July 2022 Moms

Weekly Check-In w/o 1.31

Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days:

FTM/STM/STM+:

Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out:

Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of:

Upcoming appointments:

How are you feeling?:

Rants/Raves:

Questions:

GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO?
*TW* History:
Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016

TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

IUI #1-3 all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction


TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely

Re: Weekly Check-In w/o 1.31

  • Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: 17 weeks today - so crazy! EDD 7/11

    FTM/STM/STM+:STM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: baby boy!

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: a large onion or a pop tart

    Upcoming appointments: this week for a quick check up. Except we are supposed to get a major snow storm this week on the day of my appointment, starting the night before, so I might be rescheduling  :p I'm debating just pushing it back until my 20 week appt in 3 weeks but I'm not sure. I"m going to call them tomorrow when I know more about the weather and see what they want to do. 

    How are you feeling?: Doing okay.  Mentally feel okay, although still anxious about all the things that could still happen/go wrong  Physically feeling more like myself this week, except tired and needing to eat just a little at a time all day long.  

    Rants/Raves: Furniture.  OMG.  thankfully we just need a dresser as we have a crib being given to us by family and have our rocker and a book case from last kiddo who has different stuff in his room now, but geez.  So much backordered or not available  And at least in my area and online - it's either by a low quality dresser for $300-ish or a decent dresser for $1000. There's like no in-between.  Our first has a nice set and we only paid $400 for his solid wood dresser (thanks to BBB coupons) and our plan has always been to get stuff that will last them until they move out or that they can take with them.  I'd rather spend a little more now than have to replace stuff but holy moly - I was not expecting the $1000 price tag.  Our local furniture store told us to expect a 3-6 month turn around time - I know there will be a nursery thread soon, but just keep this in mind if you need something new and are picky like me


    Questions: How many ultrasounds does your OB do during pregnancy? mostly just curious here to see if there are variances. I'm not sure what my OB does - i feel like my first one a few years ago gave me so much upfront info and this group does not at all, so i'm going to ask at my next appt.  I had 3 in first tri due to monitoring an SCH, but then none until 20 weeks and i'm not sure how many after.  I feel like with my first i just had 1-2 more after 20 weeks.  So hard not seeing what's going on in there.

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? his lack of noticing things that need to be done/cleaned/etc. we have an ongoing joke now about him saying "I didn't notice".  sometimes i think he just doesn't want to do something but other times i truly beleive that he doesn't see things and I really don't get it. I"m pretty sure he has mild ADHD (and I work in the mental health field so I feel pretty good about my suspicion) but he disagrees.  I feel like my brain is ALWAYS noticing all the things to be done or thinking about all the things we need to think about /plan for/ do
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  • @runnergirl2018, oph. The furniture situation is ridiculous.  I've been waiting for some bookshelves to come off of backorder for like 10 months.  I'm starting to think I'm never going to get them.  I'm not looking forward to baby furniture shopping.  Luckily, we also only really need a crib and dresser.  For DS, my mom actually refinished a nice, solid wood dresser for us, so maybe I'll see if I can find something second hand again and convince her to do it again for this baby, lol.  

    As to your question about ultrasounds, we're IVF, so I've always gotten more than usual early on.  As we moved to a more typical level of care with a regular OB though, if I remember correctly, I really only got the anatomy scan and then one more late on pregnancy with DS and it sounds like this time around will be similar. 


    Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days:  7/15 - 16w3d

    FTM/STM/STM+:  STM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Green

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: baby's palm is the size of a chocolate chip.  

    Upcoming appointments:  sometime in mid/late Feb.  I don't remember the exact date.  I have my AS one week, and then a regular OB appointment the next (in some order, lol).

    How are you feeling?:  slowly better.  Honestly, this pregnancy is kicking my ass though.  I still haven't gotten over food aversions, have headaches, and now the backaches have kicked in early.

    Rants/Raves:  meh.  I don't really have any of either right now.  I just want winter to be over.  

    Questions: natm

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO?
    I have to pick just one? Jk.  It's probably that he will purposely choose to stop just short of doing something all the way through.  So for example, he'll just toss the Tupperware containers into the cabinet rather than stacking them like the rest of the containers in the cabinet are stacked, so I either have to learn to let it go or fix it myself everytime I open the cabinet.  It happens with enough different stuff that it ends up costing me a significant amount of time doing all of the little things that would've taken him an extra 5 seconds, and it challenges my sanity, lol.  
  • @runnergirl2018 I have not had a real ultrasound with my OB yet but they do have a handheld that we get little peeks of them moving and good view of spine and arms/legs each appt so that makes me feel better. I only had two with my first until we found out he was breach then we had a few more to see if he would flip.

    @zwink1 Ahhh! Now i am just picturing my little nugget holding a chocolate chip in their little hand!  <3

    Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: 7/7

    FTM/STM/STM+: STM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Green

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: LOL... for those of you old enough... a cassette tape!

    Upcoming appointments: 2/17 anatomy scan

    How are you feeling?: Really good except for headaches. I have found that i cannot drink ANYTHING but water or I will have a headache for sure. Trying to chug water like its my job!

    Rants/Raves: I switched to maternity pants... both a rant and a rave ;-)

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? His ability to sleep through anything and/or fall back a sleep in less than 5 seconds.... so jealous! Actually i will add to that his ability to sleep anywhere. So basically i am upset he is more efficient with his sleep time than me.
    Our Journey:
    Me: 40
    TTC since 2017
    3/18-9/18- IUI's
    11/18- IVF #1
    1/19- IVF #2
    8/19- DE Cycle #1- 5 PGS tested normal
    9/19- FET #1- SUCCESS! May 2020
    10/21- FET #2- SUCCESS! July 2022
  • Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: July 20th/15+5


    FTM/STM/STM+: STM


    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Blue!


    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: the size of a lightbulb! 


    Upcoming appointments: Wednesday 


    How are you feeling?: Crampy here and there but all around pretty good. 


    Rants/Raves: -


    Questions:-


    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? The volume he watches videos on his phone and watches tv. So annoying 😬

  • @runnergirl2018 yay supply chain problems 😫 I'm not sure what my OB does under normal circumstances. I know they told me they don't do dating scans so possibly the 20 week anatomy scan is it. I believe due to having covid in early pregnancy they are doing growth scans at 28, 30, and 32 weeks.

    @zwink1 I have the same effing problem with DH! It's like he has no idea what cleaning up after himself means. My biggest gripe with him is when he opens a new package of cheese. That small torn off piece gets left on the counter instead of thrown in the trash!!

    @cmhme I hate wearing jeans but my new maternity pants make it so much more bearable. Your sleep related pet peeve reminds me of my jealousy that DH falls asleep in seconds after sex. Meanwhile it keeps me AWAKE. Ugh and that's no good when we'd typically DTD at the end of the night.

    @francesgs ok now I'm laughing that I've pretty much related to everybody else's pet peeves with their husbands 😅. DH likes to watch stuff on his phone while laying in bed and the lowest volume that's not mute is still too loud for me that I can't fall asleep. Pisses me off so much that he never wears headphones.

    Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: July 14 / 16+4

    FTM/STM/STM+: FTM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: blue! 💙

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: I just had to post today so I could say baby is the size of a soda can! DH's favorite fact so far because 90% of what he drinks is mountain dew.

    Upcoming appointments: Nothing until my anatomy scan in about 3 weeks

    How are you feeling?: Feeling really good. My nose/sinuses still bother me. Might be slightly better now. Still tired AF in the evenings

    Rants/Raves: rant - I'm getting so overwhelmed thinking about all the things we need to do to prepare for baby. And because we mentor a robotics team and will be busy through March we really can't dedicate much time to baby stuff until April and that just doesn't feel like enough time. We might be able to do some stuff in March but idk... DH and I I'm sure are going to fight about what to do with his armoir that we left in the future nursery. There's no good place to give it a permanent home and I want it out of the house but I think he wants to keep it 🙄

    Questions: eh not really. Yes but no.

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? He's a freaking pack rat at times. We have so much stuff that we haven't touched since moving into this house nearly 7 years ago (or 8?). Honestly this isn't even my biggest pet peeve but it's my current peeve when I think about how much crap we need to get out of the nursery before we can actually make it baby's room.
    *TW* History:
    Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016

    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC put on pause indefinitely
  • Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: 15w0d, edd 7/26

    FTM/STM/STM+: STM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Blue

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: an apple, which is pretty hard to believe looking down at my stomach. I look like I gained a little weight, not that I have an apple in there! Lol

    Upcoming appointments: 2/10 for ob appointment and 2/12 for the 3d ultrasound I'm paying out of pocket for, because I haven't seen baby since 9 weeks and I'm anxious.

    How are you feeling?: much better now! I started zoloft a couple weeks ago so I think it's a mixture of that and finally being in second trimester.

    Rants/Raves:

    Questions:

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? all of the above! Lol. Probably that he feels like since I'm a sahm, all he has to do is put in his hours at work and then do nothing once he gets home.

  • Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: 7/26 or 15w0d

    FTM/STM/STM+: STM + 1

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Pink/pink we are pretty sure. 

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: A couple of Magic 8 Balls... those things are big!

    Upcoming appointments: 2/9 with the midwife and 3/4 with the MFM for the anatomy scan

    How are you feeling?: Physically - okay considering. Mentally - not good at all. 

    Rants/Raves: Rant: I had yet another ✨mental breakdown✨ last night. My "regular" mental health issues are getting to me as everything else piles up on top of them. Dog needs a $3k + surgery this month, DH has been in quarantine for 5 days as he has COVID, I can't get my work done, I can't get the household take care of. I feel like a shitty mom and a shitty employee. I still can't wrap my head around this twin thing. Honestly, I feel like I am drowning. At least I have a lot to bring to therapy on Thursday...
    Rave: I FINALLY got a referral to the orthodontist for some quick Invisalign! I've had a gap in my 2 front teeth my whole life and have never fixed it because the rest of my teeth are perfectly straight - never needed braces. It is something I am self conscious about so I'm happy I'm finally getting it done. 

    Questions: Does anyone not like the pregnancy attention? How do you handle it? I, apparently, hate all of the "omg can I see your belly" and "get your sleep now" and "better you than me" comments. I have been a little more mean this time around with how I react to people but, like, I am already a mom and understand I will be tired and have my hands full ugh!

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? The fact that he always has to be right all the time. He is a very smart guy and sometimes that gives him a big head. He'll argue with me even if what he is saying is not correct. Drives me nuts!
  • Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: 7/5 - 18wks

    FTM/STM/STM+: FTM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Finding out

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: a sweet potato!

    Upcoming appointments: 2/21 for anatomy scan

    How are you feeling?: tired, we are redoing our bedrooms and I might have over did it this weekend. 

    Rants/Raves: having an anterior placenta and being a FTM really isn't helping with the anxiety of not feeling baby yet!

    Questions:

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? When my husband comes to bed super late and wakes me up, like I have been asleep for an hour leave me be!
  • @zwink1 it's so crazy! we moved into a house in May, ordered doors to make a formal room into my office at the end of june. expected arrival early October..they finally arrived at the end of November so badly damaged and now our ETA is sometime by the end of February, but I"m not holding my breath

    @novaghost99 I didn't feel my first move until after 20 weeks- totally normal!

    @jellie603 Hope things settle down for you soon and so glad you have some good mental health support! I"m also not a huge fan of the pregnancy attention - i wasn't with my first, but especially this time after having a recent loss, i don't really want anyone to bring attention to it

    @inthewoods23 that would be interested to only do one ultrasound.  I would think they might do one later towards the end to see baby's position? although i sometimes wish they hadn't done those later ones with my first because they assumed he was going to be a giant baby (he was not) and the OB on call based part of her very pushy decision for a CS on the fact that she assumed my baby was giant because of the US
    I feel like our husbands have a lot in common  :D with our first we lived in an okay sized house but the rooms were pretty small, we had our bedroom, a guest room, and the room that turned into the nursery that we had used as my workout/storage room. Honestly that really forced my husband to get rid of a lot of stuff because seeing all the baby stuff and what storage we needed for baby, he realized that we just didn't have the space for it - no basement, limited storage space in the house, and it was FL so no storing stuff in the attic unless you want it to be full of mold/mildew.  we live in a bigger house now with a basement so i'm pretty sure i'm just doomed moving forward but at least i got him to get rid of a lot of stuff a few years ago  :D 
  • Ok I just have to say the pet peeves everyone has about their husband is so accurate with mine. Literally, all of them!! 😂
  • Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: July 25, 15 weeks

    FTM/STM/STM+: STM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Blue!

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: Orange

    Upcoming appointments: I'm not actually sure - I had a phone call with OB earlier this month, she doesn't start in person appts until 20 weeks, but we haven't actually scheduled another one yet. 

    How are you feeling?: Pretty good overall, still a little tired in the evenings. I really want to get back into exercise but then I just do not quite have the energy for it. (Even though it would probably give me more energy so I think I have to just suck it up!) 

    Rants/Raves: Rant - teaching right now is so hard! Half of my students are out with covid so I have the ones in my classroom as well as ones working from home emailing me multiple times a day. I can't wait until this "wave" in our region settles down and things can get a little easier (hopefully!)

    Questions: None today!

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? Hahahahaha. Reading text messages! He can't check his phone regularly during work, and I can't while teaching (but can on my lunch and prep period) and I end up sending him various messages throughout the day (please take meat out of the freezer, etc.) as I think of them. Somehow, he always misses at least one of the messages. I don't know why he can't read them all - he says I send too many... maybe I should wait and try and send everything at once...but that's not how my brain works! I've talked to some girlfriends who have had this same issue with their partners - anyone else experience this and have any suggestions? 
  • Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: 4th July / 18+2

    FTM/STM/STM+: FTM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Find out next week!

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: A croissant

    Upcoming appointments: Anatomy scan a week today

    How are you feeling?: Like crap, aching all over but I swear my brain wants to start organising my entire house. Two seconds away from ordering paint samples and reorganising my entire wardrobe

    Rants/Raves: Had my first hormonal breakdown yesterday, I was just talking to my husband and all of a sudden started bawling my eyes out bc I'm worried about our puppy. I was so sad that he might feel left out when the baby comes, I've already had to step back on walking him bc of my hips and recent ankle injuries and I just miss my little baby boy. A positive tho is that we finally get to find out if we're having a boy or girl next week and my friend who's a baker is going to make us some cupcakes for a little reveal

    Questions: -

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? His inability to plan things, he's so good but I have to plan and book everything otherwise it doesn't get done. Book accommodation and dog sitters for weddings, book vet appointments, even food shopping and meal planning all that life admin and I strongly dislike talking to people
  • @jellie603 I hear you. Its hard to feel like you arent doing anything well when you are trying so hard. I hope it gets better for you soon.
    Our Journey:
    Me: 40
    TTC since 2017
    3/18-9/18- IUI's
    11/18- IVF #1
    1/19- IVF #2
    8/19- DE Cycle #1- 5 PGS tested normal
    9/19- FET #1- SUCCESS! May 2020
    10/21- FET #2- SUCCESS! July 2022
  • @runnergirl2018 I've never had another medical ultrasound after 20 weeks. I did do an elective one with each baby around 30 weeks just to make myself feel better. They don't need to do an ultrasound to know which baby is positioned. They can feel which way baby is positioned. 

    Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: 7/7, 17+5

    FTM/STM/STM+: TTM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Blue! Waiting on official confirmation at anatomy scan 

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: I hate these so much. Baby is both the size of a pomegranate AND the length of a tissue box? Just.... what!? 

    Upcoming appointments: 2/17 anatomy scan, 2/18 midwife 

    How are you feeling?: Crap. Still nauseous, still having headaches, pregnancy rhinitis, sciatica is starting,and now I am absolutely starving in the middle of the day. I need a second lunch at like 2:30-3. 

    Rants/Raves: 
     
    Questions: 

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? Right now it's that he doesn't understand the kids as well as I do. Which fine, I stay home and he works. But I end up being the translator/liason and whenever I send them to daddy to help with something they come back to me crying because he didn't understand. Just, GAH. It causes more of a headache than to just do it myself. 

    @rosegoldg I am definitely the resident admin around here too. It’s doesn’t bother me generally but when I can’t shove anything off without having to completely walk my husband through it anyways….  that’s when it gets to me. 


    Hubby and Me
    Friends since 2008
    Started dating: July 1st, 2013
    Engaged: July 1st, 2014
    Married: July 1st, 2016
    R born: July 8th, 2017
    N born: June 30th, 2019
    Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
    (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
  • @rosegoldg Same here with my husband. He will really only offer to schedule something if I complain about it. But then we often end up doing it together. I can rarely totally leave it to him...But maybe that's cause I do like being in control? Haha

    @tuxielove93 Yes, to the second lunch! I've realized that I literally need to eat every 2 hours. And sometimes I'm craving a real meal instead of snack. So the other day after work I got a sandwich and it was perfect. Luckily I work at a grocery store, so I have no excuse to ever be hungry! 😆

    Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: July 20th, 16w

    FTM/STM/STM+: FTM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: finding out soon, if those darn NIPT test results would come back!!

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: 🥑 

    Upcoming appointments: Midwife appt next week

    How are you feeling?: Pretty good overall. Definitely getting out of breath just walking up stairs or around the neighborhood which is so weird. 

    Rants/Raves: Rant is that a few days ago my husband's friend stayed over at our house for 2 nights. He lives out of town so they rarely see each other. I like a lot of his friends but not this one, which I have been very honest about. He's immature, a huge stoner who is always really spaced out, and he cannot make adult conversation. Like you ask him questions but he never asks you anything about yourself. Its so lame. Anyway, I found the whole experience exhausting and afterwards my husband did agree that it was awkward and probably won't be happening again anytime soon. Thank goodness. 

    Rave: ICE CREAM. Enough said. 

    Questions: none

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? I already went on a rant about him above, so I'll spare him. 🤣
  • cscrzldbgcscrzldbg member
    edited February 2022
    Weeks + Days:
    Today begins Week 18. Only 22 more to go. Funny thing, it's also 18 weeks until I start prepping for Baby and the birth. Lol.

    Upcoming appointments:
    🤷‍♀️ No mask = no service. Doesn't matter if you have a legitimate medical reason.

    Feeling plus Rant/Rave:
    Just really tired. We decided to refi the house so that we can consolidate our 2 mortgages. We want the peace of mind having the Ranch paid off. Plus it lowers our monthly mortgage commitment by several hundred dollars. Yay! Especially with inflation. 
    But going through this process again is exhausting on top of being pregnant and taking care of 6 kids and livestock. We need to get the house appraised, too. That's our biggest stressor. The hall flooring still needs to be replaced; literally held together at the seams/joints with duct tape. One more day and we'll be finished (finally) with repainting the kitchen cabinets. It's looking great at least. Lol.
    Hubby will hopefully be home tomorrow; we never know though until he actually leaves work. He needs to be here. It's going to take a couple days to floor the hallways and it's not something I'm going to be able to tackle alone, especially with the rest of the house needing to be cleaned.
    Other than the floors, it's the clutter. We have almost no storage in this house and no where to put anything extra. The extra is just piles up everywhere. Clutter, clutter everywhere! Uuuuuuuhg!
    Some of it, I have places for and just need to put it away. Some of it, I have no more room for it with the other items of its nature. Some of it needs to be tossed or donated and it's just a matter of boxing it up and getting rid of it for good. And some of it, most of it, I'm at a loss as to where I can put it altogether.
    No matter how hard I try to organize, I feel like I am failing. I cannot seem to get ahead of the STUFF. I'm always thinning and purging and tossing something. But there is only so much you can toss. Matches and gasoline also come to mind...regularly.
    But it's not feasible to get rid of everything. I live where we actually get 4 seasons so we need the snow gear and the life jackets. And so I find somewhere to store the off season items. We have an unfinished yard at the house, livestock, a Ranch in development, and are building our own home so we need all the workwear and heavy-duty clothing. Not to mention the tools. So, I find somewhere to keep them all organized so they won't get lost nor be at risk of damage. We homeschool so there needs to be somewhere for the books and supplies and somewhere for the stuff we aren't using this year but is still part of the curriculum in other years.
    I'm sure there are things I have now that I'll eventually learn that I don't really need. And there will be things that the family, eventually, won't need either as the kids get older, once we stop having more. Lol. And in a few years we'll have the new house done and finding storage will no longer be an issue. It's just holding out and plugging away until those times arrive.

    Questions:
    Wondering if anyone else is unable to wear a mask or face covering of any kind? Not a choice but literally cannot wear one due to a medical condition. 
    If so, are you having any difficulties in getting lab work or ultrasounds performed? Have you been able to find a work-around or an alternative option? 
    I have a call in to a mobile ultrasound tech 3 hours away to see if its possible schedule with her. But other than that, I have nothing. All the labs and clinics (including the in-hospital ones) in my area are refusing service.
    Doesn’t matter if you have a legitimate medical reason. No mask = no care.
  • @cscrzldbg My midwife does not require a mask. She did the blood work herself. She was also able to refer me to an in home ultrasound tech who is doing my ultrasound and also doesn’t require a mask. My issue was needing to have my kid with me, not necessarily a total inability to mask. But it does exist. I live in a pretty big city so I probably have more options but you just have to look and call around. 
    Hubby and Me
    Friends since 2008
    Started dating: July 1st, 2013
    Engaged: July 1st, 2014
    Married: July 1st, 2016
    R born: July 8th, 2017
    N born: June 30th, 2019
    Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
    (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
  • Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: 7/20 16w+1d

    FTM/STM/STM+: STM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: finding out, 4 more weeks!

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: a CD

    Upcoming appointments: check up on 2/15, hopefully scheduling the anatomy scan shortly thereafter.

    How are you feeling?: pretty good, having crazy vivid dreams which make me feel like I haven’t slept well in the morning. I’m hungry all the time!

    Rants/Raves: Rant: my dad and stepmom were supposed to come visit this weekend but their dog sitter canceled because she had COVID. I’m so tired of it ruining everything!!! 😫 Rave: it’s H’s birthday this weekend so I’m excited to spoil him and hopefully do something fun even if it’s at home with no company.

    Questions:

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? Omg, so many things you all have said apply to my H too. Probably my biggest one is that when the two of us are both in the same room with DD, he always acts like I’m the default parent in a given situation and he’ll just chill on his phone and if she needs entertaining or a snack or whatever it always falls to me. Doesn’t help that I’m her preferred parent right now either. Ugh.
  • @creativesoul63 our family dynamic is like that too. I’m the default parent and the preferred one. I’ve been working really hard to redirect that as they’ve gotten older, but it can be really frustrating. 
    Hubby and Me
    Friends since 2008
    Started dating: July 1st, 2013
    Engaged: July 1st, 2014
    Married: July 1st, 2016
    R born: July 8th, 2017
    N born: June 30th, 2019
    Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
    (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
  • @cscrzldbg i would call around and talk on the phone to people to explain the situation.  yes masks might be required, but there should always be exceptions for medical conditions and if you are being denied medical treatment, i think thats a slippery slope of legal issues for those providers.  I would assert your rights to be treated and to not be discriminated against because of your medical condition that prevents wearing a mask
  • @stardustskies I have always wondered how much free space is in our bodies to allow such large things to fit but not cause a bump lol.

    @jellie603 I have not gotten comments like that, but it probably helps that I'm WFH for the last month and don't see other people much outside that. Idk how I'm so blessed to miss all this stuff.

    @runnergirl2018 can they tell baby's position by feeling? But I think you could do an ultrasound to check that. Idk, FTM here lol. I'm laughing at how many of us have similar peeves with our husbands! It's hilarious. Are we sure we're not all married to the same guy? haha

    @courtneyqdk I have that problem too! DH gets my texts, but he never freaking reads them!

    @rosegoldg maybe everything will be fine if your pup has a big interest in baby when they come home.

    @tuxielove93 I just got that baby fact today. It's as tall as a tissue box! That made a lot more sense than length

    @zinnia19 at least you're in agreement about the friend. I hate awkward situations

    @cscrzldbg I don't know where you live so I wish you luck in finding someone who will see you without a mask. It seems to be a near impossible task as far as I've seen, but maybe it's easier depending on where you live to find someone who will see you without a mask on. Are you getting pushback because if your medical reasoning or is it just a firm no exception rule?

    @creativesoul63 ugh that's going to be my worry. That DH won't be actively parenting while I have to do that and cook dinner, oh and then get the dishes done later. SIGH.
    *TW* History:
    Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016

    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC put on pause indefinitely
  • @runnergirl2018 I know it might be hard to find something that you like but have you looked on your marketplace? I was able to find a really nice, solid wood matching dresser and crib for $100 last time. The dresser was in perfect condition and the crib was nearly perfect as well (only had a few teeth marks, which honestly didn’t bother me because I knew my own kid would likely be adding his own lol). As far as ultrasounds, my OB does a viability scan, NT scan if that’s one of the tests you want, and then the anatomy scan. Nothing more after that.

    @zwink1 I’m sorry for your headaches and back aches. Those are no fun this early on! I’m right there with you on wanting winter to be over already!

    @cmhme I really need to get better at drinking more water. I’m sure that will help with my headaches too. Have you tried drinking a small amount of caffeine?

    @francesgs Does YH also watch TV and his phone at the same time? I can’t stand it when MH does that lol.

    @inthewoods23 That’s too funny. We have an armoire in the future nursey that we need to get rid of too lol. It was something that DH made in HS. It’s actually really nice. But we don’t have the space for it. I’m thinking we’ll likely sell it or give it away just to get it out of the house. But don’t worry about timing. You will still have plenty of time to get things together for LO. The months seem like they’re flying by but there are still plenty of them left!

    @stardustskies I’m so glad your feeling better on the Zoloft. That stuff is like magic sometimes!

    @jellie603 I’m so sorry your dealing with so much right now. Give yourself some grace. You’re going through A LOT! I hope your week has started to improve some.

    @novaghost99 I had an anterior placenta with my first and didn’t start feeling kicks till around 22 weeks. It was definitely frustrating! But once you start feeling them it will be magical.

    @courtneyqdk I couldn’t imagine teaching during this pandemic. You are a saint! MH sometimes misses messages that I send him. I have no solution.

    @rosegoldg I’m so excited for you to find out what you’re having!! I love that you’re having your friend make you cupcakes! That’s what we did with our first (although we just bought them, we don’t have friends who bake lol).

    @tuxielove93 I’m sorry you’re pregnancy has been so hard so far and only seems to be getting worse. Were your others this bad?

    @zinnia19 It seems like your NIPT results are taking forever! I feel you on the getting out of breath thing. It seems way too early for this! I’m glad YH is on the same page with you on his friend. That sounds like such an awkward 2 nights!

    @cscrzldbg Your description of the clutter and disorganization makes me anxious lol. Good luck. I know you can do it!

    @creativesoul63 I’m sorry your plans got spoiled this weekend. I’m so ready for covid to go away!

     

    Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: July 29th, 14w6d

     

    FTM/STM/STM+: STM

     

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Pink!

     

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: Baby can make facial expressions.

     

    Upcoming appointments: In a couple weeks

     

    How are you feeling?: So sick of being sick all the time!

     

    Rants/Raves: This week has been hard. We took DS back into the doctor because he still has this cough going on 4 weeks. Turns out he has walking pneumonia. I don’t know if the first doctor missed it or if it just hadn’t settled into his lungs yet… Either way I’m just happy he’s getting treated now and seems to be making some improvement.

    I also haven’t been feeling 100%. I’m pretty sure it’s just a cold but my mind keeps wondering if I’m getting walking pneumonia too. Besides feeling achy sick and having a runny nose I don’t have any other symptoms, so I just need to cool it with the anxiety lol. It doesn’t help that we’re leaving next week for our Florida trip!

     

    Questions:

     

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? Omg. So many. One of the biggest ones is when we’re trying to fall asleep he will sit there and rub his feet together. Constantly moving. It drives me insane! Stop moving!!!


    *TW* TTC history
    Me:32 DH:31
    Married: 8/2015

    TTC #1: 4/2017
    Testing: HSG, U/S, BW, and DH's SA all normal
    DX: Unexplained
    8/2018: Clomid + TI = BFN
    9/2018: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
    11/2018: Clomid + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    12/2018: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone \\ Cancelled due to cyst
    1/2019: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD Sept 30th, 2019
    10/7/2019: Healthy baby boy!

    TTC #2: 12/2020
    2/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
    3/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
    4/2021: Surprise! Natural BFP! \\ EDD Jan 6th, 2022 \\ Chemical, betas not rising
    8/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    9/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    10/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    11/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD July 29th, 2022

  • @inthewoods23 They can tell baby’s position by feeling. I’m guessing a head feels a lot harder than a butt. Plus when you do it all day long I imagine it’s easier to tell. Kind of like how I have a magic super power of being able to tell what’s in a purse by feel alone but it’s beyond my husband how I can do that. 
    Hubby and Me
    Friends since 2008
    Started dating: July 1st, 2013
    Engaged: July 1st, 2014
    Married: July 1st, 2016
    R born: July 8th, 2017
    N born: June 30th, 2019
    Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
    (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
  • @runnergirl2018 My OB’s standard is just an ultrasound at 8 weeks and the anatomy scan at 20 weeks. I got a 3rd ultrasound with DD2 only because at the anatomy scan, my placenta was over my cervix so they had to check that it actually moved out of the way before we got too close to due date. 

    @novaghost99 I had anterior placentas with both of my girls. I didn’t feel them move much and DH only ever got to feel them kick maybe 2 times, but they’re both happy and healthy. 

    @rosegoldg I know from experience that my words may not help now, but keep this in the back of your mind…I felt nearly the same concerns about DD1 while pregnant with DD2 that you’re feeling about your puppy. It’s normal. The good news is that you will all adjust and feel good about it - probably not the moment baby gets here, but eventually you’ll get there. 

    @cscrzldbg tell me more about the ranch! (Fellow Ag person here) 

    Estimated Due Date/Weeks + Days: 17w 1d

    FTM/STM/STM+: TTM

    Team Green/Pink/Blue/Finding Out: Green

    Interesting Baby Fact/Baby is the size of: baby’s foot is the size of a gummy bear

    Upcoming appointments: Monday - one of the first that DH isn’t coming to. He’s gotta take DD1 to an appt instead. 

    How are you feeling?: all things considered, good. Nausea has eased up, but I’m not getting the 2nd tri burst of energy that I got with my first two pregnancies. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised but I’m a little disappointed/frustrated.  

    Rants/Raves: Rant- I am in a constant battle against constipation (but I think I’ve finally about got it figured out). Rave: I switched completely to maternity pants and I actually look pregnant. 

    Questions:

    GTKY: What's the biggest pet peeve you have about your husband/SO? He constantly asks me to get/do x small task because I’m already up. Dude, I’m already up because I’m already doing something. Get off your butt and take care of your things yourself. Ugh, and this makes him sound lazier than he actually is but it’s still a daily annoyance to me. 
  • mamadino_mamadino_ member
    edited February 2022
    @LJMoon6 OMG YES! He’ll be watching espn as loud as possible while watching sports related content or playing a sports game on his phone as loud as possible… I can’t handle it… lol I literally feel ragey when this happens (daily) and I have leave the room lol. 
  • cscrzldbgcscrzldbg member
    edited February 2022
    Yeah, I'm contacting ppl 3 hours away right now; still haven't heard back yet. There is literally no one closer for labs and ultrasounds. There is one midwife practice that doesn't care. They were the ones to give me the tech info actually. 
    Basic prenatal care isn't the issue. It's that I need labs done for my regular doctor (who ordered them 3 months ago) or if I happen to (not anticipating it) develop GD. And I have a history of placenta previa, so, we need at least a basic ultrasound to make sure of its location for this baby.

    It definitely is a slippery slope, especially when the governor's order explicitly states an exemption for medical reasons. Regardless of what one believes about masks and their effectiveness or not, this is really BS.
    We have a lawyer running for governor at the moment. He's also been really big on fighting the blanket mandates. I'm reaching out to him to see if he has any advice. He has an office here on town but his primary office is 8 hours away though.

    Literally, a "no exception" rule when I encounter it. Although I have had a few dismiss my condition (2 laughed in my face) and tell me there is no such thing...because "[they're] a doctor" of some kind or "in the medical field". 🤦‍♀️
    I decided a year ago that I needed to speak up for the people who were too afraid to do so for themselves. That people need to see and hear the unmasked; to unmask the maskless. 😊When people ask, I will tell them why and what my condition is and how it works. People (especially doctors, medical personnel, amd those in government) need to know that there are a lot of conditions which make mask wearing hard to impossible and not to demonize those people. And that what they are doing IS discrimination and IS unacceptable.
    The midwife was saying she has several mamas who cannot wear masks. One can wear a face shield and she was still denied her ultrasound since it wasn't a mask. 
    My pelvic PT doesn't "require" them since she also has several patients who have medical conditions. She was the first "medical provider" individual who acknowledged that my condition is real and not made up. She even has several patients diagnosed with it, too! She is way more than just a simple physical therapist. And she helped me finally find a doctor (over an hour away) who'd see me without a mask. That doctor is now my primary and she also has encountered my condition before, so, she was able to verify what I knew it was, and to give me an actual diagnosis. Also, I apparently have the most severe case she's ever seen. Which oddly made me feel better. 🤷‍♀️ 
    I've been told to "be more Christian", to "think of others", to "stop being so selfish", that "it doesn't matter; I have a preexisting condition", that "there is no valid medical reason for not wearing or being able to wear a mask", and "I can't just take your word for it" so "you have to show me proof from a doctor" i.e. a doctor's note.
  • @cscrzldbg Out of pure curiosity, if you don’t mind sharing, what is your medical condition?

    *TW* TTC history
    Me:32 DH:31
    Married: 8/2015

    TTC #1: 4/2017
    Testing: HSG, U/S, BW, and DH's SA all normal
    DX: Unexplained
    8/2018: Clomid + TI = BFN
    9/2018: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
    11/2018: Clomid + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    12/2018: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone \\ Cancelled due to cyst
    1/2019: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD Sept 30th, 2019
    10/7/2019: Healthy baby boy!

    TTC #2: 12/2020
    2/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
    3/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
    4/2021: Surprise! Natural BFP! \\ EDD Jan 6th, 2022 \\ Chemical, betas not rising
    8/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    9/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    10/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    11/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD July 29th, 2022

  • @LJMoon6 haha that pet peeve is hilarious! I can hear it in my head. That's like my MIL who hates the sounds of spoons scraping against bowls when you eat.

    @tuxielove93 haha true true. Baby's butt is a lot softer than a head.

    @twentythree19 I was so confused by your baby fact until I remembered baby is the size of a pomegranate at 17w so yeah, the foot probably is gummy bear sized

    @cscrzldbg what's your condition if you don't mind me asking? I remember there being a lot of debate about wearing masks if you have asthma or other breathing/lung related issues but the verdict seems to be that you can still wear a mask because they don't restrict your breathing. Yet depending on how you talk to, they'll tell you masks can impact your breathing. I struggle when I have to give presentations with a mask on and I have a perfectly good set of lungs. I don't even bother with those filter inserts anymore because have those felt like a hand was over my mouth. My husband did a little experiment with some high school students who had fitness watches. He had them make note of their oxygen levels at the start and then to see what it was an hour later and apparently for most of them it had dropped 10%. Now of course this was a small sample of people, but it was interesting.
    *TW* History:
    Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016

    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC put on pause indefinitely
  • cscrzldbgcscrzldbg member
    edited February 2022
    I know you didn't ask but a daily probiotic solved my constipation issues. I had severe hemorrhoids with my last and they didn't believe me when I said I had perfect, easy BMs. I just laughed at their disbelief. 

    RANCH!!! I'll share mine if you share yours. 😉😉 😄
    We've been building up slowly the last few years. Started with backyard chickens. They are seriously a gateway drug! We are down to 28 laying hens and 3 roos. Got a heatwave last summer and while out of town for a few days the automatic water system failed. The stress got to the flock; we lost a couple hens and our first roo. 😔 Then we butchered another roo in the fall after the dog (puppy) got to it.
    Hubby and I have been wanting to build our own house for years. So tired of fixing the crap workmanship in our house. Plus, finding a house to fit our family in this area was WAY beyond our price range. We are crammed in a 1404 Sq ft house right now. 😬
    So, we hunted for raw land and eventually for a parcel in our budget. After we were in contract, someone came in with a higher cash offer and we lost it. About 3 months later we found an even better parcel, ironically just 1.5 miles from the first.
    It's 80 acres. At the back of a valley with no houses further behind us. The creek that runs through the valley actually starts on the property. The creekbed runs through the property but the far side is dry most of the year and year-round if we have a dry winter. There is a year-round spring (even in drought years) that flows into the creek. There is a 100+ year old tree right above the spring. So it comes out from the roots. We also found a seep that has flowing water through most of summer in a part of it. So much so that there is a bit of a sink hole forming.
    The "front 40" has most of the water. And what we call "the meadow" or it will be as we continue to improve it. Some of it is good, some not so much. We are fencing in portions of it this year. There are free range cattle and wild mustang herds that roam. So, we need to manage how much of the land is grazed. We'll see how the next few months go but plan to put some cattle of our own out this year. The guys at hubby's work want to buy a head or two for their families. So, more logistics.
    The "back 40" has a ridge that runs diagonally through it. The base of the ridge will be the "garage compound" and midway up the ridge will be the house. Designing a house on a ridge is much more challenging that on flat land. Lol. Our build timeline is 5 years since we are owner-builders and going in phases. The plan is to have a functioning homestead before the house is complete. (No, not overachievers at all. Lol.)
    We have 2 LGDs that we are training with our chickens, goats, and pig right now. They are Great Pyrenees/Anatolian mixes. Ursa is a year this month and Atlas will be a year in May. Eventually, we'll breed them. 
    We have an orchard started at this house. We'll expand it at the Ranch. We own a tree transplant truck so once we get set up we'll move the current ones over. We're also putting in a subterranean greenhouse. If I can get the design to come together then it will ideally be attached to the lower level of the house and help humidify it. I'm excited to really expand my use of my Master Gardener knowledge and add to it.
    I'm very blessed to have a farm vet for a friend. I just wish she was local. But, I call her with any questions and she teaches me (when I visit) so many things I can do myself. She is really big into teaching people how to provide beyond the basic care for their animals. I love going on farm calls with her. Plus, she's been teaching me how to butcher. We'll be trying our hand solo with the pig in about 2 months. Nervous and excited.
    Other than that, I've really gotten into desert regreening/reclamation. The principles can (and should) be used regardless of environment or climate. But we are in an arid climate so I'm really using any and all natural and/or native resources to make my own "Garden of Eden". I've incorporated it into our homeschool science curriculum and the kids are loving it. 

    Okay, your turn. Spill! 😄
  • I have a severe form of allodynia which is a type of hyperasthesia. From what I've been able to ascertain, I've had it since I was at least 6. Never thought it was anything, just normal and not different from others, until masking became an issue. Attempting to wear masks and then trying to "desensitize" to them as it became harder, and not knowing my condition, led to it hyper sensitizing. Mask harassment also exasperated the issue. 
    My case was already pretty bad before the hyper sensitization. Not only is it hyper sensitized but the sensitivity covers a vast area of my body. Hormonal fluctuations make it worse. Closer to a menstrual cycle. Pregnancy. If it was possible to be nude while pregnant, I totally would. Lol. 😄
    Allodynia is considered a SPS, sensory processing sensitivity. When you touch a hot pan, you jerk back before you feel the heat or burn. There are certain nervous receptors in the skin (nociceptors) responsible for that reaction. Mine are hyper sensitized. So, a gentle touch, the brush of a feather, the breeze, kids 😔(anyone) tapping my arm, result in a visceral threat response. 
    The progression of my symptons is similar to those of some trama or abuse victims. Which makes sense if my body views the touch as a threat. Very mild threats result in nausea...which is an almost daily occurrence. Think perpetual low grade morning sickness and you'd be close. Loss of appetite, instant severe headaches, vomiting, incapacitating migranes just to name a few.
    Just to be clear, I am in no way complaining. This is my life that I've learned to live effectively and fully. This is me and, other than a little extra weight, I'm happy with me. 😊
    I speak out about my condition for those who feel they cannot or are too afraid. I'm not asking for sympathy for myself. Just an awareness and consideration of individuals who look fine but have their own private challenges. 
    And also to rasie awareness of allodynia. I spent over 25 years living and adapting. Some things would have been easier if I had known sooner. 
  • @cscrzldbg oh that's very interesting! Sensory processing disorders seem to be not well understood. I understand them a little bit after being introduced to the idea that I somewhat fall in line with being HSP (highly sensitive person). It's actually a personality trait but it's related in a way to SPS but on an emotional level. Like being very startled by fire/police sirens and still feeling shaken up by the noise after much time has passed. So do you struggle with basic things like finding a t-shirt fabric that doesn't bother you to wear?
    *TW* History:
    Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016

    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC put on pause indefinitely
  • @cscrzldbg Thank you for sharing! I’m so glad you finally found a doctor that you trust. That must have been so hard to deal with being undiagnosed for so long.

    *TW* TTC history
    Me:32 DH:31
    Married: 8/2015

    TTC #1: 4/2017
    Testing: HSG, U/S, BW, and DH's SA all normal
    DX: Unexplained
    8/2018: Clomid + TI = BFN
    9/2018: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
    11/2018: Clomid + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    12/2018: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone \\ Cancelled due to cyst
    1/2019: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD Sept 30th, 2019
    10/7/2019: Healthy baby boy!

    TTC #2: 12/2020
    2/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
    3/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
    4/2021: Surprise! Natural BFP! \\ EDD Jan 6th, 2022 \\ Chemical, betas not rising
    8/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    9/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    10/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
    11/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD July 29th, 2022

  • @cscrzldbg thanks for sharing that about yourself, I had never heard of allodynia, but I can imagine that has been challenging to navigate. I can definitely see how a mask could cause an intense physical reaction. Definitely seems like a case of medical professionals not being educated on the condition. I hope you find a place to get your labs and ultrasounds done.
  • ******TW TW TW ****** 




    I was perusing google for sizes of baby at 18 weeks and I found this. It’s a sculpture of an actual 18 week fetus. The story of how the mama ended up with that sculpture is sad and involves loss. So don’t read or scroll down if that bothers you. 
    Hubby and Me
    Friends since 2008
    Started dating: July 1st, 2013
    Engaged: July 1st, 2014
    Married: July 1st, 2016
    R born: July 8th, 2017
    N born: June 30th, 2019
    Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
    (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
  • @LJMoon6 we started looking on market place but hubby was worried we wouldn’t find something and then be out of luck. We just ordered one new yesterday and they said 2-3 months to get it and 1-3 weeks after that to get it delivered 

    Regarding ultrasound, I’m going to ask at my appt this week but I had one around 32-34 weeks with my first babe (just looked back at photos) I don’t remember why. I know I was measuring a couple weeks ahead on belly measurements so maybe that’s why? And then they noticed I had some extra amniotic fluid and baby flipped breech so they checked again a couple weeks later, mostly concerned about the fluid @i@inthewoods23

    @c@cscrzldbg what state do you live in?
  • @cscrzldbg

    I don't know if this will help at all, but I work in a school and with mask rules, there are mask alternatives for students who cannot wear them for sensory reasons. I'm sure every region has different rules on this, but for example, a face shield can be worn as an alternative by students who receive a doctor's note explaining their specific need. I'm not sure if something like that could work for you at all, but it might not hurt to ask? Or maybe there are providers who work behind a plexiglass barrier or something that might be better suited for you. Anyway, I realize this might not be helpful but just an idea that struck me as I was reading your story!
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