#153 of 365~Time With Aunt Donna

While my Aunt Donna was here for the week, we had set a goal to get her out and about to show her what Omaha has to offer.  I took this task very seriously as 1. she did it for me when I was in Buffalo this summer and 2. I LOVE my city and it has so much to offer 3. My family is too fun NOT to hang out with!  So, here's a post of the few things we did.  Love you Aunt Donna!!!!

Aunt Diane, Great-Aunt Donna, my Sister Racheal, Me, my Aunt Dawn, My Aunt Linda, while you can't see her my Uncle Tom's kid-my cousin Shayla, and my Aunt Kelly's kids/my cousins-Jenna and Andrew. Lunch at Jason's Deli-BIG deal for someone whose never heard of it

A little visit to Little Italy in Omaha

 Aunt Donna with her "mountain man" and "ray of sunshine" at Lauritzen Botanical Gardens

 Our annual meet up and picture with Renea at Spaghetti works

Getting my Aunts and cousins to cross the Bob Kerry "Bridge to nowhere"

 Girl's just wanna have fun!

A beautiful way to end our time together

#152 of 365~Labor Day at the Gardens

On Labor Day, a mysterious benefactor made a donation that allowed Lauritzen Gardens to be open to the public.  So, along with most of Omaha, we took my Great-Aunt Donna on an adventure through the 100 acres of botanical gardens.  It is the time of year to go, right when summers rays begin to fade and the flowers are at their brightest.  We saw everything from tropical hibiscus to cactus.  The trees were lush and green and sky the brightest of blues.  It was a wonderful way to start our day!

Running water and gourds hanging without falter...

...we always make time to check out the whimsy of tiny trains clacking down stick tracks....

...and getting lost in fields of sunflowers with the sun beating down on our backs.

 Buzzy bee's and sunflower trees, make summer's days just right for me!

#148 of 365~Straight Talk About Our Infertility~Part 2

This is part two of Straight Talk on Infertility Stuff.  Read part one at: http://waitingforbabystoriesblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/straight-talk-on-infertility-stuff-part.html

Infertility Meds-Uh, can we talk about something else?  They were delivered in a large box that I couldn't open for 2 days.  I took shots at 7:00 in the morning and 7:00 at night and HATED everything about it.  Getting used to the idea of giving yourself a shot takes some time.  I really thought I would be fine with it, but ended up chickening out and made my amazing hubby do it.  Twice a day he lovingly stuck me with a needle knowing it caused me pain.  He hated it just as much but kept telling me, "This is a means to an end."  It stung a little going in and I felt queasy for about an hour after.  I did find myself becoming quite emotional, but don't know if it was due to the meds or the whole situation.  There is also a estrogen patch that some might have to wear throughout the process as well and this is probably the easiest thing by far.

Emotions-They go, they go down, and your head just seems to never stop spinning around.  It's so hard to keep from getting angry, crying at the drop of a hat, or feeling numb.  It's important to tell your closest friends and family members that you will be extra sensitive and a little...not your self.  I found that I just curled up with my thoughts.  Those closest to me, went above and beyond by reaching out with meals, distractions, and sweet words.  My hubby was a champ throughout the whole event and I've never felt more blessed to have him by my side.  There were some rough times, but he understood that this was only for a short time.

Egg Release-This happens when your eggs do not grow according to schedule, you have a "rogue egg," or they just aren' "right."  We walked into our appointment so excited to see how the medications had worked and how we were one step closer to the actual surgery date.  Unfortunately, I had a "rogue egg" and was given a pre-filled syringe to take that evening to release the eggs.  While some may see this as a part of the process, I felt as if my body had betrayed me and our dreams of starting a family had once again been dashed.  For two days I wallowed in my sorrow while my body reacted to the shot.  Large red welts spread all over my stomach and I was quite feverish.  Never had I ever been so hot in all my life.  The welts soon disappeared while hot flashes remain-get used to those, it seems as if you'll never cool down!

Continuing On-We find ourselves now continuing on with a different type of treatment and the time we wait has never been more exasperating!  The amount of bills compete with the same amount of emotions as we wait and pray for my body to work with the new dates circled on the calendar.  Sensitivities are high as we once again allow ourselves to hope and dream of the family we are meant to be.  We busy ourselves with work, friends, cook outs, parties, and the 8 families in our lives who find themselves pregnant or giving birth all within the same 2 months.  This too brings another bought of emotions, but nothing brings us more happiness than to help welcome a new babe into this world.  Prayers and well wishes for own babe are appreciated, donations towards our fund continue to trickle in: http://www.gofundme.com/7s7zms  We are ever so greatful for the people who've made meals, send cards, call, and just take part in our life.  It makes continuing on a bit more easier.