Update on 2014 so far....

Here we are in March.....already. I can't believe time flies so quickly.

January and February were filled with Snow, Snow, and more snow.... It is crazy how much it has snowed here.

The tree in the front yard. It is know half way blocked by a snow bank.

I have also spent lots of time with Gage and Keira. Its so nice to have little ones around.

The two munchkins!

I have spent all of this year so far sick. Started at the end of December, which I finally went to the Dr. in January. I had an outer ear infection, two different medications over two weeks cleared that up...or actually moved it to a middle ear infection with bronchitis. So an antibiotic, otc sinus med, and 2 cough meds later it cleared up for about 4 days right around my birthday.

But I was sick again after a few days, went back to the dr. because I still had a horrible cough, a super sore throat, and was super tired. I would sleep 8-10 hours at night and then take a 2-3 hour nap in the middle of the day. She tested me for strep throat and mono...both tests came back negative, it was a virus. I just couldn't catch a break.

Still today, 2 months after the dx of the first ear infection I still have a cough and sore throat. I am waiting for a call from the ENT Dr. My pcp told me my tonsils are huge, and I am afraid I have tonsillitis and will need my tonsils removed. As scared as I am of the pain I would be in from the removal, I can no longer deal with the pain in my throat at this time. At least with the surgery I know the pain will end, right now I don't know if it will ever.

Jocelynn has been doing fantastic in school. She is "extremely bright and a joy to have in class" her teacher says. She is also an exceptional writer. She is writing at a 3rd grade level and is able to add detail and voice when she writes. She seems to enjoy to write and I pray she continues if it makes her happy. I can't believe we are in the last half of 2nd grade for her. I wish she would slow down!

Jocelynn and Spanky

In February I turned 35.....I know some people make a big deal out of this number, but for me it was just another day.

John and I decided this year to purchase one large gift for each other for all the holidays - birthday, mother/father day, anniversary, etc. ~ So john purchased a four wheeler so he can go trail riding with his buddy. He is like a little kid. I am happy to see him so happy and I hope and pray he will get out often because he needs some time with the guys.

John and his four wheeler

I decided my gift would be a girls weekend with my CO sisters. These ladies have been there for me for over 7 years now. I couldn't imagine making it through this infertility battle without them! I can't wait to meet many of them for the first time in June and I know it is going to be a blast that weekend!

The house being rented for Girls Weekend!

John and I also booked our annual Myrtle Beach trip. September never comes fast enough for this trip! I can't wait to spend time with family and friends again and just relax!

Home Sweet Home in Myrtle Beach!

Today John is having surgery on his shoulder. He has arthritis and bone spurs in the joint and a small tear in his rotator cuff. The Dr. is optimistic that they will not need to repair the tear which means John will be in a sling for a week and on light duty at work for a month. Prayers would be greatly appreciated for this!

On the TTC front.....obviously no new baby. John and I have decided to focus on getting healthy. I have started a new exercise challenge/routine with my fantastic CO sisters and I am truly enjoying it!

We have decided that we are content with having only one child. Jocelynn is a miracle and a true blessing. I thank God everyday that she is in my life. Would we like another child, of course, the likely hood of that happening is slim to none. But, God has His plans for my life and I trust those plans are amazing and I am willing to follow this path that He has set out for us.

Long Overdue Update!!!

Wow....over a year since I last updated....Lets see if I can update all in one post....lol

February 2013: John and I purchased a new car! We traded in the GMC Envoy for a 2013 Kia Rio. I was worried about the size difference, but now a year later I can say it really isn't a problem. Plus, we are saving money on the payment and gas!!

The new car!!!\

I turned 34, which was a huge deal.

March 2013: Jocelynn tried Karate! She seemed to really like the first 2 classes, but then decided that it wasn't fer her. It was an expensive adventure, but if she had wanted to do it then I would have supported her.

The end of March saw the ending of a era....at least for me. I left my job at the shelter. After 9 years I had enough and decided it was time. To this day I miss the people I worked with (not management) and all the animals, but it was the correct decision of my sanity and to save John and I's marriage!

April 2013: I was able to get a new job as a receptionist with a local eye doctor. I really enjoyed it at first, but then I was asked to do things I was morally comfortable doing so I left that job at the end of August.

My Handsome Nephew, Gage Robert, turned 2!

Can't believe he is 2!

May 2013: May brought the nice weather and that chance to get outside!

I along with my sister-in-law and a friend were able to see one of my favorite bands in concert ~ NEEDTOBREATHE at the House of Blues in Boston! I can say it was amazing and I can't wait to go see them again!

NEEDTOBREATHE!

Jocelynn had her first dance recital! What a proud mommy moment! She was fantastic and seemed to really enjoy dancing on stage!

All dressed up for recital!

Jocleynn is the 6th from the left

Memorial day weekend we were able to make our first trip to the beach! What a refreshing day out in the sun near the water. I swear we are all happier when we are in the sun on the beach (even when the water is to cold to do more then dip your feet in for a few minutes!).

My favorite shot from our first beach trip!

June 2013: Happy Anniversary!!!! John and I celebrated 11 years of marriage. Man it went by fast!

We also were able to visit friends while they were camping and had a blast!

Jocelynn and her friend Zach!

He really loved her!

Jocelynn "graduated" from the 1st grade! My baby is growing up way too fast!

July 2013: Sun and Heat!!!! It was lovely!

In July we were able to get out, enjoy the pool and go camping!

My favorite picture of the rug rats in the pool!

We also found out that Jocelynn has a dairy intolerance. She is not completely lactose intolerant, but can only have a limited amount of dairy at a time. We have stared giving her almond milk and she really enjoys it. In fact she will drink the almond milk much easier then I could get her to drink the regular milk, so that is a bonus. I have changed out eating habits to modify for less dairy, or make a substitute for her. Most of the time she can not tell of the substitute, but every once in a while it is awful! It is a learning curve and I will keep moving forward with it! I hate seeing my baby in pain with the awful stomach cramps!

August 2013: Happy Birthday John!!! John turned 36. The love of my life is getting old...lol. I tease him I am going to trade him in for two 18 year olds, but he knows better!

I left the job at the eye doctor for moral reasons!

September 2013: Jocelynn started the 2nd grade......*sigh*

As a result of the issues from the eye doctor job, I was having severe anxiety attacks. I decided to go to the Dr. I was tired of the lack of motivation and wanting to sleep more then be awake. What was my diagnosis? Severe Depression....WHAT!?!?!?  I started a medication routine that consisted at first on 10mg of Citalopram and 3000 iu of Vitamin D3. I did have to up the Citalopram to 20mg once a day, and that seems to be a good dose for me. I go back in June of 2014 for a med check.

At the end of the month we took our (what is becoming annual) family trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. It was a wonderful week at the beach with family and friends! The drive was awful, but with the new car we were able to drive down, around town for the week and home for less than $250. I could get 1 plane ticket for that! So financially it made a lot of sense!

Our home away from home for 8 days!

One of our favorite attractions!!!

My beautiful Niece, Keira Chanel, turned 1!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday!

October 2013: John and I ordered a new sleep number bed!!! Our old mattress was 13 years old so it was time for a new one. We priced mattresses for 2-3 months and realized that the sleep number was in the same price range as regular mattresses with a better warranty! So we bought it! It was one of the best decisions we ever made! Both John and I have slept like babies!!!

With my visit to the Doctor in September, she suggested I have a sleep study done. So after fighting the insurance company, the approved an at home sleep study. Not as bad as it sounds and I was able to have a fairly normal nights sleep! What the study showed was abnormal sleep pattern, so an appointment with a neurologist was scheduled for January.

John also had to go to see an Orthopedic because he had some severe shoulder pain. After an MRI, it was determined that he has arthritis and bone spurs in the joint and a small tear on his rotator cuff. He decided to try some anti inflammatory medication to help with the pain. The Dr. told him that most of the pain was most likely from the arthritis and bone spurs not the tear.

Keira took her first steps during a family dinner get together so we were able to all witness and video tape it!

November 2013: Brooke Elizabeth turns 8!!!

The beautiful birthday girl!!

We decided to have family picture done as a large group this year, there are 12 of us! As well as individual groups! The turned out great!

Our 2013 family picture

Our beautiful baby girl!

The four kids!!!

The entire family!!!

Decemeber 2013: Jocelynn Noelle turned 8!!!! Man the time has flown by! Where is my baby?!?!

"8 years ago my life changed in ways I never imagined but for the better! At 1:58 am we 
welcomed our beautiful daughter, Jocelynn Noelle, into the world. 
You are my world and I am so very happy and proud to be known as your mom!
 I love you very much!!! Happy 8th Birthday my miracle child, you truely are a blessing from God!"

As a SAHM, I decided to start some crafts. My first was a homemade, double sided tree skirt. I was able to finish the first side this year and will finish the second side next year. I think it came out fairly nice!

Not too bad!

John decided that the anti inflammatory drugs were not working, so he decided to try a cortizone shot to get through the holidays! It worked grate but only lasted about 6-8 weeks.

So.....there is my 2013 update. Thanks for reading all the way to the end, I will post more later!

August!!

August....I think is the busiest month of the summer!

We celebrated John's 34th birthday!(I'm thinking it is time to trade in for newer models.....just kidding I love my husband!) I took him out to Texas Roadhouse for his birthday dinner and the following Thursday we had family dinner here with my brothers and parents. He was able to purchase quiet a bit of parts for his airplane and get his latest one running and ready to fly. He seems very excited for this!

July was also the airshow at Pease International Tradeport. It was awesome as usual. John and I were able to enjoy the show with Jeremy and John's friend Alan (who he flies with) and Janelle (Alan's girlfriend). Jocelynn stayed at home with my mom, it is just too hot for her. John and I are talking about taking her with us next year because the airshow is in June. We had a great time and enjoyed it much better than last years as we were prepared (we brought an entire backpack with water, sunscreen and lawn chairs)!

We also were able to go to the movies for back to back shows (something I had never done) with my friend Alaina and her dad. We saw Cowboys and Aliens and Captain America. Both good movies, but I enjoyed Cowboys and Aliens more!

John did end up at the Dr.'s and then at the hospital for testing. He had severe stomach cramps/burning. Thankfully we found out it wasn't anything major it was severe heartburn/acid reflux, but it was very scary. Praise the Lord for keeping him safe. He is currently on medication 2x a day and is supposed to watch what he eats (which he is not.....but who really wants too...lol). So hopefully we can calm his stomach down and he will not have to deal with the pain anymore!

August also brought Hurricane Irene.....the first in many years. We were blessed, and it wasn't nearly as bad as they predicted (at least in my area, other areas did get hit hard). Jocelynn was very anxious and scared. I tried to reassure, but finally her and I went down into the basement to watch movies. Thankfully we never lost power, but the wind and rain was pretty severe!

On the TTC front......August saw cycle 60..... That just sounds awful! 60 cycles over 4 years and 9 months. I will never give up until I am too old to try!  So it ended with a BFN, but I believe it was a chemical pregnancy. The fact that I was late (30 days instead of my usual 28 days) and the cramps were the worst I have had in a long time! So here is to cycle 61 (one day I am going to get to share happy news! I have faith in God!)

July!!!!

4th of July weekend was fun! I had a couple friends over and we danced our rears off! John, Jocelynn and I ended up at the park/beach for the 4th. We had fun, but it was not the same without the Alexander clan....man I miss them!

Big news for the summer...Jocelynn can swim!!! Actually dog paddle...but it is still swimming! She also has become much more comfortable going under water. We purchased her a pair of goggles and she spends almost as much time under water as above. She is adorable!

Jocelynn's horseback riding lessons are going good! She really seams to love taking care of the horse and looks forward every week to Tuesday. I also think John and I look forward to them too. Tracy has 2 horses, Moe and Logan. Jocelynn takes care of and rides Moe and John and I take care of and walk Logan! We even got to experience what it would be like (at least in the evenings) to own a horse. Tracy and her family went on vacation at the end of July and asked us if we would take care of the horses. Of course we said yes. So for 2 nights we all went to the barn and fed, gave hay, cleaned hoofs and brushed Moe and Logan. They have become part of our family and I adore them so much!

July also saw me taking a couple days off to spend with Jocelynn! We had a couplke mommy and Jocelynn days. It was much needed! We spent the day together shopping, we went out to breakfast and lunch and spent the afternoon by the pool. We loved it! I hope there will be a few more of these in the future!

On the TTC front....July saw cycle 58 and 59...both BFN. I am trying to keep my faith and know and follow God's plan....but it hurts!

Summer is soooo busy!

What has been going on in the last month since my last full post????

Cory turned 30.....It makes me feel old!

John and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary! I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet!

Also on the same day my beautiful, oldest niece, Jessica, got engaged!!! I am so happy for her and can't wait to celebrate with her and Decklyn!

Jocelynn and I had a blast during her field-trip to Funtown (6/3/11).... Every time we go to an amusement park I get a not to pleasant reminder of just how tall my child is! She was able to go on all but 2 of the ride by herself and was too tall for 2 of the kiddie rides..... *sigh*

Jocelynn driving the adult bumper boats by herself.....

On 6/4/11 we had the privilege to see Brooke dance at her recital. I'm not gonna lie, I was one super proud auntie! In fact it made me a little teary eyed to see what a beautiful and talented little girl my youngest niece has become! 

Jocelynn had an end of year ceremony for Daisy Girl Scouts on 6/8/11. She recieved 2 petals (and the center) to her daisy flower, a cookie patch, a patch for her museum visit, her American flag patch, Girl Scouts of Maine patch, and her Daisy Journey Patch (for learning and caring for animals) Along with her Daisy and Trefoil pin. Not too bad for Joining towards the end of the year!

I am also hoping to become the co-leader. I think Shana and I would have a blast with the girls.....time will tell!

Jocelynn receiving her Daisy Patches!

Jocelynn also graduated from pre-school on 6/17/11. Again, I was a very proud mommy and I was very happy that I didn't cry at all during the ceremony (or before or after). I am still waiting for that emotional breakdown.....

Jocelynn receiving her diploma from her teacher Mrs. Locke

My Graduate!

John and I were also happy that his parents were able to make it up for the graduation and stayed from Thursday (6/16/11) through Tuesday (6/21/11). It was a great visit and hopefully we can have another visit again soon!

As her graduation present, John and I decided to get her something extra special. A Guinea Pig!!! We adopted him from my work (CVHS), his name was Leo but Jocelynn decided to rename him Snuggles! She is very good with him! She is great about remembering to feed him and pat him and take care of all his needs. In fact she had about $9 saved up (from the tooth fairy and various dollar bills she has been given).

Monday night, Jocelynn gets the $9.

"What is that for?" I ask

"I have to buy Snuggles food" Jocey answers

I'm not gonna lie....I was impressed! How mature of her!

So Wednesday we decide to head to the store (we needed groceries and some bedding for Snuggles)

We get to Petco, Jocelynn grabs one of the mini carts (the one with the flags that say "Shopper in Training") and heads to the Guinea Pig Section!

She grabs the bedding and a new water bottle (his current one leaks) and says "come on Mom, lets go."

I ask "Jocelynn, is there anything else you want to look at?"

"No," she says, " I don't have enough money for anything else."

Again.....how old is she......I didn't realize how mature my daughter was!

We head to the checkout, Jocelynn places the 2 items on the counter. The cashier tells her the amount (which is more than what she has) so I reach into my pocket.

Jocelynn looks at me and raises her hand and says "Mom.....I got this!"  (I snickers.....what?)

So I tell her that it is more than what she has for money.

Jocelynn gets serious and says,"What? I don't have enough money.....I guess I will have to loose a couple more teeth to pay you back!"

Again, I laughed. I didn't mean to, she just caught me off guard. I love this little girl and she definitely keeps me on my toes!

Jocelynn and Snuggles!

John and I have had a little hiatus from the gym....We are headed back this weekend!!! I can tell a difference and it isn't good!  John has lost 32 pounds (according to the Dr. who he saw this week) I am so proud of him!!!! Check out my weightloss blog to follow our progress....

Horseback riding lessons are going good. Jocelynn really loves them. It seems to be the highlight of her week! (along with caring for Snuggles)

WOW, like I said, the summer is busy! I will have to try harder to update more often so I don't have so much in one post!

2 weeks....

WOW....2 weeks flies by. It has been CRAZY!!!

I finally had my eye Dr. Appointment on 4/8....It was nice walk out paying nothing! My insurance paid for the entire exam. I was able to purchase 2 complete pair of glasses (online) for under $20 (this included shipping) check out Zenni Optical for the deals!

The glasses finally arrived on 4/25.... here is pair ONE!

Mulan had her annual vet check-up.....she is a healthy 8.5 lbs and is in great health! The vet was very pleased!

Spanky went to the vet...he had to have surgery. He had 2 lumps on his legs and 2 teeth removed. He was very pitiful that night, but is feeling much better now. Here he is the night sfter surgery with his boo boo foot....

Jocelynn had her first field trip with the Daisy troop on the 19th. We went to the Dover Children's Museum. She had a blast and it was really fun to see her playing with her peers.
Here she is in the "queen" throne and as Godzilla....LMAO!

Easter was awesome! It was great to spend the morning at church and the afternoon with family! Jocelynn and Brooke were super cute looking for eggs and Gage was wonderful! Jocelynn was spoiled, per the usual but thankfully there was not a lot of candy to temp John and I off of our diets! Here is Jocelynn in her beautiful Easter Dress and the eggs we colored the day before.

On the TTC front.....it was a BFN this month. So on to cycle 56......John and I are still working on loosing this weight which I know will help us reach our goal of adding another child to our family. So far this month John and I have lost a total of 28.20 pounds....not too bad. I am very proud of us!

This is National Infertility Awareness Week! 1 in 8 couples are diagnosed with infertility.There is a great article here about talking about infertility which still seems taboo to most people. Another great website is RESOLVE . Any thing you need to know is all right there. Education is the key and one day infertility may not be so taboo (remember when talking about breast cancer was taboo.....we will get there!) Another great article (here) about changing the perception on infertility!

I am blessed to have a beautiful daughter (when so many of my sisters are waiting on their first blessing), it took us 3.5 years to conceive her with the help of a RE  and medication......we have been trying for #2 now for over 4 years.......just because I have a beautiful blessing doesn't mean I don't feel the pain of infertility. The anguish and sorrow of being broken. Not feeling like a real woman because I can't do the one thing God put me on this earth to do.

My wonderful husband and daughter and my faith in God has helped me deal and realize the blessing I do have and that my journey in motherhood is not over and we WILL be blessed again! All in God's time!

Going to get this party started...

Since I am in the 2ww.....I have decided to keep myself busy!

John, Mom and I are all starting a "diet". I hate calling it that, but a Life Style Change is too strange as well. John and I are going to join Planet Fitness and make time 3 days a week to work out, which for me will consist in the beginning of the treadmill and elliptical machine. Check out my weight loss blog, which I deleted and decided I needed it here (Weight-loss Blog)

Also, I am trying to get organized and get this house cleaned. I was introduced to a website (FLYlady.net, Thanks to my CO sisters) and am on Day 3 so far! I am determined to make this work. I can't make a plan up myself, but I can follow a plan laid out in front of me in baby steps! I have also started a blog on my progress and back slides during this little journey. (Getting Organized Blog).

Last week was a great week....other than the snowstorm we had on Friday. I was hoping it was a great big April Fool's prank my the weather men....but at last it wasn't. I had 4-6 inches in my yard. Most of it has melted....Luckily I had the day off because I worked late on previous nights.

Thursday was Chuck E. Cheese's night. Jocelynn peed to bed a total of 3 times in the month of March!!! I am so proud of her. John and I took Jocelynn and Brooke along with my friends Alaina and Kayla for dinner and games! They had a blast! Here they are trying out Guitar Hero...

The guitar was too heavy for Brooke  :)

It was a great Family night and even John and I had a blast!

Work is changing! Some good, some not so good! All changes are to help the animals and that is our #1 priority! With the changes comes me sharing an office....luckily it is with one of my closest friends Alaina! Everyone keeps saying that nothing will get done now because we will be chatting and laughing, but her and I know better and will prove them all wrong. I figure, my boss must think we will still accomplish our task or she wouldn't put us together! She know we are close friends.....  :P

This coming week should prove interesting, diet and exercise routines along with getting organized and cleaning routines.....through in an evening meeting for my work and an eye Dr., dentist and hair appointment. Proves to be a very busy week!

Busy, Busy....

This week has been busy, meeting, meetings and a little fun....lol

Jocelynn has her 2nd Daisy meeting tonight....I think I am more excited then her. She takes everything in stride anyways....lol
She was able to sell Girl Scout Cookies for 2 weeks and sold 21 boxes! Not to bad, imagine what she could sell if we had more time.

Luckily we don't have anymore loose teeth at the moment, I am a little shocked and disappointed to see her new "big tooth" is coming in crooked and more in the back then where it should be. Nothing I can do about it, and it could straighten out as she looses and gets more teeth.....only time will tell!

She has been doing wonderfully with staying dry at night. So far in the month of March she has only wet the bed 2 nights......2NIGHTS!!! I am amazed. Of those 2 night, 1 she was very sick and 1 she drank too much too late......so at least we know what the issue was and can resolve it! Tomorrow is the celebration/reward for her doing a great job! We are taking her and Brooke to Chuck E. Cheese....I haven't told her yet, going to make it a surprise....lol

Work is crazy right now. We have recently had some staff changes so it is a little stressful right now, but things will get better and it all was a great change! I am also hoping to pick up more hours! Lots of meetings!

Jocelynn was able to ride a horse this past weekend....she was so excited. She has ridden what I consider ponies in the past and was a little intimidated by the big horse, but it didn't stop her....lol

I did break my glasses this week......I took them off to brush my hair and the lense fell out. Not a big deal, they have done that before. I picked up the frames and they moved funny....lol

So off the the eye Dr. I go. I can't get an appointment until 4/8. Luckily I can see still, just have a hard time with distance. I am due for new frames.....those are 8 years old and the only pair I have ever purchased, I believe I got my money's worth!


TTC......I believe I am in the 2ww. or will be in the next 2 days. So in about 2 weeks we will know if the clomid helped us in our quest!

Finally....an update!

WOW, what a busy month! Not sure were to start...lol

Vacation!!!!
It was vacation! Relaxing and enjoyable! We were able to spend time with family and friends (some we haven't seen in years) and also spend some time just the 3 of us!
We were able to spend the day at the Baltimore Aquarium (and able to meet, for the first time, one of my friends). Jocelynn loved the aquarium but was more interested in riding all the different escalators......the mind of a 5 year old....lol
Also my in-laws purchased a Wii while we were there. There was a lot of fun had racing Cows....lol. Jocelynn was the champion and everyone was trying to beat her.....lol Jocelynn also had a blast on the plane! First time flying and she was a trooper! I was able to get a picture of her face when the plane fully took off.....

 Walking through the airport!

Take Off!!!!!

Jocelynn is doing wonderful in school. She is reading 4-5 word sentences (I am so proud and sad at the same time) and the teacher says she is a joy to have in class. We did have an incident last week, they were doing a craft and Jocelynn decided to take the scissors and cut her hair.....thankfully it was just a few strands behind her ear, not noticeable, but none the less annoying! When I asked her why, she told me "I want my hair cut like yours Mommy." Mind you, mine is not that much shorter then hers. I told her that if we have a few weeks were she behaves and we have no more scissor incidents I will make an appointment for both of us to have our hair cut together......not sure what I was thinking, agreeing to allow her to cut her beautiful, long red hair......but if that is what she wants  :*(
Jocelynn has also been doing wonderful with staying dry at night. One accident all this month so far! We are no longer waking her up between 11 and midnight to go pee. She is handling this all on her own! She is growing up sooooo fast!!!!!
Daisies! yep, it is official! Jocelynn has joined the Girl Scouts as a Daisy! She is so excited (and is selling cookies until the 3/30 if anyone is interested). The meetings are every other week, and we are joining in the middle of the year, but she is excited none the less! Can't wait to get her uniform and see her all dressed up!

And......Tooth #2 is officially lost! (Tooth #1 (bottom right) is coming in nicely!)

FINALLY I was able to get my new phone!!!! I have felt so far behind the times with my rumor....not any more! I have had the new phone, a Samsung Intercept, for 23 days and I LOVE IT!!!!! My ONLY complaint is that the battery life sucks!

On the TTC front.....another cycle has come and gone.... This cycle we are attempting Clomid again. 100mg CD 4-8. This is really just an attempt to help, but I know it is in God's hands and will happen when He has planned for it to happen!
I have stopped obsessing and decided to enjoy the blessings I have in life! I have a WONDERFUL husband who is my rock and the love of my life! Without his support, understanding and love I don't know what I would do! Also my BEAUTIFUL daughter who manages to know exactly what I need on my worst days and can put a smile on my face always! They are my life and the reason for my being everyday!

I am also excited to meet my nephew.......just over 5 weeks!!!!!!  I can't believe how much I love this little boy already!!!!!!!!

Well, that is it in a nutshell......doesn't seem like I was that busy, but if I updated everything it would take uo 6x more pages...lol

I am working on updating once a week........I NEED to make time! I have too many stalkers counting on it   :P

Living Life!

What has been going on???? a whole lot on normal...lol

Vacation is in 3 days....I can't wait. Just to get out of here and get away. We are going to see the in-laws in Maryland for a week. Jocelynn is excited, she always gets excited to see grammie and grandpa with the camper, but this time she is extra excited because we are flying. This is her first time on an airplane that she can remember (Last time I was pregnant with her, so It doesn't really count...lol).

We are flying out Tuesday afternoon (2/22) and flying back on on the following Tuesday morning (3/1). I am hoping to meet up with a friend I haven't seen in a couple of years and meet-up for the first time with a new friends (we met online) while on vacation. Other then that we are hoping to go the the Baltimore aquarium and just have a great time with family and friends!

Also this weekend I get to try out the Xbox Kinect for the first time. Alaina (one of my awesome friends) and hopefully Rachel (another awesome friend) are coming over. Alaina is bringing her Xbox and we are going to dance our a$$es off! Should be a blast and it is considered exercise and we will be laughing at each other.....doesn't get much better than that. I may just have to take a ton of pictures and maybe a video or two.... I hope I don't wear myself out too much, I have a ton of laundry and packing to do before we leave.

Looks like a busy next couple of days!

I had a fantastic birthday! Alaina and Rachel (same ones as above) surprised me at work....I walked into my office to this ~

awwww I felt so loved!!!!  Also that night John and I were able to go to dinner and shopping just the two of us! We haven't had a date night in a long time and it was very nice to spend the much needed time together! While we were out he bought me another piece for my Pandora Bracelet....the chain for the clasp so I won't loose the bracelet if it should ever fall off:

We had a wonderful family birthday dinner on saturday (2/12) Jeremy gave me an I-tunes gift card (I love music) and Cory, Kristina and Brooke gave me a Pandora Charm - Love, Faith and Hope:

Mom and Dad gave me money which thinking about what I want to spend it on.....right now the top two choices are a keyboard (I miss having one and LOVED playing it) and a Pandora necklace........decisions, decisions....

My family is the best and I love them soooo much!

On to TTC news:
          It was a BFN for the last cycle......goodbye cycle 53...hello cycle 54   *sigh*  One cycle back and I am already very discouraged......

John and I had discussed doing Clomid this month (thank you Kristina for the pills....LOVE YOU!) but since we will be on vacation, and the side effects are not plesent, we decided to wait until the next cycle (That is if we don't end up pregnant naturally....seriously who am I trying to kid......that won't EVER happen!)

So this cycle it is just the Metformin, weightloss (which I have been bad, not going to "jump back on the wagon" until after vacation) and TTC the good ole fashion way.


I want to wish my Sister-in-Law Sarah a very Happy Birthday!!!

Crazy!!!

This week has been the weirdest week!

Monday was MLK Jr. day so Jocelynn had off from school and spent the day (5 hours) at work with me. Tuesday and Friday were snow days so I spent them working from home. Tuesday and Wednesday were as normal as anyone could expect. Jocelynn was crazy from having a 4 day weekend and knowing that another storm was coming Friday. I have enjoyed having her around the extra time and we were able to spend some much needed time together!

In fact on Tuesday, John had off with us as well, we all shoveled the driveway and then went sledding. It was blast to enjoy some time just the three of us having fun!

John attempted to make a path for Jocelynn to sled on. 

He thought the only problem was the rope...lol

There is a Lip at the bottom (on the left) and John thought maybe if he gave Jocelynn a little push 

she might "jump" this lip........All she received was a face full of snow...lol 

She wasn't even upset by this, she wanted to go again!

It was a blast! Finally we were able to get Jocelynn to go inside, it was getting dark and I promised her hot cocoa! It works everytime....lol

Busy Day Tomorrow...

First I get to hear the heart beat of my niece or nephew (due May 8, 2011). I am very excited and thankful that Kristina is so wonderful and including me in these visits! I couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law!

Second I have my Cardiologist Appointment @11 AM. The Dr. will have the results of the TEE I had done last Thursday and I am hoping the Dr. will have a course of treatment ready to discuss. I do know that the TEE confirmed the severity of the Valve problem, and I am prepared for the course of treatment I believe the Dr. will suggest, doesn't make it any less scary in fact it makes it more real coming from him.... I have fantastic support and know that with God, my family and friends I will get through this!

Finally tomorrow evening is something fun! I am 'working' but it is a Black Tie Gala to benefit the animals at Cocheco Valley Humane Society! I have a fantastic outfit to wear and I am looking forward to a wonderful meal, fun times with some of my favorite co-workers and maybe even a little dancing!

My Dress (I don't look as good as her, but I still like it!)

My Shoes to go with the above dress!

I will have to post pictures of me in the outfit. I am surprised I like the dress and shoes as much as I do. They really are not me at all, but they do make me feel pretty!!!!

We are also working with Jocelynn about not peeing to bed. She has been doing pretty well,except for this week. She is fighting of a pretty bad cold (runny/stuffy nose and cough). Hopefully when she is feeling better I can post about happy (dry) news....lol She is averaging about 2 or 3 night a week now, not too bad for working on it for only 3 weeks!

Anxious...

Cardiologist appointment in the morning....I'll admit I am anxious, but I have done a lot of praying (as well as my family and friends...thank you).

Jocelynn had her first field trip today! She had a blast, I was nervous but I survived! She went to Coppal House Farm went on a hay ride with Draft Horses and got a pumpkin!

Jocelynn's Picture of a Draft Horse. They pulled the wagon for the hay ride.

Monday we took John to the eye Dr. He found a piece of rusted metal embedded in the colored part of the iris.  Thankfully there has been no side effects and his eyesight is still pretty perfect. Just antibiotic drops 4 times a day this week. I am very thankful that this was not more serious!

Interesting......

I mean the last 2 weeks that is!

Tuesday (9/21/10) my Dad had Surgery on his R knee. Cory (my brother) went to the hospital with him, so I was at home with 2-five year olds. It was fun. I decided to let them "style" (a term I use loosely)my hair. They had a blast and enjoyed the time with them.....

Brooke's Work

Jocelynn's Work

Then we had manicures and John took us 3 girls out to lunch! It was a very fun day! Dad's surgery went well. He is up and moving know and in hardly any pain!

Tuesday (9/22/2010) John and I took Jocey to the Rochester Fair. Overall I was unimpressed. They didn't have as many rides, vendors or animals. Jocelynn had a blast and wanted to ride everything (thankfully she isn't big enough...yet) including the zipper

and the freak out......

I think we have a daredevil on our hands!

Jocey also started a new school schedule this week....she will be going Mon., Tues., Wed., and Fri. from now on. Tuesdays are music class, she was missing them. Her teacher asked if there was anyway she could add Tuesdays. So after talking to John and Jocey about it, we decided it was a good thing!

Her first Tuesday (9/28/10) at school happen to also be picture day! I can't wait to see the proofs (which we should have back in a week). I hope there is at least one good one!!!!(they took 3 or 4 poses)

I had to make an appointment with my PCP, I started having some L side pain Thursday at work, and it seemed to get worse throughout the day. Thursday night (9/30/10) was awful. I hardly slept and I was in pain. So I went to my appointment to find out I have a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection), so I am on an antibiotic and hope to feel better tonight and get some sleep.

On the TTC front.....CD 21! What does that mean???? MORE bloodwork! Seems to be all I do! I am praying that this is our month! I have way too many woman (Some who I am close too) who are pregnant around me.....I wanna play too!!!!! The Dr. gave me antibiotics that are safe if I am pregnant. We should know yes or no in about 7-10 days!!!