tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52168842024-03-13T06:57:45.353-04:00Blogeline's JournalE-mail Blogeline at
Blogeline at gmail dot comBlogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.comBlogger941125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-55126153141797879032009-07-22T07:28:00.001-04:002009-07-22T07:28:57.590-04:00I think I may be back....There is just way too much going on right now not to be, right?Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-59533391226973552142008-09-04T11:24:00.002-04:002008-09-04T11:42:31.776-04:00Better Late Than NeverSo, guess what!?! <br />I had a baby! Yepp, the little guy decided to surprise us 5 weeks and a day early on 18 June, which makes him just about 2 1/2 months old now.<br />I am just finally able to start updating this blog, so whoever is reading this, please be patient....Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-58338444214089851582008-05-23T09:13:00.002-04:002008-05-23T09:18:02.932-04:00Better Late Than NeverOK, so the newest Carnival of the Recipes has been up for a few days over <a href= "http://thrive-magazine.com/2008/05/carnival-of-the-recipes-may-19th-edition/" target="blank">here at Thrive!</a>. This is the Comfort-Foods Edition, so get comfy and enjoy!Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-56714765640380913522008-05-22T15:54:00.002-04:002008-05-22T15:56:02.098-04:00Almost forgotI got a new baby picture. We had our last 3D ultrasound last week.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_NbzGKbKMY4I/SDXPlzpV0tI/AAAAAAAAAAo/Ae_sullKXuI/s1600-h/BABY%2BMAXIMILIAN_15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203293192922190546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_NbzGKbKMY4I/SDXPlzpV0tI/AAAAAAAAAAo/Ae_sullKXuI/s320/BABY%2BMAXIMILIAN_15.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Only 9 more weeks to go.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-74528788040873126152008-05-02T11:27:00.002-04:002008-05-02T11:30:46.924-04:00Carnival of the RecipesOK, I haven done this in a long time, but now, since I am more into food than anything else, here it goes:<br /><br />The Carnival of the Recipes is up over at <a href="http://everythingandnothing.typepad.com/mississippi/2008/04/carnival-of-t-2.html" target="blank">Everything And Nothing</a>. This is the Made-With-Love Edition. Enjoy.<br /><br />Now I just have to find the energy to post a recipe and maybe some day I can host one too....Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-16240650662052311342008-04-10T09:40:00.001-04:002008-04-10T09:40:16.289-04:00Not muchI know I am boring, but really besides getting ready for our little guy; my life has not much to offer these days. So, rather than to bore you with details about strollers, changing tables and breast pumps, I try to find something else to write about, which probably won’t happen as that would take time and effort and currently I have neither. How come, I am so busy all the time these days and there is no end in sight? It seems my to-do lists keep getting longer and every day I remember something else I forgot to do. Oh well, I’ll get over it.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-86683629224745591462008-03-28T08:03:00.001-04:002008-03-28T08:04:59.778-04:005 YearsThat's how long it took me to remember my blogoversary on the exact day. I am so proud of myself:)Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-87563912806981783482008-03-18T11:58:00.003-04:002008-03-18T12:00:22.198-04:00Our little Man<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_NbzGKbKMY4I/R9_msZhJBzI/AAAAAAAAAAg/PvlMA_GRGvo/s1600-h/20w6dUS06.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_NbzGKbKMY4I/R9_msZhJBzI/AAAAAAAAAAg/PvlMA_GRGvo/s320/20w6dUS06.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179111746937882418" /></a><br /><br />We got a surprise 3D ultrasound last week, so we got to see him already. All is well and whatever concerns there might have been are gone, so we're all a happy family. In about a month I have a planned 3D ultrasound session, so then we should get lots more pictures!!Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-47510042949062409072008-03-10T07:50:00.003-04:002008-03-10T07:53:17.494-04:00It's a Boy!I have been so busy I completely forgot to post that we found out we're having a boy! We both were secretly hoping for a boy, although I tried really hard to be impartial. The health is what matters, but we are just so excited to have a little guy running around the house soon. Now we have to pick a sport:)Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-48815009884212891842008-02-26T14:01:00.001-05:002008-02-26T14:01:51.254-05:00Bad parent?Ok, so we have decided to go ahead and push all involved parties hard to find a group home for my now 21 year old stepson. As a recap he has Septo Optic Dysplasia, a developmental disability that can have varying degrees of severity or so it seems. In his case, he his legally blind, although he has some minimal peripheral vision. He has several medical conditions, including diabetes insipidus. He is also adrenaline deficient. On top of all of that he is also mentally retarded, as if being blind wasn’t enough.<br />We are lucky that we live in a County that has services for the disabled; however trying to utilize these is a challenge at times. Dealing with the school system alone is hard enough, especially transportation, so our first hurdle was to find him a place after school as we both work full time. There is after school care for disabled students in the County, however we would have to provide transportation. I know, makes sense right? So, for about 4 months last year we arranged for him to go to a local nursing home at $50 a day. That almost fell through as the nursing home, which is located 5 walking minutes from our house, is not within his school’s boundaries and his (stupid) bus driver refused to drive him there at first. After paying thousands of Dollars to them we though that there must be a better solutions and utilized the services of the Department for the Aging and Disabled. See, we tried to get him into, what is called, the Community Services Board, but they usually don’t accept people until after they age out of school at 23, but we wanted him covered anyway. So, the Aging and Disabled people were able to sign us up with a service that sends a nurse or a caretaker to our house to pick him up from the school bus and stay with him until we come home. As the funding is low for these services through the County, the services is as expected and we spent many hours away from work at home over the last few months.<br />Well now after almost 9 months the Community Service Board which hands out MR (mentally retardation?) waivers is finally getting started and one of their main services is to provide housing in group homes. The system sucks as the only time new spots open is if someone leaves. They have found a temporary bed at a respite care facility until a spot in a group home opens up, and so we visited them yesterday and are very impressed. The house is newly renovated and very clean. Tonight he will have dinner with them and once school transportation is taken care of he will move in.<br />Now, to the topic of this post, does that make us bad parents? I know he is at an age when people usually move out any way, but his situation is different. He needs to be among peers and someplace where he will stay and can get used to. We can’t wait with that until we’re not there anymore and he is 60 having to adjust to such a new environment. We know this is the right move, especially since we are seriously considering spending a few years overseas with the baby and this is no place for a person with so many medical needs. It just feels strange.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-332172165114377182008-02-25T15:29:00.002-05:002008-02-25T15:33:22.084-05:00Sick of itWinter that is.<br />I am so ready for spring and sun and green trees and flowering plants. This area sucks when it comes to the weather because we get teased. Today is not that bad with 45 degrees or so, but those days when it's in the 60s o even 70s, just to bring us an ice storm the next day, are the worst. I know winter isn't over until the end of March, but please.<br /><br />OK, I am done complaining about the weather now.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-1170057602525314842008-02-21T10:34:00.001-05:002008-02-21T10:34:43.299-05:0018 week already!Holy cow, I can’t believe I am into the 5th month already. I ordered the crib/bassinet last week and am patiently waiting to finally get it. This is, to date, the only baby purchase we have made. Every time I go to a baby store and see all those cute clothes I just can’t get myself to buy anything. I think once we know if it’s a boy or a girl, I will feel better about buying clothes.<br />It’s getting a little stressy too. There are classes to register for and baby registries to set up. I was thinking about a blog or some sort of online baby photo thing. I want to call a photographer and I am sure I am forgetting half my list here, but at least I’m busy and not twiddling my thumbs.<br />So far I love being pregnant and, I’m sorry, I can’t understand anybody that does not like it. I have been lucky though as so far the only really bothersome thing is my back that’s starting to hurt. But, I just started Yoga anyway, so that helps a lot. There is not one thing I would change right now, other than the fact that I finally want to meet my baby. It drives me nuts sometimes to think that it’s so close to me and I don’t know what he or she looks like, but that day will get here soon and so I am content for now.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-3246472343755816042008-02-01T10:30:00.001-05:002008-02-01T10:30:23.576-05:00Mommy knows best!Last night we were going to listen to the baby’s heartbeat again and my husband asked me where I thought the little one was. He or she had been pretty elusive lately. I pointed to a spot on my lower right side and sure enough, we got a strong heartbeat!Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-34627761839273572122008-01-28T10:34:00.000-05:002008-01-28T10:35:04.347-05:00Stomach bugFortunately I was not the target of the above mentioned; however I was the designated cleaner of its effects.<br />I find it unfair to spring such a bug on a poor little (not really little anymore) handicapped blind guy on a Thursday morning, when all he wants to do is get on his school bus. Needless to say, the ER staff was very excited with his lack of fluids and all kinds of levels out of whack. The fever didn’t help either. The poor guy spent Thursday night at the Pediatric ICU at Walter Reed and then the rest of the weekend on the regular Pediatric Ward. They were getting ready to send him home a few times, but the bug would let them know, it was still around. Luckily now all is well and cleaned up at home too!<br />Schools are closed here today so he gets an extra day of rest.<br />What a weekend.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-83907212291062009282008-01-28T10:23:00.000-05:002008-01-28T10:24:08.576-05:00160Those are the beats per minute of our little one. We bought a digital Doppler so that we can listen to the heart beat whenever we want to, and whenever the little wiggle worm, lets us. When we first tried it Saturday we had no problem, but apparently yesterday’s high dose of chocolate milk put him or her in a mood to play hide and seek with us, but we got him! His or her Oma and Opa in Germany were also able to listen, so that was fun.<br /><br />Other than that I feel OK. The first trimester came and went without much trouble. Yes, I am one of the lucky ones that did not have morning sickness and I appreciate that. Besides some cramps here and there, there is really not much going on, except for the growing belly, of course. I am now wearing mostly maternity clothes. Some of my work pants still fit, but maternity pants are so much more comfortable. <br /><br />We received an offer in the mail for the 3D 4D ultrasound and since my OB doesn’t offer it to just anybody I think we may go for it. Now, I just need to find out the perfect time to do that so we get the best pictures ever. So, if any of you have an insight as to when that is, I would appreciate it.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-1526515762113049672008-01-09T08:31:00.000-05:002008-01-09T08:32:09.323-05:00Fair?As most expected, my nephew didn’t make it. He passed away Monday in Germany. At this point I don’t even know how to feel. How can I be happy when my brother and his wife are going through so much pain? I finally talked to my brother this morning and he did sound good. Better than expected, but I think at this point their emotions are just a rollercoaster. I just wish I could do more.<br />My Sister-in-Law is very adamant that I not be there for any of the memorial services and burial, as she is worried that it might affect our baby. While I don’t agree, I think it’s best to stay here. We went through this scenario a few years back when my grandmother had a stroke. To this day she is in a nursing home, without the ability to move. She lies in bed and is fed, which is not how anybody wants to see their grandma. Isn’t it strange that for some reason her life is being extended for so long, while my nephew’s life had barely begun?Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-12472077931318822482008-01-07T11:55:00.000-05:002008-01-07T11:56:43.584-05:00This is the year!!I know I am a little late with my New Year’s post, but I am a very busy person, especially when I am off from work:)<br /><br />I realized New Year’s Eve that I would become a mother this year. I obviously knew I was pregnant, but saying next year always put it off and made it seem very far away. Not so anymore though, as now I find myself considering all the “next Year” scenarios. Next Christmas will be with the little one. Heck, even my birthday this year will include the cutest little newborn ever conceived (no, I am not exaggerating).<br /><br />Also, the little worm has gotten big and human-like recently which makes it all more real too. I was excited to read last week that he or she now poops. Isn’t that great? Next week we have another appointment again and I am hoping that we will be able to see him or her again, although I am aware that always are ultra sounds performed. We’ll see. <br /><br />One negative development is that not both of my parents will be able to come see us this summer. They both just were here over the holidays, so financially that is kind of tough as well as the fact that my dad can’t take any time off. He works for a TV station and because of the Olympics they will be very busy. But maybe my mom will overcome all her anxiety and actually make the trip by herself. In any case we will go to Germany as soon as the doctor says it’s OK for both of us. That is a trip I am looking forward to.<br /><br />Not that I want to continue with the negativity here, but we have recently found out that my little nephew is not doing too well either. He was hospitalized on New Year’s Day and had emergency surgery, but was doing well until yesterday when new complications occurred. I am actually still waiting to hear from somebody over there to see if there are any new developments. I am sure he will be fine but my parents were not so optimistic. Since he was <a href="http://blogeline.blogspot.com/2005/03/wait.html" target="blank">born</a> he has struggled with his ability to breathe and has had a Tracheotomy performed. He also has a feeding tube since he is unable to eat. Overall he has grown normally, but his development is way behind. He is unable to talk, walk and doesn’t move much either. I just hope that he makes it.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-57048296265175457962007-12-05T08:57:00.001-05:002007-12-05T08:57:30.205-05:00We heard it!!!Yesterday we had our very first ultrasound appointment and we got to hear the heartbeat of our little one. It was the most amazing thing ever, for now. I had to cry when I heard it, How can something so tiny make such a beautiful sound? We saw one sac and only one little one in there, so it won’t be twins.<br /><br />We are now officially done with the wonderful IVF folks at Walter Reed and have decided to be safe and go with the OB at Bethesda Navy hospital. GO Navy! They are better prepared for high risk pregnancies etc., so I don’t mind having a longer drive out there. I will make my appointment on Monday, so we’ll see when they can see me there.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-24628330577634260882007-11-20T08:51:00.001-05:002007-11-20T08:51:24.612-05:00The wait is over.Well, it has been over for a while, but I was waiting for the second test results to make sure it’s really true.<br />It worked! We’re actually pregnant.<br />I still can’t really believe it, but it is slowly sinking in. I am going to be real mom!! Amazing.<br />Now, of course I am waiting for the next appointment, which will be the very first Ultra Sound. I am also looking for signs and changes, so I am over-interpreting every kind of pinch or pain I feel. So far everything is OK though. According to my calculations I am 4 weeks, 5 days pregnant. Just about 35 or 36 more weeks to go!!!!Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-18848112108716334712007-11-07T13:06:00.001-05:002007-11-07T13:06:44.269-05:00Waiting GameYou know what’s the most frustrating thing about this whole IVF process is? The wait after they transfer your embryos back. See, I went in last Thursday to have the eggs removed. They then fertilized them and transferred them back on Sunday. Note, not all were transferred, as I had 10 eggs that fertilized, but we chose to stick with only two little ones, Now, it’s been 3 days and nothing has happened. I had no appointments and feel OK (finally). Next Thursday, the 15th is when I finally get to take a blood test to see if it all worked and I am actually pregnant. Until then I get to sit here and imagine what’s going on inside me, or not.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-28948418706389715472007-10-29T15:34:00.001-04:002007-10-29T15:34:30.810-04:00Back and ForthAll along we were told that our surgery date for the egg retrieval was going to be on 1 November. When I went for my appointment on Friday though, they told us we could already have it on 31 October. Great, we thought, A Halloween conception. That can only be a fun baby, right? Well, after my appointment today the doctors think that it should be 1 November. Oh well, the baby will still be fun and I get to work one extra day this week.<br /><br />Other than that all is well. We’re just exhausted from all the driving to Walter Reed every morning, just to be there at 6 AM each day. That makes for a long day. I don’t think I’ll be watching Heroes tonight.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-47051279589312509572007-10-24T14:38:00.001-04:002007-10-24T14:38:38.677-04:00My. Head. HurtsI would describe it as an undercover headache as it’s not really full-blown. It’s hiding in there somewhere and every once in a while I make a certain movement and ouch, there it goes.<br /><br />Oh Well. It may have to do with the fact that I got up before 4 AM today. All I can think about is a nice big fat dinner and my PJs and my bed. In that order, although I am not opposed to having dinner in bed.<br /><br />We’ll see.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-81849697318046208632007-10-23T08:42:00.000-04:002007-10-23T08:43:10.464-04:00OuchI started taking the Gonal F and Menopur shots on Sunday and while the needle prick actually hurts less than the Lupron one, the meds sting. First of all, it’s a lot more to inject and I can feel the sting inside, where I inject it at. It’s really weird. Last night I started taking those shots in the stomach so that I can actually see how far the plunger is down. I have to take those twice a day, which sucks, but compared to what’s coming with the HCG and the progesterone, I think this is great for now.<br /><br />Tomorrow, it’s back to the hospital to get my blood drawn. Since I live in VA and the clinic is at Walter Reed I will actually take the metro there tomorrow so that I don’t have to deal with all the traffic after the appointment. That way I get to work better. The down side is that I have to take the very first metro. Oh well.<br /><br />As far as side effects go, I feel fine. I am a little crampy at times, but nothing special.<br /><br />OK, I have to go to CVS and get more needles.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-36456013677172175442007-10-18T19:14:00.000-04:002007-10-18T19:15:37.953-04:00My Meds<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_NbzGKbKMY4I/Rxfo7xILoAI/AAAAAAAAAAU/kyglbUAcbFE/s1600-h/DSC00904.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_NbzGKbKMY4I/Rxfo7xILoAI/AAAAAAAAAAU/kyglbUAcbFE/s320/DSC00904.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122819214654808066" /></a>Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216884.post-74401455606680296152007-10-18T09:53:00.000-04:002007-10-18T09:55:19.837-04:00JunkieAnd no, I don’t mean anyone of these <a href="http://www.junkiesradio.com/main.shtml" target="blank">guys</a>.<br /><br />I feel like a junkie because of all the meds I have sitting on my dining room table. I should take a picture of it all.<br />I have two shopping bags full of Menopur and Bravelle. And yes, please Google them if you feel inclined to do so. I may post more on the meds later. Then I have a somewhat smaller bag full of Gonal F and a whole bag full of needles. It just hurts to look at it. There are also the really big 1 ½ inch ones for the Novarel (HCG) and for the Progesterone. Precisely for the latter two meds the nurse drew some really cute shapes on my butt so that the hubby knows where to inject me with them. We did a test yesterday with simple Sodium Chloride and it wasn’t that bad, but I heard the Progesterone is though since it is in oil, but we will see.Blogelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299753621278151652noreply@blogger.com0