! Keith response "Why on earth would you throw him a surprise party?"
The Answer: BECAUSE IT IS FUN AND HE IS 60! (and really it was my Mom's idea- hehe)

We pulled it off without a hitch.  He claimed to be annoyed at the fact we threw him a party. I think he secretly loved it!