tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31764233500573051222024-03-20T02:57:24.604-04:00Mom & Then SomeReflections of a STAY-AT-HOME Catholic, sports fanatic, pro-life activist, intermittently-avid fitness buff, political junkie, MOM...and then some. None of which I stay home for.Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.comBlogger244125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-81156275166026891122014-02-22T13:59:00.001-05:002014-02-22T13:59:52.138-05:00ViceJealousy. It's a vice I've struggled with my entire life. I HATE it. But I find myself constantly in the throes of it. WHY??? I have a great life. Wonderful husband, 2...going on 3...kids. Nice house, new car (granted, a minivan, but it's new! ;). I don't have anything to be jealous of. <div>
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But man, the scars of IF and miscarriage run deep. Like I said, I've struggled my whole life with this vice, so there are other things besides IF & m/c that I've dealt with in the past. But right now? The last few years? It's IF and m/c. 100%. I don't know if/when/how I'll find peace. </div>
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One of the major things I'm struggling with right now is family. A family member got married young, and got pregnant right away. They had their baby about 3 weeks before my miscarried baby was due. She's now about 9 months old and I recently found out they're expecting again. I guess the cavalierness of their attitude about it is what grates my nerves so much. They're all "Oh, it was unplanned" with an eye roll. Ah yes...an eye roll. Upon grilling them and their NFP practices, I find out they thought they were in the "safe zone"....using "day 10". Come to find out, they were using "day 10" from the LAST day of her period. My head almost exploded. You don't even understand when your cycle starts?!?!?? Granted, I know more about all this stuff than a lot of people, having been through what I've been through. But OMG. That's basic information!!! I wanted to scream. They're just so naive, and that, I suppose, makes my jealousy even more severe. </div>
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She also didn't even know how far along she was, but she "thought" about 3 months. Hadn't seen a doctor yet, in an entire trimester of pregnancy, and didn't have a clue how far along she was. I just can't........</div>
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Anyway, I've had a lot of people ask me assumingly, "Doesn't being pregnant make you feel better?" (about my miscarriage). Ummm...no. I still lost a child. This baby doesn't replace that baby. There are still two baby-sized holes in my heart that will never be filled until I hold them in Heaven. I'm still trying to figure out the best response to questions like that, but unfortunately I'm realizing that until people experience this loss themselves, they'll NEVER get it. Some are certainly more sympathetic than others. And some just aren't at all. </div>
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You know how sometimes you wish someone could experience something without having to go through it? I would never wish miscarriage on my worst enemy. But I so wish people could somehow experience very briefly it without it actually happening to them. Because I feel there's a severe lack of understanding and compassion with regards to m/c in our society. I haven't talked much about my experience with my own family through this process, because they do have access to this blog. But all my siblings are quite a bit younger and haven't experienced anything like IF or m/c yet (who knows if they ever will), which makes it SO hard to relate. It also makes some of their comments and "advice" rather harsh. I would have hoped they would still have some compassion for my situation, if not understanding. But unfortunately it has been a struggle.</div>
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I also struggle with some sort of twisted "competitiveness"...that I have to have more babies than "so & so" because I'm Catholic and open to life and always wanted a big family. I KNOW how sick that sounds, but here's me saying it out loud. Plus I love being counter-cultural, and since a bunch of my friends have 3 kids, I have to have 4. Or 5. Or however many I can. Don't judge...I know it's insane.</div>
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Maybe it's hormones, but these feelings have been bubbling to the surface recently. Like I said, I haven't talked much about my post-miscarriage issues on this blog. Looking back, I really wish I had. I know I would have found the support I needed here. So I'm just sort of getting around to it. At 35 weeks pregnant. Makes perfect sense, right?</div>
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In the meantime, any advice on prayers for overcoming miscarriage and/or jealousy would be much appreciated!</div>
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<i>If you're having trouble getting friends and family to understand your miscarriage, <a href="http://community.babycenter.com/post/a947505/what_we_wish_everyone_knew_about_pregnancy_loss">I found this link incredibly helpful</a>. I passed it along to a few people, in the hopes that they might understand why what they were saying, while well-intended, just wasn't helpful. </i></div>
Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-32253659982237809572014-02-18T17:27:00.001-05:002014-02-18T17:27:33.314-05:00False Alarm!So I was in the hospital the other night. I was having contractions 2 minutes apart, and thought my water broke. The contractions weren't painful...more like menstrual cramps. But they were coming more than six/hour, so I had to call. My doc said, "You need to come in."<br />
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So my wonderful neighbor came over (and while we were gone, folded laundry, washed dishes, and picked up toys, God bless her) while the boys were sleeping and we headed to L&D. I was pretty sure I was going into labor at 34 weeks/5 days.<br />
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I was relatively nervous, for several reasons, but mainly because the last bio-physical profile I had showed that she was transverse. I thought I'd felt her flip last week, but couldn't be sure. I'm also just not ready! I JUST washed all of her clothes, and I literally packed my hospital bag right before we left. She doesn't even have a place to sleep yet! Eek!<br />
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So after being hooked up to all the machines, I was definitely contracting. But they tested my fluid and thank God...it wasn't amniotic fluid. They also did a test (can't think of the name for the life of me) that shows a less than 1% chance that I'll go into pre-term labor. Which makes me a lot less nervous. I was less than 1 cm dilated and 0% effaced, so in no way was I in labor.<br />
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They did give me a BPP that night, and this baby is weighing EIGHT pounds, four ounces!!! And measuring 38-39 weeks! I know that can be off a bit, but they say from 1 lb to 1.5 lb. That means she could still be 7 lbs right now. So now it's a catch 22. I don't want to go into early labor, but I also don't want a 12 pound baby!!<br />
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They were concerned that her size is due to possible gestational diabetes, so I get to have that fun 3 hour test tomorrow (both of my one-hours have come back normal - not even close to danger zone). But there's also the chance that she's just a large baby! <br />
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So I'll have my glucose test tomorrow, and in the meantime stay hydrated and "rested" (hahahahaha. I've been ordered to lay on the couch most of the day. I think that's happened for a total of an hour today). Hopefully I won't have any birth updates within the next 2 weeks. I'm 35 weeks today! :)Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-13617300032369991642014-01-22T10:48:00.000-05:002014-01-22T10:48:09.559-05:00I won't be marching this yearToday is tough for me. January 22nd is a roller coaster of emotions every year. Sad that we're yet again commemorating another million lives lost. Yet hopeful and optimistic at the hundreds of thousands of others like me willing to brave travel and cold to stand up for the voiceless. <br />
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But this year is different because it's the first year in many that I won't be attending. It has nothing to do with the weather (I actually love this stuff!). It's just that it's too much and too long of a day, being 7 months pregnant, and having a toddler in tow. Don't get me wrong - it's THE BEST reason to have to miss the march - EVER!!! But it's bittersweet to only be able to participate via social media and EWTN.<br />
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I participated through 4 years of secondary infertility (at least one of those days I got CD1 on THE day of the March, which just seemed like a slap in the face!). I participated 2 months after a miscarriage. So yes, this year is a much better reason to not be participating, and I thank God daily (hourly...minutely) for this blessing!! But I'm still sad not to be there. <br />
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If you've never been, please please please make it a point to go to one soon. It's the most amazing experience. But better yet, please pray and act that we may never need to have another March for Life ever again!! 41 years is quite long enough.<br />
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<br />Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-67428800921229023812014-01-10T18:52:00.000-05:002014-01-10T18:52:54.143-05:00Need some 3rd tri adviceSo I've been here twice before, so I know how tough the third trimester can be, regarding uncomfortability, heartburn, sleeplessness, swelling, water retention....all that fun stuff.<br />
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But this past week has brought on a brand new symptom: emotional basketcaseness. O.M.G. I'm out of control lately. I mean...crying at the drop of a hat, screaming at my poor kids (again, at the drop of a hat), etc. I get this way every once in awhile when I'm running on VERY little sleep, but am able to get over it by, well, getting more sleep. But I've been sleeping <i>pretty </i>well lately. <br />
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Has anyone ever experienced this? Is it hormones? Cabin fever (I did get out today and felt much better this afternoon, but I went to the gym yesterday and it was probably my worst day, so 6 of one...)? General physical exhaustion? <br />
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It's true that the last 2 times I've gone through the third tri I haven't been keeping up with school and extra-curricular schedules AND chasing around a psychotic screaming toddler. Maybe I'm just overextended?? Gah!!! Thoughts?? And is there ANYTHING I can do??? Help!!!!Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-52426395904594036682014-01-03T11:13:00.003-05:002014-01-03T11:13:44.715-05:0028 weeksIsn't that a movie? Anyway, not for this post. That's how far along I am. I know...I haven't even really "announced" here that I'm expecting again. And did I mention it's a girl?!? After 2 boys, everyone asks me ALL the time, "Aren't you excited?" And I am...but honestly, after a miscarriage, the last thing I was concerned about was the sex of the baby. AT ALL. People who have never experienced infertility or miscarriage have the luxury of caring about that trivial stuff. God bless them, they have no idea. But the question gets a little infuriating after awhile.<br />
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The first trimester lasted an eternity (in my head), and every tiny little movement, lack thereof, symptom, etc, I over-analyzed to the point of psychosis. But alas, we are now in the third trimester (!!!) and everything has gone absolutely smoothly so far. I've had about 5 ultrasounds, and they've all been perfect, thank you GOD!!! I even had some bleeding around 9 weeks and was sure it was over. But we went in for an emergency ultrasound and the little pistol was in there moving around. She's gonna give me a stroke one day, I'm sure.<br />
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At my last ultrasound, which was at 26 weeks, they noticed that her stomach was measuring bigger than the rest of her body (29 weeks!!!). They were concerned about my glucose, but I just got the results of my last one-hour glucose test, and it wasn't even remotely near the danger zone. My OB isn't concerned, she said we'll just keep an eye on her overall size, so she doesn't get too big. But I'm wondering if anyone else has ever had this issue and what the result was. DON'T TELL ME if it's a horror story. Please - I DO NOT need unnecessary worry right now!!! Haha! But if you have any insight, let me know.<br />
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Eventually I'll post an ultrasound pic. But today is a snow day and I just don't have it in me to walk upstairs to the scanner right now! :)Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-38790875023890926692013-12-23T11:47:00.002-05:002013-12-23T11:47:52.980-05:00Unofficial comebackI pretty much took 2013 off. It was a bit of a crazy year, although now I wish I'd been documenting it. From my little state being <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2013/05/29/planned-parenthood-nurses-expose-meat-market-assembly-line-abortions/">all over the national news</a>, to <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2013/02/10/culture-of-life-africa-launches-to-promote-pro-life-in-africa/">traveling to Africa</a>, to <a href="http://momandthensome.blogspot.com/2012/11/after-fact-part-1.html">coping with my miscarriage</a>, to getting pregnant again, it all added up to putting Blogger on the back burner. But I've missed it...and you all. I hope to be back for good in the new year, and back in communication with all of you! Until then, have a very blessed Christmas!<div>
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I'll start my unofficial "comeback" post with my patron saint of 2014: <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=86">Blessed Miguel Pro</a>. Pretty cool! </div>
Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-84853849436098187052013-02-21T09:57:00.000-05:002013-02-21T09:57:48.595-05:00My mission across the globe (it needs your help!)I'm sure you all know the back-story: <a href="http://littlecatholicbubble.blogspot.com/2012/08/an-african-womans-open-letter-to.html">"Brave Nigerian woman confronts powerful American billionaire."</a><br />
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And confront, she did. And still does.<br />
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When her Archbishop asked her to organize a "Culture of Life" conference in her home diocese, she didn't know where to begin. So Leila put a Facebook plea out to several of us asking for help. I offered my humble assistance, as I've planned many, many events (both pro-life and not) in my career, so I thought I'd be able to send her a couple of emails with some advice on how to get started.<br />
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Well, God came knocking on my door and a couple of emails turned into an entire mission and a beautiful friendship! I am honored beyond words to be a part of <a href="http://littlecatholicbubble.blogspot.com/2012/08/an-african-womans-open-letter-to.html">Culture of Life Africa</a>, and to call the amazing and brilliant Obianuju Ekeocha a friend.<br />
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We have accomplished SO MUCH just in the last few weeks with the Holy Spirit's guidance and inspiration. But we have SO MUCH left to do! Our first conference is scheduled for the end of May, and we are in desperate need of just a little financial assistance. <a href="http://littlecatholicbubble.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-modern-day-david-vs-goliath-story.html">Leila writes about it here, with details.</a> <br />
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Please prayerfully consider helping us out. Both Uju and I are volunteers in this mission, and we have a lot of work to do and a lot of people to reach. Uju works on COLAfrica between night shifts at the lab, adoration, and driving the Sisters at her parish around for their errands; and I work on it between dirty diapers, laundry, Delaware Right to Life meetings, and basketball practice! Unlike the Gates' and Clintons, we have no assistants, no money, no private jets. But we DO have the Holy Spirit, and His power is something no bank account can usurp. <br />
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After reading Leila's request, if you have prayerfully decided that you are able to help, please send me an email (found in my profile). <br />
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And please don't forget to like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Culture-of-Life-Africa/317637168337155">Facebook</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/COLAfrica">Twitter</a>, and follow our <a href="http://cultureoflifeafrica.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. And if you feel called to blog about us on your own blog, please feel free! We're just a couple of busy ladies, trying to do big things that the Lord has called us to...so all of your likes, shares, and retweets are invaluable! :)Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-2263282264058238242013-02-06T08:28:00.000-05:002013-02-06T08:28:08.624-05:00Got it!! The Catholic View's episode on miscarriage!Praise Jesus!!! I finally got it! The video that was previously playing at this link wasn't correct and I've been frantically trying to track down this episode. It wasn't on youtube or anywhere. I contacted <i>everyone </i>associated with the show to try to get them to correct it, with little to no response. But voila! Today I received a response that it was corrected!! If you'd like to see the show - and I highly recommend it if you've had a miscarriage - <a href="http://www.thecatholicviewforwomen.com/episodes/fall-2012-09.aspx">click here</a>!Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-30884616925336466602013-01-24T14:42:00.001-05:002013-01-24T14:42:59.358-05:00"The Catholic View for Women" on MiscarriageAfter the funeral mass, we went out to dinner. It was a nice distraction. And by "distraction", I mean this:<br />
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Then we got home and I had a couple of glasses of wine and fell asleep on the couch. I was physically and mentally drained. I happened to wake up just as my DVR started recording "The Catholic View for Women" on EWTN. I record all of them, but honestly, rarely get a chance to watch. Although it's a wonderful show. <br />
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But last night, I believe I was meant to see it. It happened to be about - miscarriage. It was unbelievable. The women were talking about how, even in the pro-life movement, miscarriage is not properly dealt with. How lonely a loss it is, and how other people don't know how to respond to it. It's not treated as a "real" loss. <br />
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Omg, you guys. It's EXACTLY what I need at the EXACT right time. I still can't believe it. And you all need to watch it. I'm still trying to track down an electronic version. When I find it, I'll post it for sure. My main concern is being able to send it to my family so that maybe they'll finally *begin* to understand that I'm not the only one who is grieving from a miscarriage - that everyone does, you just don't hear about it.<br />
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If anyone has happened to see this, let me know! Especially if you have a link to the episode!Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-66321730615658997712013-01-23T21:11:00.002-05:002013-01-23T21:11:26.803-05:00We said goodbyeTonight we celebrated the funeral mass for our unbaptized babies, Gerard and Frances. I got through it much better than anticipated. I think it will take awhile to process. But I'm so glad we did it. I have a feeling it will be some good closure for us. We thank God for our amazing priest who offered the mass for us. Not many would, I don't think. He said the rite of unbaptized infants is very rarely said. But he got permission from the diocese to have it for us. So we got to officially lay our babies to rest and know they're in the Hands of God now. Phew. Tomorrow might be rough.Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-86360047688220501892013-01-09T20:28:00.002-05:002013-01-09T20:28:39.863-05:00Miscarriage - 1; Nicole - 0Defeated. <br />
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I've used that term a lot lately. And "empty." Mentally and spiritually. When I opened my blog to write a post, I noticed that part of the title of my last post was "healing." Hahaha. Joke's on me.<br />
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I'm not doing all that well. And I'm surprised by it. I never thought a miscarriage would have such an effect on me. My husband said to a relative of mine, "You hear the word 'miscarriage' and it just doesn't do justice to what it actually is." So true. I've always felt sympathy for people who have miscarried. But man...you can truly never understand until you've been there.<br />
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Upon the advice of some good friends and other very supportive bloggers, I decided to seek help. Long story short, I googled "therapists in Delaware" and found one that looked promising. As it turned out, she specializes in grief & loss, is a devout Catholic, and has suffered through 10 years of infertility herself. And she's TEN MINUTES away from my house. Divine intervention much??? I could not have been luckier!<br />
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I saw her a couple of times before Christmas because I was <i>dreading </i>Christmas. I have three pregnant relatives, all of whom would have been at the same get-together. My therapist gave me some tips on how to get through it, so I was feeling better. But then things started to look even more promising when a snowstorm delayed our travel plans, and we ended up driving on the day of that particular get-together, thus missing it.<br />
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My optimism didn't last long. I'm way too exhausted to dredge through the details yet again, but suffice it to say, the week was HORRIBLE. Unsympathetic family, everyone saying the wrong things (instead of just saying <i>nothing</i>, like I'd asked), and now a mother who isn't talking to me because I "didn't appreciate" what she did to help me over the holidays. Yea. You read that right. I even had a meltdown one night and admitted that I'm doing everything wrong, handling this terribly, and being totally un-Christ-like, but that I have <i>no idea </i>how to get through this. So I guess I thought maybe I'd be cut a little slack if I wasn't acting appropriately. Silly me.<br />
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Besides the fact that I'm still grieving over the loss of my child (it was only two months ago, for crying out loud!), now I have family completely abandoning me in my time of need. Uuuuggghhh. I'm seriously going to be in therapy for a LONG time.<br />
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But it IS helping. I highly recommend therapy for anyone who is grieving. I've never, ever been a "therapy-type" if that makes any sense. It was hard for me to even admit that I needed to see one. But a really good friend, who has had four miscarriages, really encouraged me to seek help. I'm so glad I did. Sometimes you just need it. If you're ever in a situation where you feel you need help, I highly encourage you to do so. And spiritual direction as well. I'm continuing that with my priest. I hope between the two, I'll be able to find peace soon!Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-41597211067053758472012-11-27T15:42:00.003-05:002012-11-27T15:42:12.488-05:00Follow-Up and HealingI had my follow-up appointment today with my Ob. Everything looks good physically, thank God. She said I can resume normal activity, gradually. I still have to get some labwork to check my iron levels (I lost so much blood I was anemic when I left the hospital), but otherwise I'm allowed to resume exercise (desperately needed), abdominal workouts, and most importantly TTC. <br />
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However, she warned me that it is recommended to wait 3-6 months after a m/c to TTC again. She said the risk of a subsequent m/c is higher soon afterwards. I asked her why that is and she said it's a number of things - hormones, uterine lining can still be inflamed, basically just that your body isn't quite back to normal yet.<br />
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I was initially disappointed but maybe it's better. Maybe I just need some time to not think about all of this IF, m/c, TTC stuff for awhile. Even if I wait 3 months, it will put me in Feb/March, which is when Marshall was conceived, and I'd LOVE another holiday baby. Of course, that's assuming I conceive right away. And even though the last 2 pregnancies have happened on my first cycle of trying (or even without a cycle, in Marshall's case!), I've learned nothing is certain. I just desperately want to be pregnant before Baby Frances' due date or I might have to be committed on May 21, 2013. Prayers.<br />
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I heard back from my priest with our options for memorializing our babies - both Baby Gerard (Marshall's twin) and Baby Frances. Here was his reply:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Hi Nicole, if you would like I could say an actual funeral mass for your miscarried [babies] (I think I can do both at once), because the funeral rite for children has alternative prayers for children who died before receiving baptism (the bodily remains do NOT have to be present). or there is a service in the Book of Blessings for parents of miscarried children, which is a service, not a mass. or we could have a memorial mass for miscarried children of the parish and invite other families who suffered the same thing. let me know what you want and we will talk dates and times. Fr John</i></span></span></blockquote>
I <i>really </i>like the idea of having a memorial mass for miscarried children and being able to invite others who have experienced it, especially since I'm seriously considering starting a diocesan IF/miscarriage support group. On the other hand, I would really like to have something private for our babies and allow them to be recognized by name. <br />
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<b>Any thoughts or suggestions? Have any of you done anything like this?</b><br />
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I just feel so incredibly blessed to have a priest who is so pro-life and understanding and so willing to work with us on this. Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-25393961828924233142012-11-21T10:20:00.001-05:002012-11-21T10:30:19.330-05:00"Yeah, I'm definitely going to have one more."That was said to me during a conversation at the gym. Right after I found out I was pregnant, I was in a conversation with a gym acquaintance who has a daughter about the same age as Marshall. She asked if I was going to have any more kids. Let me just tell you - I HATE THAT FREAKING QUESTION. Hate it. Because - like I know!!! I have gotten bold recently and usually answer, "Well, I've learned that it's not always up to me." In other words, "Hint, hint, don't ask people that, you moron." But this time I already knew I was pregnant, but obviously we weren't telling people so I just said, "Hopefully." <br />
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Her response? "Yeah, I'm definitely going to have one more." Oh, really??? You know that for <i>sure</i>??? It was so nonchalant, like, "Oh yeah, I have my whole reproductive life figured out and I'm going to have my perfect three kids and then probably get my tubes tied and my life will be effing perfect." <br />
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Ok, I might have made up that last quote. But it made me SO mad - even before my miscarriage - and I'm not even really sure why. I guess because I've learned the hard way that this is soooooo not up to us. This is not how I expected my reproductive life to go. I didn't foresee having 4 years of secondary IF, then getting pregnant with twins, then losing a twin, then getting pregnant again right away and then miscarrying. I mean, I know no one anticipates that. Most people have a sort of plan, or the way they think their childbearing will go, and for a lot of people, that's exactly what happens. Good for them. But what about the rest of us??? <br />
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I've also learned that there's not a lot of empathy going around for people like the rest of us. True, it's impossible to understand what we're going through if you've never experienced IF or m/c. But I feel there is also very little <i>attempt </i>to understand. There are so few support groups. I guess that's why our little blogosphere is so popular!<br />
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And praise God for it. I've found so much support from you guys. <a href="http://www.acceptingabundance.com/">Stacy</a> has been like a big sister. I don't know how I'll ever repay her. And so many of you have offered prayers and advice. <a href="http://a-star-of-hope.blogspot.com/">JoAnna</a> recommended this book and I've just started it. It brings up a lot of emotion, but I think it will be good for my healing process. If you have suffered from m/c, I highly suggest it:<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thso-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0867169974" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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My hubby also suggested I start <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060652969/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060652969&linkCode=as2&tag=thso-20">The Problem of Pain</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thso-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060652969" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
. It's a tough read, but I think it will also be good for me.<br />
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And for some escape from the real world, I'm halfway through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023491/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023491&linkCode=as2&tag=thso-20">this</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thso-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0439023491" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br />
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This whole thing has also reinforced my desire to start an IF support group in my diocese. It's just that now I'll add miscarriage support to it. Please pray for me in that endeavor. I have a lot of discerning to do regarding my pro-life work and this new frontier. I hope I'm on the right path.</div>
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Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-87878006071933526932012-11-16T09:37:00.002-05:002012-11-16T09:37:56.969-05:00After the Fact - Part 2I actually MISS my baby. I want to hold her so badly. (Yes, I just <i>know </i>she was a girl.) My babies would have been 18 months apart. But I really tried not to get too excited before my first trimester was up. I learned that the hard way with Marshall's twin. But it was still pretty exciting to have babies so close in age, after such a big gap between Jack and Marshall. <br />
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While all the ups and downs of my first tri were going on, I found out my sister-in-law, who married my brother in July, was pregnant. </div>
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I also found out that my cousin's wife is pregnant again. They have a son a couple months older than Marshall and their kids will be 19 months apart. I was so excited that we would have kids so close in age again (and that mine would be closer together).</div>
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I have another cousin who is 7 months pregnant.</div>
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All of these people I'll see at Christmas. If I'm even able to go. I was seriously considering anti-depressants a few days ago. My mom left on Monday. That was the worst of them. I was unable to function. I cried all day. I've been through all of the emotions. But unlike with IF, when I was pissed at God (and told Him), I've been neutral in my reaction to God so far. I don't know if I'm still trying to figure out my feelings towards His will, or if I just haven't gotten that far yet. I know I'm not particularly happy with the fact that He gave me a child and then took it away in such a traumatic and horrible manner. But I haven't screamed at Him yet either. Yet.</div>
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I was told by a friend that I would be mad at my husband and that it would be difficult to accept his offers to help because he wouldn't know what to do. Thankfully I've found it to be the opposite. He was so solid. He was so there. I know he felt/feels helpless, but he's doing his best and I recognize and appreciate it. The other night, he just let me cry into his shoulder. It's what I needed. And I know this is affecting him like he never thought it would.</div>
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Then there's other family. Siblings who just don't get it and say insensitive things. My mom, who feels terrible that she had to leave. My dad, who I can tell is hurting from it, which makes it hurt for me even more. Extended family who I haven't spoken to, but who have sent their prayers and condolences. <br />
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But one thing I've learned, no matter how badly you may feel for someone who miscarries - <i><b>you'll never understand unless you've been there. </b></i></div>
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And it's awful.<br />
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I've talked to our priest about having a memorial mass for our lost babies. I hope that will provide some closure. We named Marshall's twin Gerard since St. Gerard was so instrumental in gaining my fertility back, and this baby Frances, after <a href="http://www.ewtn.com/padrepio/man/biography.htm">Padre Pio</a>. We also have one more saint in Heaven, <a href="http://momandthensome.blogspot.com/2011/03/urgent-prayers-for-babys-life-please.html">my would-have-been-adopted Baby Jude.</a> We'll include him in our memorial mass as well. <br />
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I have NO idea what God has planned for this. I'll be 35 in February and I pray that I still have time for a couple more blessings. I hope and pray. In the meantime, I really hope that I was able to release a couple of souls from Purgatory. This suffering can't be for nothing. It just can't be.</div>
Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-37738093622045783902012-11-14T15:32:00.000-05:002012-11-14T15:58:22.392-05:00After the Fact - Part 1I've planned to write a post this week for two months. It was supposed to be full of joy and excitement. Instead it's going to be full of loss, pain, and sorrow. <br />
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I found out on Sept. 13th that I was pregnant. I remember the exact date because it's DH's birthday, but that was a complete accident. I realized that morning that my FCP had told me to take a test on P+14 or 15, and that morning happened to be P+15. I had zero expectations. I knew there could be a chance it was positive since we did TTC on my peak day, but it was only my second cycle since Marshall was born, and the first that we would have had a chance to conceive. So I was in shock when I got the BFP.<br />
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I've been dying to post about my first trimester because it has been filled with ups and downs and I've needed your support. But my mom was coming to town this past weekend and I really wanted to tell her in person. Since family has access to this blog, I didn't want to take a chance of her finding out this way.<br />
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I called the doc and got my blood test and had my first appointment, which was pretty routine since I had just been there a year and a half ago. I had two ultrasounds, around 6 & 7 weeks. They were a little unnerving. In the first, the gestational sac only measured 5 weeks and they didn't see the fetal pole. TCIE assured me that this is normal and not to worry. My second ultrasound was at 7 weeks and we saw the heartbeat, but the baby only measured about 6 weeks. Although my doc was happy and said it was consistent with the first and the heartbeat was strong so I didn't worry. During the next few weeks my levels were monitored and were always perfect so I felt comfortable.<br />
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I had a routine appointment at 9 weeks and she didn't hear a heartbeat, but she assured me that this was normal and she could hear the uterine vessels which meant the baby was growing. So again - I didn't worry. Three weeks later, at 11 weeks & 6 days, I had another appointment. Still no heartbeat. Doc was certain it was because I have a tilted uterus which makes it harder to hear (and I was technically not 12 weeks yet), but wanted to be sure, so we scheduled an ultrasound for the next day.<br />
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I was worried, but tried to stay positive. After the u/s tech was done, I immediately knew something was wrong. Instead of bringing my DH into the room to see the baby, she said she needed to show the images to the radiologist. She tried assuring me that "this is routine procedure." But I'm not stupid. It's the exact same thing they told us when we lost Marshall's twin. When everything is fine, they just call in DH and show us the baby. They seriously need a new procedure.<br />
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I was made to wait about 20 minutes before they finally told us to go upstairs to the OB's office and talk to a doctor. I knew it was over. After another 15 minute wait he finally called me into a room and told me the baby only measured 8 weeks (I was now 12) and there was no heartbeat.<br />
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He told me I could have a D&C, wait for it to happen, or he could give me a pill to speed up the process. I've never been here before. I didn't know what to do or think. He told me to go home and think about it and get in touch.<br />
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Just this choice was traumatic and painful for me. In my line of work, "D&C" has a certain connotation that didn't sit well with me (even though I knew the baby was already gone). On the other hand, the thought of passing this baby at home was something I couldn't bear. After asking advice from some bloggers (you know who you are, and I can't thank you enough), the next day I elected to have a D&C under sedation. This was Friday afternoon and I was able to call my doc back and get it scheduled for 9am Saturday morning. <br />
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I felt so relieved just having made a decision. I was unstable enough just having learned I lost a baby, but then the decision of "what to do" just piled on the agony. So it was a huge weight lifted when I made the decision and had the procedure scheduled. The doctor said there was still a chance I could miscarry overnight. I told him how terrified I was that I would pass the baby at home. He said that since the baby had been gone for so long, there would likely not be any recognizable body. For my sanity, I had to believe that.<br />
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The relief didn't last. I started bleeding at 8:30 Friday night. A lot. I know I don't have to tell a lot of you how unbelievably horrible miscarriage is. But it's nothing I could have even imagined. I was so pissed that God didn't at least let this wait until morning. It was all such a nightmare, and then He had to go and keep piling on the shit. But if there was a silver lining to all of this mess, it's that it happened at night when DH was at home, and it happened the weekend my mom was visiting. At least she was able to be home with the boys.<br />
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My poor husband. He was there for me through it all. He's usually a pretty unemotional guy, but I've never seen him like this before. He was visibly distraught. But he was there. He was my rock through all of it and I absolutely couldn't have gotten through it in one piece without him. <br />
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Especially since he had to drive me to the hospital at 2am. The bleeding got so bad that I was feeling faint and came close to passing out several times. He called the doc who told us to come to the hospital immediately. I was terrified to get into the car because I was still bleeding but I knew we had no choice.<br />
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When we got there by blood pressure was extremely low and I had tachycardia (heart rate over 100). And apparently I was as white a ghost. They put me on IV and a heart monitor. Thank God they were able to get my heart rate down rather quickly, and stabilize my blood pressure.<br />
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They took me to the OR around 3:30am and I got an emergency D&C. They told me there was a chance I would need a blood transfusion. The procedure didn't take long and I was only under an IV sedative. I had to stay at the hospital all day on Saturday so they could monitor me, and make sure my blood count went up, because there was still a chance I'd need a transfusion. They finally released me at 6pm and were happy with my count - it was low, but within range of not needing one.<br />
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I'm supposed to take it easy this week. I still get woozy sometimes and I have a headache that I cannot shake. But physically I'm getting better. Emotionally it's still rough but I've gotten out the last 2 days (and showered and dressed) and that seems to have helped a lot, although certain things tend to set me off.<br />
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We'll call this one the "logistics" post. I'm sure there will be a few "emotional posts" in the next few days. But in the meantime,<i> thank you</i> to those who already know my story and have been praying. I assure you, the prayers are felt.Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-33143599625780524612012-09-09T22:03:00.001-04:002012-09-09T22:03:41.430-04:00So maybe politicians are all the same after allAnd I'll leave it at that. Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-3490427705297479852012-09-08T15:04:00.002-04:002012-09-08T15:04:51.875-04:00Spiritual Direction and Political CandidatesNo, this is not my attempt to name all of the Catholic-in-name-only politicians who need spiritual direction. How much time do you think I have?? What I mean is, those are the two things I did today* - got some spiritual direction, and met with a political candidate.<br />
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Spiritual direction. Boy, was I in need! I've been wanting to find a spiritual director for <i>years</i>. Yes, <i>years</i>. Jen Fulwiler wrote about her wonderful experiences with hers, I just had no idea how to go about finding one. Especially one I'd trust. I've asked around, not just for names, but even for ideas on how to find a good one! I never really received an answer. This past weekend, however, I was really in need. I decided to just try to catch my priest after mass and see if I could make an appointment to talk to him. But priests are always so hard to get a hold of, so I wasn't optimistic on being able to set something up. And though he's an amazing priest, he's not so quick on the email responses! :) <br />
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Anyway, we were actually able to get out of the house on Sunday morning about 5 minutes early - a small miracle, especially since our church is 30 minutes away. And it truly proved to be a miracle, because when we arrived, my priest was standing alone in the lobby, just hanging out waiting for mass to begin. I said hello and he complimented my facebook photo (for those who aren't my facebook friends, my photo is a pic of Mitt and me. What what!!). Aaaaaanyhoo... So we got to talking and I was able to ask if he could schedule a meeting with me. Of course he agreed. I happened to ask, "By the way, do you do spiritual direction?" "Oh yeah, definitely," he answered. Well whattya know. My own priest. *head. desk.* <br />
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So we met today and I'm feeling like a new person (he also heard my confession...phew). I've been struggling a lot lately with a spiritual dryness. I mean, I don't have any trouble with Church teachings or defending her outwardly. It's the inward part that I've been having trouble with. And honestly...I think I still have a wall up since my infertility. Yes, I have a beautiful 9 month old. But that scar is deep. And I'm still pissed. And I know I don't have a right to be. But what can I do? Hence...spiritual direction, I suppose.<br />
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He suggested I begin my prayer life from scratch. Start by really getting to know Jesus. The man. And start by reading the Gospels. I struggle with prayer because a lot of times I feel like it's just words. I also get extremely overwhelmed when I actually get a few minutes to sit and have prayer time, because there are SO many things I want to pray and even more things and people I want to pray for. I also have a habit of deciding I want to have a devotion to a saint. So I pick one. And then I change my mind. And then I hear of another cool one and change my mind again. And then I go schizo and give up. <br />
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So he suggested I get up a few minutes early in the mornings and just read (he said he always has a better day when he prays in the mornings). Then ask God, even just quickly, to let me know Him. Ok, sounds like a good start. That I can do. I don't really have to feel like I'm just talking to myself. We're going to meet on a regular basis and there's nothing I need more right now.<br />
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So after my meeting with Father, I went to meet with the woman running for Lt. Gov in Delaware. She's a great lady and running a wonderful campaign. She's very conservative and that's not an easy thing to be when running for office in DE! I've been a supporter of hers for a few months.<br />
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Recently, she was asked to speak at the RNC. Her speech was fantastic, but she's not a seasoned politician and wasn't really prepared for the onslaught of interviews and questions hurled at her afterwards. There was really no preparation for it. She had just finished up one interview when she immediately began another with a radio host. He asked her several questions before asking, "what is your stand on the abortion issue?" <br />
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Unfortunately, not being a polished and smooth-talking politician, <a href="http://cpa.ds.npr.org/wsdl/audio/2012/08/valenzuela_-_final.mp3?ft=1&f=">she misspoke</a>. She spoke as a post-abortive woman about not having enough information prior to her own abortion, and said, "In that respect, I am pro-choice." This caused a firestorm in the pro-life community, which up to that point had trusted her. What she meant was that she is pro-information, and women actually HAVING a choice. I'm sure we can all understand what she meant by a <i>true </i>choice. Unfortunately, the pro-aborts have hijacked that word and it's so politically charged now, that as a pro-life candidate, you can simply NEVER, EVER say the words "I am pro-choice" in ANY context. <br />
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She then released<a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/valenzuela-for-lt-gov/women-do-not-have-a-true-choice-sher-valenzuela-on-why-her-choice-is-life/488121164532481"> this statement on facebook.</a> I was still concerned so I asked to meet with her. Long story short (?), she turns out to be completely genuine. A <i>zero exceptions </i>pro-life candidate. And she is devastated by her own words. She said to me through tears, "If one baby dies because I lose this election because of one misstep in one interview, I couldn't live with myself." God bless this brave woman. <a href="http://www.sher2012.com/">Please support her if you can.</a><br />
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<i>*Uhh...yeah...obviously I didn't do all this on a Saturday. It was actually yesterday, but I got interrupted mid-blog and didn't get it finished until today! </i>Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-80709419361164263892012-08-29T16:20:00.002-04:002012-08-29T16:20:54.972-04:00Suddenly I'm a Rams fan!Whoa. <a href="http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/st.-louis-rams-quarterback-is-catholic-by-blood">This guy is the real deal. </a> Who knew there were virtuous professional athletes out there?!? Well, of course there are the select few that the media likes to hype and pick on (ahem...Tim Tebow...ahem). But this guy? Another level. He calls himself "Catholic by blood" and says that is his identity - not football. Make sure you read to the end. Needless to say, the last section is my personal favorite! :)Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-27610490827439176052012-08-18T11:31:00.000-04:002012-08-18T11:31:07.962-04:00Help wanted! I need an FCP!Well, I'm officially back on a cycle. This is actually my second cycle, but the first one was while we were on vacation, so there was no TTC going on! :) It took eight months after Marshall was born...I couldn't believe it took so long, but am so glad to finally be able to keep track of what my body is doing again!<br />
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Here's the thing. I had left my previous FCP prior to going back to my regular ob/gyn and having surgery. So I had basically thrown in the towel on NaPro (for myself - I'm still a big believer in it), but I still need to chart. Is anyone out there willing to work with me from a distance, via email/Skype/etc?<br />
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Delaware is in the process of getting TWO NaPro-certified doctors in the next year or so. But we have no one, as far as I know, getting certified as an FCP. Let me know if you're in the Delaware/MD/PA area and interested in getting certified!<br />
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But for now, just let me know if you're willing to work with me! :)Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-59626016687750972682012-07-19T09:14:00.001-04:002012-07-19T17:07:22.475-04:00Is this a pro-lifer's future under another Obama term?Folks, this is scary stuff. <a href="http://www.citizenlink.com/2012/07/18/fbi-questions-pro-life-advocate/">Jill Stanek's vigil-warrior son-in-law is visited by FBI agents and asked to "snitch" on other pro-lifers.</a> Last I checked, we still have a First Amendment in this country (for now). <br />
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My local vigilers have been harassed by Planned Parenthood and their off-duty "security" cops. It's gotten to the point that I've had to have meetings with the police department's community affairs director. But this is all local stuff. It's been going on for decades, mainly since <a href="http://www.operationrescue.org/">Operation Rescue</a> came on the scene. And it's just the typical local infighting. <br />
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But when the feds get involved, it's a whole new ballgame. First, pro-life vigilers are not the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. Second, don't the feds have more important things to be taking care of???<br />
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I just finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childless-American-Tragedy-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B005ZJX2N8/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1342702756&sr=8-13&keywords=fatherless">Childless</a>, the 3rd book in Brian Gail's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fatherless-Brian-J-Gail/dp/1931018731/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342702756&sr=8-1&keywords=fatherless">Fatherless</a> series. Some may call it conspiracy theory. But based on the actions of the Obama administration's first term toward groups it deems "undesirable" (pro-lifers, Catholics, etc), I think it may be a fairly accurate glimpse into our future. They're trying to intimidate us into submission. We still live in America folks - don't let them!!!<br />
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<i>*If you're a vigiler, you should consider videotaping your actions, because as the article states, law enforcement usually sides with the <strike>devil </strike>abortion clinic (so true based on my own experience). You might also bookmark this article in case you're ever in need of LLDF's counsel.</i>Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-5500257229242489462012-06-12T10:12:00.002-04:002012-06-12T10:12:49.699-04:00A conversation I never should have overheard at my doctor's officeLast week I had my annual exam at my gyn. Mind you, I go to a Catholic doctor who has an office at our Catholic hospital. On the other hand, they do distribute contraception, do referrals for IVF, surrogacy, and other ART's, so it's not as strictly Catholic as I'd like, but I do love my doc and she's extremely supportive of my beliefs. <br />
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As I was checking in for my appointment, I overheard a conversation between two nurses back in a corner behind the reception desk. They were talking about getting their contraception, how much they get, where they get it from, etc. Which is inappropriate for a number of reasons: 1) it's simply unprofessional no matter where you are, to be talking casually about your birth control within earshot of patients, and 2) because you're employed by a Catholic institution. <br />
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One nurse asked the other, "Do you use it for medical reasons?" I was trying to be stealth, but I had to look up at this point. I saw the other nurse give her a little smirk and shake her head and they both laughed. Oh...HILARIOUS! Good thing those stupid Catholics (you know...the ones who already pay your salary) are gonna be forced to buy it for you in the future!! Wheee!!!<br />
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God help those women.Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-54246748146878549512012-05-22T13:56:00.002-04:002012-05-22T13:56:49.999-04:00IVF then contraception. An attitude I'll never understand.I have a couple of friends who have done IVF. Both have twins. They're not friends I know through my Catholic circles, but they're wonderful people. Of the two couples, however, 3 of the individuals are self-identified Catholics. I'm not sure any of the 3 are still practicing. But this incomprehension I have has nothing to do with the Catholic Church's stance on IVF. Or contraception.<br />
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What I don't understand is how anyone who struggles to have a child, especially for years, and especially long enough to spend thousands of dollars on artificial reproductive technology, can "get what they want" and then vehemently "be done" and contracept. <br />
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First of all, you (general "you") were infertile. You used artificial means to conceive, which means nothing got fixed. So...hate to break it to you, but you probably don't need contraception because you're probably still broken. But that's tangential.<br />
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Not to mention, you used ART to conceive and then you pump artificial hormones into your body in order to <i>not </i>conceive. Your entire reproductive life will have been...ARTIFICIAL! Yuck.<br />
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But mainly what I don't understand is how you can use IVF to bring two beautiful new blessings into the world, and <i>still </i>not be open to life, should by some miracle you actually conceive on your own.<br />
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I learned through 3 1/2 years of secondary infertility that none of this childbearing stuff is in our hands. I can't comprehend using contraception after infertility, even if IVF is <i>not </i>used. Well...let's be honest. I can't comprehend using contraception after having children (even without going through infertility) <i>at all</i>. It's like telling God, "Hey, thanks for giving me what I wanted, but I'll take over now. Don't need You and Your silly Plan anymore."<br />
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In one case of my friends, the wife would like to have more children, but the husband fervently says no. They have ten frozen embryos that they pay a lot of money to store. She still doesn't know what she will eventually do with these ten tiny babies of hers. In her defense, as much as she loves her daughters, I do think she now realizes the enormous impact of having done IVF. She's really torn on what to do with the embryos. Like I said, I think she would try for more children if the husband was open to it. She's against using them for science or research (thank God), and has also considered donation, but is afraid that would be too emotional...always wondering if a girl walking down the street was her baby. What a burden to bear.<br />
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In the case of the other couple, I believe it's the wife who is "done." You know...what if they had twins again?!? Oh, the horror. Two more blessings! Whatever would we do! I don't know as much about their situation, but in my discussions with her, she seems to have no openness to more children. I pray her heart changes.<br />
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But in any case, the idea that someone would go through the pain of infertility, the emotional and financial stress of IVF, and then contracept to avoid another child is mind-boggling to me.Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-68540767150426119692012-05-18T11:40:00.003-04:002012-05-18T11:40:56.665-04:00St. Anne Center for Reproductive HealthI've been out of the blogs for awhile, so maybe this has already been discussed. <a href="http://www.chicagoinfertility.com/"> My husband heard this doctor on Gus Lloyd's show this morning.</a> I pray this good doctor is able to get his dream up and running soon! For anyone in the Chicago area, you'll definitely want to check this out and help if/how you can!<br />
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There are some great resources on his website. I would like to get him to Delaware to speak. We have a couple of docs here tossing around the idea of getting NaPro certified! Please keep that effort in prayer!Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-90291772929761934552012-05-16T22:34:00.003-04:002012-05-16T22:34:55.966-04:00Why I haven't been blogging lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No, it's nothing profound. Just because of this little bugger.</div>
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Between the little dude, intermittent sleep, and my inability to say no to volunteer opportunities, I've been in a bit of a whirlwind. I used to be so good and scheduled! </div>
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Marshall is getting so big! He's now eating solids, just started sitting up, and is getting very animated which is so fun! He'll be 6 months old on Saturday, which pretty much makes me want to cry. I can't believe how fast it has all gone. And Jack just turned 6 and will be graduating kindergarten in a couple of weeks!!! In.Sane.</div>
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My pro-life org is hosting a local <a href="http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/">Rally for Religious Freedom</a> on June 8, which I'm really excited about (if there's one near you - GO)! I'm also on the endowment committee, the dinner auction committee, and the athletic board at Jack's school, I'm vaguely working on some projects for/with the Diocese, and really need to get <a href="http://jj.itsjustjewelry.com/personal/ncollins/default.aspx">my business</a> going. So that's why it's been pretty radio silent up in here lately.</div>
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Rest assured, you're all in my prayers and I hope to catch back up with you SOON! </div>Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3176423350057305122.post-45918220163331083592012-04-26T10:19:00.003-04:002012-04-26T10:19:47.342-04:00The Infertility Companion for CatholicsMy husband recently sent me <a href="http://www.thinveil.net/2012/04/infertility-companion-for-catholics.html">this link</a> the other day and I just ordered it from Amazon! I'm really looking forward to getting it, although I could have used it 4 years ago! :) I really like the review in the link, in which the blogger admits that he and his wife have never struggled with IF and this book helped him be more compassionate with those who do. And though I hope to never "need" this book again, I never thought I'd need it after the birth of my first son either. Even so, it sounds like there is some really great info in here. And it might even help with my efforts to get a Catholic IF support group in my diocese! <br />
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Hopefully some of you will find this helpful as well!<br />
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</div>Nicole Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115556585264141565noreply@blogger.com1