Jason and I had our first prenatal appointment today. I didn't know what to expect, so I was kind of nervous. We were called into an exam room with ultrasound equipment and the nurse explained to us what was going to happen. A camera captured the baby's location. The image on the screen was so weird. We saw a little sac that was black and in the center of it was a white blob. The nurse explained to us that the black sac-like area is the placenta and the white blob is the baby. The cool thing was when we saw the heart beating!!! It looked like a flickering light. Way cool. The heart beat was 129 which we were told is very good at this stage of the pregnancy. The baby's heart beat is expected to be above 100. The baby is 6.7 mm long and is 6 weeks and 4 days old.
Our due date is November 8th. I'm hoping for a Halloween baby! Just think - costume parties for a birthday every year!!! We are so excited and feel very blessed. My next visit is in four weeks so I'll have another update!
Oh, one more thing.....I've been CRAVING chocolate milk like a mad woman. I never believed women who told me about their cravings. I thought, "yeah right". It's so true and it's terrible. I rarely drank chocolate milk. I can probably count the number of times in one year on one hand. The doctor yelled at me. He said to "limit the chocolate milk consumption". He said that drinking too much of it will cause me to gain unneccesary weight. Fiiiiiinnnnneeee.
Much more to come. Hooray for baby Stark :)
Monday, March 19, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
SHHHH! Don't Tell Anyone....
Well, it's been about 6 weeks since I've blogged and I figured tonight is a good night to start again.
Jason and I are happy to announce that we're expecting our first child this fall. We don't know the due date yet since our first prenatal appointment isn't until Monday so....DON'T SAY ANYTHING TO OUR FAMILIES!!! LAURA THAT MEANS YOU!! LOL
I knew something was up because I've fallen asleep before 9pm every night for the past 2 weeks. Plus I've had this gag reflex for about a week. Let's not forget the sore nips whenever the stream of water in the shower hits. That friggin' hurts.
Sorry we can't give more information but we're still in shock ourselves. I promise, promise, promise that I'll blog more often now and fill you in on what's going on.
Erika and Heather - start sending the books whenever you're ready :) Not to mention book a damn trip out here. Geez, what's it gonna take......a pregnancy?! He, he, he.
Hugs and kisses to everyone.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The Long Awaited Update
Yes, it has been a while and a lot has happened since my last post. I'm warning you now - this is going to be long.
November: Ever since I got back from Tech I was really 'down in the dumps'. I don't know what it was, but nothing excited me nor interested me. I was just blah. Then I began to notice that my work clothes were getting tight. That seemed really strange to me since I've been the same size for about 7 years. So what would be my natural response??? GO TO THE GYM. And that's what I did. Spent Thanksgiving with my family this year (Jason and I alternate families to be fair). All was alright...or so I thought.
December: All the working out I was doing - about 5 weeks worth at this point and no change. Not even ONE POUND. Plus I started skipping periods *again* and I started to worry. I called my gynnie and scheduled an appointment for an exam and to voice my concerns about the irregular cycles, weight gain and the blah-ness I've been feeling. When I told my gynnie everything he sent me to have my blood drawn for a 'hormone check'. Then he prescribed Provera and Clomid (50mg) and told me to see him in 5 weeks. I was kind of in shock and didn't even think about what the meds were for or what they treated, etc. Christmas was really nice although I did want some snow. It was brown and gross and, well, blah.
January:At the beginning of the year I checked in with my gynnie and the first thing I noticed was his attitude. When he walked into the exam room, I tried to be jovial by asking, "What's up doc?" and his response was, "Well, not your hormone level" and he hands me a piece of paper (my blood work results). Doesn't explain the numbers to me at all. That pissed me off so I said to him, "I'm an engineer not a doctor so please explain these numbers to me". He proceeds to tell me that I have hypothyroidism and my hormone levels are at a premenopausal woman - i.e. zero ovulation. GREAT. He started his shpeel about how the thyroid controls hormone levels which control metabolism, mood, energy, etc. My underactive thyroid is to blame (for the most part) for my bitchiness, weight gain and wacked out periods. Prescribes more Provera and Clomid (150mg) then adds Synthroid 100mcg and Glucophage. By this time he makes some really rude and unnecessary comments to me, which I don't feel like repeating. The Glucophage freaked me out because my diabetic grandmother took that for insulin control. I asked him if I was diabetic and he said no, but he wanted to make sure I didn't become it. Through all of this, I had a really nice birthday.
January 30, 2007:I've educated myself on Provera, Clomid, Synthroid and Glucophage. Because of my condition, I've accepted the fact that I'll take Synthroid until the day I die. Glucophage was a 90-day script and done. I will not be taking Provera again. Now for the Clomid. Depending upon the source, I get similar and differing information. The risks are mild but, if the pill is taken for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The more I read, then more things become clear. I just get this awful feeling that my gynnie is taking the wrong treatment path. He sees money in pregnacies, deliveries and babies. He is prescribing Clomid so that I will become pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I want to have babies. However, I want to take things one at a time. I feel strongly about properly treating the hypothyroidism and once that is in check, ovulation and pregnancy will soon follow. I don't want to put the buggy before the horse. In a lot of the literature I've read about hypothyroidism, if left untreated or not treated properly, it can lead to miscarriages, very difficult pregnacies and mental retardation in babies. That's scary. Because of how serious hypothyroidism affects babies, every newborn is tested. What's even scarier is that hypothyroidism is genetic and favors women. I found out that my grandma (not the diabetic one because she's passed away) has hypothyroidism. I would put money on it that if my mom had lived long enough, she would have started seeing symptoms of the disease, too. Now that I'm informed, and if I ever have a daughter, I will be able to pass that information on.
So, that is my last 90 days in a nutshell. I have to be honest, since I've been taking Synthroid I've lost weight, felt a million times happier and more energetic. I feel like being social again. It has been a God-send. I'm just really thankful that I now know why I was in a funk and how to treat it. HOORAY
November: Ever since I got back from Tech I was really 'down in the dumps'. I don't know what it was, but nothing excited me nor interested me. I was just blah. Then I began to notice that my work clothes were getting tight. That seemed really strange to me since I've been the same size for about 7 years. So what would be my natural response??? GO TO THE GYM. And that's what I did. Spent Thanksgiving with my family this year (Jason and I alternate families to be fair). All was alright...or so I thought.
December: All the working out I was doing - about 5 weeks worth at this point and no change. Not even ONE POUND. Plus I started skipping periods *again* and I started to worry. I called my gynnie and scheduled an appointment for an exam and to voice my concerns about the irregular cycles, weight gain and the blah-ness I've been feeling. When I told my gynnie everything he sent me to have my blood drawn for a 'hormone check'. Then he prescribed Provera and Clomid (50mg) and told me to see him in 5 weeks. I was kind of in shock and didn't even think about what the meds were for or what they treated, etc. Christmas was really nice although I did want some snow. It was brown and gross and, well, blah.
January:At the beginning of the year I checked in with my gynnie and the first thing I noticed was his attitude. When he walked into the exam room, I tried to be jovial by asking, "What's up doc?" and his response was, "Well, not your hormone level" and he hands me a piece of paper (my blood work results). Doesn't explain the numbers to me at all. That pissed me off so I said to him, "I'm an engineer not a doctor so please explain these numbers to me". He proceeds to tell me that I have hypothyroidism and my hormone levels are at a premenopausal woman - i.e. zero ovulation. GREAT. He started his shpeel about how the thyroid controls hormone levels which control metabolism, mood, energy, etc. My underactive thyroid is to blame (for the most part) for my bitchiness, weight gain and wacked out periods. Prescribes more Provera and Clomid (150mg) then adds Synthroid 100mcg and Glucophage. By this time he makes some really rude and unnecessary comments to me, which I don't feel like repeating. The Glucophage freaked me out because my diabetic grandmother took that for insulin control. I asked him if I was diabetic and he said no, but he wanted to make sure I didn't become it. Through all of this, I had a really nice birthday.
January 30, 2007:I've educated myself on Provera, Clomid, Synthroid and Glucophage. Because of my condition, I've accepted the fact that I'll take Synthroid until the day I die. Glucophage was a 90-day script and done. I will not be taking Provera again. Now for the Clomid. Depending upon the source, I get similar and differing information. The risks are mild but, if the pill is taken for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The more I read, then more things become clear. I just get this awful feeling that my gynnie is taking the wrong treatment path. He sees money in pregnacies, deliveries and babies. He is prescribing Clomid so that I will become pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I want to have babies. However, I want to take things one at a time. I feel strongly about properly treating the hypothyroidism and once that is in check, ovulation and pregnancy will soon follow. I don't want to put the buggy before the horse. In a lot of the literature I've read about hypothyroidism, if left untreated or not treated properly, it can lead to miscarriages, very difficult pregnacies and mental retardation in babies. That's scary. Because of how serious hypothyroidism affects babies, every newborn is tested. What's even scarier is that hypothyroidism is genetic and favors women. I found out that my grandma (not the diabetic one because she's passed away) has hypothyroidism. I would put money on it that if my mom had lived long enough, she would have started seeing symptoms of the disease, too. Now that I'm informed, and if I ever have a daughter, I will be able to pass that information on.
So, that is my last 90 days in a nutshell. I have to be honest, since I've been taking Synthroid I've lost weight, felt a million times happier and more energetic. I feel like being social again. It has been a God-send. I'm just really thankful that I now know why I was in a funk and how to treat it. HOORAY
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Recruiting the Youth of America, Part Deux
New front elevation of the library:
Bridge that connects library and Fisher (note: I was told that the bridge is closed during the winter because the engineering firm didn't take the load from the snow into account. I *really* hope that's not true):
I had a great time and I wish I was able to stay longer. Can't wait 'til next year!!
Bridge that connects library and Fisher (note: I was told that the bridge is closed during the winter because the engineering firm didn't take the load from the snow into account. I *really* hope that's not true):
I had a great time and I wish I was able to stay longer. Can't wait 'til next year!!
Recruiting the Youth of America
Last week, I (and 12 others)represented Ford at Career Day on campus. Words can not describe how much I wish I could stay at Tech forever. The people, the surroundings and slow-paced, simple lifstyle are what make it so wonderful. I interviewed 8 candidates for summer intern & co-op positions; 4 made it to the next round of interviews. If things go as planned, a summer intern and a co-op will be hired by the spring.
I made a very important observation last week. Either the fishbowls got a hell of a lot smaller or the amount of alcohol has decreased. Point being - I drank 3 fishbowls and 5 Captain & Cokes. I'M STILL LIVING TO TELL ABOUT IT!!!! If I drank 2 while I was in school, I was piss ass drunk and guaranteed booting all over the place. Nope. Not this time. Yes, I was tipsy but I felt good the next morning. A little dusty but not even a headache. That's scary......Below are some pics:
Ripley - Still beautiful as ever
Homecoming was last weekend. How did I know??? Well, it was easy to tell when I saw this:
Our letters look funky:
If anyone can guess what this is a picture of, then you're good:
I made a very important observation last week. Either the fishbowls got a hell of a lot smaller or the amount of alcohol has decreased. Point being - I drank 3 fishbowls and 5 Captain & Cokes. I'M STILL LIVING TO TELL ABOUT IT!!!! If I drank 2 while I was in school, I was piss ass drunk and guaranteed booting all over the place. Nope. Not this time. Yes, I was tipsy but I felt good the next morning. A little dusty but not even a headache. That's scary......Below are some pics:
Ripley - Still beautiful as ever
Homecoming was last weekend. How did I know??? Well, it was easy to tell when I saw this:
Our letters look funky:
If anyone can guess what this is a picture of, then you're good:
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
On a happier note.....
....I'm leaving for Tech on Sunday morning for Career Day. I am one of 13 members of the recruiting team representing Ford Motor Company. YIPPPEEE
Who's going up?!
The company is giving me a car to drive for the week - either a Mustang Shelby (I will pee my pants) or a Ford Edge (our new crossover vehicle coming out in November). If I had to bet, I'd say I'm getting the Edge. I don't care which vehicle I get...I'm going to Tech, baby!!
I should arrive around 5pm on Sunday. Ford Night is at 6pm that evening. The team plans on meeting for breakfast at Suomi Restaurant (I love their sweet bread). I present to a junior-level class later that morning and then that night we are to set up the display. Tuesday is Career Day, so I'll be speaking to students from 9am - 4pm. The team will meet for dinner that night at North Shore (is it new, I've never heard of the place????). Wednesday and Thursday are interview days. Yuck. Ford's interview process sucks the big one. Very rigid. Oh well.....hopefully I'll be able to hit Quarters on Thursday night. TROUBLE!! Ugly things happen when you can get a tray of beer (13 of them) for $2.25.....Too bad JD's Boathouse no longer exists. I'd stay one additional night for pitchers. I CAN'T WAIT! Especially after the wonderful night I had w/ my fabulous husband (see previous post). I need some time in Houghton to regain some perspective. I'll be sure to post some pictures when I get back. The colors are supposed to peak next week. I love the fall season.
Who's going up?!
The company is giving me a car to drive for the week - either a Mustang Shelby (I will pee my pants) or a Ford Edge (our new crossover vehicle coming out in November). If I had to bet, I'd say I'm getting the Edge. I don't care which vehicle I get...I'm going to Tech, baby!!
I should arrive around 5pm on Sunday. Ford Night is at 6pm that evening. The team plans on meeting for breakfast at Suomi Restaurant (I love their sweet bread). I present to a junior-level class later that morning and then that night we are to set up the display. Tuesday is Career Day, so I'll be speaking to students from 9am - 4pm. The team will meet for dinner that night at North Shore (is it new, I've never heard of the place????). Wednesday and Thursday are interview days. Yuck. Ford's interview process sucks the big one. Very rigid. Oh well.....hopefully I'll be able to hit Quarters on Thursday night. TROUBLE!! Ugly things happen when you can get a tray of beer (13 of them) for $2.25.....Too bad JD's Boathouse no longer exists. I'd stay one additional night for pitchers. I CAN'T WAIT! Especially after the wonderful night I had w/ my fabulous husband (see previous post). I need some time in Houghton to regain some perspective. I'll be sure to post some pictures when I get back. The colors are supposed to peak next week. I love the fall season.
Dennis Leary is Correct
Asshole. Unfortunately, on my husband's birthday, that is the only word I can think of when I look at him tonight.
Remember that kick ass snowmobile I bought him a month ago (well 50% of it anyway - we still owe the remaining 50%)? Well, he seems to have forgotten the "grateful" part of that deal. The downhill slide started with this comment:
"Jason, the snowmobile payment is due on the 13th. Don't forget to take money out of your ING account to pay for it." Before I knew it, we were in a huge arguement about money. Now, there is NO REASON for us to be arguing about money. Our combined income is well beyond what we need to survive. Somehow the conversation got turned around on why I have a 2K credit card balance. My explanation (albeit not a good reason) - if I didn't save 4k for the stupid ass snowmobile, I wouldn't have a credit card balance. I can't save money for the snowmobile AND pay off my credit card in the same month. I don't make that much money. So, I chose to save for the snowmobile last month and pay off my credit card this month. I didn't think it was that big of a deal. Wow, wrong answer. All of a sudden I was supposedly insinuating that it wasn't alright for him to spend money, but it was alright for me to. Where did that come from?
Comments like "why did you charge your plane ticket to NYC?" and "why did you spend $300 on clothes?" were directed at me. Response #1: well, it's basically the only way to purchase a plane ticket these days - plus I used my DEBIT card NOT my CREDIT card....try again asshole. Response #2: I hate shopping. I shop for myself MAYBE twice a year. I went to the mall one day and bought 4 outfits for work (not even casual or bar clothes) and a necklace to go w/ one of the outfits. Sorry, but there is a dress code at work. The last time I went shopping for myself was when I went to Minneapolis last summer/fall before Heather Kentala had Carter. Thank you very much.
Now I'm ready to torch the fucking snowmobile and be done with it. NEVER again will I sacrifice to do something that I know will make him happy. I'm pissed.
Remember that kick ass snowmobile I bought him a month ago (well 50% of it anyway - we still owe the remaining 50%)? Well, he seems to have forgotten the "grateful" part of that deal. The downhill slide started with this comment:
"Jason, the snowmobile payment is due on the 13th. Don't forget to take money out of your ING account to pay for it." Before I knew it, we were in a huge arguement about money. Now, there is NO REASON for us to be arguing about money. Our combined income is well beyond what we need to survive. Somehow the conversation got turned around on why I have a 2K credit card balance. My explanation (albeit not a good reason) - if I didn't save 4k for the stupid ass snowmobile, I wouldn't have a credit card balance. I can't save money for the snowmobile AND pay off my credit card in the same month. I don't make that much money. So, I chose to save for the snowmobile last month and pay off my credit card this month. I didn't think it was that big of a deal. Wow, wrong answer. All of a sudden I was supposedly insinuating that it wasn't alright for him to spend money, but it was alright for me to. Where did that come from?
Comments like "why did you charge your plane ticket to NYC?" and "why did you spend $300 on clothes?" were directed at me. Response #1: well, it's basically the only way to purchase a plane ticket these days - plus I used my DEBIT card NOT my CREDIT card....try again asshole. Response #2: I hate shopping. I shop for myself MAYBE twice a year. I went to the mall one day and bought 4 outfits for work (not even casual or bar clothes) and a necklace to go w/ one of the outfits. Sorry, but there is a dress code at work. The last time I went shopping for myself was when I went to Minneapolis last summer/fall before Heather Kentala had Carter. Thank you very much.
Now I'm ready to torch the fucking snowmobile and be done with it. NEVER again will I sacrifice to do something that I know will make him happy. I'm pissed.
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