Our Christmas here in California was wonderful! Again, I have really lost track of time. I have no clue what day it is. It's so nice to be away and to be in my own little world here on vacation.
I don't have time to write much, but I feel bad that I haven't updated lately. One great thing about my new droid is that I can check email, facebook and blogs all the time! It's not too hard to post a little comment here and there, but I definitely can't write an entire post. So I apologize for reading, barely commenting and not posting.
We had a wonderful time in my parents cabin up in Big Bear. We came back just in time for Christmas Eve. In my family we all get together for Christmas Eve at my aunt's house. We make homemade pizza (the good Italian kind!) and this year we did an ornament exchange. It was fun because we played the game where you can steal each ornament up to three times. It got a little heated at one point because my aunts were fighting for the same one! But overall we had a lot of fun.
Christmas day was lovely and relaxing. My parents spoiled us all with lots of fun gifts. We stayed in our PJs all day, had a yummy brunch, watched a DVD, took a walk, played Cranium, had a yummy dinner and then played cards. It was so great. I have fond memories of all my Christmases growing up, so I enjoyed remembering all those times. I have had some sad moments here and there realizing that another Christmas has come and we are still childless. But mostly I have been enjoying myself and have been a bit distracted.
Yesterday I took my hubby to the airport. I was sad to see him go! I'm glad that I get to extend my trip home a bit longer, but I wish he could stay with me. I really don't like it when we're apart. We had some friends and family over last night to watch the USC bowl game. I'm glad that we won, but it's been such a disappointing season that it was hard to get too excited about it.
Today I went to Mass and brunch with a family from my school. The mom is originally from Southern California and she also went to USC. We have talked about getting together so many times and we finally made it happen. It was great to see them here in California. I taught their oldest daughter a couple of years ago and their youngest daughter is in my seventh grade class now.
The readings and the homily at Mass this morning were so beautiful. Although I was a little distracted and haven't reflected on them yet. I really get out of my prayer routine when I'm on vacation! It always happens when I'm away from home and I feel so guilty, but I think it's just part of being away.
Hopefully I will have more to reflect on later... but that is what I've been up to!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
California
Since we've been in California I have completely lost track of my days. That's one nice thing about being on vacation! I feel like I'm in a different world and that I'm out of touch with my "normal" life. For some reason my world in DC feels really far from my world here. On one hand this is nice because I feel like I have gotten away - I'm taking a break from everything crazy in my life back home. But on the other hand it makes me sad to realize that California isn't my home anymore. I definitely feel like a visitor. I guess that's part of life and living away for so long.
Anyways, it's been wonderful to be here. We really lucked out with the timing of our flight. We left at 6pm on Friday and the big snowstorm started aroud 9pm that night. Part of me was a little sad to miss the big blizzard in DC! But I am so grateful that it didn't effect our flight. If we had scheduled our flight for Saturday, who knows when we would have left town. We definitely would have missed a couple of days here, so I'm grateful that didn't happen!
I'm really curious what our house looks like. We called a neighbor to have them shovel our sidewalk, driveway and porch. I heard that our street got 20 inches - that is so crazy! The DC area doesn't usually get this much snow, especially during December. I think I heard that this storm broke all the records for snow in December. I just hope that my hubby can find our car at the airport! He's coming back a couple of days before me, so he will have to find it and clear it off by himself.
We have had a great time here relaxing and spending time with family and friends. On Saturday we had lunch with my brother and his wife - at In-n-Out, of course! We had to get our fix of these great burgers. :) That night we went to my high school's Madrigal Feast. I was in the choir in high school, so I was involved with this event back then. It just so happens that my best friend's husband is now the choir director at my old school. Such a small world! So it was fun to see what the choir is like now and remember my choir days back in high school. The kids were SO YOUNG! It definitely made me feel very old.
Sunday we just relaxed and had dinner with friends. It's been so great to sleep in and just enjoy the nice weather. Every day my hubby and I have been taking a walk. It's been nice to get some fresh air and exercise - especially since the weather is so warm! It's been in the 70s every day. Although I think today is supposed to be a bit cooler. We've been eating out a lot, so I'm glad to get a least a little exercise for that reason too.
Yesterday I had breakfast with a group of girlfriends and I happened to run into another high school friend while I was out. It's always wonderful to see my friends from all different parts of my life. But again, it always brings with it some mixed emotions. Thankfully the longer I'm gone, the more this becomes my reality. At this point I am used to seeing friends and family only a couple of times a year. We make the most of our time together and stay in touch other ways.
Last night my hubby and I went to visit a fancy old hotel with my parents, aunt, uncle and cousins. They hang Christmas lights all over the property, so it was fun to walk around and explore. We had a fancy dinner afterwards and just strolled around the shops.
Today we are heading up to Big Bear to spend a couple of days in my parents cabin. My brother and his wife are coming too, so it will be nice for us to have some quality time together. It takes about 2 hours to get from my parents house to the cabin up the mountain. They actually got a little snow overnight, so it will be fun to spend a couple of days up there. One of the wonderful things about California is the beauty and diversity. In just a couple of hours we will go from the warm, dry, desert-like weather to the cold, snowy, forest. The pine trees are so beautiful and I can't wait to breath in the fresh, mountain air!
Anyways, it's been wonderful to be here. We really lucked out with the timing of our flight. We left at 6pm on Friday and the big snowstorm started aroud 9pm that night. Part of me was a little sad to miss the big blizzard in DC! But I am so grateful that it didn't effect our flight. If we had scheduled our flight for Saturday, who knows when we would have left town. We definitely would have missed a couple of days here, so I'm grateful that didn't happen!
I'm really curious what our house looks like. We called a neighbor to have them shovel our sidewalk, driveway and porch. I heard that our street got 20 inches - that is so crazy! The DC area doesn't usually get this much snow, especially during December. I think I heard that this storm broke all the records for snow in December. I just hope that my hubby can find our car at the airport! He's coming back a couple of days before me, so he will have to find it and clear it off by himself.
We have had a great time here relaxing and spending time with family and friends. On Saturday we had lunch with my brother and his wife - at In-n-Out, of course! We had to get our fix of these great burgers. :) That night we went to my high school's Madrigal Feast. I was in the choir in high school, so I was involved with this event back then. It just so happens that my best friend's husband is now the choir director at my old school. Such a small world! So it was fun to see what the choir is like now and remember my choir days back in high school. The kids were SO YOUNG! It definitely made me feel very old.
Sunday we just relaxed and had dinner with friends. It's been so great to sleep in and just enjoy the nice weather. Every day my hubby and I have been taking a walk. It's been nice to get some fresh air and exercise - especially since the weather is so warm! It's been in the 70s every day. Although I think today is supposed to be a bit cooler. We've been eating out a lot, so I'm glad to get a least a little exercise for that reason too.
Yesterday I had breakfast with a group of girlfriends and I happened to run into another high school friend while I was out. It's always wonderful to see my friends from all different parts of my life. But again, it always brings with it some mixed emotions. Thankfully the longer I'm gone, the more this becomes my reality. At this point I am used to seeing friends and family only a couple of times a year. We make the most of our time together and stay in touch other ways.
Last night my hubby and I went to visit a fancy old hotel with my parents, aunt, uncle and cousins. They hang Christmas lights all over the property, so it was fun to walk around and explore. We had a fancy dinner afterwards and just strolled around the shops.
Today we are heading up to Big Bear to spend a couple of days in my parents cabin. My brother and his wife are coming too, so it will be nice for us to have some quality time together. It takes about 2 hours to get from my parents house to the cabin up the mountain. They actually got a little snow overnight, so it will be fun to spend a couple of days up there. One of the wonderful things about California is the beauty and diversity. In just a couple of hours we will go from the warm, dry, desert-like weather to the cold, snowy, forest. The pine trees are so beautiful and I can't wait to breath in the fresh, mountain air!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A few things...
Just three more days until school is out and we head to California!! Can you tell I'm excited? Now that the end is in sight, I'm so ready to leave town and see my family.
Unfortunately, I have lost my lessonplan/gradebook. I feel SO LOST! If you are a teacher, you know how detrimental this is. It's like losing your purse or wallet. I feel like everything is gone!
I'm really mad at myself for losing it, especially since I think I left it at my doctor's office or possibly in the parking lot on Monday. I called to see if anyone turned it in, but no luck. I keep praying to St. Anthony that I will find it! I have been so crazy this week and seriously have been lugging around 4-5 bags at a time - my purse, lunch bag, school bag, bag for gifts, and of course shopping bags from all my errands for the day. I keep searching every bag hoping that it snuck in one of them. Ugh. At least we are just starting a new grading period, so I didn't lose any grades. But all my plans and calendar are gone. :(
I have also felt out of touch because I was missing all my contacts in my phone for a couple of days. We finally got new phones a couple of weeks ago and we love them! (My hubby got the Droid and I got the Droid ERIS.) But we're still figuring out how everything works. Somehow, mysteriously, all my contacts got deleted over the weekend. So I had to go back to the store last night and have them download my contacts from my old phone. Good thing I still had it.
I finally called Dr. Stegman's office yesterday and made an appointment for March 8. I'm not sure why I was dragging my feet so much. It's exciting in a way to have something new to look forward to. But for the most part, it's just depressing. March seems so far away - and yet I'm sure it will be here before I know it and my situation will be the same. I called Tepeyac today to request a copy of my medical records. I'm not sure how much it will cost, but it will be good to have a copy of them. This also means that I have to get back to charting. I have been SUCH a slacker. It's been so freeing to stop charting and I don't want to go back. What's the point? I really don't think charting will give me any new information about my body or my cycles. But I do need at least two months to show Dr. S in March, so I'd better get back to it.
Lifehopes asked me about adoption yesterday, although there's really not too much report. (But thank you for asking!!) It's in the social workers hands now. I'm not sure how long it will take her to write the report, but once the agency reviews it and we review it, it will be finalized. Then we meet with the domestic team to make our profile and scrapbook and officially begin waiting.
I'm hosting my women's prayer group at my house tomorrow night. It will be great to see those ladies and pray together. My friend J is organizing a retreat in Janaury and I'm really looking forward to that. I can't tell you the last time I went on retreat. I know that I could really use the time away to just pray and reflect.
I'm also looking forward to a special trip this spring that my hubby and I are planning. We have talked about taking a pilgrimage for a long time. There are so many wonderful and beautiful places to visit that we had a hard time deciding where and when to go, especially since my school schedule is limiting. This year my spring break happens to fall during Holy Week, so we decided to visit Lourdes, France first and then spend the Triduum in Rome. As I type this, I almost can't believe that we're really going! We've actually had our flights booked for awhile - my hubby is really on top of things - but it doesn't seem real since it's still a few months away.
I am looking forward to this trip for so many reasons. Mostly, it's important to me to make a good pilgrimage. I really want to pray and prepare my heart for visiting these holy places. I am obviously hoping for some kind of miracle healing of my body. But more than that, I truly hope for healing for my heart and soul. I am definitely going to be "dipped" into the water in Lourdes and it's tempting to hope that it will immediately cure my infertility. That's not such a bad thing, right? But I also want to guard my heart from thinking this way too much. It's hard to find the right balance. As always my prayer must be, "Thy will be done."
Well, this post was all over the place. I hope and pray that everyone is having a blessed Advent!
Unfortunately, I have lost my lessonplan/gradebook. I feel SO LOST! If you are a teacher, you know how detrimental this is. It's like losing your purse or wallet. I feel like everything is gone!
I'm really mad at myself for losing it, especially since I think I left it at my doctor's office or possibly in the parking lot on Monday. I called to see if anyone turned it in, but no luck. I keep praying to St. Anthony that I will find it! I have been so crazy this week and seriously have been lugging around 4-5 bags at a time - my purse, lunch bag, school bag, bag for gifts, and of course shopping bags from all my errands for the day. I keep searching every bag hoping that it snuck in one of them. Ugh. At least we are just starting a new grading period, so I didn't lose any grades. But all my plans and calendar are gone. :(
I have also felt out of touch because I was missing all my contacts in my phone for a couple of days. We finally got new phones a couple of weeks ago and we love them! (My hubby got the Droid and I got the Droid ERIS.) But we're still figuring out how everything works. Somehow, mysteriously, all my contacts got deleted over the weekend. So I had to go back to the store last night and have them download my contacts from my old phone. Good thing I still had it.
I finally called Dr. Stegman's office yesterday and made an appointment for March 8. I'm not sure why I was dragging my feet so much. It's exciting in a way to have something new to look forward to. But for the most part, it's just depressing. March seems so far away - and yet I'm sure it will be here before I know it and my situation will be the same. I called Tepeyac today to request a copy of my medical records. I'm not sure how much it will cost, but it will be good to have a copy of them. This also means that I have to get back to charting. I have been SUCH a slacker. It's been so freeing to stop charting and I don't want to go back. What's the point? I really don't think charting will give me any new information about my body or my cycles. But I do need at least two months to show Dr. S in March, so I'd better get back to it.
Lifehopes asked me about adoption yesterday, although there's really not too much report. (But thank you for asking!!) It's in the social workers hands now. I'm not sure how long it will take her to write the report, but once the agency reviews it and we review it, it will be finalized. Then we meet with the domestic team to make our profile and scrapbook and officially begin waiting.
I'm hosting my women's prayer group at my house tomorrow night. It will be great to see those ladies and pray together. My friend J is organizing a retreat in Janaury and I'm really looking forward to that. I can't tell you the last time I went on retreat. I know that I could really use the time away to just pray and reflect.
I'm also looking forward to a special trip this spring that my hubby and I are planning. We have talked about taking a pilgrimage for a long time. There are so many wonderful and beautiful places to visit that we had a hard time deciding where and when to go, especially since my school schedule is limiting. This year my spring break happens to fall during Holy Week, so we decided to visit Lourdes, France first and then spend the Triduum in Rome. As I type this, I almost can't believe that we're really going! We've actually had our flights booked for awhile - my hubby is really on top of things - but it doesn't seem real since it's still a few months away.
I am looking forward to this trip for so many reasons. Mostly, it's important to me to make a good pilgrimage. I really want to pray and prepare my heart for visiting these holy places. I am obviously hoping for some kind of miracle healing of my body. But more than that, I truly hope for healing for my heart and soul. I am definitely going to be "dipped" into the water in Lourdes and it's tempting to hope that it will immediately cure my infertility. That's not such a bad thing, right? But I also want to guard my heart from thinking this way too much. It's hard to find the right balance. As always my prayer must be, "Thy will be done."
Well, this post was all over the place. I hope and pray that everyone is having a blessed Advent!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Follow Up
I had my follow-up appointment with Dr. C this afternoon. It was pretty quick. The pathology report confirmed that indeed I did have a polyp. I didn't realize that there was any doubt! But I guess the pathology confirmed that's what was removed and nothing else. I wasn't sure if this appointment required a pelvic exam, but it did. Ugh. I'm seriously over those.
As usual the office was busy with pregnant patients. I was pretty tired and feeling in a bit of a fog. I didn't have any "agenda" for this appointment. I wasn't going to ask for any new treatments or see what she thinks I should do next. Although, I thought Dr. C asked a couple of interesting questions. First she asked if I have been having any cramps. I said that I did have some after the surgery, but apparently she was asking more generally. She said, "Well, I'm just wondering if the endometriosis is back." Ahh!! Not what I want to hear! I told her that I never had very painful periods to begin with. I guess she's just still baffled by my infertility and she's looking for signs of another problem.
She also asked me if we had discussed injections yet. I said that we had, but never discussed a timeline. She suggested that I continue with Tamoxifen for two more months and see what happens. That was fine by me. I don't feel very strongly about it one way or the other.
I'm just so tired of it all. I have this sense that it's completely out of my hands - and the doctor's hands. It's in God's hands. I think that we have (almost) done everything we can in terms of treatment. Our situation feels so much bigger than anything I can do about it. Does that make sense? I feel like all I can do is just wait on the Lord. That's it.
So Dr. C wrote a presciption for Tamoxifen, but since I'm on cycle day 9 I won't be able to take it until next month. I had already filled my prescription for Endometrin, so I think I will take it this month. I do think my luteal phase could use a little support, so I'm going to stick with that. As she was walking out the door she says, "If you get 15 days past ovulation, you know what do to!" I'm glad that at least she's hopeful. After she left I realized that I should probably ask for bloodwork orders, but I didn't chase after her. I figured that I'll be in California anyways. I will worry about it next cycle.
The countdown is on for Christmas break! I'm really looking forward to going "home" for Christmas. If nothing else it will be nice to have a change of pace and scenery. As soon as I get all my wrapping and shipping done, I will feel like I'm almost there. Maybe by tomorrow I'll be finished.
As usual the office was busy with pregnant patients. I was pretty tired and feeling in a bit of a fog. I didn't have any "agenda" for this appointment. I wasn't going to ask for any new treatments or see what she thinks I should do next. Although, I thought Dr. C asked a couple of interesting questions. First she asked if I have been having any cramps. I said that I did have some after the surgery, but apparently she was asking more generally. She said, "Well, I'm just wondering if the endometriosis is back." Ahh!! Not what I want to hear! I told her that I never had very painful periods to begin with. I guess she's just still baffled by my infertility and she's looking for signs of another problem.
She also asked me if we had discussed injections yet. I said that we had, but never discussed a timeline. She suggested that I continue with Tamoxifen for two more months and see what happens. That was fine by me. I don't feel very strongly about it one way or the other.
I'm just so tired of it all. I have this sense that it's completely out of my hands - and the doctor's hands. It's in God's hands. I think that we have (almost) done everything we can in terms of treatment. Our situation feels so much bigger than anything I can do about it. Does that make sense? I feel like all I can do is just wait on the Lord. That's it.
So Dr. C wrote a presciption for Tamoxifen, but since I'm on cycle day 9 I won't be able to take it until next month. I had already filled my prescription for Endometrin, so I think I will take it this month. I do think my luteal phase could use a little support, so I'm going to stick with that. As she was walking out the door she says, "If you get 15 days past ovulation, you know what do to!" I'm glad that at least she's hopeful. After she left I realized that I should probably ask for bloodwork orders, but I didn't chase after her. I figured that I'll be in California anyways. I will worry about it next cycle.
The countdown is on for Christmas break! I'm really looking forward to going "home" for Christmas. If nothing else it will be nice to have a change of pace and scenery. As soon as I get all my wrapping and shipping done, I will feel like I'm almost there. Maybe by tomorrow I'll be finished.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
BUSY
I know this time of year is busy for everyone, but I'm started to feel a bit overwhelmed! There is so much going on and I'm just trying to get it all done. I think I'm feeling crazy because I've got to get everything done by next Friday... we have a half-day at school and then we're flying to California that night. I can't wait! I'm ready for a change of scenery and a change of pace.
I'm really trying to live the true spirit of Advent, but it's hard to slow down. Things are super crazy at school with prayer services, Masses, report cards, parties, etc. Then of course there's all the Christmas decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping, shipping, card-writing, etc. I've got music for church, youth group on Sunday nights, and my women's prayer group coming over on Thursday. This morning we had friends over for brunch (we've been trying to hang out with them for awhile) and dinner plans with other friends tonight. I'm thankful to be busy with good things, but I feel like I'm running all over the place. Oh, and my cold symptoms have been lingering.
I have been inspired by the readings at Mass this week. Every morning I have thought of good, reflective posts on my drive to school... and then I haven't had the time to write them! Maybe tomorrow I will find some time to reflect. The words of Isaiah have given me encouragement and inspiration.
Also I've been showing "The Nativity Story" to my students at school. Has anyone seen this movie? It's so good! I have been tearing up while watching it with my classes. It's such a beautiful portrayal of Joseph and Mary. Even if all the details aren't historically accurate, it helps to imagine what it was really like.
Now I'm off to get a few things done...
I'm really trying to live the true spirit of Advent, but it's hard to slow down. Things are super crazy at school with prayer services, Masses, report cards, parties, etc. Then of course there's all the Christmas decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping, shipping, card-writing, etc. I've got music for church, youth group on Sunday nights, and my women's prayer group coming over on Thursday. This morning we had friends over for brunch (we've been trying to hang out with them for awhile) and dinner plans with other friends tonight. I'm thankful to be busy with good things, but I feel like I'm running all over the place. Oh, and my cold symptoms have been lingering.
I have been inspired by the readings at Mass this week. Every morning I have thought of good, reflective posts on my drive to school... and then I haven't had the time to write them! Maybe tomorrow I will find some time to reflect. The words of Isaiah have given me encouragement and inspiration.
Also I've been showing "The Nativity Story" to my students at school. Has anyone seen this movie? It's so good! I have been tearing up while watching it with my classes. It's such a beautiful portrayal of Joseph and Mary. Even if all the details aren't historically accurate, it helps to imagine what it was really like.
Now I'm off to get a few things done...
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sick, Snow, Football, Cycle
Thankfully my cold seems to be going away. It would be great if I didn't have to blow my nose all day at school tomorrow! I was still struggling this morning, so I wasn't able to sing at my usual Masses. But I was glad to stay in and keep warm. It snowed all day yesterday and has been pretty chilly around here. It's much more fun to enjoy it from the inside. We are headed off to youth group in just a bit, so I hope I have enough energy for them. It should be fine, but I hate going out when it's cold and dark already!
It's always fun to get the first snow of the year. Being from California I am still enamored by it. My husband, being from the Midwest, is not. :) He doesn't enjoy the snow as much... and I'm sure in February or March the charm will have worn off for me too.
I won't say too much about football, except that I'm actually glad this season is over. (Usually this is my favorite time of the year!) My team ended up with a disappointing season - including yesterdays loss. It was a sad night in our house because my hubby's team lost a HEART-BREAKER with one second left in the game. At least they are getting better than they have been in the past couple of years. *Sigh* We will be loyal (to our teams!) in good times and in bad. ;)
In cycle news, I started bleeding again today. I had a couple of days of bleeding and spotting after my surgery and then a couple of dry days. I'm wondering if this is my "usual" period. It is day 26 and Dr. C said that my cycle after surgery would be a very light flow since they had removed most of the endometrium. My follow-up appointment with her is next Monday, so I will ask about it then. I had been wondering how I would know a new cycle had started. Maybe this is it? Any advice?
It's always fun to get the first snow of the year. Being from California I am still enamored by it. My husband, being from the Midwest, is not. :) He doesn't enjoy the snow as much... and I'm sure in February or March the charm will have worn off for me too.
I won't say too much about football, except that I'm actually glad this season is over. (Usually this is my favorite time of the year!) My team ended up with a disappointing season - including yesterdays loss. It was a sad night in our house because my hubby's team lost a HEART-BREAKER with one second left in the game. At least they are getting better than they have been in the past couple of years. *Sigh* We will be loyal (to our teams!) in good times and in bad. ;)
In cycle news, I started bleeding again today. I had a couple of days of bleeding and spotting after my surgery and then a couple of dry days. I'm wondering if this is my "usual" period. It is day 26 and Dr. C said that my cycle after surgery would be a very light flow since they had removed most of the endometrium. My follow-up appointment with her is next Monday, so I will ask about it then. I had been wondering how I would know a new cycle had started. Maybe this is it? Any advice?
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Final SW Visit
Last night was the final visit by our adoption social worker. Thankfully it was pretty quick and easy - especially since I have a nasty cold right now. I wasn't up for too much more.
I knew that she was going to take a tour of the house, but she had warned me that it wasn't a big deal. Basically she just needs to describe the layout of the house in the homestudy. I'm glad I didn't go too crazy cleaning because she literally just peaked into every room and that was it.
We went through a few final questions. She asked us about the waiting period - how were we going to spend that time? Have we researched pediatricians yet? How much time is my hubby planning to take off when the baby comes? What are our expectations and fears?
I tried my best to answer her questions, but it all seems so unreal. I think because we have already been waiting so long, my heart is pretty guarded against these practical considerations. My mind doesn't go there. But she was basically telling us that we have to start thinking about these things. I know there is a chance that things can move very fast, but again my heart doesn't really believe that. I have prepared myself for a long wait.
So after she writes our homestudy, the agency will review it, then we will review it and then it will be finalized. Next we will meet with the domestic team at our agency and get our profile and scrapbook together. (In addition to writing them a big check.) Then we will be officially waiting! I have no idea how long it will all take. Maybe January??? Who knows.
The DC infertility support group is meeting this morning and I'm sad that I will have to miss out because of my cold. Four new ladies are coming, so I hope it goes well. I slept for about 10 hours last night and I don't think I'll be leaving the couch today. I'm hoping to get rid of this cold by the end of the weekend.
I really can't believe that December is here and flying by already. It's going to be a mad-dash to the finish for me with school and youth group and everything else we have going on. As soon as school gets out we are heading to California for Christmas. I absolutely cannot wait!
I knew that she was going to take a tour of the house, but she had warned me that it wasn't a big deal. Basically she just needs to describe the layout of the house in the homestudy. I'm glad I didn't go too crazy cleaning because she literally just peaked into every room and that was it.
We went through a few final questions. She asked us about the waiting period - how were we going to spend that time? Have we researched pediatricians yet? How much time is my hubby planning to take off when the baby comes? What are our expectations and fears?
I tried my best to answer her questions, but it all seems so unreal. I think because we have already been waiting so long, my heart is pretty guarded against these practical considerations. My mind doesn't go there. But she was basically telling us that we have to start thinking about these things. I know there is a chance that things can move very fast, but again my heart doesn't really believe that. I have prepared myself for a long wait.
So after she writes our homestudy, the agency will review it, then we will review it and then it will be finalized. Next we will meet with the domestic team at our agency and get our profile and scrapbook together. (In addition to writing them a big check.) Then we will be officially waiting! I have no idea how long it will all take. Maybe January??? Who knows.
The DC infertility support group is meeting this morning and I'm sad that I will have to miss out because of my cold. Four new ladies are coming, so I hope it goes well. I slept for about 10 hours last night and I don't think I'll be leaving the couch today. I'm hoping to get rid of this cold by the end of the weekend.
I really can't believe that December is here and flying by already. It's going to be a mad-dash to the finish for me with school and youth group and everything else we have going on. As soon as school gets out we are heading to California for Christmas. I absolutely cannot wait!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Polyp Removal
The polyp is gone! Yesterday's procedure went well. For the most part it was very easy. My surgery was scheduled for 11:15 and they ask you to arrive two hours early. I remember a lot of sitting around last year, so my hubby and I brought along plenty of things to read.
After I checked in and was hanging out in the waiting room for awhile, I was surprised they hadn't called me back yet. Finally a nurse came out and told me that Dr. C was going to be delayed because of an emergency C-section she was doing over in maternity. I had to laugh at the irony... of course the barren girl can wait! :)
It wasn't a big deal, but when Dr. C came to see me and apologized for being late, I couldn't help but think that she had JUST delivered a baby. Somewhere, on a different floor, some couple was rejoicing in the gift of new life. Dr. C's hands had just placed a new baby in it's mothers arms. And here I am, having another procedure done, without even knowing if this will help restore my fertility or not. I didn't have long to reflect on all this, but the thought did cross my mind.
Overall I was more impressed with the nursing staff than I was last year. They were very competent and had much better bedside manners. The first nurse was actually a patient at Tepeyac as well. So we chatted about that. She even kept me distracted while the other nurse started my IV in my hand. I forgot how painful that is! I think that was the worst part of the whole procedure.
Everything else was pretty straight forward. They got the first round of drugs going while they rolled me back and I don't remember anything after I moved myself onto the operating table. I woke up easily, had a snack, used the bathroom and we were on our way home.
I remember last year I became obsessed with saltine crackers and ginger ale after my surgery. They tasted so good in recovery! There's just something about comfort food. This year I was prepared and stocked up on both. We also stopped at Panera on our way home and I got chicken noodle soup in a bread bowl. YUM! We came home, watched a movie and I just relaxed for the rest of the night. For the most part I felt fine - just groggy and I had a bit of a sore throat. I guess they use a breathing tube as part of the anesthesia, so that left me feeling a little scratchy.
My hubby does such a good job taking care of me. He is always very sweet and affectionate towards me - that's just the way he is. But there's something nice about a little extra TLC. I know that he wishes I didn't have to go through all this stuff and he doesn't like seeing me in the hospital. These moments remind me how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband.
I will call today to make my follow-up appointment. I can't imagine that we'll have too much to discuss. They send the polyp to pathology, but I'm expecting that to come back normal. She met briefly with my hubby after the surgery and she didn't mention finding anything else. I guess we can talk about what's next. Although I have to admit, I feel like jumping on the Dr. S train. I know that a lot of ladies are making appointments with him and I'm starting to wonder if I should too.
After I checked in and was hanging out in the waiting room for awhile, I was surprised they hadn't called me back yet. Finally a nurse came out and told me that Dr. C was going to be delayed because of an emergency C-section she was doing over in maternity. I had to laugh at the irony... of course the barren girl can wait! :)
It wasn't a big deal, but when Dr. C came to see me and apologized for being late, I couldn't help but think that she had JUST delivered a baby. Somewhere, on a different floor, some couple was rejoicing in the gift of new life. Dr. C's hands had just placed a new baby in it's mothers arms. And here I am, having another procedure done, without even knowing if this will help restore my fertility or not. I didn't have long to reflect on all this, but the thought did cross my mind.
Overall I was more impressed with the nursing staff than I was last year. They were very competent and had much better bedside manners. The first nurse was actually a patient at Tepeyac as well. So we chatted about that. She even kept me distracted while the other nurse started my IV in my hand. I forgot how painful that is! I think that was the worst part of the whole procedure.
Everything else was pretty straight forward. They got the first round of drugs going while they rolled me back and I don't remember anything after I moved myself onto the operating table. I woke up easily, had a snack, used the bathroom and we were on our way home.
I remember last year I became obsessed with saltine crackers and ginger ale after my surgery. They tasted so good in recovery! There's just something about comfort food. This year I was prepared and stocked up on both. We also stopped at Panera on our way home and I got chicken noodle soup in a bread bowl. YUM! We came home, watched a movie and I just relaxed for the rest of the night. For the most part I felt fine - just groggy and I had a bit of a sore throat. I guess they use a breathing tube as part of the anesthesia, so that left me feeling a little scratchy.
My hubby does such a good job taking care of me. He is always very sweet and affectionate towards me - that's just the way he is. But there's something nice about a little extra TLC. I know that he wishes I didn't have to go through all this stuff and he doesn't like seeing me in the hospital. These moments remind me how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband.
I will call today to make my follow-up appointment. I can't imagine that we'll have too much to discuss. They send the polyp to pathology, but I'm expecting that to come back normal. She met briefly with my hubby after the surgery and she didn't mention finding anything else. I guess we can talk about what's next. Although I have to admit, I feel like jumping on the Dr. S train. I know that a lot of ladies are making appointments with him and I'm starting to wonder if I should too.
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