INFERTILITY, The TODAY Show got it right! Watch This!

Alisyn Camerota: Why I'm speaking out about my struggle with infertility"
I really kept it secret. So many women do," FOX News anchor Alisyn Camerota says. Now she explains, in her own words, why she's speaking out about her struggle with infertility.

Hello Bloggie Friends,
I saw this on the Today show and wanted to pass it along.  Hearing her words was very healing for me, as she validates our struggles.  I sobbed through the entire piece, but admire her tenacity, strength and willingness to help others.  See what she has to say and visit the link below.


By Alisyn Camerota, "FOX & Friends" anchor

Click HERE for the link and video...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND WATCHING



Why would I want to go on national television and talk about something as personal as infertility? Believe me, I wasn't always this open about it. I kept the secret from most everyone in my life: my coworkers, relatives, my best friends, my parents. I was afraid if I told anyone they would turn into clock-watchers, forever asking if I was pregnant yet.



Alisyn Camerota of "Fox and Friends" tried in vain for years to have a child. She tells Ann Curry that the experience made her determined to help other women struggling with the issue.

But even in the midst of my ordeal, I vowed that if I were ever on the other side of infertility, I would do whatever I could to help those still struggling -- hence why I'm here today. Still, I understand that people are squeamish about phrases like "sperm count." But it's vital that those of us who can talk about it, do.



Infertility has long been a taboo subject, which has only served to make those who suffer from it feel more embarrassed and isolated. And the silence has serious consequences: Doctors dismiss infertility more easily than other diseases, insurance companies feel they don't have to cover it and it certainly doesn't get the funding for research that other diseases do. Nowhere close.



So now I talk -- and do whatever I can to raise awareness and to encourage anyone struggling to find a support group so that they can share their struggle with others who can relate. To find the closest group to you, go to Resolve.org. You don't have to feel alone.

Much Love and I hope you enjoyed the piece...
XXX

It's Been a While, but I'm still here!

Good Morning Sweetest Bloggie Friends!

Wow, its been a while since I last posted on my blog!  I continue to wonder where the time goes, but found a few minutes this morning to catch up.  And I may not be posting here, but I read all of your blogs when I can.

What's Happening?
Oh my, where to start....so here is the latest from the home front

New Business Venture

During the past month I was approached by a friend who owns a business and asked me to join forces with her.  My business background is in Interior Design, Merchandising and Buying.  So, I am now the official Merchandiser and Buyer for her amazing new shoppe.  She specializes in hand made stationery and it's beyond fabulous!  Every piece is created by hand, whether it be letter press or hand water coloured pieces.  I will be adding many wonderful gift lines to the new shoppe. 

At the moment, I am in the throws of meeting with artisans and product representatives.  I want to make the most of my time and make certain our gift lines are in stock and the shoppe looks great on opening day of the new store.  Can we say I'm a little nutty to be taking this on?  Yes, but its a great opportunity!

Monogram It and Applique it!

I'm excited to say that I have a fantabulous new Monogram, Embroidery and Applique machine!  I've been taking weekly lessons with my fab sewing instructor, Jackie, and am loving my this new equipment!  Stay tuned for the latest creations....and keep your fingers crossed that my poor prego brain can absorb all the instructions!

Oh, and I got a whole lot more than just an instructor.  I consider Jackie my friend, as we have the common bond of struggling with fertility.  She and her husband suffered infertility and exhausted all of their resources.  They pursued everything and as she says, begged and borrowed from family and friends, etc...Eventually, they decided to adopt and found who they thought to be the perfect birth Mother, who went on to change her mind on Thanksgiving day, shortly after giving birth.  Crushed and broken they clung to faith and persevered on.  Another family selected them and today they have their son.  I cried a river as she told me her story....we compared notes and bared our souls.  I consider her "A Carefully Placed Angel in My Life".  God sure does know what we need, even when we don't know what we need ourselves.

Little Bunny News!

Little Bunny and I have reached 30 weeks!  I can hardly believe the time is passing so quickly and I remain so thankful.  Each day I thank God numerous times for this incredible miracle, as we are so in love with our baby. 

At 28 weeks we went for the much anticipated 3D scan and were guarded but there was an air of excitement, as we were looking forward to seeing little Bunny's profile...meeting our baby face to face :)  Immediately, as Dr. D. started the scan she exclaimed "this baby is breech"!  And what do you know, little Bunny was all folded up like a clam in the Frank Breech position with his/her feet up by the ears.  Our sweet Dr. tried her best to give us a glimpse of little Bunny, but there was just no way to get a good profile shot due to the awkward position.  We will get scanned again at 35 weeks to see if Bunny has turned.

Yesterday, we had our 30 week checkup and all is well.  Dr. D. whispered to little Bunny and told him/her they can turn for her!  We still have plenty of time so I'm not letting things worry me.  I can feel little Bunnys head to the right of my belly button and all the little kicks and jabs are way down low.  So different from when he/she was head down.  But, whatever position, we will take it!

How I'm Feeling? 

So far, so good!  Little Bunny and I try to get in a 30-40 minute walk each day or at least every other day.  I do miss my daily workouts and wonder how hard it will be to get back in the fitness groove, but wouldn't trade a good workout for our sweet baby.  There will be time for that later!

The round ligament pains hit me when I turn from side to side while sleeping and last night foot cramping debuted as I slept.  I've also experienced some mild cramping, which I attribute to Bunny's growing.  And of course there is the usual fatigue, which isn't terrible, but when it hits, it hits hard and fast!  Yet, there are also bursts of energy, which I love!  I'm also loving my Boppy, as it keeps the hip pain away!  Overall, I'm no different than anyone else and have the same little aches and pains of pregnancy and I'm happy to experience them and feel blessed to be in this moment.

I can hardly believe we have just 10 weeks to go!  As Dr. D. said yesterday, "welcome to the 4th quarter"!  The short length of time has me buzzing about making final preparations for little Bunny's nursery and readying the nest and tying up any and all loose ends.  Each day I have a Looong list of To Do's and my Hubby's "Honey Do" list is growing as well.

Bunny continues to be a wiggle worm and its amazing to feel all those little kicks, twists, bumps and kicks.  Occasionally, I will even catch a glimpse of a little hand or foot moving across my tummy!

Wrap Up

So that is about it for today from here.  I continue to pray for all of you and ask that you continue to pray for us.  I still experience those bouts of anxiety and don't think I will feel relieved until Little Bunny is safe in my arms.

Best Moment

Bunny's Daddy saying to me "You look beautiful wearing little Bunny"

The tummy kisses that Daddy gives Little Bunny each day before going to work, followed by the words "I love you".

Today's Quote:

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.  ~Anthony J. D'Angelo


Much Love and God Winks to All!
xxx

Joyful Heart Meets Heavy Heart & Other Ramblings

Hello Bloggie Friends!

Well, another week has come and gone and again I have no idea where the time has gone, as it continues to escape me.  Yet, I remain thankful for another week of goodness and another week of blessings.  This week has brought about much reflection for me...reflection on how precious LIFE is, how LIFE moves on whether we embrace it or not and just how much we often take for granted.  I'm reminded to celebrate "the little things".

Celebrate Friendship

When I think of friendship, my heart is SO FULL, as I have been blessed with some amazing friendships.  When my heart is joyful I have those beautiful friends to share with.  And when my heart is heavy, I too, have a wonderful support system of those who wrap me in their arms and offer that soft place to fall.  I am grateful, abundantly grateful.

One friendship that is near and dear to me is one that I formed with a sweet, sweet, person who has suffered miscarriage and infertility just as I have.  We met in a support group and forged a friendship.  Neither of us blogged a the time and then I started my blog and encouraged her to start one as well.  My friends name is Ann and I would greatly appreciate it if you would stop by her blog and say HELLO, offer her your love, support and encouragement and FOLLOW Ann's journey to bring home a baby.  CLICK HERE to send her some Blog Love.

Heavy Heart

How can it be that the heart can be so HEAVY, yet so FULL simultaneously?  It seems odd that the two can often ride in tandem doesn't it.  That the sun can shine and there can be rain at the same time.  I've experienced sunshine and LIFE's thunderstorm of the heart for many days now.  You see, my heart aches right now, as my hero, my friend Maria is preparing to leave us in preparation for Heaven.  She's been battling pancreatic cancer, with great tenacity and resilience I might add, for quite some time now.

I'm broken....My husband and I met Maria and her husband when we joined a local country club when we were first married 10 years ago.  Most of the members were much older than us, but we were welcomed with open arms by a group of 50+ men and women who overlooked age and took us in.  We became part of such a special circle and formed life long bonds that we treasure always.  I will always "treasure this friendship".

In talking with our "older friends" this week, I expressed my sadness, how my heart was broken and my unwillingness to accept Maria's leaving.  The older set consoled me by telling me that she is tired and ready and they have accepted her fate.  Perhaps age has prepared them for what I am not yet willing to embrace.  For me, I see a woman deserving of life here on Earth.  A life to enjoy with her husband, who she adores and her children and grandchildren who love their mother and grandmother.  And I'm reminded of just how unfair things can be sometimes.  I'm reminded that she will never get to see/know our baby and that troubles me, as she knows our struggles.  Yet, I "know" that God has her safely wrapped in his arms and I pray that he will provide my simple human mind with greater understanding.  I ask for your prayers.....

Joyful Heart 

On a happier note, tomorrow will mark week 28 and the beginning of the 3rd Trimester!  I can hardly believe how time is passing and I remain so GRATEFUL to God for this miracle.  I don't take it for granted, not one second, and vow to raise this child to know "His Grace".

Overall, I feel good, just some odd aches and pains along the way, but I gladly accept them as growing pains.  And I'm sad to report that reflux and heart burn have debuted, darn!  Zantac is my new nightly friend.  I continue to work on my issues with anxiety, which is ever present, but I try to focus on being FAITHFUL.  It makes all the difference :)  Little Bunny is growing for sure!  He/She is active and I can feel the symphony of movements.  My tummy continues to grow and is steadily pushing outward.  I have to admit that it's a bit odd seeing myself in this light, but I would not change anything about it...absolutely nothing!  Grow baby grow!  As for exercise, my precious friend Jo Jo continues to meet me each day to walk.  She spins and then meets me to walk...how sweet is that!  I'm walking at a slow pace, not nearly my normal run/walk pace, but I'm making strides and that is all that matters.

Thoughts of Little Bunny's gender fill my mind and we continue to refer to Bunny as a "he".  Not sure why, but we do.  However, we will be most grateful for a BOY Bunny or a GIRL Bunny.  I laughingly told a friend this week that maybe our next ultrasound will provide us a clue as to gender if we're lucky enough to see a clear view of his/her sweet face.  But, there will be no below the belt shots, as we've vowed to "wait and see" so stay tuned....

Nursery On My Mind 

I can hardly believe that I've made strides in planning Little Bunny's room.  It seems surreal that I could actually select and order a crib and go forward with designing drapery and bedding, etc...  I'll admit, it's not always easy, but I'm moving forward and trying to live in the now. 

Venetian Crib by Bratt Decor

Yesterday, Bunny's Daddy painted his/her room.  When we woke up yesterday my Hubby said "It's cold and the golf course is closed....this would be a good day to paint Little Bunny's room".  I told him that I needed to decide on a paint color and made myself crazy evaluating little 2 inch squares of paint samples to select the perfect color.  Did you know there are 1 million, 300 billion colors of cream?  Seriously, how can I select paint for a client in 10 minutes and agonize of a shade of cream?  But, I did!  Navajo White has never looked more wonderful.  I commented that I loved it and Hubby's response was that I better, as he wasn't doing it again :)  Ummm, once I had him re-paint a room 2 times!  Designers are known for "tweaking" things every now and then.  LOL

Painting Begins!

Before

After

Antique chest to be painted and faux finished.  It's been rumored that its a sin to paint a mahogany chest.  Yep!  Unless you're a designer!  And if that designer is "moi" then my motto is this...some rules are just made to be broken ;)

Daddy's rewarding himself with some vino tonight for his painting efforts!  And Mommy, she gets a little Belly Bar treat!

What's Cooking

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Photo courtesy of the Food Network

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Ingredients:

2 (15oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drains

1 (17oz) can whole kernel corn, drained

2 Large tomatoes, seeded and chopped (I use Roma tomatoes)

1 Large avocado, peeled and chopped

1 purple onion, chopped

1/8 to 1/4 c. fresh chopped cilantro

3 to 4 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Cover and chill for several hours so flavors can blend.  Serve with tortilla chips.  Makes 6 cups.

*Side note:  I add more red wine vinegar to taste.  Also, this salsa is yummy in a whole grain wrap heated or not with a dollop of sour creme and topped with cheese.  Great low calorie snack or lunch.

Random Thoughts:

Casual Rudeness...this week I took notice of just how many people practice "casual rudeness".  It annoys me!  It only takes a second to be nice to someone.

This is "My Space"...do you ever encounter people who want to encroach on your "personal space"?  People who want to talk "in your face"?  Or those who keep pushing closer to you in the check out line?  Talk about a personal pet peeve of mine!  Reminds me of a Seinfeld episode...."this is my space, this is your space"  LOL

Discoveries of the week:  Sunsweet Apricots!  I'm loving them!

My new Cuddle Boppy!  This is the smaller version of the Body Boppy pregnancy pillow.  I love this pillow, its just what the pain in my hips ordered.  I tried the Body Boppy first, but for me it was like wrestling an alligator in bed!  A queen bed just was not big enough for the 3 of us and an alligator!!!

Cuddle Boppy Pillow

Upcoming Weekend Adventures:  I'm excited that we will be heading to Nashville, TN this weekend for the Nashville Antiques and Garden Show!  It's such a fun weekend and I love the city of Nashville.  Our friends A&C are going with us and I can't wait.  I see shopping, great food and lots of laughs in our future!

Best Advice of the Week:  When someone hurts you, insults you, or betrays you....offer love.  Even when you want to lash out, offer love.  Love through the storm.  This came to me at a time when I needed it, as someone had disappointed me.  Thanks Joel Osteen!

Best Moment(s) of the Week:  (1)  Prayer and walks with God.  (1)  A talk that I had with my mother. (1) Feeling Little Bunny's movement and seeing his/her growth. 

Today's Quote: 

"The more we express our gratitude to God for our blessings, the more he will bring to our mind other blessings. The more we are aware of to be grateful for, the happier we become."
- Ezra Taft Benson

Have a wonderful week sweetest Bloggie Friends!  Please keep my friend Maria and her family in your prayers, as she is now in hospice care and the sunset of life draws near.  Love and Prayers and GOD WINK's to all ;)

xxx