Trust: Our Fertility Story

First of all, thank you SO much for your kind, thoughtful comments that you've left or emailed regarding our pregnancy announcement.   I was so touched by your responses.

As promised, I am going to share our journey.  So if you wanted details - here they are.

My husband and I started trying for our third child almost 2 years ago.  I took almost a year to get pregnant with Rex, but only half a year with Baden.  I kind of thought it would happen faster this time around.  I was wrong.

After a year of trying I asked my doctor about it and he recommended doing some blood work to make sure I was really ovulating, etc.  That turned out fine, so they recommended seeing a fertility doctor from there on out.

For some reason, it took me a few months to make that call.  It was the unknown.  I didn't know about the tests or the costs and I was nervous to head down that road.  

We did finally call and started some tests.  The tests were expensive and not fun, but we really wanted to figure out what was going on.  We did figure out what was wrong, but because it isn't just my personal information I won't be sharing all the details here.  I'm sorry.  

We scheduled a meeting with our new doctor and he explained what was going on.  It was a lot worse than I thought.  He said on a scale of 1-100, our chances of getting pregnant were about a 4.  As he explained everything I was trying so hard not to cry.  Since we already had 2 children I didn't think our chances could be so poor.  I was a bit shocked.  After the consultation I broke down in the parking lot.

[Source]

The doctor said we could do an IUI (artificial insemination) even though our chances were pretty low.  Since we had conceived before he thought it was worth a shot.  So we did.  The day I went in for it, the nurse gave us more bad news.  There was one more test result that had come back and it wasn't good either.  She explained that the IUI was probably not worth it, but she let me choose.  I was already there and had planned on it so I suggested we still try it.  We had already spent so much money on all the testing that I figured a little more on this try didn't really matter.

CHRISTmas in review

If you've followed my blog for a long time, you probably remember that every year we have a week of ideas to help celebrate CHRISTmas.  The idea is to help us remember the true reason for the season.  I didn't get a chance to set up the series this year.  (I'm still really struggling with this whole morning sickness.)  However, I wanted to do a quick round up of the ideas shared over the last two years.

Just click the titles to take you to the original posts.  There are lots of ideas to help make this season really meaningful.

Advent Ornaments

Christmas Pure and Simple Sign

Christmas Journal

Refashionista Day 10 - with Ruffles and Stuff

Today is the last day of our Refashionista event!  While that makes me a little sad, I'm super happy that we have Disney from Ruffles and Stuff here today.  (Warning: I may gush a bit here.)  You see, if I had  to pick one blog that I would say inspired me to start a blog, it would be Disney's.  When I found her blog I was drawn in by her practical ideas, her dreamy photos, and her genuine personality.  I just absolutely love her.  I seriously wish I could meet her.  Okay.  Enough gushing.  Welcome Disney!

Hello everyone!

I'm so honored to be Cheri's guest again for Refashionista. This is one of my favorite blogging events, I just love being inspired by everyone's transformations! And since I'm not a pattern-sewer for the most part, refashioning is definitely one of my favorite ways to sew.

Today I want to share the way I transformed this lovely peach colored vintage blouse that I recently picked up a thrift store. I loved the color and fabric, but the sleeves were too short and it was pretty shapeless.

I love the peplum trend that we've been seeing everywhere, and I also love the color block trend, so I thought, "why not bring them together?" And here it is! The color block peplum refashion.

For another fun option (in case you're not into too many trends at once) I made a polka dot version for my little partner in crime, Paige. (Oh, wait, polka dots are trendy right now, too. Sorry.) I love the way it turned out! And the way it looks like it came from the same fabric.

Refashionista Day 9 - with The Cottage Home

Today we have Lindsay from the Cottage Home.  Lindsay really does live in an awesome cottage.  She is very talented at not only sewing, but making patterns as well.  If you haven't seen her patterns you must take a quick detour HERE and then come back.  The girl has mad skills.  She also cooks with the best of them and often posts mouth-watering recipes.  Welcome Lindsay!

Hi, my name is Lindsay Wilkes from The Cottage Home blog. It's been a little while since I've done an upcycling project, so I'm glad Cheri gave me the push that I needed and invited me here today! Typically I sew lots of girly clothing, but since I do have a one year old baby boy, I thought this refashionista should be all about the boy.

Black Friday Silhouette Deal

Today I have a sweet Silhouette promo for you.  The Black Friday promos are always the best prices.  But, before I give you the pricing, let me introduce you to the newest member of the Silhouette family.  

This is the "Portrait."  What's the difference, you ask?  Well, basically put, they shrunk the machine and the price.  It has an 8" cutting width and it's only 3 pounds.  It's still wide enough to cut everything I've ever used my machine to cut, but it's more portable and the price is lower as well.  Sweet, huh?

Here's a quick shot of the size difference.

So, here are a couple of Christmas projects you could make with it.  (Click on the picture to find out more about each project.)

And here's the Black Friday pricing.

If you want to stock up on supplies as well, my current favorites are the printable white sticker paper and the printable gold and silver foil.  

Just go HERE and use the code "ROAR" to get these prices.  

The code will work from today until November 30th.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!  We're off eating turkey today, but here's our traditional yearly video of what the boys are thankful for.  You can see 2010 HERE and 2011 HERE.  The first year was my favorite.  It's so fun to see how much the boys have grown.

Sidenote: We'll have a couple more Refashionista posts next week and a screaming Silhouette promo tomorrow.

Thanks for dropping in.  Hope you have a wonderful day!

Refashionista Day 8 - with A Little Gray

Today we have Jessica from A Little Gray with us.  Jessica totally impressed me when I saw her compete on Project Run and Play - especially when I saw THIS skirt and THESE pants.  She also happens to be a skilled QUILTER.  Welcome Jessica!  

When I think refashion, I think shortcuts. I like upcycling projects that are quick, simple, and use the existing features of clothing to cut corners on a new creation. And I really like refashioning with knits. Cozy as can be, and we all have old shirts and sweaters lying around. 

So today I'm going to show you how to make this super easy circle scarf for kids. My 18 month old Elsie looked like a layered up fashionista in hers as we took a fall walk around the neighborhood, and the best part was that it didn't fall off or get ripped off- she loved it!

Refashionista Day 7 - with No Big Dill

Today we have Katy from No Big Dill as our guest, which makes us very, very lucky.  Katy floors me pretty much every time I click onto her blog.  Her sewing skills and her inherent artistic ability make her blog so fun to follow.  To add to that, her photos are incredible and so are her subjects - 5 daughters and 1 son.  I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I would LOVE to see Katy on Project Runway.  Welcome Katy!

I love when an article of clothing has a story.  Refashions are more apt to have a story than something made from a cut of fabric off a bolt.  This one starts a few months ago.  I got a call from Ryan's brother.  I never get a call from him.  Ever.  Ryan's dad had somewhat unexpectedly passed away and I needed to let Ryan and the children know.  They were all heartbroken.  We immediately made plans to fly in for the funeral.  While we were there, we put the kids to bed and gathered as adults in Papa Thom's room, going through his boxes of collected items, drawers of miscellany, and closet of clothes.  I sat back and watched as his boys reminisced about old cards they made and how shocked they were that he saved them.  They laughed at the styles of clothes, and wondered about some never seen before treasures uncovered.  It was beautiful to witness.  He was a smaller man than all three of his sons, so many of the clothes were put in the giveaway pile.  As this sweater was pulled out, I asked if I could have it.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, but somehow, it needed to come home with us.  I loved the heaviness and quality, I knew something else was in store for it.

We got home and as I was unpacking, I pulled it out and wondered what in the world I was thinking, to bring it home.  I didn't have any plans for it, but, I wasn't ready to part with it quite yet, so I put it in with my fabric.  I always have a hard time refashioning articles of clothing because I feel so restricted with what I can do, but it's a good exercise in being creative, and I was so please with how this came out, even if it was different than what I had planned.

Refashionista Day 6 - with Kojo Designs

Today our special guest is Kristin from Kojo Designs.  She blogs there with her sister.  Between the two of them they sew, cook, and throw a mean party.  Their parties should really be in magazines.  I got to meet Kristin at Snap and she had the kindest, warmest personality plus the best smile ever.  Welcome Kristin!

Hi there I Am Momma, Hear Me Roar friends! I'm Kirstin, half of the sister team that blogs over at kojodesigns, and I'm thrilled to be here today. I adore Cheri, love this blog, and love refashioning in general.

   

I love the Refashionista series- every year, the contributions are so fabulously inspiring. Even more, I love the idea of taking something that is no longer being used and breathing new life into it. I have a (small) pile of cashmere sweaters that I've been holding onto, just waiting to be refashioned. I also love sweater dresses on little girls. Match made in heaven, no?

Guest Posting....

I am over at Skip to my Lou guest posting today for the Holiday Bake Craft Sew Along.

   

 I get to treat you to a SEW Amazing giveaway as part of our crafty series.

This is one AMAZING giveaway!

We are giving away a fabulous Prize Package worth more than $700!

One lucky winner will receive...

• Singer ONE Sewing Machine this is Singer's easiest sewing machine! True to SINGER, it is easy to learn on, simple and has basic stitches for crafts. The perfect machine for stitching home made goods or something fun this holiday season!
• Simplicity SideWinder Quickly and easily fill bobbins without having to un-thread and re-thread your sewing machine. The SideWinder transfers thread from spool to bobbin effortlessly and quickly; works with most bobbins, metal or plastic. An adjustable tension knob accommodates different thicknesses of thread! So cool!
• Simplicity Bias Tape Maker This Simplicity Bias Tape Maker will Create customized single fold bias tape with the push of a button!
• and so you have something beautiful to sew, $100.00 of fabric from Riley Blake!

Simply wait for RaffleCopter to load and enter there! Be sure to check out all the fabulous sewing projects shared this month for this Holiday Bake Craft Sew series going on all month long!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunshine Sunday - my husband, Saturdays, and Wienerschnitzel

My husband has been pulling a whole lot of weight lately and I'm so thankful for him.  He works long hours and then comes home to a crazy home out of order and an often unshowered wife.  Then he starts picking up all the pieces.  I've done my fair share of whining about this morning sickness, but he hasn't really complained at all.

Both boys love Saturdays because they have daddy around all day.  Me too.  The longer we're married, the more he continues to impress me.  I am really lucky.

On a random note, sometimes when we go out as a family we'll head to Wienerschnitzel.  It's not a place I ever remember going as a kid, but our boys love it.  The place is usually empty, so we let the boys express themselves as they please.  So, here is their "Ode to Wienerschnitzel."  Pretty sure it'll give you a laugh.

Thanks for stopping by.

Refashionista Day 5 - with Welcome to the Good Life

Today we have a refashion that will leave your jaw on the floor.  Sarah from Welcome To The Good Life is here.  I noticed Sarah's blog a couple of years ago when I was linking up with a lot of parties.  I would look through the links and be amazed by a refashion and it would be her's every time.  Sarah is drop dead gorgeous and super talented.  One thing I love about her blog is her honest attitude about life and motherhood.  Welcome Sarah!

Hello, I'm momma readers! I'm excited to be a part of this inspiring blog today. I'll be sharing a refashion project with you where I'll turn a thrift find dress into an origami peplum dress.  Hopefully after seeing my tutorial, you'll be inspired as well!

Here is the before/after picture:

I purchased this dress at a thrift store for $4.  At first glance I cringed a bit, but I saw the potential with the beautiful neon green/yellow color and the polka dot fabric, so I brought it home with a goal to make it not cringe-worthy.

Refashionista Day 4 - with Feather's Flights

Today we have another great guest in the house.  Heather from Feather's Flights is here to share a fun refashion for all you superhero-loving people.  Heather has some really cool sewing tutorials on her blog.  Her baby onesie cardigan is adorable and I will definitely be making some baby shortalls from her tutorial when this baby comes.  Welcome Heather!

I love making boys clothes. Especially when it's something both mom and boy love. Well I came across this Batman sweatshirt and loved the simplicity of it. I knew it could easily be replicated by attaching a hood to a sweatshirt or shirt, so I came up with a hood pattern.

 Make a sweatshirt with a subtle Batman hood, and attach the mask when your son wants to be Batman!

Refashionista Day 3 - with me

Today it's my turn to refashion something.  It was two years ago that I created the Upcycled T-shirt Dress and since it's been such a hit, I thought I'd try and create a variation on it.  So, I kind of merged the Upcycled T-shirt Dress with my Simple Summer Skirt to come up with this Upcycled T-shirt Skirt.

So here's a how-to if you'd like to make your own.  I gathered some t-shirts in colors and prints I liked.

I cut 3 strips of each color.  The strips were 3" wide and 9" long.  (This skirt is about a 2T, so you can  adjust accordingly.)

Refashionista Day 2 - With Running With Scissors

Today we have an amazingly talented girl who can sew anything.  Jessica from Running With Scissors is here.  You may have seen her dino tails or her maxi dress from a vintage sheet around blogland, but she's got a billion more incredible projects on her blog.  Welcome Jessica!

I'm thrilled to be part of Cheri's refashion series! I love re-purposing and this was a good excuse to look through our goodwill pile for something that needed a second life.

I decided to use my husband's chambray dress shirt and ended up making pants for our daughter.

Refashionista Day 1 - With Delia Creates

It's time for our Refashionista series!  This is my favorite series on my blog.  I think you'll love all the projects and bloggers we've got lined up.  Today we have Delia from Delia Creates.  Man, I love that girl.  Her photos, her abilities, and her heart make her blog a must-follow.  Welcome Delia.

Hi I am Momma fans! I'm Delia from Delia Creates.

I absolutely adore Cheri! She is such a, generous, talented and inspiring person. I love reading her blog so it's a pleasure to be her guest today!

Refashioning old clothing is one of my favorite things to sew. Not only is it environmentally responsible, it's also usually financially responsible (except in my case because I'm becoming a bit of a sweater/t-shirt hoarder). :)

Another reason I like to use thrifted clothing as "fabric" is that it is made of material I likely cannot find by the bolt. It can be a little more unique and polished looking, thus making my finished item also unique and polished.

I got to put my refashioning skills to the test quite a bit, recently, when I competed in Project Run & Play. For the first week's challenge I made a cute little baby cardigan. Today, I'm going to share the tutorial.

I also shared a cardigan tutorial last year. Feel free to call me cardigan obsessed. I won't protest. :)

Sunshine Sunday - shakes, art, and a fire

First of all, thank you SO, SO, SO much for your kind comments on Friday's post.  It's so nice to have that announcement out there and it made me so happy to read all your comments throughout the day.  It made feeling really sick a lot more bearable.  

While we haven't left the house a whole lot, I did take the kids to McDonald's the other day.  They've been troopers about being stuck at home so often.  One of the workers brought us a shake that was made my accident.  The boys were thrilled, so we got out three straws and had a party.  After a couple of sips Rex turned to me and said, "This is the life."  

Rex has seen me photograph is art, since we can't keep it all.  He decided to start doing that himself.  He had this giant witch (like almost as tall as me) that they made at school.  Since he couldn't get it all in one frame I have about 20 pictures of its different body parts on my phone now.  He cracks me up.

We've had SO much snow in the last two days and we've been home enjoying a fire.  We got well over a foot and it makes me happy to see it, but be inside staying warm.

The morning sickness never lets up, but I feel like I'm handling it a little better now that I'm really used to it.  It's the perfect challenge for someone who doesn't like to ask for help and who prides herself on getting a lot done in a day.  I'm learning.

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend.  Tomorrow starts Refashionista here!  I'm thrilled.  So even though I haven't been posting quite as much, you'll have 2 full weeks of awesome refashions to watch from some of my favorite bloggers.  I can't wait!

Thanks for stopping by.

What's Really Going On Here....

So you might have noticed that things have been slowing down here a little.  And I feel that as friends, I should tell you why.  You see, I've been letting a whole lot of things fall through the cracks around here.  Here's the holding-back-nothing truth.

My house looks like a bomb went off.  And then another bomb.

My kids have eaten more Lunchables in the last month than any child ever should.

I have returned very few emails.

My laundry is a mess I just can't keep up with.

I leave the house very rarely and when I do you'd probably catch me with an unfriendly look on my face.

Now, you're probably thinking, "Dude, what's your problem?"  And it actually isn't a problem.  Now you're thinking I'm in denial.  Ha!  It's all actually a blessing....which I'm trying to remind myself.  Because something I have wanted for a very, very long time has finally happened for us.

We are pregnant.

(Baden has recently taken up pretending that he is, too.)

Many of you probably know that we've been trying for what felt like a very long time.  And so many of you shared your touching and challenging experiences with me, which was so kind and helpful.  I'll give you the whole fertility story soon, if you want details.

But in case you come here and wonder why I'm not posting everyday, that's why.  I've been really sick for over a month now.  I'm a little past 9 weeks, which is kind of early to be telling, but I'm not good with secrets when they're mine.  And that's the story.

Thanks for hanging with me.