Tomorrow is 12 Weeks!

Tomorrow is 12 weeks, I can't believe it! Since the last time I updated I switched doctors. I wanted to go to a hospital that I felt safer at... so I am now going to U of M and the babies will be at Mott Childrens if heaven forbid they need a NICU. I go a high risk doctor because twins can bring up tons of complications! The new doctors are all so nice and they make sure everything is going smoothly- all the time! I have a couple appointments coming up for a bunch of tests. I have to go on Christmas Eve for a EKG and Echocardiogram. The reason being that because IF I am a carrier for Muscular Dystrophy- I could also have a cardiac myopthothy or something. Leon and I have decided to not get tested for the MD though. We thought long and hard about it, talked to our parents, family, friends, & doctors, and it's just not something we want. We will deal with whatever God gives us. We are so blessed anyway! I did talk to the counselor and she said there is even a possibility that my mom wasn't a carrier given her family history and that my brother just developed it when he was a child. So, that's the hope we are going on. :)

I have to go for a dating scan on the 29th-the doctor couldn't get an accurate measurement on the little ones because they were moving too much! Baby B was even break dancing in my belly. It was hilarious! The doc was shocked to see so much movement at just 10 weeks. Of course, my mom started crying. But what she did measure of them they were the same exact in size. :)

I also have to go for all of my blood work. Then on the 7th I have another appointment with the high risk doctor. So, that's of appointments in my next couple of months! Oh well, as long as the babies stay healthy. :)

Below are the pics from the ultrasound. I'll update again soon.

Baby B- the baby that was dancing!
Baby A- you can their arms and legs.

Both of them!

8 weeks.

Hello!

Yesterday Leon and I had another ultrasound to see how the babies were doing. The doctor said that everything looked great! We got to hear the babies heart beats (which was just amazing!) and they are growing so much! So much my jeans already don't fit. :)

I have another appt in a couple of weeks with my regular doctor..! I'm so excited to get as many ultrasounds as possible so I can keep seeing the babies. We went yesterday to get a pregnancy journal... so I can document everything.

As far as symptoms go, I have nasuea pretty much all day. It's actually starting to go away. I haven't had any morning sickness. Thank goodness! My lower back always hurts. Even more after I lay down and get comfy. And I am always tired. It's okay to take as many naps as I want though and Leon doesn't mind- to much. :)

Besides that a funny little thing I have been telling people. I know I have to get used to double EVERYTHING but the other day I got the seasonal flu shot in my left arm and the H1N1 vaccine in my right arm... so two shots! Then yesterday I got two viles of blood drawn to check my hormone levels.
:)

Anyways,
until next time.

Double the Blessings!!

Yep, that's right! Friday the 13th was an amazing day for us!!!! We had an ultrasound to check and see how everything was going. While we were in there the doctor told us that we were rewarded with TWO BABIES!! Leon said he felt it all along that we were having twins, but I said no. The chances were so slim- but hey- We are so BLESSED!! The doc says everything looks perfect so far! They are in different sacs and they have two placentas! We saw their heartbeats going. He said next week when we go back we can listen. :)

I am currently 7 weeks now. He said that with one baby I would be due July 4th but since there are two, chances are they will come early. So, June babies! After we left I called my dad and Leon called his mom. They were so excited! I didn't call my mom I just wanted to show her the pic. I wish I could've caught that moment on video. It was hilarious!

I will update again in a few days.

Love, Cheryl

It's positive.

FINALLY!!! The time has come...

We're pregnant!

I took THREE tests yesterday and they were all positive!!! (Thanks Kell, Amanda, Kim)

This morning we went to the doctor to get my blood drawn and they called back- it was positive as well.

:)

The doctor estimates I'm between 5-6 weeks!


Thank you God for answering our prayers!

Negative

Hello guys! Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. Today is mine and Leon's one year anniversary!! I can't believe how fast this year went by. I am so greatful for him and our love. <3

So to the news I've been waiting for! There was no need to take a pregnancy test this month. I had a little visitor.. lol. We're sad but not torn to pieces because we knew the chances of the Clomid working the first month were slim. So yesterday I started taking the Clomid again. Today is day two and really no side effects yet. I had some last time so I'm happy so far, so good. It seems like everywhere I turn there are people getting pregnant, already pregnant, having babies, it's frustrating sometimes. I know our time will come, we just have to be patient. So for now, I'll be concentrating on my book and making sure it's the best I can make it. So far, it's turning out really good... I think. :)

I lost the USB cable to my camera so I haven't been able to upload any pictures. I know these blogs would probably be more interesting with some pics... maybe next time though! Anyways, I guess that's all for today. Short but sweet. Until next time.. -CL

P.S. If you are on twitter do me a favor and follow @MDAnews -They need 5000 followers by Labor Day.

positive?

Hello! No, it wasn't a pregnancy test that was postive... but finally an ovulation test! After so many negative tests I actually didn't know what a positive one would look like! I literally woke Leon up and said, 'is that postive?' it was quite funny actually. Two days in a row I got a positive result! So now I just have to wait until I can take a pregnancy test to see if the first round of Clomid was a success! If not, we will try again. At least we know that it worked! Leon and I have a little joke with eachother.. when we wake up in the morning he asks, 'is it baby making day'? lol. I think he likes the idea of being on a schedule.. who knows. We do know that we will be able to take a test in about 2 weeks... though we are going to wait until the 30th for our one year anniversary! I'm gonna try anyways. :)
On another note... I am currently writing a book. Its not a true story, or a self help book or anything but a romance novel. I love writing... hence the blog...and every single time I've tried to write a book I've given up. So this time I decided to let everyone know in case I decide to give up. Who knows maybe I will become a great author who actually gets published! I do know that once I get it done, I will print copies for my family and friends to read! Well, buy... :)
I'm still on my cell internet so I can't upload the pics from my grandparents visit. And I can't find my USB cable anyway.
That's all for now I guess... ill update more later. -CL

dum dum dum dum...

Hello! Okay, so today I went to the doctor to see if the Clomid worked. I had to have an ultrasound to bascially see if the follicles on my ovaries were at the right size to ovulate. Sex Ed anyone? A follicle has to be at least 18 millimeters in order to ovulate. On my left ovary the follicles were still 1-2 mm.. So when I heard that I was like dang.. I thought it would be the same on the right. My right ovary had follicles that were at 14, 15, 16, and 17 millimeters!! Since I still have a few days to go.. the doc said there still might be a chance that I can reach the last mm and ovulate! We were so excited to hear this! Of course we know that we still have a chance that I won't ovulate this month but at least we know it's working! She gave me 3 refills on the Clomid and I just have to fill them and take them when needed. Within 3 months we should be pregnant! I will take Home Ovulation Predictors and go from there. The most exciting part for Leon was when she prescribed sex. lol. He thought that was funny! :) So please keep us in your prayers and I will continue to keep you all updated. As for other news: Yesterday we had to go to an allergist for Leon. His asthma has been really bad lately and his primary care doctor thought it might be because of allergies. Well, so far they don't think it is. The ashtma is a lot worse then we originally thought but.. and get this... it's from acid reflux or whatever its called. I had no idea that could trigger asthma. But apparently it can, and thats why his has been so bad! My poor boy. We have him new medicine for him so hopefully that will work. I will also keep you updated on that. Today my grandparents and aunt are going to be here from Texas so I am excited to see them. I am actually at my parents house now waiting for them to get here. I will be able to put recent pics up this weekend from their stay. Thats about it for now you guys. Take care, and enjoy some pics in honor of our one year wedding anniversary this month! :)

-CL

IN Cancun
1st pic by the ocean

Our first dance as husband and wife

Yay!

clomid: day 3.

Hello! So I guess I didn't update yesterday... the Clomid was taking its toll yesterday. I took two naps. so anyways, today I was having really wicked hot flashes. I'm just wanting to know if it worked!! bllahh I will for sure drive myself crazy playing guessing games. as for other news, we cancelled our cable, internet, and phone to save money. we switched to dish network and its way cheaper! I hate that I have to use internet on my phone. I can't do everything I want. oh well, at least I'm saving 170 bucks a month. that's all for today I think. until next time, CL

clomid: day 1.

Well the time has come!! I started the Clomid today. So far I haven't really had any side effects... but I know its still early. I did have a little headache earlier but that's nothing new when you work where I do. haha. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week to finish the Clomid and start the fun stuff! :) I have an ultrasound scheduled for next week so we can see if it worked. If it didn't then we will just try next month. We aren't giving up easy! Other then that nothing is really different. Today was kinda crazy! The bank I work for, which I can't say, has a sister branch kinda down the road and it was robbed today! So that was kinda spooky. Okay well ill write again tomorrow on day 2. :) ttyl. -CL

bored on lunch.

hello! so I on my lunch right now so I thought I'd write a quick blog.. though I don't really like to unless I can add a couple pics, which I can't because I'm on my cell. oh well. so I finally stopped taking the provera! I will be starting the clomid soon!! yay!! I can't believe I had second thoughts... which I did. I thought maybe I shouldn't because of the financial situation. but then I thought about it more and decided to take it. it could take months to even get pregnant and by then we will have cut back on the things we don't need.. that's why I'm shutting off our comcast! they want to much money... money that could be used for a baby! :) so I am excited to start...i am excited for this weekend. I don't know why, we aren't doing anything.... maybe rent a few movies. anyways, leon is going back on midnights next week for a couple weeks! we like when he works nights... afternoons suck. I never see him! I think that's really about it. I gotta get back to work! ttyl. -CL

sorry it's been a few days...

Me driving the cart
the 4 man rotation

Uncle Pete, mom, Aunt Debbie, Hook

The guys

Me and my love

Hello! I wish I could say the reason I haven't updated the blog was because I was busy, but I really wasn't. I'll be honest! I am taking a medicine right now that I take for 10 days to bring the monthly... and it makes me really cranky! And tired. And irritable. And lazy. So, that's why I haven't updated. I am still taking it but I feel a little better today. This past week has not been very eventful either. Leon, my dad and uncle all went golfing last Sunday and I got to go with.. but only to drive the cart. They wouldn't let me play for some reason. :) Driving the cart is loads of fun though! I would do it again. So this week was pretty much work, sleep, and watch TV. Leon worked a lot of extra hours this week finally! Hopefully he can start getting his over time back. Today was pretty cool... kinda. After work we (Leon, mom, dad, Hook, Aunt Deb, Uncle Waybe, Uncle Pete and his gf Robin) were all going to see the Blue Angels. We weren't going to the air show itself but my dad and Leons work is so close we just thought we would go there to see them. Of course my camera died right after the first couple pictures! I did get some good ones from my phone though. Mad props to the people driving those planes. They rock! The only thing that blew was on the way home it took us 1 1/2 hours from my dads work, which is about 5 minutes from where my dad lives. That was frustrating. So on to other news: The reason I write the blog. I still haven't started the Clomid. I was supposed to start it around today but since my cycle hasn't started I can't... and no I'm not pregnant! I never thought I would actually want my cycle to come lol. Thats all I have to update on really. Oh and I fell into the world of Harry Potter which I said I wouldn't do. Oh boy. Lata. -CL

crazy dream.

Okay so for the past two nights I have had a dream where we were pregnant! That is so exciting! The scary thing is we went to the doctors and found out both times that there were 3 babies! OMG. Could you imagine? I know that the odds of multiples are little to none but it really got me thinking!!! We have faith that God will bless us with a baby but today I thought... what would I do if God blessed us with twins? or triplets? I know that whatever happens Leon and I will get through it together. The risks are much higher but our family would be complete. I am just rambling but its exciting. I got my Clomid this week. Its exciting to know that this month we could get pregnant! I know the chances of getting knocked up the first time are slim... but its possible. I have read so many success stories that it gives me hope. Leon says I am to hopeful that I need to be ready for disappointment. Not that he doesn't believe it will work he just doesn't want me to set all of my hopes on the first time. Anyways, here's to hoping that July will be the month. -CL

generic vs. real?

Hello! Does anybody here that actually reads my blog think there is a difference between generic meds and the real thing? I have never had any question but now that I need to get my fertility meds prescription filled- I wonder? The real thing copay with my insurance is $130 and the generic is $20. So, I obviously wanted the generic but am wondering if it will work the same.

I know, I am paranoid but this is kind of a big deal.

:)

-CL

i never said i was the outdoorsy type.

Hello! So we just got back from our trip up north. We left on Friday after work, got Denise and went up there. We made really good timing too. I think we left at 3:30 and got there around 6ish. The GPS said we wouldn't arrive to 6:30, so go us! :)Anyways, the "cabin" we were supposed to stay in turned out to be a trailer thing that was WAY to small for 8 people. (Me, Leon, My mom and dad, Aunt Deb, Uncle Wayne, Hook and Denise) Granted we spent most of our time outside but still. When it came time to sleep, it was not happening! I was up at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday and 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. There were showers and restrooms right next to our site which was pretty cool but as soon as I went in there I walked right back out. They were cement, stinky, and had spiders in them. I pissed a few people off but I showered in the "cabin" and used all of the hot water! :) Okay, so on Saturday the plan was for us to canoeing. (On a six hour trip, btw) Since my cousins Heather, Damian, Gabe, Mike, Jenn, and their crews were also up there on vacay we invited them along! Which I was so happy with. Some people might know but some might not the last time I went canoeing was a disaster and I didn't really want to go this time. I decided to try to conquer my fear and try it again. In the end, I am happy I went. Here are just a few highlights:
Gabe and Ricks saved our butts a million times. (Along with the others who caught our stuff floating down the river.)
My mom and dad flipped.
Becky and Donna had to swicth parters because they kept flipping too.
Gabe and Ricks got and gave "boob shots" for beer.. and pudding shots. lol
Heather and Damian flipped.
Heather & Damian (Air Force) beat Gabe and Ricks (Marines) in their race.
And here a few lowlights of the trip:
Leon and I flipped over within the first 3 minutes.. then again when we got back in the canoe.
I have 17 million bruises on my legs.
I got sun burned.
Leon threw a can of beer to Damian, but hit Gabe in the head instead.
My tail bone still hurts.
I had to pee for 5 hours but didnt want to in the water.
There are so many more stories but I just don't feel like typing them all. All in all, it was a great weekend. I love spending time with my family. I am happy to be home though. I missed Maxi and Jasper. I'm sure they were fine with Linda (My mother in law) but I just know they are happy I am home. I look forward to sleeping in a bed tonight with "Friends" on as I fall asleep. One more thing before I leave: My dad said to me: "You are like a wig-wam and a tee-pee... to tense." I am to tense and a tee pee and wig wam is two tents. Haha. I think that is the funniest. He says that because on the river I was freaking out to much. Anyways, here a just a few pics of the trip. More on my myspace. -CL

Me
Me and Leon on the bus

Me and Heather

Our canoeing crew 09

it's been a slow couple of days.

Hello! So since Friday I haven't really had much to update. (Baby wise) We haven't heard anything regarding Leons sperm analysis and we were told no news is good news. I think I mentioned last time that Leons neice was spending the weekend with us. So theres a picture down there in the new outfit we bought her playing around with Leon. On Saturday I went to a graduation party for my cousin Travis and on Sunday we all went to my Aunt Julias 80th birthday party at Stonycreek Metro Park. It was really good to see family I haven't seen in awhile. I always love seeing family! Yesterday was a pretty normal day. My DVR was 73% full so I needed to play catch up on the stuff I missed. Today I woke up because my phone was ringing and it was work. I was really debating on answering it but I did and of course they wanted me to go in. We work really hard all year to make sure that when our surprise audit comes around, we will pass. Well, today was it. We had a call off so there were only 2 people there. I said yes that I would go in and it was STRESSFUL all day. Ultimately, we passed. But from what I hear it was by a hair. I had a little something to do with it. I passed all my stuff except when they checked my drawer I had to much cash in it. Ooopsy. Anyways, that has pretty much been my last couple days. Oh, I went to Meijer today and saw the cutest baby outfit. I have baby fever. Well, I'll update maybe later this week. Maybe when I get back from up north. I'm going canoeing this weekend. Until then. -CL

Me and Leon
Self Portrait 2395757650

Deborah and Leon in the kitchen

two more tests down..

Hey guys! So, the past few days have been a little crazy. The day after the HSG test I had to go to my regular doctor for a blood test to see if I carry the gene for Cystic Fibrosis and Muscular Dystrophy. The docs say that since my brother had MD and my cousin had CF that the chances I carry these genes are higher. Then I was left with the decision to see if I actually wanted to get tested. I mean, what will I do with the information when I get it? Anyway I was talking to a DNA person in Ann Arbor Genetics and she told me how complex the test was and that I would have to get all of my brothers test results to find out exactly what kind of MD he had and blah blah blah so I came home to think about it. I felt sick to my stomach. I couldn't make this kind of desicion on my own. I talked to Leon and we came up with a solution. We have passed on getting any of these tests. If my doctor orders them when we eventually get pregnant then we will, but for right now, we are passing. We will love our children no matter what. So, that's that. Today we had 2 appts at the fertility clinic. Leon had to get everything checked and I had to do a pelvic ultrasound. The nurse said that everything on my looks fine except on my ovaries I have a lot of small cysts instead of one large one that I am supposed to have at this time of the month- which she classified as "classic polycystic ovaries". I finally got the prescription I've been waiting for! It's called Clomid. The Clomid is supposed to trick the brain into making all of the small cysts into one big one, so I can ovulate! Of course, I won't be taking it until July but at least I have it and know that it might work. Now I know that some people have already asked and have been wondering what the chances of multiples are with this drug, so I'll tell you. The chances for twins are about 10-12% and triplets 3-4%. So, we are pretty safe there. So, I will keep you all updated on the progress of that. The only other thing thats been going on over here is on Thursday I went and picked up Leons neice to spend the night. We got a little pool and sun time in yesterday before the sun- like 5 minutes. Haha. We plan on getting some when I get home from work later though! But until the next post guys here are some pics of my oh so cute animals- Maxi and Jasper. They were tired. :) -CL

hospital bracelets and gowns?

Hello guys! Well, today was the DREADED test. I have been anxious, scared and worried for the past couple weeks. And well, for nothing. This test I had was called an HSG test that was basically to see if my fallopian tubes were blocked. I'll explain the procedure in a minute. But first the events leading up.... lol. So today I made arrangements to go into work at 8:30 instead of my regular hours and get out at 1:00. Of course all morning I was anxious and felt like I had butterflies in my stomach because I didn't know what to expect. It didn't matter how many message boards, blogs, or even personal accounts I read or heard I was scared. All I could think about was how bad it was going to feel. I was told once to compare it to the endometrial biopsy, (I was tested for uterine cancer a couple months ago) And that sucker HURT! Plus it doesnt sound so appealing to know that you are going to the doctor to have a catheter put into your uterus and have iodine shot into the tube and watch it go through your fallopian tubes on an x-ray. Right? Well, thats what an HSG test it. So, after work, I came home to shower, Me and Leon went to pick up my mom (She just had to go) and went to St. Joes. Thats another scary thing, I had to go to the hospital. Not just a doctors office. Okay so the nurse came to get me and made me put on a bracelet and stuck me in a changing room. I put on my gown and sat there for like 15 minutes. I read a People magazine and listened to the clock tick. Finally they came to get me. Leon met me in the HUGE room. I mean seriously. This room was huge and there were machines everywhere. That didn't make me feel any better. I got on the table and Dr. Shammel did his thing. So heres the big news: It didn't hurt. I barely felt it. I was so relieved and happy when he was done that I had to ask. "Seriously? You're done?" And heres the best news: MY TUBES ARE CLEAR! :)
One test down, 2 more to go. Well, this week anyway. Until then. -CL

it's fathers day.

Happy Fathers Day to all of the Fathers and Fathers to be. Leon not being one of them! It's okay, I'm not bitter. Yet. Though we have hope that by the next Fathers Day, Leon will be a father or father to be. So for now, today is about my dad and all the wonderful fathers I know. Leon's father isn't with us anymore but we sure did think about him today and all the nice memories we have of him. We went over my dads today and had a BBQ over there with him and my uncle Dennis who came over. Thats pretty much all we did today. Well, after that we went to the pool in our complex for a quick dip. The water was cold and it was toooo crowded.
I love my dad. From the moment I can remember I have loved him unconditionally. He's really a great person. I can't say how much I appreciate him. I don't take him for granted. That would be one piece of advice I will always carry around with me. Never take your parents for granted. My dad (And mom while I'm here) have always been there for me. Always. I hope to re-pay them some day. Though they say "Bring on the baby". They are going to start making a nursery sooner rather then later I can imagine. Quick convo my dad and I had the other day which was pretty funny.
Me: "Daddy, do you want a grandson or granddaughter?"
Dad: "I want both."
Me: "We can't afford twins."
Dad: "Oh yes we can."
He's going to be a great Papa. Soo... back to Leon. For right now, Leon has Jasper and Maxi. He loves them a lot... even though he doesn't like to admit it. He takes care of them, feeds, waters, and even cleans Jaspers litter box. Because I don't like to. :)
Ok, well, I'm gonna go now. I'll update on Tuesday after my HSG test. Here are some pics. -CL

Leon with Maxi
And Jasper

Me with my daddy

putt putt golf pics.

Colin taking a breather.
Me w/ Colin

Isn't he cute?

All of the guys at the last hole.

Leon with the evil car seat.

working hard for the money.

Hey all. So this past week has been just AMAZING! Leon has been working days so we have actually lived a normal life! He normally works afternoons or midnights- which we don't complain about because he has a job and that's all that matters! But having him home with me every night this past week was fabulous. We were able to eat dinner together... which he grilled because I don't know how to work it! We watched our shows together and didn't argue to much about the other shows we were gonna watch! lol. I totally got him watching 'Im a celebrity get me out of here!'. On Tuesday we took Colin putt putt golfing with my dad and Ray. That was a lot of fun. It was so funny we were trying to put Colins car seat in the car. 'get the practice' everyone said... so we tried. We failed. I ended up having to call Heather and get the low down on how to do it! My mom asked how we were going to put our babys car seat in and Leon said 'our babys will have instructions'... lol. Let's see.. that's pretty much all we did this week though. Spending time with eachother is good enough for us. I wil post some pics from putt putt later. I am blogging this from my cell. So, until later.... - CL

starting our blog.

Ok so I decided to start this blog so I can tell friends and family what's been going on with us and the road ahead. I will try my best to keep it updated at least a couple times a week, sometimes with pics. The main reason for starting this blog is to document our journey. We are still in our first year of marriage and are trying to start a family. Unfortunately, I have something called Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome- or PCOS. In a nutshell, I don't ovulate. If I don't ovulate, I can't get pregnant. After months of keeping this to ourselves, we finally decided to tell our friends and family. My doctor was tracking things and putting me on different meds, but we still didn't have any luck. So after a pretty crazy long waiting list we got in to see a infertility specialist. He went over our options with us. So, here we are. Next week I go for a pretty... how should I say it... I'm not looking forward to it test and an ultra sound. And Leon goes for a test. I will defintely update later after the test. So, that's all for now. -CL