Los Porchs

I get a lot of questions/comments on a repeat-basis from coworkers, family, strangers... you know, because strangers really care what my answer is to any of this.  I suspect they ask just to ask. "Do you have a birth plan?" Porch and I do not have a birth plan and here's why:  it's not our birth.  It's our daughter's.  And it will be her own experience and journey and we are just along for the ride.  It does no good for us to make an elaborate plan about how I'd like to experience childbirth only to have my hopes and dreams dashed when we don't experience that "perfect" scenario.  . Waiting 3.5 years to see that positive sign on a pregnancy test taught us humility. Insensitive comments from family, friends, and strangers brought angst and taught us understanding. Success after our first IVF treatment brought us excitement. Finding out we were the proud parents of a girl brought pure joy (and terror, but then joy again). Waiting to me

It's weird:  people are asking me how many days are left now as opposed to weeks (49, if you're curious).  They wonder if we're ready.  They ask about maternity leave. They talk about the baby as though she were already here.  This. is. real.  This shit is happening to us !  It's not just a dream!  I know we still have a little time to go, but it's so unreal that this is my life.  This is my family.   But what's not unreal?  This girl has more clothes than I do.  I know this because I'm currently in the midst of washing all of her teeny tiny clothes (those socks -- gah!) and bedding.  These are the moments that bring it all into perspective.  My daughter is coming to meet us in the next 49 days (+/- a few).  What a crazy thought.  And when we talk about moving to Milwaukee?  I remember that we'll be moving with a small child (and I think about how much fun that'll be).  There's just so much to look forward to, I'm busting at the seams wit

My parents hosted a beer-themed couple's shower for us this weekend and I was able to snap a few pictures of the amazing work my mom & sister-in-law did to prepare for the party.  Seriously, this party was amazing & I cannot thank them enough for all of their planning.  Special shout out to my cousin who came early to help us get everything set up.  There are more pictures to come from the shower, but I'm making an effort to get things done in the moment I think of them and not putting things off for later, as later typically results in me being exhausted and uncomfortable.  I'm seizing the carp. So let's consider this part 1 of maybe 2 or 3?  A mini series, if you will. We got home around 6 and I am pretty proud to say that most everything has been put away, gift-wise.  I even started my thank yous!  It's all getting real now, as I realize there are only like 8 weeks left until my time is dominated by the needs of our new daughter!  Squeeeeeee! G

How far along?  32 weeks Total weight gain:   I gained 1 pound since my last visit 2 weeks ago putting me at 17 pounds total so far (I don't know how that can be, given my propensity for Drumsticks). Maternity clothes?   I still have a few things that aren't "maternity" but are generous with space.   Stretch marks?   None yet!  I slather my belly with  Burt's Bee's Mama Bee Belly Butter  every night.  My scar is looking red and angry, but no stretch marks that I've seen (and believe me, I look). Sleep:  If we're calling it sleep... it's difficult.  I have the big maternity pillow and then end up cramming two king sized pillows into the horseshoe shape and making what I  affectionately  call a "Danie Taco."  And seriously?   I'm back to a first trimester level of exhaustion.  Last night, I was falling asleep at like 8:30 in the living room and went to bed -- slept until 6:15.  I only woke up twice to use the restroom,

See you next season!

Let's close out the season in style....

How far along?  31 weeks Total weight gain:   Not sure, but the nurse told me today I only gained 1 pound at my last appointment.  As the weather gets hotter, it's harder to eat those bigger meals.  I graze on fruit, water, and ice cream.  ;)  Maternity clothes?   I have a few pieces that are not maternity but let's be honest... non-maternity shirts are the pits.  The belly is starting to peek out and I despise that feeling of being exposed.  I'll probably keep wearing my maternity tanks after she gets here. Stretch marks?   None yet!  I slather my belly with  Burt's Bee's Mama Bee Belly Butter  every night.  My scar is looking red and angry, but no stretch marks that I've seen (and believe me, I look). Sleep:  If we're calling it sleep... it's difficult.  I have the big maternity pillow and then end up cramming two king sized pillows into the horseshoe shape and making what I  affectionately  call a "Danie Taco."  And seriousl

As Porch and I began our discussions about moving back to Wisconsin, I was SUPER pumped.  I was so ready to get out of Chicago and get back to where our family & friends are... And then as I drifted in and out of sleep (if we're being generous, we'll call it sleep) last night, I had a terrifying realization.  My babies are here.  We have 4 snowflake embabies waiting for us here in Chicago and a doctor whom I admire and love (and trust).  If we move back to Wisconsin, what if our benefits no longer include IVF and the surrounding costs?  What if we have to pay out of pocket for our FET when we're ready for Baby Porch to have a sibling?  What if that FET doesn't work and we need additional?  Is this a sane reason to stay in Chicago?  At first, I didn't think it was, but honestly, I want Dr. TK to be the one who puts my babies in me (hehe, that sounds so weird).  This is obviously something that Porch and I need to discuss -- and I'm sure there are perfectly

Nothing makes me happier than when Baby Porch makes a bold move in there.  It feels funny but it's something I still crave as proof that this is real, that there's a human in there, that in just 10 weeks, I will have a baby in my arms.  Her movements make me giggle but she's big enough now that I feel her all the time.  The belly is noticeably baby and I feel like I can practically reach out & touch her.  We've come so far and I am so excited to see this sweet baby's face. That is all.

How far along?  30 weeks Total weight gain:   Huzzah!  Nurse told me today I only gained 1 pound since my visit 2 weeks ago.  As the weather gets hotter, it's harder to eat those bigger meals.  I graze on fruit, water, and ice cream.  ;)  I am officially up 16 pounds.  I am having a butterball baby, am I not? Maternity clothes?   You know it!  I have a few yoga-ish pants that are non-maternity and a skirt with a similar waistband so I have a few pieces that I can pull off that are not officially maternity wear.  I'm happiest in shorts & a tank top when home and in a maxi dress or skirt when at work. Stretch marks?   None yet!  I slather my belly with  Burt's Bee's Mama Bee Belly Butter  every night.  My scar is looking red and angry, but no stretch marks that I've seen (and believe me, I look). Sleep:  Every now and then I'll have a random night that I sleep straight through, but for the most part, I am up at least once to pee and once to ch