Instagram

So I have really been trying to get back into Instagram. I love the effects that you can apply to pictures. I also love the fact that on Instagram the author is able to let the picture do the majority of the 'talking'.

Here are a few of my Instagram pics from this past week.

The last couple months

So, I feel bad. I haven't updated in the past month and a half. I will say that a lot has happned to keep me busy. 

TTC Front: I am currently on cycle 10, found a new OBGYN and I recently had an HSG done. TUBES ARE CLEAR! Peter also had a Semen Analysis done this past Friday and we hope to hear the results tomorrow. We have decided that if it doesn't happen for us by October(which is our 1 year TTC mark) we plan to do an IUI. 

Speaking of babies, I have a brand new little nephew! He is so precious. His big sister is so cute with him too. She's not jealous at all and points him out to anyone who comes near him. Makes me want to have one of my own so bad!

Got a new(to me) car last month too. 2012 Ford Edge. I love it. Sunroof, Moonroof and it has the touch screen. It's my current obsession right now. I am so glad I got it, I should have switched from a car to an SUV a long time ago.

25!

This past Sunday I turned 25. I had an amazing birthday thanks to my wonderful husband.

That evening we had a BBQ with his family and his mom baked me this beautiful cake. So blessed. Can't wait to see what's 25th year has in store for me.

So I'll admit it, I've been a slacking blogger lately. I'm currently on CD 10 of cycle 8 TTC and my 25th birthday is this coming Sunday. I always thought that I would be pregnant by the time I turned 25. Guess it's time to adjust some of those expectations. I am finally starting to realize that there is no way that you can 'plan' your life and that sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. 

Peter and I plan to go on a little fishing trip for my birthday. Hopefully I will be able to update with pictures.

 

Cycle 7

When we first started the whole TTC process, I never would have imagined that it would take more than 7 cycles to get pregnant. Here I am though, CD11 on my 7th cycle TTC. I am not going to lie, I have been more emotional every time I think about having a child.

 There has been one big question on my mind as of late, "Is it ever going to happen for us?"

Peter, I know is trying his darnedest to stay optimistic, myself on the other hand, not so much. I am just having such a hard time staying positive about the situation lately. My past two conversations that I have had with Peter on the topic has led me to tears. I just cannot control my thoughts or emotions anymore.

This cycle I have decided that I am going to give it my all. I've been taking my Evening Primrose Oil, I am going to start taking Robitussin starting tomorrow(CD12), I am going to use my Softcups religiously and we even picked up a box of Pre-Seed from Walgreens. I have heard great things about the product and am just hoping and praying that it does the trick this cycle. 

 

Coupon Score at Target!

Yesterday I went to my local Target to see if I could score the latest coupon match-ups for this week. Here's how I did: $48.49 worth of stuff for just $6.78!

Target is having a great sale on their Huggies and Pampers wipes. Buy one for $2 and get the second for $1. Match this with coupons for a great deal.

2 Huggies wipes $3 total.
Used (2) MFR coupons for $1.00 each(can be found on Facebook page)
Final Price = .50 ea or $1 for both!

2 Pampers wipes $3 total.
Used (2) MFR coupons for .50/1 (coupons.com)
Final Price = $1 ea or $2 for both.

Campbell's Skillet Sauce $1.99
Used (1) MFR coupon for $1/1(Campbells.com)
Used (1) Target coupon for $1/1
Final Price =FREE

Campbell's GO soup $2.36
Used (1) MFR coupon for $1/1 (Campbells.com)
Used (1) Target coupon for $1/1
Final Price = .36

Duncan Hines Flavor Creations Packet $.94
Used (1) MFR coupon for $1/1 (duncanhines.com)
Final Price = FREE

Nivea Lip Butter $3.14
Used (1) MFR coupon for $1/1 (Sunday paper)
Used (1) Target coupon for $1/1
Final Price = $1.14

Almay Concealer $7.79
Used (1) MFR coupon $4/1 (Sunday paper)
Used (1) Target coupon $2/1 shade corrector
Final Price = $1.79

Almay Eye Shadow $4.99
Used (1) MFR coupon $4/1 (Sunday paper)
Used (1) Target coupon $1/1
Final Price = FREE

Bought (2) Cofeemate for $1.50 ea($3 total)
Used (2) MFR coupons for $.75/1(coupons.com)
Used (1) Target coupon $1/2
Final Price = $.25 each or $.50 for both

Bought (2) Bengay $4.29 each
(They were out if the one for the gift card deal, $4.99 ones, so they subbed in the $4.29 Bengay for the deal)
Used (2) $2/1 MFR coupons (coupons.com)
Final Price = 5.78 and get $5GC so $.39 each

Couponing and Fitness

As I promise, here are my favorite Coupon websites:

The Krazy Coupon Lady

 Fabulessly Frugal

Totally Target  (Target Coupon Website)

I Heart the Mart (Walmart Coupon Website)

Wild For Wags (Walgreens Coupon Website)

For those in Missouri:

Saving Money in Missouri 

STL Mommy 

I check most of these websites at least once a day since there are always new coupons coming out. Checking everyday also helps to get those awesome Freebies!

On another note, Pete and I are working to get into shape. I am hoping that losing these couple extra pounds and getting in shape will help with the TTC aspect as well. 

I have about 10-15 pounds to lose and Pete is looking to lose around 40. 

My plan to lose the pounds: 

30 Day Shred

Clean Eating

Drinking Water 

Getting Enough Sleep

I am getting tons of motivation from Fitspo(fitness inspiration) pins on Pintrest and all of the Fitspo blogs that I have been finding on Tumblr. 

I have been at it for a couple days now and am realizing that it is a complete lifestyle change. Hopefully I can stick with it!

 

Crazy for Coupons!

I've found a new obsession: Couponing!

 Now please don't look at me like that, I had preconceived notions of couponer's before I started also, but once I got my first good deal I just can't stop. Hubby is all for it too!

I got all of the stuff in the picture posted below for just $4.50!

Once I get on my other computer I will post a list of websites that I use to tell me when deals are occurring at all of my local stores. 

xoxo michelle

Sharing my Story

Today (as I sit here doing my third treatment of the day) I have been looking for CF and TTC related blogs to get some motivation to learn and compare experiences thus far. While searching Google I came across my own blog. It's a strange feeling of pride finding my own blog on Google. 

Yes, I know that Google searches key words in web sites and lists them as the search result, so I should have figured my blog would show up. But it's just a nice feeling that other people who are going through what I am right now can type a few words into the Google search engine and bring up my blog.

I am proud that I can share my stroy thus far. No matter where this journey TTC with CF takes me, it's nice to know that other people can learn and share in my experiences just as I have learned from so many other TTC/CF related blogs.

Moss Easter Bunny Wreath

St. Patty's day is almost here and I have been looking all over for ideas for a nice Easter wreath. This wreath is inspired by the Easter Bunny Wreath over at The Privileged Door Etsy shop. 

I found all of my materials (besides the cardboard) over several trips to Hobby Lobby. The total cost of the wreath was around $6 or $7 with coupons. 

I had large pieces of cardboard that I had been saving from when I received our 20x30 large canvas picture from our wedding in the mail. The first step is to sketch the shape that you want onto the canvas. Don't worry if you mess up, it's all going to be covered with moss eventually so you want see any drawing marks. 

 Cut the shape out. I could not find any of my scissors around anywhere so I began cutting out the design with a serrated knife but after catching my finger with the knife I figured it'd be safer if I went and bought a new pair of scissors. Scissors are preferable!

I found this Moss at Hobby Lobby for $3.99 a bag(I used 2 1/2 bags all together). If you can find a big, long sheet of moss for cheap anywhere use that. Hobby Lobby had some for $20, so I just figured that these small pieces of sheet moss would be good enough and I would just piece them together. 

I just started piecing the moss on my cardboard.

I used Hot Glue as my adhesive for the moss but I am sure that Mod Podge or regular glue would work as well if you don't have any hot glue on hand. Be careful when you press the moss onto the cardboard since the glue is still very hot and can seep through the moss. This is one of the reasons I HATE working with hot glue, I usually end up burning my fingertips.

Your pieces can overlap the edges of your shape, we will just trim them down. 

Once I got all of my moss on I broke out my frilly ribbon that I found at Hobby Lobby for $3.99 and it was on sale for an additional 50% off too! SCORE! 

I cut a long strip of ribbon and tied it in a bow around the bunny's neck. I then took another long piece and hot glued both of the ends onto the back of my shape so that it has something to hang from 

Finished Bunny Moss Wreath. I realize that it hangs a bit low on my door, I still have to move my Command Hook to the right placement. 

Now keep in mind, it is still boring/ugly cardboard on the back. Once I get some popsicle sticks to glue on the back of the ears and the neck to stabilize/make the cardboard stronger(it was very 'bendable' in some places) I am either going to Mod Podge some green paper on the back or just simply paint it green. If you have a plain door, with no glass on it, there is no need for this extra step since you won't see the back of the wreath at all. 

Hope you like it and I really hope that this tutorial was easy to follow. If you have any questions please leave a comment.

 

Quick TTC Update

Just a quick TTC update.

I have no idea what is going on with this cycle. I'm not sure if I ovulated or not. The day I was supposed to ovulate was the day of the HORRIBLE doctors appointment so I am just hoping that I was stressed out and that it just delayed Ovulation.

I am so scared that this cycle, or any future cycle will be annovulatory. Not only do I want every possible opportunity that I can get, but I am so afraid of another obstacle to have to overcome. I WANT TO OVULATE ON MY OWN SO BAD. I don't want another reason to be 'broken'.

I did get my hemoglobin a1c results back from the doctor and the numbers are elevated a bit, 6.6. I really did not want to follow up with that doctor so I called my regular CF doc. The nurse (who I love, she is so nice) told me that I should get a meter (which luckily my mom has tons of laying around her house) and check my blood sugars a few times a day. Hopefully I will not have to end up taking insulin, but if it at all helps the chances of us getting PG, I will welcome it with open arms.

 

Sprinkle Shower Inspiration

My SIL is pregnant with her second child and is due this summer. A few weeks ago was her Gender Reveal Party and since she is having a boy this time (her first was a girl), she is going to need a few more things. I decided that I would open up my home and throw her a 'Sprinkle Shower'. 

The main purpose for a Sprinkle Shower is for a get together to celebrate her pregnancy. Rather it be a 'Shower', it's just a little 'Sprinkle'. 

I am so excited about it and just thought that I would post inspiration from my Pinterest board. 

http://pinterest.com/chelles07/sprinkle-shower/

I also plan to do flowers in vases like these: 

 I think that these are adorable too, and would be so easy to make. I love the striped straws as well.

Luckily, I have already found a place that sells sprinkles in bulk for pretty cheap. I can't wait. I love planning

 parties and this one is so fun from the food, to the decorations to even some of the games I have planned. If you wish to see the rest of my board, I posted the link up top.

Sad and Confused

Yesterday was my doctors appointment with the specialist. I really wish I never would have gone. The whole appointment was focused on my CF rather than my fertility(which was the reason I went in the first place). The doctor was all 'doom and gloom'. He said that since someone with CF's life expectancy is only 37 I better really start thinking about IUI ( I guess assuming since I am going to kick the can soon). By the way, I am only 24.

He also said that I really have to think about whether or not I am ready to make my husband a widower (???). He was so negative about everything. He ordered tests to check for pulmonary hypertension since that is another thing that someone with CF can get and can lead to death after pregnancy.

I just feel like he doesn't know me at all, he doesn't know my previous health history aside from OB/GYN appoinments. He has no idea the level of CF I have and that I am able to lead an active and productive life. He assumed that since I have CF that I was automatically on disability. NO SIR, I AM NOT DISABLED. YES, I HAVE A LUNG DISEASE BUT I MORE THAN LIKELY LEAD A MORE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE THAN YOU.

When I got home, Pete asked me how everything went. I ended up bawling because I didn't know what to make of all of it.

I hate the preconceived notions that people have about CF. But him being a doctor, I have to say, I really was not expecting that. My own CF doctor didn't bat an eye when I told him DH and I were planing to TTC. He just warned me that I will have to be more closely monitored and I will more than likely have to undergo a c-section.

DH and I are still planning to TTC. I have an appointment in May with my CF doctor and I am going to ask him to refer me to an OB/GYN that is in network that some of his other patients see.

I am at a better place this morning. I know now after speaking with my loved ones that I should not let some doctor who doesn't know me at all, put an expiration date on my life and scare me away from living it to the fullest(having children).

xoxo michelle

Burlap Ideas

Okay, so I know that I have been a louzy blogger as of late. Although I have been trying to refrain from posting more TTC updates since I don't want this to turn into a blog all about TTC. Quick TTC Update Though: My Eggo is NOT Preggo :( (yet)

Anyways, I have been searching Pinterest a lot latley, and have been getting that Crafty Girl itch. I have been wanting a monogram throw pillow for our bed ever since we have gotten married. I figured since burlap is so 'In' right now, why not try my hand at a Burlap Monogrammed pillow. I haven't attempted it yet, since I still need to trek over to my local Hobby Lobby to pick up some supplies. I did draw up a quick plan of attack though.

I hope to get my materials this weekend and have the pillow done sometime next week. I'll post with pictures of the completed project.

xoxo michelle

Trying to Make Sense

I know I haven't posted anything lately, I am just trying to make some sense of this current cycle.

I am currently at CD30/14DPO with no AF in sight. However, I have been having cramps and skin breakout, which I get before my period every time. I don't know what to think. I've already taken 2 pregnancy tests with my Wondfo test strips. I've decided if AF doesn't show by Wednesday I am going to break out my FRER since I only have 1 left.

xoxo michelle

The Long and Miserable TWW.

I need to stop symptom spotting... I need to stop symptom spotting... I need to stop symptom spotting...

Easier said than done. I really shouldn't be feeling anything since I am only 4DPO and implantation hasn't even occurred yet. However, this morning I woke up with a horrible upset stomach at 3AM, took a tums and ran the jets in the tub. I also was experiencing backache and heartburn and now I am feeling some soreness in my left breast. Sites like Countdown To Pregnancy don't help to much to calm the crazies. 

So, either yesterday or this morning I apparently missed the call of from the doctor's office to set up an appointment with an RE. We are still playing phone tag. If I can get in late next week I think I'm going to try for that, or I'm going to have to wait until the week of the 25th to go in, since AF is due the 17th.

On another note, I am really excited to cook dinner tonight. I was at Target earlier this week and saw that Campbell's had an already made sauce for Chicken Marsala(my favorite). I've pinned recipes for the dish on Pinterest before, but I figured this way didn't seem as intimidating. I'm going to try it tonight with a side of farfalle noodles and if I manage not to screw it up, I may try to make my own sauce sometime. 

If I remember to, I'll post a picture of the finished product. 

xoxo michelle

TTC terminology

Thought that it might be a good idea to post some of the TTC acronyms so that you have at least some clue as to what I am talking about when I post TTC updates.

TTC and Pregnancy Acronyms:

• AF - Aunt Flo (i.e. period)
• BBT - Basal Body Temperature (used to calculate a woman's fertile days)
• BC - Birth control
• BCP - Birth control pill
• BD - Baby Dance (i.e. have sex)
• BF - Breastfeed
• BFN - Big Fat Negative
• BFP - Big Fat Positive
• CD - Cycle Day
• CD - Cloth diapers
• CBFM - ClearBlue Fertility Monitor
• CIO - Cry It Out method
• CM - Cervical Mucus
• CS or C/S - Cesarean section
• DD - Dear Daughter
• DPO - Days Past Ovulation
• DS - Dear Son
• DTD - Do the Deed (i.e. have sex)
• EWCM - Egg White Cervical Mucus
• FRER - First Response Early Result (pregnancy test)
• HPT - Home Pregnancy Test
• IC - Incompetent Cervix
• IC - Internet Cheapies (pregnancy tests)
• IUI - Intra-Uterine Insemination
• IVF - In Vitro Fertilization
• KU - Knocked Up
• L&D - Labor & Delivery
• LMP - Last Mentrual Period
• LP - Luteal Phase, the medical name for the two week wait; after ovulation, before you start your period
• LPD - Luteal Phase Defect
• LO - Little One
• MC or M/C - Miscarriage
• NFP - Natural Family Planning (as a birth control method)
• NTNT or NTNTC - Not Trying Not To [Conceive]
• O - Ovulation
• OB - Obstetrician
• OBC - Oral Birth Control
• OPK - Ovulation Predictor Kit
• PCOS - PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome
• PCOD - PolyCystic Ovarian Disease (another name for PCOS)
• PG - Pregnant
• POAS - Pee on a Stick (ie take a pregnancy test)
• PPD - Postpartum Depression
• RE - Reproductive Endocrinologist
• SA - Semen Analysis
• SAHM - Stay at home mom
• SAHD - Stay at home dad
• SAHW - Stay at home wife
• SD - Step Daughter
• SS - Step Son
• SX - Symptoms
• TCOYF - Taking Charge of Your Fertility (book by Toni Weschler about natural methods to achieve and avoid pregnancy)
• TFW - Two Free Weeks (meaning you can drink or what not because you know you aren't pregnant)
• TTA - Trying to Avoid
• TTC - Trying to Conceive
• TWW - Two Week Wait
• US or U/S - Ultrasound
• VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Cesearean

Maybe Baby?

Since I am an active member on a few TTC forums, I have been introduced to the amazing website that is Fertility Friend. Because of this site I know when I am ovulating, when to expect my period and when there is a good possibility that I will get a positive on a test. I am now in my fourth month of trying and because of FF(Fertility Friend) I can confidently tell my doctor if I ovulated and what cycle day.

I will say that I am really hoping that this cycle is THE cycle. If I conceive this cycle there is a chance for a Halloween Baby. I would LOVE to have an October/Halloween baby. This cycle is a bit strange though. From my temps so far, it looks as though I ovulated a day or two early(I won't get a confirmed ovulation date until I enter in one more temp). I usually O(ovulate) CD17, but it looks as if it might be CD15 or CD16 this cycle. Just hoping that ovulating one day early won't mess with my luteal phase. The past three months that I've been charting I have had a perfect 12 day luteal phase. I still plan to test on Monday the 18th, the day that my period is due. 

Past TTC stats:

Cycle 1

First cycle off of Birth Control Pill

November 2012

31 days

annovulatory cycle

Cycle 2

December 2012

29 days

O on CD17 

Cycle 3

January 2013

29 days

O on CD17

Cycle 4

February 2013

Cycle length TBD

O date TBD

xoxo michelle

The Day I Became Wife of Waters

It's 8:00am here and the sun is shining. Hope it gets to 50 degrees today. It felt so nice yesterday.

---------

So, today I thought that I should update with photos from the day that I became the Wife of Waters. Peter and I have been together since Winter of 2007. The following winter I moved in with him. In February of 2011 he asked me to marry him. In May of 2012 we wed. 

I loved everything about our wedding. We got married at The Jewel Box, which is a glass building that houses plants all throughout the year. I loved that we chose to get married here, the pictures from inside the building turned out great.

 

We were so lucky that we had such a beautiful day. I think the weather was the one most thing that I was worried about leading up to the wedding. I have no idea what we would have done about pictures after the ceremony if it would have rained that day. Luckily, the weather was perfect and we were able to take photos around the park. 

This is my favorite photo of the Bridal Party. Every time I look at it, I want to laugh.

Our reception was held at a historic ballroom. There was even a balcony that I was able to throw my bouquet off of. 

Our wedding day was such a beautiful day and was definitely the happiest day of my life. 

xoxo michelle

Crossing My Fingers for the Near Future

I am really hoping that this is my month. According to my OPK's I either ovulated today or yesterday. Two days before I normally do. I have such high hopes for this month, I really hope that I am not let down. I figured that I conceive this month, there is a strong chance for a Halloween baby. I would love a Halloween baby.

So I went to my OB/GYN for a blood draw to check my thyroid. It's been almost a week now and I have yet to hear anything. Kind of getting a bit nervous about that.

In some non-TTC news, I just received our electric bill in the mail, $380. I think that's the most our electric bill has ever been. Last month it was only $200. We keep the thermostat set at 64 degrees and I make sure to turn off the lights once I leave a room. I just don't understand. Anybody have some useful tips to keep your heating bills down?

xoxo michelle

Quick TTC Update

So I just wanted to post a quick update. I went to my OB/GYN this past Tuesday for a 'pre-conception' appointment. Basically, I just wanted to pick her brain and see if she had any suggestions that I haven't tried yet. She confirmed that we should shoot for every other day during the fertile window. She also discussed the possibility of IUI down the road(praying that it won't have to come to that and that I will get my positive test SOON!)

I had her draw my blood to check my thyroid. My mother has low thyroid and read that it can be an issue when TTC. Still waiting on the results but hopefully we can rule that out.

That's it for now.

xoxo michelle

TTC update

So I wanted to start this blog to kind of chronicle everything from my day to day life, to my Pinterest creations(or pinstrocities for that matter), to my yummy creations that I make in the crockpot/oven.

My husband and I also live in a house that is a 'work in progress'. We are currently finishing our basement and I am having tons of fun looking for ideas on Pinterest.

Another reason that I planned to start this blog is to tell my story of TTC(trying to conceive) while having cystic fibrosis. I am 24y.o. and have gotten the O.K. from my doc, so since this past November, my husband and I have been trying for a lil one. I am currently in my 3rd month TTC and my 3rd month since coming off of Birth Control. My first month was annovularoty, but since then have Ovulated on CD17(cycle day 17) and have had 29-31 day cycles. I plan to test this coming Sunday.

We shall see what the future has in store for us.

xoxo michelle