Thursday, April 30, 2009

I Would Die For That

Just something that I found on youtube re: Infertlity awareness and thought I would share with everyone. It says exactly what I feel. Get out your kleenex, your gonna need it!


Monday, April 27, 2009

Infertility Awareness


April 25 - May 2 is National Infertility Awareness Week. It is a movement to raise awareness about the disease of infertility which affects 7.3 million Americans


Infertility 101...


Myth: Infertility is a women's problem.

Fact: This is untrue. It surprises most people to learn that infertility is a female problem in 35% of the cases, a male problem in 35% of the cases, a combined problem of the couple in 20% of cases, and unexplained in 10% of cases. It is essential that both the man and the woman be evaluated during an infertility work-up.

Myth: Everyone seems to get pregnant at the drop of a hat.

Fact: More than five million people of childbearing age in the United States experience infertility. When you seek support, you will find that you are not alone. Join RESOLVE, a support group, or talk with others who are struggling to build a family, so that you won't feel isolated.

Myth: It's all in your head! Why don't you relax or take a vacation. Then you'll get pregnant!

Fact: Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system. While relaxing may help you with your overall quality of life, the stress and deep emotions you feel are the result of infertility, not the cause of it. Improved medical techniques have made it easier to diagnose infertility problems.

Myth: Don't worry so much -- it just takes time. You'll get pregnant if you're just patient.

Fact: Infertility is a medical problem that may be treated. At least 50% of those who complete an infertility evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful pregnancy. Some infertility problems respond with higher or lower success rates. Those who do not seek help have a "spontaneous cure rate" of about 5% after a year of infertility.

Myth: If you adopt a baby you'll get pregnant!

Fact: This is one of the most painful myths for couples to hear. First it suggests that adoption is only a means to an end, not an happy and successful end in itself. Second, it is simply not true. Studies reveal that the rate for achieving pregnancy after adopting is the same as for those who do not adopt.

Myth: Why don't you just forget it and adopt? After all, there are so many babies out there who need homes!

Fact: For many, adoption is a happy resolution to infertility. But choosing how to build your family is a very personal decision. Learning about all the ways to build a family can open your eyes to options you may not have thought of as a possibility. Education is key to finding resolution.

Myth: Maybe you two are doing something wrong!

Fact: Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual disorder.

Myth: My partner might leave me because of our infertility.

Fact: The majority of couples do survive the infertility crisis, learning in the process new ways of relating to each other, which deepens their relationship in years to follow.

Myth: Perhaps this is God's way of telling you that you two aren't meant to be parents!

Fact: It is particularly difficult to hear this when you are struggling with infertility. You know what loving parents you would be, and it is painful to have to explain to others that you have a medical problem.

Myth: Infertility is nature's way of controlling population.

Fact: Zero population growth is a goal pursued in a time of world overpopulation, but it still allows for couples to replace themselves with two children. Individuals or couples can certainly elect the option to be childfree or to raise a single child. Infertility, for those who desire children, denies them the opportunity to choose.

Myth: I shouldn't take a month off from infertility treatment for any reason... I just know that this next month will be THE one!

Fact: It is important periodically to reassess your treatment and your parenting goal. Continuity in treatment is important, but sometimes a break can provide needed rest and renewal for the next steps.

Myth: I'll be labeled a 'trouble maker' if I ask too many questions.

Fact: The physician/patient team is important. You need to be informed about what treatments are available. What is right for one couple may not be right for another, either physically, financially, or emotionally. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your doctor.
A second opinion can be helpful. If needed, discuss this option with your physician.

Myth: I know I'll never be able to stop treatment until I have a pregnancy.

Fact: Pregnancy is not the only pathway to parenthood. You may begin to think more about parenthood than about pregnancy. You may long for your life to get back to normal. You may consider childfree living or begin to think of other ways to build a family.

Myth: I've lost interest in my job, hobbies, and my friends because of infertility. No one understands! My life will never be the same!

Fact: Infertility is a life crisis -- it has a rippling effect on all areas of your life. It is normal to feel a sense of failure that can affect your self-esteem and self-image. You will move through this crisis. It is a process, and it may mean letting go of initial dreams. Throughout this process, stay informed about the wide range of options and connect with others facing similar experiences.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Crawfish Boil 2009

A few good friends + A few good Crawfish = Good Times had by all!!!!


Jeff, Me, April, De'Nell, Jason, Marcie, Pablo

Mr. Bud Crawfish
Jason, Gary & Ryan
Normally I would have tons of pictures to post. And well 374 pictures to be exact were taken. However when you put together rain, humidity and maybe just a few alcoholic beverages pictures don't tend to turn out quite as well. I can't imagine why. Oh well maybe next year!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Easter

For Easter this year we did things a little different. We were actually able to host it at our house. All of my family (with the exception of Jamie, Jeremy and Connor: which we missed very much) came to Houston on Friday night and stayed through Sunday. Saturday morning me, Shelly and mom died eggs for Miss Kinley, then we all got dresses and went down to the park where Kinley could feed the ducks. I honestly thought she would be a little scred of them but they didn't bother her at all. After about a hour there we came back home and let her hunt her easter eggs. Even though this was her 2nd easter it was her 1st hunt. And she did really well. She collected her eggs and put them in her basket until that became to heavy, then she just left it on the ground and would bring the eggs back to it. After the BIG hunt we grilled up some burgers and just hung out for the rest of the evening. It was nice getting to spend time with everyone without feeling rushed, like we had to go somewhere or be doing something.
Here are a few pictures from our weekend.

Kinley at the park
Mommy & Kinley feeding the ducks
Nana, Papa Kinley, Jeff and Spencer
Cant forget to stop and smell the flowers
Kinley opening her gifts from the Easter Bunny
"Come on Uncle Jeff let's go hunt some eggs"
Yeah... There's more over here
Checking it out to see what she got
Easter morning in her Easter shirt
(its the best she would let me get)
Saying Bye Bye to her Cousin

Friday, April 10, 2009

Randomness

Just a few random favorite pictures of mine from the trip. Enjoy!!


This one speaks for itself
Where else would you find geese in CO.
The Brewery of course. DUH...
Coors Samples
Mr. & Mrs Herring
Mr.& Mrs. Oliver
What BIG hands you have
Where's Waldo?
Is that a knife in his hand?
Dont try this at home kids:
Fire + Ski boots = Melted Ski Boots
which also = $60 per pair for liners times 3. Yes folks $180
(we speak from experience)
BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE
Gibson catching snowballs in his mouth
LUSH
I dont know why but I heart this picture
Funny snowmobile pictures
Yes folks this is my sister. I am still not sure
how we ended up with her, but non the less
she's ours!
G O O B E R

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Day 5

Friday I guess you could say was bitter sweet. We were all ready to get home but not ready to leave. We got up pretty early and left the condo by 7:30 am. The drive was to Denver was a long one due to the amount of snow that was falling and slow driving traffic. We finally arrived at the airport around 9:45am turned in our rent-a- car. (that might I add after 1 week in the snow and slush smelled like horribly stinky feet) YUCK. We all got through security with no problems. (Thank you for that Shelly) Boarded our plane promptly at 10:55am for our 11:30am take off. The flight home was much better than the one going. Thank God! We landed in Houston at 2:49pm and headed to Waco to pick up our baby!

The week went by extremely too quick but I guess when you are on vacation it always does. We all had alot of fun and made some great memories. And like I said in my last post I am just thankful I was able to take this vacation not only with my husband but with my sister.


Our last picture of the week:

Continental flight 32

Come back because I still have random pictures from the week to post.











Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Day 4

Thursday was pretty much our most busy day we had in Colorado. We left the condo around 10:15 for our 11:30 check in time with the snowmobile place. Once we got all checked in we drove out to the place where the tours start which ended up being about 45 minutes to an hour West of town. The drive out was a long and twisty one but beautiful none the less. Once we got to where we were going we got all suited up we were ready to go.. We took a private tour, which was just us, Jeffrey, Shelly and the guide. Which ended up being the way to go I think. I can not even begin to describe just how beautiful everything was. From the aspen trees to the mountains to the sky. It was absolutely breath taking. He took us up to a HUGE field where we were able to "turn em' loose" and ride for as long as we wanted and as fast as we wanted. ( well without getting ourselves killed that is) It was so much fun. And Jeff ended up being a much better driver this time as opposed to the last time we were on snowmobiles. :) Once we left there and got back to Breck Shelly and I went to town to do some much needed shopping. We didn't have much time because we had to leave again to get over to Copper Mountain to go tubing...... I knew that this was going to be fun. But I had NO IDEA. I think this was my most favorite part of our whole trip. I have always wanted to go tubing but never knew where we could go. Well this year I wasn't coming home until I had done it. And well I DID IT! And I cant wait to go back and do it again.

I am so glad that the 4 of us decided to take this trip together. Not only was it much needed for all of us. I am just thankful that I was able to go with my sister. I miss her so much since I have moved to Houston, and I feel like I have missed out on so much that goes on at home. That it was nice getting to spend some time with her.


Jeff, Me, Shelly & Jeffrey

Jeff

Me & Jeff with our guide:

ME :)

Getting ready to "Turn em' Loose"

And were off....
(me,shelly & jeffrey)
You can't go to the mountains and not
make a SNOW ANGEL

The Beautiful Scenery

The Aspen Trees
Me and Shelly one our
little shopping trip:



Been Tubing
Mountain:


Thats ME
Me again

Day 3

We woke up on day 3 with a TON of fresh snow outside. It snowed from the time we went to bed the night before and ALL day on Wednesday.
Fresh snow = Awesome day of skiing ! We all had a really good day this day, Jeff and Shelly went to the top of the mountain a few times and then skied on the freestyle terrain. We all had a great day and were kind of sad when it was over because we knew we were not coming back for more the next day. :(

We got home around 3:30 and all got showered and cleaned up and went out for another great dinner. We went to the Breckenridge Brewery to eat and have a couple of drinks. It was a really neat place and they served huge plates of food. And I do mean HUGE!!! (see pictures below). After dinner we went to a martini bar where we received the worst service by any bartender ever. Shelly and Jeff ordered a drink and then we hit the streets again. We ended up at The Irish Pub and had a few more drinks before calling it a night. Once we got home we all decided to relax our muscles by jumping in the hottub. I will spare you the horrible picture of me and Jeff and only post the one of Shelly and Jeffrey. Cause im nice like that!

*Here are our pictures from day 3*

You didn't believe me when I told you
It SNOWED did you!
Ten Mile Station where we ate
lunch the day before
ME
Shelly
Jeff on his butt!!!
Takin' a break




Breckenridge Brewery
I told you the plates were full of food.
My Turkey and Dressing:


Shelly's EXTRA hot burrito
Chillin in the HOT TUB

This next picture is one that has been recreated. Me and Shelly took a picture just like this about 15 years ago. It is on the same mountain we just were not able to find the exact spot. And the last one was professionally taken so it was alot better!!!! HA


** Dont forget to come back tomorrow for Day 4 photos.**