May 16, 2012

More Update(s) On Me :)

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So, I know the last update I had about me was about me hoping I was pregnant with my last IUI. Well, ended up NOT being pregnant, but what else would I expect? I mean it has not happened for all 7 IUI’s, why on earth would it happen then?

Already having two kids, certainly does not make trying to conceive any easier. Yes, I have two wonderful, BUSY little miracles, but why on earth can I not have ONE more? I have questioned God and everyone for a LONG time on this. I just did not understand why I was unable to have baby #3...

All of this stuff really takes a toll on someone, it really really does! TONS of emotions, tons. So, all of you people out there, that have been through infertility, or are going through it now, still, I will say a prayer for you. Stay STRONG.

Now, my update…

So, after the 7 IUI failed I was beyond devasted. Our insurance was up and we were going to have other insurance, but not as good. Me and hubby decided that that was our last attempt at trying, with medical assistance, to have another child. So yes, it was HARD. Very hard..

So, April we took off. I did not chart, I did not know when my most fertile days were going to be, I knew NOTHING. I had some left over Fertibella that I had given to my friend, and she became pregnant, so she gave me the remaining pills. So, I decided, what the heck, why not take ‘em..

I decided on a WHIM, to go and buy me some pregnancy tests, afterall it was a monthly ritual for me to buy about 10-50 a month anyways, so it would have felt WEIRD to not buy any. So, I bought me some.

I decided to take one the next day, and of course I had NEVER taken this particular brand before (it was the Answer Early Test STRIPS). After the time limit (10 minutes) there was a faint faint faint pink line… Mmmm.. kay? I took the rest of ‘em, (yep, sure did) and there were FAINT pink lines on ALL of them, but after the time limit, GRRR.

So, I did some research online about them and talked to some gals and everyone said that they take a while, like after the time limit to even show any line if you are pregnant. So, of course that made me SUPER curious. I remembered that e.p.t had recently sent me some digital pregnancy tests, but I had them buried because I KNEW I would never  need them, EVER. So, I found them in my cupboard and decided to go ahead and pee on one, why not..

I went to tend to my kids and when I returned it was STILL showing that dreaded timer symbol. Then, all of a sudden “Pregnant” pops up. OMG. Are you flippin’ serious?! We barely had sex this month (TMI but TRUE…). NO medical help, no pills or shots? No way. No way.

So, I took another one, and SAME thing… Man, I was a bawling FOOL that night. I am PREGNANT. For now, right now, today, I am pregnant and that is all that I know. I am so happy, thrilled and beyond shocked. After three years of trying SO. Hard. Then this? LOL. Alright, I will take it!

My first appointment is on June 5th, and HOPEFULLY we will see a baby in my tummy. I have had 3 losses, so the first trimester is always ruined for me, in terms of being able to get too excited, but this one feels different, a GOOD healthy different :) I am happy :) So so happy!!!

Since finding out, I have been entering EVERY single baby giveaway on the net, and hoping I will win them all, LOL. I have also been searching the internet on great deals on baby products and finding Net voucher codes or any codes that will help me with buying baby clothes, gear and goodies and save me some money!

So, if you know of a great baby gear giveaway going on, please let me know of it! In fact, leave the link below so me and everyone can check them out! We are so excited for this new little one to join our family. It should be around the beginning of January, but if it is like my daughter probably middle of December :) OR I could be earlier since I was not charting so well anymore ;) We shall see…

So, this is my update and we are GOOD!

xoxo,

Kim

 

 But OBVIOUSLY my own words, LOL!

 

Filed Under: Archives, Family · Tagged: , , , ,
Apr 6, 2012

e.p.t Early Pregnancy Test (Review and A Giveaway)

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CONTEST OVER! CONGRATS TO

 Tamira Graham #53!!

If you read my blog frequently, you all know my troubles with trying to conceive our 3rd child. It has been THREE years now and nada. Blah. My last update about me was soooo hopeful, after all, PYSCHICS said I would conceive in March ;) But, I did NOT. Oh man last month was HARD for me.

It was hard not only because my 6th IUI did not work, but because it was the last month with the medical insurance that we have now. So, we are switching insurances and I am sure it will not be as good as our old insurance was. Oh well. God does not want me to have another child, I will just have to accept that.. Am I bitter much? Ya, just a bit..But I will be alright, I ALWAYS am.

Anyways! Onto the e.p.t. review and giveaway :)

e.p.t pregnancy tests are great tests. I usually will buy these tests when I get a line on a dollar store test, that way I don’t waste my money on a good test :) I like that the digital e.p.t.’s will keep the words on their tests (though I did NOT like seeing the words “Not Pregnant” staring at me from the trash can, ugh!). But, if I had been pregnant it is nice to save that test that says “Pregnant”! Also, their regular tests are easy to read as they have the “cross” if you are pregnant and just the line if you are not. Kind of takes the guess work out of figuring out if you really see that line or not.

e.p.t’s website is very helpful too. I like that it has information on how to discover ways to increase your chances of conceiving. Also, you can grab a $2.00 off coupon (which is VERY  nice when you buy pregnancy tests ALL. The. Time.). Don’t know when you are most fertile? e.p.t.’s ovulation calculator can help you with that! You can enter the first day of your last menstrual cycle and your average cycle length and it will help you determine when you will be most fertile. This is a very helpful tool. Also, keep an eye on your body and tune into it, only you really know when you are ovulating or will be. This tool is just to help out.

 e.p.t also just announced their new iPhone app! It is the e.p.t Ovulation Calculator for women looking to find out when they are most fertile and track their menstrual cycle. This free mobile app is designed for the iPhone and comes with 35 helpful fertility tips as well as the option for email or calendar reminders on the day before expected ovulation. LOVE this.

So, if you are looking for some great pregnancy tests I do recommend e.p.t. Their site is very informative as well, and you can grab that $2.00 off coupon!

Buy

You can purchase e.p.t at your local grocery store or online at http://www.errorprooftest.com/where-to-buy

Win

One lucky person will win e.p.t pregnancy tests! Yay!

How?

Easy. Just use Rafflecopter below. There are no mandatory entries, you can do one or all. Good luck :)

Disclosure:

I was sent product to review, all opinions are my own, thanks.

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Filed Under: Archives, Reviews · Tagged: , , , , , ,
Mar 12, 2012

Update On Me…

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Took down this post because sponsor was unable to pay me for it. So, I will make this post about how I am doing :) So the comments left below, were for that post, LOL, not this one :)

I am still desperately trying for baby #3. It is such a long, hard road, OMG. I never would have thought that ttc our third child would take almost three YEARS and counting…

It is very difficult hearing others announce they are pregnant, though I am extremely happy for them, I do wish it was ME announcing my pregnancy. Then I hear of those who have lost babies and am so deeply and truly sad and sorry for them :( No matter how old a BABY is, whether you JUST found out you were pregnant and miscarried, to losing your baby at 16 or more weeks, it is all VERY sad and unfair. So hugs to everyone who has suffered this sort of loss or any loss. It is so hard to deal with, I know all too well.

I have had 5 IUI’s and am about to do my 6th IUI (this is where they transfer your partners sperm into your uterus). They spin it and wash it and then put it into your cervix via a very small catheter, neat huh? It does not hurt really and the process is fairly quick. So, I have that to look forward to on Friday.

The reason it is taking me sooooo long to conceive, is because, when I was pregnant with my daughter, I lost my left fallopian tube. I am ovulating on the left side most months, and that explains why I am not getting pregnant, UGH. Month after month, being monitored (having an ultrasound to see which side I am ovulating from), fertility drugs and shots, I am worn out!

BUT…

Yesterday I went in for my Follicle Scan (to see which side I am ovulating from this month, sigh..) and I am ovulating from the side with the tube!!!!! FINALLY!! So, this month I have a CHANCE! I am soo excited, because every month I go in to see which side I am ovulating from I get the same dang news, that I am not ovulating on the side with my tube, but I am this month :) Oh I was and am beyond excited!!

Soooooo..

On Wednesday I get to give myself a Trigger shot, which is to make me ovulate 36 hours later so I will be giving myself a shot tomorrow night! Yikes, never have done it before, but the things one will do to have a baby…

So, that is what I have been up to, with my fertility issues and such. It felt good typing this as I never never really talk about myself or my fertility problems. It can really break a person, but this month I have HOPE!

You wanna know what is also kind of cool/weird???

In the last year, I have talked to FOUR different psychics, online, and each one has told me that I will conceive in March…….

“So, how are YOU doing????”

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Jan 27, 2012

SpermCheck Fertility Kit Giveaway

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CONTEST OVER! CONGRATS TO

Kayla Syslk #75!!

 

If you all follow my blog you know I have been trying to conceive our 3rd child now for almost 3 years now :( I have been taking fertility drugs, getting tests done and I have had 4 IUI‘s with nada. It is VERY discouraging to say the least and EXPENSIVE. I am beginning to accept I may never have another child again and it breaks my heart…and miss the ones so much I have lost :(

I am sooo very blessed for the two miracles I do have right now. Every day I love on them and kiss them, probably more than they would like ;)

At the beginning of my ttc journey, we did all sorts of testing, I was tested and of course my hubby was tested too. He was a bit embarrassed to do the Semen Analysis, what guy would not be, or at least be a little bit? I certainly wish that I had the SpermCheck Fertility Kit back then! Hubby would have felt more at ease, I am sure. Come to find out hubbys sperm are AWESOME little guys and he is all good, LOL. It is ME. Well, I think the fact that I have only one tube, is definitely NOT helping the situation :(

Now, I am not making any claims on this kit as I have not reviewed it, but I will tell you what their site says…

The SpermCheck Fertility Kit is an at-home test kit. Men can now test their sperm count in the comfort of their own home! SpermCheck Fertility is the only FDA approved, 98% accurate home test for men. Meaning it is as accurate as a lab test but more affordable and convenient and you can bypass the embarrassment too. In only 10 minutes the easy-to-read results will indicate a normal or below normal sperm count. Since experts do believe that a sperm count test should be the very first and essential step in fertility testing for couples, this kit really makes sense to use, before visiting your doctor’s office and spending money on this. This test is non-invasive and can help eliminate or identify a potential stumbling block to conception. And if you have been trying to conceive as long as I have, you want QUICK, easy and painless ways to help you to conceive  FASTER. I hate all the tests at the doctors I have to do, blah!

 

Why SpermCheck® Fertility?

  • SpermCheck® Fertility FDA approved 
  • SpermCheck® Fertility is as accurate as lab testing – 98% accurate
  • SpermCheck® Fertility is private and convenient – done in the privacy of your own home
  • SpermCheck® Fertility is affordable —just $39.99
  • SpermCheck® Fertility is fast and easy – provide easy to read results in 10 minutes

For more information about the SpermCheck Fertility Kit, please visit their site at http://www.spermcheck.com/ And for the latest news, information on store availability, news and special giveaway offers, join their Facebook Community!

Buy

The SpermCheck Fertility Kit is currently available online at Walgreens.com and CVS.com. And, it will be available April 2012 in Walgreen Stores Nationwide!

Win

One person is going to win the SpermCheck Fertility Kit!

How?

Easy! Just use Rafflecopter below. There are no mandatory entries, you can do one or all, good luck!

Disclosure:

 I was not sent anything for this posting/giveaway. I simply want to so desperately help those who are trying to conceive because I KNOW how painful it can be when you can’t :(
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Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: , , , , , ,
Oct 7, 2011

Charting Your Fertility With OvaCue (Review and A Giveaway!)

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CONTEST OVER! CONGRATS TO

Shaunda Eppes #390

If you are a loyal reader of my blog, you know that I have been having a heck of a time getting pregnant with our third child. I have also had 3 losses, but now I can officially say FOUR. I say officially four, because when I went into see my fertility specialist a few weeks ago, he told me something that alarmed me. He said he was looking through my files and saw that I DID indeed have a tubal pregnancy WHEN I was pregnant with my daughter… Say What?! Ya, I NEVER knew that… till then. I had to pick my mouth up off of the ground. For when I DID have the tubal surgery it was, to my knowledge because the doctors THOUGHT it was a tubal, but when they took my tube out, they saw that it was only a cyst. That is what they told me… nice huh?

Anyways, back to what I was saying…

So, my cycles are a bit all over the place. I have been on pretty much every vitamin and supplement you can think of. I have tried all ovulation prediction tests, temped EVERY single morning to see when I would ovulate and put it all on a graph. Sure, I realized when I ovulated, but still was NOT get pregnant… hmmm.

So, I saw online the OvaCue Monitor and really really wanted to give it a shot. Afterall, I have tried everything else. I contacted FairhavenHealth.com and they agreed to letting me review one! Oh the joy I was feeling, seriously, this was so awesome…

I received it in the mail and since you have to start using it on cycle day 2 of  your cycle, I had to wait a few days. My OvaCue Monitor came with the Vaginal Sensor, which is a MUST I am finding out, to use with your OvaCue monitor for extra accurate results. The Vaginal Sensor does not come with the OvaCue Monitor but can be bought separately.

When cycle day 2 came along (finally!!! Ugh..) I programmed the monitor to how long my average cycle length was. Then I made sure the Oral sensor was plugged into the monitor and pressed the O for Oral Sensor, and placed it on my tongue. You wait for a second or two and then the reading is complete. You save it and you are done. It takes a few seconds each morning to do. You then can wash the oral sensor with mild soap and water and dry it for next use. You must use this oral sensor around the same time every morning for accurate results and you must do it upon waking up. That means no brushing your teeth or drinking anything!!! I keep this by my bed, so it is there each morning as a reminder when I get up. But then again, my brain is programmed for me to do this every  morning, because I am always thinking about it…. that is what happens when you have been ttc for over 2 years..

When you are done with your menstrual cycle, usually around cycle day 7, you can start using the vaginal sensor. You use this in the evening, around the same time, each day. You simply plug-in the vaginal sensor into the bottom of the monitor. Next you press the “V” for vaginal sensor and insert the sensor into your vag. Then you press next and it will take your vag reading. If you have intercourse, don’t use this for at least 7 hours, as the spermies might make for an inaccurate reading. Sometimes it says your reading is over “400″. If that is the case, you will need to redo the reading. This happens from time to time, but you just redo it and it only takes a few seconds too. Then, just press save!

Now at first your calendar days will be white, but as you take your oral and vaginal readings each day, they will start to change in color. From white to light blue, to medium blue then dark blue then a pink box (ovulation had occurred when you see the pink box, usually). From time to time you MIGHT also get a purple box in between your pink box. IF that happens, that means you could have tried to ovulate but did not, or maybe you have dropped two eggs. I have had a few questionable moments with my Ova Cue monitor, since getting it, and I have signed up over at their public forum, and have my questions answered right away! I LOVE that supportive forum. It has everything you need to know about OvaCue and plus other members share their experiences too. I have learned so much.

Yep, this is only HALF of ‘em (from last month…)

 

This is my second cycle using this monitor and I am loving it. It has really shown me more about my cycles, that I could have missed. It can tell you up to 7 days when your ovulation will occur, giving you ample time to get that baby dancing in!!! This monitor can help take stress off of trying to conceive and let you relax a little bit more. Plus, the accuracy level of the OvaCue Monitor is 98% while others are only 73-94%, so that is nice.

Great Features:

  • FDA-approved and recommended by fertility specialists
  • Simple to use and mess free with no additional purchases necessary
  • Track your cycle daily with the calendar-view display
  • Predict your ovulation up to 5-7 days in advance
  • Confirm ovulation with the vaginal sensor

So, if you are trying to conceive I would highly recommend the OvaCue Monitor. This month I also took my first round of Clomid and will be having my first IUI! Wish me luck!

Buy!

You can purchase the OvaCue Monitor online at http://www.fairhavenhealth.com/

Win!

One lucky trying to conceive individual is going to win their very own OvaCue Monitor Bundle (that includes the vaginal sensor too!!)

How?

Easy! Just use Rafflecopter below!! woot!

Disclosure:
I was sent product to review, these are my own personal experiences and thoughts with this monitor, thanks!


 

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss, Reviews · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,