Busy Time of Year

This is such a busy time of year, and I have so much to do. There is no tree up in the house, the shopping is not done, the wrapping isn't even started, and I am running out of time...

Each year I tell myself to start earlier, plan better, finish sooner. Each year I still push things to the last minute. I had plans to do so much last weekend, but I was sidelined with a migraine that ended up being the beginning of a wretched sinus infection. I was able to get to the doctor quickly, and started antibiotics, so now I am left with a nasty cough trying to expel the infection that ended up in my lungs. Eewww.

On a brighter note, vacation starts tomorrow at 4:30 for me, and 3:30 for Rob. We will actually have Christmas week to enjoy and spend with family (and finish preparing). I probably won't have time to add anything until after the holidays, so Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Shopping

I really, really, really, don't like shopping. While I enjoy the idea of gift giving, shopping drives me bananas. I took some leave from work today to do some shopping, and I got a lot done. I still need to do a bit, but I made some great progress. I have completed buying for Rob, stocking and all. I have also almost completed the nieces and nephews, with 9/10 done. I wish I loved shopping more. I was able to do a bit on line this year, too. That is much more enjoyable than actually going to the store, but I still do not like shopping!

Thanksgiving is Over

And so, Thanksgiving is over. We had a wonderful dinner with Rob's parents and his side of the family. It was wonderful to see everyone, since we do not get to see Rob's cousins and aunt very often.

Now it is time to start preparing for Christmas. Rob and I actually did a little online shopping yesterday, but we have to get into overdrive now. Those 10 nieces and nephews will hopefully all be here for Christmas, and I can't wait to see everyone.

Things to be Thankful For

I have been thinking a lot about this Thanksgiving, and I have been reflecting on what I am thankful for. There are certainly many things that come to mind, like my family, Rob, a home to live in, a good job, friends, food on my table, my kitties, and of course my health.

There is one thing that I think I often miss being thankful for, and that is my faith. I do not go to church each week, but I am a very spiritual and faithful person. I know that many people question their faith during terrible times, and I have certainly done that myself. Now, though, I am so thankful for my faith, to lean on in the bad times, and to rejoice in during the good times. There are times that I pray that I have this overwhelming feeling take over my whole body, and I know that may sound crazy to some people, but it is the most amazing experience. I am certainly not a bible thumper, and commit more than my fair share of sins. It is just that I feel so thankful to have faith in my life.

Fantasy Football Downfall

I think I am going to lose my fantasy football game this week. I have been undefeated thus far this season. I would rather lose now, then in the playoffs, though. It is Sunday night, and my plan is to go to bed at 10 PM, and get up at 6 AM tomorrow to feed the kitties, work out, eat, and get ready for work. It is a short work week this week, because of Thanksgiving. Both Rob and I have off on Thursday and Friday, so we will have a four day weekend. We are spending Thanksgiving with Rob's side of the family this year. I am really looking forward to this. I am making the mashed potatoes, and 2 apple pies, and 2 pumpkin pies. I love Thanksgiving. It is so nice to spend time with family, reflect on what I am thankful for, and begin holiday preparations. I have renewed hope this holiday season, and I look forward to a happy time this year!

My Belly Aches

I have been getting so sick to my stomach on this medicine. No matter what I eat, I have a stomach ache. I am not looking forward to the increased dosage. Poor Rob! I feel so bad I have been complaining so much to him. It kind of sucks that while I am trying to get pregnant, I already have morning sickness! Such is life. I know the end result will be worth it. It just makes it really hard to want to try to get pregnant when I feel so miserable. Hopefully my body will adjust over the next few weeks.

And there is a Baby!

Well, Rebecca had a baby girl today at about 5:10 PM. She weighs 8 lbs, and is about 19 inches long. The baby's name is Lily Josephine Hahn. Mother and baby are doing well. Rob and I are going to see her tomorrow.

Saturday in Baltimore

It is a rainy, windy, gray Saturday in Baltimore. I have barely been able to keep my eyes open today. Every time I close my eyes I have been having the strangest dreams. My sister went to the hospital at 2 this morning with heavy labor pains. She is late now, 41 1/2 weeks and has been having contractions each night for a few weeks now. Once she got to the hospital, the contractions slowed down and lessened. When the hospital called the doctor's office, they said to keep her. So, now she is supposed to walk, and be monitored, and hopefully go into heavy labor again. Hopefully, there will be a baby today.

So you thin you can Dance

For my birthday this year, Rob gave me tickets to the So you thing you can Dance live show. We went last night, and it was so great. I have always been a big fan of dance shows, watching the PBS ballroom dance competitions when I was younger. I have enjoyed watching this show over the past few years, and it was really neat to see the live show. I think I was smiling the whole time.
We also had a girl sitting 2 people down from us that kept screaming, "I love you Mark," or "I love you Thane," each time they would come onto the stage. It was really funny. Just as it would get quiet, she would scream it out. I got to see some of my favorite dances of the season.
It was just a really nice evening out.

Trivia Tournament

Well we came in 5th place at the Showtime Trivia tournament this weekend. There were 33 teams playing, and we were happy with our performance. The best part is that we beat my in-laws team, the Unholy Alliance. Our team name is Hot Italian Sausage. You can actually see a picture of us at www.showtimetrivia.com.

On other news, I am #1 in my fantasy football league. I am kicking all the boy's butts (and since I am the only girl, my victories are even sweeter). I have already clinched a playoff spot because I am 9-0. The next player is at 6-3. I am hoping to win the playoffs this year.

Finally...A Diagnosis

I finally have a diagnosis. My blood test from earlier this week came back normal, so the final diagnosis is PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). I am so relieved to know what the problem is, and to have a chance for a normal pregnancy. I have to take a medication over the next several months, which should improve the rate of miscarriage from 40-60% to a normal level. I dropped the prescription off tonight, and will have it in hand tomorrow. Both Rob and I are excited to have an answer.

Is it Strange...

I am not quite sure what is wrong with me, but I have been watching the new 90210, and I really like it. It is my guilty pleasure for the week.

Election Day

This is the first post I have ever done, so be kind. Today is election day, and Rob and I have had an interesting day so far. We had our follow up appointment with the fertility specialist today, and also went to vote. Both did not turn out the way we expected.

At the fertility specialist we found out that the blood lab did not run one test, so I had to have another vial of blood drawn. This wouldn't be terrible, except that without this test my diagnosis will not be complete. At this point I know that I have an endocrine disorder, the question is whether or not it is PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) or NCAH (non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia). The blood test will rule out NCAH, and if that is ruled out, then I have PCOS.

There is only one problem with the blood test. The blood test is supposed to be performed in the early part of the menstrual cycle because it tests for a specific hormone. During the later half of the cycle, this hormone level may be high because of ovulation. So if I have a high test result now, they will have to retest again at the beginning of the next cycle. Since my cycles are at least 60 days long now, that means December before the testing will be complete.

If my blood test comes back in the normal range, then I definitely have PCOS. If this happens, I will start taking Metformin, which should help initiate a normal cycle, and decrease the chance of miscarriage. Since I have already lost 2 pregnancies, it would be great to decrease the odds of that from happening.

After our appointment this morning, we went to lunch, and then to vote. Poor Rob ended up having to vote using a provisional ballot. He was quite upset, and we didn't quite understand why. After some investigating, we found out that the polling headquarters did not have his driver's license number. After 5 years of voting at the same polling place, this year they do not have his driver's license number. We were assured that his vote would count, though. I don't know how assured he feels though.