5dpo + busy days ahead

I have made it to 5dpo without already going insane. {Insert cheering}  What’s more, my thermometer is staying home during our little trip coming up. Its going to be TOUGH having no clue what’s going on with my temps, but it will also be a relief to not have that number staring at me each morning at 0700. BBT and charting is a great tool for TTC, and I am an advocate… Yet, I feel this is a well deserved break for me from TTC rat race.

Since everyone and their brother is discussing the weather, I’ll throw in my 2 cents and state the obvious as well. Its hot as hell. There. That’s taken care of.

So my husband got promoted today…outdoors…in the 107 degree heat. (Bad move).  Luckily, I decided last minute to wear a sundress. (Smart move). I’m very proud of him and what he’s accomplished. Today, I am thankful for my husband and his ability to provide so well for our family.

I hope everyone has a fun & safe holiday. I’ll be enjoying myself and cooling off a bit from this heat wave, while refraining from obsessing about my 2WW (2 week wait).

Til next time…

CD18: a quick TTC update

I’d like to start with my daily blessing I am thankful for. Today, I am thankful for the lovely weather. Its warm, sunny with a breeze. I’m thankful today because the rest of the week its supposed to be over 100 degrees. Holy hades fire.

So onto TTC. I’m CD18 and believe I am 2dpo or round about there. Crossing my fingers (aka hoping and praying for a miracle). I posted a blog around CD1 on an IVF implantation failure protocol that I wanted to try to replicate naturally. I’ve upped by dose of Reishi to 3 pills a day now & will start my Progesterone cream once I am sure I did ovulate. I’m hoping this, along with my aspirin, is enough to keep my body and immune system in check. I’m feeling good, calm. I’ve started some fertility yoga as well. Legs Up The Wall {sounds dirty} is my favorite pose. It alleviates lower back pain and increases blood flow to the uterus. Double bonus. I’ve also been downing a ton of water, which in turn {TMI} has made my CM more plentiful! Isn’t being a woman fun???

XO

What’s for Dinner?

Tonight for dinner is my easy crockpot roast! Yes, in most of the country its 90 degrees…so roast may not be the first recipe that pops into your mind. But its SO easy, hands-off, & delish.  Plus, for even a family of 4 (or 2) you have leftovers, so its economical.

Crockpot Roast

The only ingredients I use are: a large chuck roast, a bag of baby carrots, half a stalk of celery, about 6 red skinned potatoes, and a white onion.

Add 1-2 cups of water to your crockpot, set it on low, brown your chuck roast on all sides in the skillet (i also salt & pepper it generously first) then toss in all the ingredients. Some folks would suggest you add a packet of onion soup mix, but I don’t feel its necessary or want the extra salt.

I let this cook on low for 8 hours. 6-8 hours on low is sufficient. I also make a gravy from the drippings (recipe is on any cornstarch box).

For my family of 2, it feeds us for 3 meals. The leftovers are delicious.

Enjoy it!

CD17 & family

First off, a special hello and thank you to my new & old subscribers. It touches my heart to have you follow me in my life path.

My husband came home Friday & this time, distance definitely made the grow fonder. I used to say, “distance makes the heart grow fungus…” I think mini breaks from your spouse are usually beneficial. Its the long breaks that tend to cultivate the fungus.

Life has been somewhat relaxed lately, especially in the TTC world. I’ve just been over it. On Saturday, we will pack our bags (and pets) and head out to visit family for a little less than 2 weeks. Its going to be hot as hades around here, so it’ll be a nice break.

Spending time away from responsibilities and relaxing is what we need. No thinking about TTC will be allowed!

I have my 2nd opinion / consult with the new OB/GYN the week we arrive home. I’m looking forward to this. I sometimes feel like an elderly person who looks forward to their weekly outings to the doctors. {Insert chuckle} I’m still considering the LAP (laprascopy), but the timing of the surgery will prove to be difficult.

I’m CD17 today and think I ovulated. We’ll see what tomorrow’s temperature brings, then I’ll be stashing the BBT in the night stand once again. Please, wish me luck and send good vibes.

XO

Maya Massage + Whole Foods Ritual

I had my fertility massage today. It was more than I expected & really loved it, not to mention learned a lot. My massage therapist did a castor oil pack on my stomach (which stayed there about an hour) while she did massage, Acupressure, & reflexology on the rest of my body that was focused towards fertility. The cranial, shoulder and back massages were the best. She used different essential oils during the session, which was relaxing. There were certain acupressure and reflexology points that were uncomfortable and actually hurt a bit. The point in my feet for the uterus, adrenal glands and something else were really tender.
The actual uterus massage came next once the castor oil pack was done. To say it was relaxing would be false. For me personally, it was uncomfortable. The right side of my uterus she discovered was tipped forward and pinched a bit. The whole ute was basically shifted to the right side. She taught me to do the self massage, so I then could feel the more prominent side….it just felt weird. Its hard to explain other than during the massage, the right side felt sensitive and bruised, tender. I have circulation issues on the right side of my body anyways, so I guess this made sense. It also helped explain the extreme lower back pain I get and got when I was pregnant before. Now remember, I am not a doctor, nor is my massage chick. So yes, I am aware that other things may be occurring on my insides beside a tilty, smashed uterus. 

the aftermath...

Its tradition for me to visit Whole Foods after a visit to the city. So here’s my “cooking” picture of the day. Its actually the aftermath picture! I LOVE the Whole Foods salad bar. I always feel refreshed and amazing after I snark down a box of goodness.

CD10…

A little snack

ooey gooey

Yes, I have a cheese addiction. But this recipe uses Weight Watcher string cheese so its ok! Right?

I used 3 string cheese sticks cut in half & placed them in the freezer until frozen. Then, you dip each stick into flour, egg wash, then a breadcrumb or Panko mixture….then back in the freezer. The breadcrumb coating I used was: Italian breadcrumbs, a little Italian seasoning, & a little Creole seasoning (thanks Alicia).  You could use an Italian breadcrumb + panko mixture with parsley also.

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil & spray lightly with a cooking spray.  Once the sticks are frozen (doesn’t take long), place them on the baking sheet and spray the tops lightly with a smidge more spray. Let ’em bake for 4-5, turn them, cook for another 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them before they start to ooze cheese (as mine did).

I ate all 6!

What’s for dinner?

Twist on a grilled cheese

I decided to try a Pinterest recipe again tonight. I am cheese-a-holic so of course this was right up my alley. I chose swiss cheese & rye bread, and omitted the pesto spread. Yum yum! I want another one!

Greek Goddess Grilled Cheese recipe

CD8 + weight loss

I’ve been off caffeine since March. I gave it up for lent and just continued avoiding it because we started TTC. This was a pretty easy sacrifice since my only major caffeine source is coffee…mainly Starbucks. My Starbucks addiction has been my only guilty pleasure I’ve had for years. No lie. I always order a “skinny” so get off my case….

Well lately since I have been sacking on the weight, not getting pregnant, and not doing anything special for myself….Starbucks decaf has come into my life. {Shh, don’t tell my husband}. The weather has been steaming hot lately & I’ve been crafting. This translates to me needing my beverage. I always have my coffee when I craft, so at the commencement of the scrapbook, I decided to treat myself. Well the scrapbook is done & i’m still treating myself. FAIL.

While I have been watching what I eat since Monday, (veggies, fruits, water) the addition of my icy beverage for a meal has definitely contributed to my weight loss. I am no nutritionist, but I’m thinking this is why I used to be so skinny. That, and the constant stress & job… Regardless, I welcome the change for these 2 weeks. Healthy or not.

On a TTC note: I am CD8 and started the castor oil packs yesterday. I slept great afterwards. A warm heating pad on your belly always helps relax ya.

CD 6… one week til ovulation?

That’s the million dollar question, isn’t it? Please God, don’t let this cycle be like last cycle… Luckily, since I am not temping, I am super relaxed this month. I’ve been keeping myself occupied yesterday & today finally working on a scrapbook for my dh & I. This has been a work in progress {aka a box full of random crap} since I met my husband 2 years ago. This is actually my first ever scrapbook! I am a very crafty person, so its no big deal for me to create it. I only wish scrapbook supplies weren’t so pricey. Its a good thing Hobby Lobby has a sale everyday 🙂

A friend asked me how my husband & I met yesterday afternoon, which sparked some schmoopiness and reminiscing on my part as I told the story, which then led to the urge to start the infamous scrapbook!

So today I am thankful for my husband. His distance from me is indeed making my heart grow fonder.  Who knew? That coupled with the fact that my insane PMS hormones have passed.

CD4 & the cooking continues

The arugala  & goat cheese made an appearance again tonight on my plate. I was happy to find it there. Being able to clean the house (and have it stay clean) & cook what I like are the only good things about being home alone for a couple weeks.

{dinner tonight}

I did make an appointment for a Maya Fertility Massage next week, which I’m looking forward to. I hope it helps, and maybe they can figure out if my uterus is tipped or out of place. So we will see…

CD4