The Next Step

**WARNING: This post is very personal in nature and there may be descriptions that are a tad unnerving to some.**

It has been three and a half months since DH and I had our first visit with the Fertility Specialist.  Throughout tax season I have been on a regimen of Femara, Ovidrel and Progesterone along with Timed Intercourse.  I have had three ultrasounds and many appointments with the acupuncturist. 

When the first two cycles ended with a normal period I swore to relax as much as possible during the third cycle.  I cut my hours from 60+ to just above 55 hours per week.  I didn't go to the acupuncturist as going there would stress me out only because of the time it would take and I don't think that worrying about time always helped.  Unfortunately, on the last day of tax season I found out that we had failed to conceive yet again.

After talking with the doctor we decided to try one more cycle of drugs, but this time we are adding something new.  Today I will be going in for an IUI (Intrauterine Insemination).  It isn't a complicated procedure and it is nowhere near as expensive as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).

Prior to the IUI, DH will go in and give a "sample".  That "sample" will be washed so that the semen will be separated from the seminal fluid.  The semen will then be placed in a catheter and DH's little men/women will be inserted past the cervical wall directly into my uterus.  The procedure shouldn't take long and it should involve little to no discomfort.  I will be required to rest for 10 - 15 minutes after the IUI, but I can resume normal activities afterwards.  I've decided to take the day off from work.....I don't want any kind of stress to affect me today!

In a couple of days I will begin taking the progesterone again while I deal with the two week wait.  During the next two weeks I plan on putting needle to thread to help me cope.

Thank you so much for allowing me to share this with you all.  This is a very tough subject for many and we need all the support we can get.

Happy Stitches!

In Review

Like many of you, I was recently contacted by Yiota to review a kit.  Yiota was so kind as to be patient for my review as the request came during the worst part of tax season.

After getting Yiota's email I headed over to Yiota's XStitch to pick out my kit to review.  There was definitely lots to choose from and when I found the Lavender Biscornu I knew I had to review it.  I've always wanted to stitch a biscournu and it was in my favorite color.  How could I turn that down?

My kit arrived quickly, especially since it was an overseas shipment.  It was well packaged and even withstood some time out on the porch in a rainstorm.  When I opened up the envelope this is what I found:

The kit included everything that was needed all the way down to the needles.  I even had the opportunity to choose between Aida and Evenweave.  (Being the Linen snob that I am I had to choose the Evenweave).  The floss was even wound on individual bobbins which I really liked since I don't like having to separate all the floss and try to figure out what goes where.

There were even detailed instructions with pictures on how to put the biscornu together.  I'm sure these will come in handy since I'm not the best finisher.

The only thing I didn't like was that the pattern was in color.  I'm not one for color patterns.....I prefer black and white.  But, that is just a personal preference and it wouldn't have stopped me from purchasing the kit.

Now I just need to find a place for this on my "to do" list!

So, if any of this interests you, head on over to Yiota's Site.


(Please note that I was not compensated for this review.  This review is my own personal opinion and not influenced by any outside sources.)

Changed Plans

Ahh......I've finally got my weekends back and boy am I thankful!

Today was supposed to be a "Mother/Daughter Day".  Unfortunately, a dear friend of my Step-Father passed away and so my parents had to travel to another state for the funeral.  So, instead of spending time with my mom I'm taking care of her pup.  That means that I will spend the day at home as a hermit since their pup is used to going outside on a whim.  We don't need any accidents here!

Staying home is giving me time to catch up on lots of things.  This morning I got my Google Reader down to a manageable 72 posts.  Hopefully by the end of the weekend I will be back down to zero.  I also managed to get a few pictures that I wanted to share with you.

First I would like to share my Friends Stitching Through the Seasons Exchange.  I was blessed to receive my exchange from Natasha of A Stitchers Ramblings.  Look at all the goodies she sent!

 

And the pillow she stitched is just amazing!  I stitched this as a giveaway awhile ago and I've always wanted to do it again for myself.  Natasha.....you've read my mind!  You know how much I love the Blackbird gals.

My love of Blackbird spilled over into my exchange for Karen.....

Hope you enjoy your package Karen!

That's it for now, but I promise that there is more to come!

Happy Stitches!

The Day After

It's official.....the 2012 Tax Season is now OVER!  The office gave us today off as a thank you for all the hard work.

I'm using today to slowly get back in the swing of things.  I'm now down to under 500 posts in my Google Reader (instead of the 1,000+ posts I had), but I won't spend all of today behind the computer.  I want to spend some time reading other fun things and I may even pick up a needle.  I will also be running a few errands which include taking my sewing machine in for its yearly checkup.  (I can't believe I've had it for a year!)  I may even end up at the nail salon for a litter pampering.  I'm just going to base everything on my whims today!

Once I get a few errands behind me I promise to show you a few things that I have managed to work on.

Thanks for your patience!  See you soon!

Happy Stitches!

Be Back Soon

I know, I've been MIA.  It has just been so hard to keep up with it all.  But don't worry, I will be back soon.  Tuesday will mark two weeks until Tax Day. (Thank goodness!)

I have things to share once I return.......the Traveling Pattern, exchange pieces and a little sewing too.  Plus I was asked to review a kit and from first glance it looks like fun!

I will be able to totally decompress on Wednesday, April 18th, with the day off from work.  I promise to be around shortly thereafter.

See you soon!

Happy Stitches!