Twinkle Toes is FIVE months old!

Twinkle Toes - YOU ARE FIVE MONTHS OLD!!!!!

Adjusted/Corrected age of 16 weeks

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS???

·    At last check (12/27) You weighed 13 lbs 1.5 oz

·    You are at least 21 inches long! We’ll have an official measurement on 12/27 (this didn’t happen, so I’m not 100% sure)!

·    You wear a size 2 diaper

·    You are pretty much in 6 months sized clothes

·    Your eyes are blue – we wonder if this will change

·    Your hair is starting to come in and its darker than we ever expected!

·    You sleep from 8 pm until 4 am!!!  Nicely done little girl.

·    You LOVE when I talk to you – You light up and make mommy so happy!

• If I lay you down anywhere - you are a rolling machine. You can do a push up at times and it is just a matter of time before you start rolling over full time
• We believe you are slowly working on some bottom teeth.
• You are happy and content at home – you really have no choice given we are in full swing with cold and flu season.
• You make bubbles all the time!
• Just when I think I have you figured out - you start something new.
• You love looking at the Christmas lights on the tree
• You just love your activity mat singing to you!  You are such a happy girl!

• You will turn your little head and try to find daddy or mommy when we first come into the room you are in.
• You love to hear yourself talk and mommy loves your giggle.
• You are finally sleeping in your crib on your back but you are a real roly poly and move all over your crib.
• You are pulling my hair now. And also grabbing for everything - including your bib which you love to eat. ha!

·    You are a total momma's girl and maybe a little spoiled - but I wouldn't have it any other way!

I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW FAST YOU ARE GROWING!

Wordless Wednesday for 12/22/2010

Rembering when....

I remember when you ate 45 ML's (1.5 ozs !)and we couldn't believe you were eating so much!
I remember when preemie diapers were a little too big!
I remember when your bibs seemed to eat you alive.
I remember when we had rolls in your car seat so your head wouldn't bobble or body slide forward.
I remember when socks were too big and you'd kick them off.
I remember when you looked so small in your swing we thought it may take you to the moon (and that's why you weren't in it until you hit 8 lbs!).
I remember when the nasal bulb wouldn't fit in your nostril.
I remember when most hats would fall below your eyes.
I remember when your pacifier looked bigger then half of your face, and that was the preemie sized one!!
I remember when we had to sponge bathe you because your bath tub was just too big!
I remember when someone would be up around the clock with you because you were so tiny we were scared to go to sleep.
I remember when we used receiving blankets to swaddle you.
I remember when you couldn't lay on your boppy. You could have just laid in the center of it.
I remember when everyone would say, "She's so small!"

Now you eat 5 ounces!
Now you wear size 1-2 diapers and even those are looking smaller by the day on you.
Now I'm putting bibs in the 'to small' box.
Now your newborn insert may come out soon.
Now you can wear even the big socks!
Now it looks like you weigh the swing down!
Now we have no problem getting those boggies out!
Now some hats are fitting on your head OR even getting to be too small!
Now your pacifier is the perfect size even though you rarely want it or take it!
Now your barely fitting in your infant tub!
Now we ALL sleep so soundly when you do.
Now your almost to long for many of your 3 month sleepers!
Now you tower over your boppy!
Now everyone says, "She's getting to be so big!"

Wordless Wednesday for 12/15/2010

Ok, not so wordless and I'm having a "momma moment" but can I just say, Gawd, I love her!

Product Review - Simple Wishes Hands free Pumping Bra

I apologize for all of the pumping accessory reviews but these items have been lifesaver for me!

Simples Wishes makes a wonderful hands free pumping bra (huge when you a pumping) that is adjustable.  Adjustablility is important when you milk hasn't come in or after several months and you get smaller - yes, they both happen!  Ahhhh, the joys of breastfeeding or being a pumper!

I will say this - the pictures of uses, on their website is a bit ridiculous but ehhh, whatever.

This item has allowed me to work on my laptop, read magazines and books and even eat all while pumping.

Why we needed an RE

Some of you may remember that we sought help to conceive.  I wanted to back track and provide details as to why we needed an RE. 

The Female Issues

The main issue with me is AGE. Of course, it is always age. Ugh – I really hate that and it really is something that is out of my control. So I met the man of my dreams later in life - whatever!

The other minor issue is that I have what is known as an Arcuate Configuration of the Uterus. In the easiest way that I can explain it, I have a small cleft or impression at the top of my uterus. This is considered a normal variant and it is NOT associated with an increased risk of obstetric/gynecologic complications found in other subtypes like a Bicornuate or Septate uterus. Here is a picture of an Arcuate Uterus with a picture of a typical uterus:

Photo Credit

Can you see the minor difference? Look at the VERY top of the first image - see the little drop down in the middle - yep, that's it! That is what is deemed as a Arcuate uterus!

The Male Issues

As I had suspected all along, Mister B did have a minor issue which most likely is the reason we couldn't get pregnant! He has what is known as Mild Teratospermia (what a mouthful). For a better explanation of Teratospermia click here

 The Plan
So that led us to a medicted IUI cycle. We had to do 2 medicated IUI's to get pregnant with Twinkle Toes.

Each cycle entailed me taking Clomid (50 mg) on cycle days 5-9 (with monitoring). I used my CBEFM to test my urine for LH testing.  But I had a surprise on IUI #1!  My CBEFM never detected the surge.  So after CD 16 came and went WITHOUT an LH surge, I had to do ah hCG trigger with both IUI's.  Then the following mornings, we would do the insemination.
 
After the LH surge, on days 8 and 11, I will had blood work done to determine my luteal progesterone levels.

It has been a year since our first unsuccessful IUI.  I know we were incredibly lucky to get pregnant with Twinkle Toes on our 2nd IUI!  It doesn't always happen that quickly.

Wordless Wednesday for 12/8/2010

An oldie but goodie!