My Top Ten Baby Making Tips

Now I'm not a fertility expert or anything but I do know a thing or two about baby making. Before trying to get pregnant, I researched fertility tips and tricks and thought "what the heck, why not try it."

So in no particular order, here are some things you can keep in mind if you think you may want to try to get pregnant in the next year or so:

1. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins: Never too early to start. It can take your body a few months to stock up on all of the nutrients you may be low on (especially folic acid), so it's not a bad idea to start a few months before you begin trying to conceive.

I picked up some cheapos at first but then a few people told me they go straight through you and don't break down right. So I got Garden of Life Raw Prenatal vitamins. All of the ingredients are things you can understand, and while they don't taste the best, they're easy to swallow. I also took the Oceans Mom vitamins (and still do) which has DHA and is great for baby's brain development. I attribute Lil' J's advanced intelligence in part to my religiousness of taking these.

Vitamins not your thing? BeNice Prenatal is a drink that comes in a packet you mix in with water to get all the prenatal vitamins you need! (Free shipping right now too!!)

2. Eat Healthier: Really, you should be getting all of your nutrients from food but take note to things you can cut back on, and what you can eat more of. Green leaves are more rich in folic acid, so eat lots of yummy salad. Also, cut back on caffeine. Studies are back and forth on whether or not caffeine affects the ability to conceive but it doesn't hurt to take a break from it. I did, and haven't looked back since. I had my husband give it up too because excessive caffeine can affect sperm count.

Also, think about cutting out artificial sweaters if you haven't already. If you're craving something sweet, BellyBar has a bunch of yummy things to try. I love their shakes but my favorite is their Berry Nutty Cravings. They also have a new "boost" bar that compliments your prenatal vitamins.

3. Keep Warm: I read a great book called Pulling Down the Moon which has 12 steps to optimizing your fertility. One thing I thought was interesting learning about were my body's processes, and how fertility is a warm process, therefore drinking warm liquids (or water at room temperature versus cold temperature) made less work for my body. I dunno, maybe it was all in my head but I ate a lot of steamed veggies, and drank a lot of warm water with lemon, and if I ever ate something cool, I would usually drink something warm with it.

4. Use a Sperm-Friendly Lubricant: Did you know stuff like KY jelly inhabits the swimmers from getting to their destination? It's not birth control or anything but it doesn't help things when you're trying to get pregnant. I used Conceive Plus. Which doesn't inhibit them and supposedly helps the swimmers get there easier.

5. Keep the Legs Up: Ya know. After doing the deed. Use good old gravity for 5-10 minutes to get the swimmers on their way.

6. Get Your Spouse Involved: My husband thought I was a little crazy when I was telling him what he could and couldn't eat and to skip hot baths. But it's good to discuss things and make sure you're on the same page. It's a good idea for him to eat better, exercise too. My husband used these vitamins. Oh, and Horny Goat Weed is supposedly suppose to help male fertility but really... Who the heck knows! Whatever you do, don't be like me and turn in to a sex natzi.

7. Relax: It's the #1 think you'll get tired of hearing from people when you're trying to conceive. But try it. Go on a baby-makin moon, or try Circle + Bloom (a fertility relaxation program). I did both. Use this as an opportunity to try that yoga class you've been eye-balling. Or start a new book. Something to get your mind off trying to conceive (TTC). If it doesn't work, you can always think about all of the reasons why you DON'T want to get pregnant and try to trick your uterus using reverse psychology.

8. Get Regular Exercise: I took my dog for a jog every day (obviously pre-baby. Now he's lucky if I remember to pet him). Gaining or loosing weight can whip your baby making machine into gear! You can try Carmen Electra's Striptease DVDs like I did during my stripper stint and hit two birds with one stone!

9. Know Your Fertile Days: There's a few key days every month that you're most fertile. You can take your basal body temperature every day to track when you ovulate. I did this for a month but it really took the fun out of "being spontaneous" (but even when I wasn't tracking I still knew when I was ovulating I just didn't tell my husband so he thought it was spontaneous). I recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility to learn more about that good stuff.

10. Know it Can Take Time: Only about 25% percent of couples actively trying, get pregnant in the first month of trying. You really have only a 25% chance in any given month but 90% of couples get pregnant within a year of trying. So don't give up!

Questions anyone?

And here's a little something to help--Everyone who comments on this post before October 9th will be entered to win a pack of the Garden of Life Prenatal Vitamins I mentioned earlier!

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Random.org winner: Commenter #37: Brittany!

The Road from TTC to Pregnant

When I first began my journey to try to have a baby I was so anxious, excited and scared. In my journey of preparing and researching fertility I realized how not-easy it was for so many people. It seemed as though many friends I knew in college were able to get pregnant easy enough but for many, I didn't know the story behind their baby story.

As I learned the challenges some of my friends faced I began to wonder what my journey would be like.. I wondered how long it would take for us to get pregnant. I didn't know why I'd feel so confidant about it being the time to try to have a baby then it take years to happen... But maybe it would just be a trial for me to overcome. I wondered if we were secretly infertile. I knew, and know so many people who didn't know why they weren't conceiving, why their cycles were irregular, why they had to wait a year to get professional help.

I sorta knew way to much to begin with. My cycle was 28 days exactly but I knew that didn't guarantee my fertility. What if the problem wasn't with me, but with my spouse? I prepared as best as I could, but all I could do was hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

I know some thought my ramblings of insecurity were premature... And perhaps it was, but it wasn't a mockery I was portraying... Rather my true feelings on the topic of trying to conceive. And I imagine they're similar feelings of any woman who wants to become a mother... A woman who has compassion for friends she knows has struggled but wonders what her fate will be.

I was shocked, to say the least to find out I was pregnant... And so quickly. But I also felt like I had immediately become a traitor to my friends who were still in the trenches of TTC. I had only gotten a taste of the trial and already I was rescued from the pits... Leaving them behind. I felt so bad at first, I didn't know how to be excited, how to share my excitement while not causing pain. I KNOW how that feels. I didn't know it to the same extreme, but there were so many times... Even before we were trying that I wished we were in the right time and place to have a child. Then after beginning to bring a baby into our home, I got just a taste of the sting when a friend shared the news of their new baby. I could only imagine how that feeling is magnified by YEARS of experience and pain.

I knew what NOT to do... I knew how much I hated people telling me time and time again just to "relax." All of my research and preparing could have come across as stressing but I really was just trying to be informed. I know that's not a piece of advice I'll give to someone who is TTC. ...Because I'm sure they've heard it enough already. I know I did and we weren't trying for years and years. Actually I don't think I'd give anyone advice... Unless they specifically ask me for mine.

I didn't know what to do but blog on, as I had always been... Express my fears, excitement, frustrations, everything as I always have, and hope not to offend or hurt anyone. All the while I'm praying my friends trying to have a baby aren't far behind. Sometimes I don't know what to say, if I've said too much. All I can do is be myself, be honest, and hope I'm not hurting anyone, and hope that anyone struggling knows I'm not doing anything inspite of them.

My situation of expressing my journey has been unusual to say the least. I think most women start documenting their TTC journey once they've been trying for awhile... Maybe even once they've been diagnosed with infertility. I loved helping other women who were in the same boat as me, or not yet TTC but getting ready.

I know I'm not alone with this feeling either though because as some of my TTC friends cross over to the pregnancy side with me, they secretly message me with their excitement, I assume feeling the same sense of worry for expressing their happiness. It's such a quick and drastic change, and sometimes difficult to absorb and explain.

I want my friends on all sides of the TTC fence to know I love you, I support you, and I'm here for you in whatever way you want me to help!

I know my tone has changed based on what I'm going through but I'm still thinking and praying about my TTC friends daily.

Before I found out I was pregnant Fertilaid contacted me about doing a review and giveaway. I found out I was pregnant shortly after but still wanted to offer this Little Bundle Pack to one of my TTC readers... If you still read.

Here's info about the Little Bundle Starter Pack:

The Little Bundle Starter Pack helps ensure proper nutrition, promotes hormonal balance and improves cervical mucus production; all of which play an important role in the conception process.

FertilAid for Women is a doctor-designed supplement that takes a dual approach to aiding conception. It contains a full prenatal vitamin supplement (including folic acid) as well as an herbal blend of fertility enhancing herbs that help to regulate the hormones and normalize one's cycle. This "Just Right" formula of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs (such as vitex) is designed to improve your odds of conceiving.

Without fertile quality cervical mucus, sperm have a difficult time making their way to the egg. FertileCM is designed to improve both the quantity and quality of a woman's cervical mucus. In addition to mucus production, FertileCM helps to strengthen the uterine lining for better implantation of the embryo.

FertilAid for Women and FertileCM complement one another and were formulated to be taken safely together. Both are natural, non-prescription supplements designed to improve overall reproductive health and help you conceive.

But I'm going to up the prize a little. You get a Little Bundle Starter Pack PLUS goodies from me.
I'm throwing in my 4 Pulling Down the Moon Fertility ARTeas (I've only used a few table spoons of each) the containers are practically full!

Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Cleanse ($10.95)
Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Implantation ($10.95)
Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Nourish ($10.95)
Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Ovulation Support ($10.95)

A tube of Conceive Plus ($16.50)

A Clearblue Easy Digital Pregnancy test! ($8)

Self Fertility Massage DVD ($29.95)

1 FertilAid for Women
and 1 FertileCM ($45)

So about a $145 Value!!

Also, everyone gets a free download to Circle + Blooms Fertility Relaxation program for cycle days 1, 5, and 13. They recently lowered their prices and I HIGHLY recommend checking it out. It's the one thing I used religiously the month I got pregnant, and it really is relaxing. Try it for free before you buy!

You can also use coupon code "newyearsavings" to receive 10% off at www.fairhavenhealth.com.

I know it's not much, I wish I could do more, wish I knew what to say and that I could make EVERYONE pregnant (wouldn't that be nice?) But this is a little something I wanted to add to my Full Term of Giveaways for you. Consider this your TTC Kickoff Package. Whether you've been trying awhile or not, this is Baby Makin(g) Machine's good luck baby dusting basket of goodies!!

All you have to do is leave a comment to enter telling me why you'd like to win.

That's all! If you would like extra entries here are ways you can enter (leave a comment for each):

-Vote for Baby Makin(g) Machine as top 50 Mommyblog on Babble (once per day)

-Follow my blog.
-Visit Fertilaid and tell me another product you'd like to try
-Follow @Fertilaidamy on Twitter
-Tweet "I'm in it to win a $145 fertility package from @FutureMama including Fertilaid from @FertilaidAmy http://bit.ly/7Zwk2j" (2Xs per day)
-Give me a pregnancy tip!
-Become my Facebook Fan
-Add my NEW button to your blog!
-Add my Full Terms of Giveaway button to your blog.
-Post about this giveaway on your blog.
-Email Subscribe to my blog (don't forget to confirm your email!) OR Subscribe to my blog through one of these feeds (let me know which one in comments).
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-Tell me how you heard about this giveaway (you read my blog regularly, saw it on Twitter, etc.)

This giveaway ends January 22nd at 11:59pm. I'll choose a winner using Random.org Goodluck!

Clarification... I'm With-Spawn

I laughed as I read your comments on my Wordless Wednesday post. Most were so excited about me winning the crib that they totally bypassed my little hint. Others thought they missed an announcement and frantically searched my archives. Some threatened me... I had better not be pulling your legs! And one joked that if it's bad luck to have a crib before I'm pregnant, I could sell the crib, and get a dishwasher... Instead of getting ahead of myself (love you Amanda!).

So... I won a crib yesterday... just in time! Just in time for what? Well, like a little puppy I've been dropping little surprises for you all around the house: "...A day I'll remember forever... For more reasons than one", Foreshadowing, a new blog design with a pregnant girl...

But for those of you who weren't picking up what I was putting down... I'M PREGNANT! And now we go back in time... To the day I found out... The day I ALMOST told you.

***Written October 16th, but saved for you for today!***

It all started with a Twitter Poll. To test or not to test?

I had abstained from the thought of testing all month. It was 13 Days Past Ovulation (DPO) and I was considering testing the next morning. But I couldn't do it without the peer pressure from friends.

Some urged me to "Wait! It was too soon to see a Big Fat Positive (BFP) and others... "Go ahead, you have a million anyway!"

I left it up to the poll to decide.

As of Thursday morning, here were the results:Though that morning... As usual the morning of a pee test, I began to have my doubts. The thoughts of chickening out, and waiting until "tomorrow" crept in my mind. I tweeted those thoughts and @graciekate replied "Don't you dare!"

So I honored my promise to test that morning, then and there.

I got up, and grabbed my iPhone, created my own hashtag, and went in the bathroom to tweet my experience. Here's how it went down:Yes. I took the time to pee in a disposable cup (which I purposely keep under the bathroom sink for this reason), set it down, and tweet.
It really only took me about 5 because a minute after that I sent this tweet:I brushed my teeth, and set the test to the side. I checked my Twitter replies occasionally to keep myself from looking at the test. But when about three minutes had passed, I let my eyes wander and spot the test... I saw what was undoubtedly two lines, then all I could manage to get out was this:I in no way, shape or form, thought that the test would be positive. They were never positive, I didn't know if positive tests really existed or if people just made it up... A trick they use, but don't tell you about until you're pregnant... Torturing all of the ladies trying to have a baby.

I frantically brought out the big guns. I had used a dollar-store test and knew the expensive digital kind would tell me the truth. I couldn't get the tape off of the box and I was already running late for work. There was no time to go downstairs for scissors. I use my teeth, nails, and and attempted with my razor blade. Finally, I just used my mega-woman-wanna-be-pregnant strength and ripped the entire box in half... Mind you, the whole time I was trying to be quiet as not to wake my husband up, who was sleeping in bed a few yards away.

BINGO! I had the test, and luckily, I saved the cup of pee. I dipped the digital test in the cup for 20 seconds, as the directions indicated, and watched the thing think.

Moments later the word "Pregnant" stamped across the screen... Shock stamped across mine.

I grabbed the test, opened the door, and began to outstretch my arm to hand the stick that proved our lives were about to change forever over to my sleeping husband. ...But right before I woke him up, I turned around, and went back in the bathroom.

Had I forgotten? All of those months of planning how I'd spring the surprise on my husband about flew out the window because of my extreme shock. This wasn't the emotion I expected to have once I finally saw the good news. I guess I just wasn't expecting any for a long while.

I had forgotten about my twitter audience, which by now I had about 50 people asking me WTH happened! But I couldn't tell them... not before my husband, not before... I don't know, I just couldn't.

I got ready for work then woke my husband up and told him I wanted to call in sick to work. He woke up, and told me he'd take me, and to stick it through.

I made him come downstairs and sit with me while I collected my things for work.

As planned, I asked him to call my phone that I had "misplaced," When it rang, the ringtone was different than the one he's had for years and it rang to the tune of R. Kelly's "I'm Having a Baby."

... He didn't get it.

After a few more minutes of hinting I decided to cut the cute stuff and get to the point. I handed him the test. Clear as day, there were to be no misunderstandings.

"What does that mean?" ... The sole word "pregnant" wasn't clear enough. "For real?" He asked me.
"Yep!"

Then we both sat there in shock. Not sure what to do next. So he took me to work.

Later I remembered my waiting friends, by then, the number of twitter replies had risen to about 100! And I sent the only Tweet I could manage to form. The only thing that would keep my secret a secret awhile longer, while also not making it a blatant lie:And that has what I left you with.. until now.
Back to today: I've been keeping a journal of everything here since the day I found out, but have kept it in my "drafts" until now. This was so I could have a fresh look back at my thoughts about this pregnancy from day to day. I didn't want to announce it until our families knew. Because Lawd knows if they read it on my blog first... Things would not have been pretty. We told them Sunday. I'm exactly 6 weeks along Friday and I have my first doctor's appointment that same day! They told me they're not doing an ultrasound but they'll check to the heartbeat! I hope we can hear it!

For the next week or so I'll post what I've been going through since day 1 post BFP. If you're not following or subscribing to my blog yet, you may want to sign up now, cause it's going to be a wild ride!

The Lost Blogger

When I first started writing in this blog I had never heard of a "mommy blogger." I mean, I have friends who have kids who write in blogs and take pictures of their kids and use it as a way to keep in touch with family. I get it. I have a family blog for similar reasons.

But a few months in to writing here I began to notice there were mom bloggers who took their blogging very seriously... Some even made a career out of it. And being the curious kitten i am, I inquired further.

As I've developed my blog I've found I'm in the strangest "no man's land."

Single and Newlywed blogs didn't quite fit into my theme as I'm past that stage of marriage, and I hardly mention my husband.

I'm close to fitting in the "Baby Blog" group, except for the fact that I don't have a baby. I try to cheat sometimes and count my dog, but that didn't always fly.

Preggo blogs seem to be a fairly new thing to me at least, they are cute but I can't pretend to be in that group either. Next thing you know I'd have someone accusing me of being that scary lady who stalks pregnant women and carve their baby out to pretend it's my own... Oh wait, nevermind, someone already accused me of that last week.

"Mommy Bloggers" are open to letting me hang out with them because I'm "different" but I often felt excluded when meme topics would surround children and "stay at home motherhood." My mind is always flowing with questions about motherhood, and I think one thing moms like to do is give advice. Solicited or not. I'm always here to listen/ read, and ready with open ears... Er, eyes.

And last but not least, "Infertility Bloggers" almost always immediately rejected me... How could I know what it was like to want a child? I haven't been trying for as long as they have, a few even wrote me hate emails and comments telling me how the tone of my blog offends them. Lord knows that's not my intention at all, in fact, I had no idea people could be so upset about me writing about my journey. I've never tried to compare myself to someone else who's gone through as much, but sometimes people take me the wrong way.

I mistakenly tried to add myself to a list of what I thought were "TTC Blogs" But come to find out they were "infertility blogs" and I'm not allowed on the list cause I haven't been diagnosed with infertility.

I'm not going to complain about that... It's a high price to pay to be on that list, and I'd hate to offend someone who thinks I don't deserve to be on it.

A "Fertility Blogger" I guess you could call what I've been. So many blogs of that sort are infertility blogs, so I think the fact that I'm writing about the process before knowing the state of my fertility is slightly revolutionary. No one really knows what to think of it.

And with that I've decided to make my own blogroll! I know a few of my blog friends are TTC bloggers too, and I'd love to have a blogroll of them to visit. Haven't been trying long enough to be on Stirrup Queen's list? That's ok! I'll add you to mine!

It's ok if that's not the theme of your blog, I can know to visit you often though, and check up on you! Also, let other TTC bloggers (if there are any others besides me) know about it too!

If you're not a "Fertility Blogger", let me know what kind of category you'd like to be in and I'll add you! I'll add a "Future Mama" list to it too. Maybe a "Trying for #2" "pregnant" even "baby blog" group as well. Let me know if you'd like to be added and how and you've got it

I found out last night that I WON Best Fertility Blogger on The Bump! Talk about a big week! We met our goal with March of Dimes then this! Thanks SO MUCH for voting! Now I'm up against all of the other "mommy bloggers" for the overall Best Mommy Blog Award. I know I'm not a mom (yet) but I'd love to win this for all of us TTC bloggers out there, or in-between mommy bloggers!

I won the $100 Gift Card to Pottery Barn Kids for my first win, and now I'm up to win $1000 in the Best Overall Mommy Blog Award!! Click that link and scroll to the bottom of the page to see the polls! Please vote often and as much as you can! This would be HUGE! :) But if I don't win it's ok! There are some big-named bloggers on the list and I'm grateful to have been nominated, and to already have won something already!

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PS: Sorry I didn't add this earlier!! The winners of the cutest "baby" contest:

Boy: #1

Girl: #23

Winners email your address to babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com so I can get you your prizes!

But please know I Loved each and every one of your babies!! They were all so beautiful and I CAN'T WAIT to have one of my own!!

"STOP STRESSING" <-- This Stresses Me Out

I'M BACK!!

Wow! What a month! The fundraiser was a big success! I'm not sure if I'll do another of that magnitude, but I'm happy that one went well. We raised over $1100 for March of Dimes... In ONE MONTH! If you donated and are wondering if you won something look here for the list of winners.

Ok, enough of that! Not to belittle it, it's just that if I type that out one more time I may go crazy!

For those of you who disappeared for a month and are maybe wondering if you missed some kind of big announcement I may have delivered... You didn't. Don't worry.

While I was "away", I wrote in my journal a lot, and I Twittered a lot. Some of which I'll share with you later.

I had a lot of time to think about this whole "stress thing" that people always talk about. I'm not sure what's more stressful to me... Actually thinking about the reproduction process and how it works, or having people tell me NOT to think about it, forget about it, and "stop stressing about it."

I KNOW everyone is well meaning, I really do. But at what point will people believe that I'M NOT STRESSING?

Really, cause I'd tell you if I was. No really... I would.

Conversations (on Twitter, cause I don't have conversations like this in real life) have started to go like this:
Twitter friend: "How are you doing? How's baby makin'?"
Me: "Oh good. I'll know in a couple of weeks."
Twitter friend: "Well don't think about it!"

Convo #2:
Twitter friend 2: "Do you know if you're pregnant yet?"
Me: "No, I actually don't even know what DPO I'm on."
Twitter friend 2: "DPO? Don't talk like that... Don't think about TTC!"

Convo #3:
Me: "Question: What kind of early pregnancy symptoms did you notice?"
Twitter friends 3-23: "@FutureMama: Why are you asking that! Stop stressing about it, it will happen!!!"

I'm a curious person, and I am interested in the topics of birth, pregnancy, and achieving that. So I tend to write about it a lot, ask questions about it... It doesn't mean it's because I'm stressing about every little thing TTC... It just means I'm asking a question, curious about your opinions!

I think I get more stressed out trying to convince people I'm not stressing out than with the actual stress of the process.

I mean it would be one thing if I was like crying and stressing about it all of the time, but really, I think other things stress me out more than this! Sure... This is one of the most important things in my life right now, but knowing that stress in a hindrance, don't you think I'd try to take it easy?

Again, I know people are just trying to be nice, but if you know someone who is TTC here's a tip... Don't tell them to relax, it'll probably just be annoying! Or is it just me?

Speaking of eliminating stress, today is the last day you can vote for me as Best Fertility Blog! I'm so excited to have been nominated and if I win I have a chance to win $1000... Good for future baby right?! The other main contender and I keep going back and forth and has a great blog too so visit her too (but vote for me! haha)

*****

PS: Sorry I didn't add this earlier!! The winners of the cutest "baby" contest:

Boy: #1

Girl: #23

Winners email your address to babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com so I can get you your prizes!

But please know I Loved each and every one of your babies!! They were all so beautiful and I CAN'T WAIT to have one of my own!!

TTC Update and Another Cutest Baby Contest

I got my first "I miss you" comment.. Ok, well it wasn't exactly like that but it felt nice anyway. Along with raising money for March of Dimes I've also taken a break from my usually TMI blogging. Trust me... I've been going through withdrawals myself, but at the same time it's been a nice break. I'm REALLY not thinking about the stress of it all as much since I'm focusing my energy on something else.

That said, I have A LOT to say. This break has given me a lot of time to think, and has brought a lot more questions to my mind. I don't want to post about them just yet because I don't want them to get lost in the shuffle of all of the features, nor take away from them, so I'll go back to my journal-like posts around the 20th. Who knows though... I could slip in a whine session, or announcement in between, we'll see.

But until then.. expect to see A LOT more features! ... No joke! I'm featuring 30 sponsors in the next two weeks, so that's a couple a day! Tell your friends about it cause the sooner we reach our goal the sooner we can celebrate! Just $1 goes a long way, and you can win a great prize! $15 guarantees you a prize!

But as for my update... Right now I'm just confused about the whole TTC advice thing. 1. I thought Mormons got pregnant easy. I mean, why in the world do they preach on and on about procreating, and make it seem so easy?.. Ok ok, I know it's not but still. With how many times I've had people ask and tell me "when are you having kids?" It's like they expect it to be like "POOF! Pregnant!"

2. Some say "chart chart chart" and others say "just relax, and don't think about it." I don't know how many people have told me the month they stopped "trying" it happened. Huh, interesting, no? But on the other end people rave about "Taking Charge of Your Fertility."

As for me, thinking about it too much... Especially the conflicting messages gives me a headache, so I'm "giving up" a little prematurely. I realized all of the tracking and planning still only gives me a 25% chance from any given month, so why over-analyze? ... I may change my mind tomorrow, but for today, this is the plan. In another 4-10 months I'll see a doctor, but until then, I'm not going to send myself into a pre-midlife crisis.

I have General Conference on DVR since I work on the weekends, if you watched, let me know your favorite talks! I'd love to especially listen out for those!

Also, I'm starting another cutest baby contest! You have until next Sunday at 11:59pm CST to email me your photos (only last time's winners are excluded) to babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com. I'll run it the last week of the fundraiser and it'll end the event with a bang! Anyone who's considered "your baby" can be entered... pets, husbands, older kids, whatever! haha!

The baby boy winner of the contest will win a blog button and an adorable binky clip from CJ's Fine Designs
The baby girl winner of the contest will win a blog button and a mini album of choice from Hampshire Rose Memories.
Features on both shops coming soon!

PS: If you are one of the winners of the first contest please email me your address info!

Choosing Someone to Catch the Baby from My Vajayjay

Try visiting your girlie doctor... Being told your insurance doesn't cover the procedure, arguing with them, and calling the insurance company yourself to find out in in fact DOES. Putting your insurance company on the phone with them, they finally agree, but say that you need to pay your $150 deductible.. And that needs to be paid up front (as if they assume you'll run away after in your attempt to evade the GYN bill monster). Then, you wait... And you're called into a little room. Then you wait, and wait, and wait... And Tweet about the long wait.. And consider pulling the dang cord out yourself... You start to consider leaving.... Getting up to put your clothes on. And as if on cue... A knock at the door.

Your doctor comes in, puts your legs in the stirrups, pulls the goalie, and asks if you need another method of birth control prescribed. You tell her you're thinking of using natural prevention measures for now, and she sort of says somethings like "cool" and is outta there like a fat kid in dodgeball! It all happens before you could say your ABCs and you wonder "WTF?"

This was my last experience at my GYN, and I'm not gonna lie, I felt a little violated. I felt rushed, unimportant, and a little like a cow... Or cattle, whatever--It didn't feel good!

She is an OBGYN, but needless to say, I don't want HER delivering my future baby! So... Now I'm faced with the quest of finding a new "female doctor."

I might as well just find an OBGYN, so I can go to the same person pre-and during pregnancy. But get this.. I'm SUPER picky. Ok not really normally, but I kind of want to be for this.

Have you seen Knocked Up? Not the best movie, but there's a scene where the pregnant lady goes to like 10 different doctors and has them give her 10 different ultrasounds and based on their personality, skills, and connection she chooses the doctor she likes best. That's a little how I imagine myself... But I'd rather get the interviews done early.

I've watched one too many episodes of A Baby Story where the mom-to-be is given a time limit for dilating, then they take her to the operation room to be cut open, just cause "it's taking too long." No thank you!

Nothing against C-sections or whatever, but I definitely don't want one if I don't absolutely NEED one. I mean, although it's not the prettiest sight, I'd much rather just get the thing to come out of my Hooha... But it's not even that, bottom line... I want whats best for me and baby, but without feeling rushed, or pushed into anything. NOTHING against anyone who has c-sections, I just want to try to get baby out of my lady parts first if possible.

How did you choose your doctor? My last GYN was referred by a friend. Although it didn't go well, my family doctor was also referred by a friend and he is WONDERFUL. He took the time to talk to me and my husband, answer all of our questions, joke with us. I didn't feel rushed at all. He did give me some recommendations of OBs, so I'll look into that.

So my question is, how do I choose a new OBGYN?... And/or perhaps a Midwife or Doula? I don't want to wait until I'm pregnant to choose one. I'd like to have one in mind before so I know who to call when I'm like "Hey, I'm pregnant, when can I come in?"

My friend Kayce is a midwife assistant and doula in training and I'm ALWAYS asking her questions about labor, delivery, pregnancy, etc. She has a great post with questions to ask a potential doctor/midwife/doula.

*Added* Can I "interview" a midwife before I'm pregnant, or would that be weird? Don't most OBs have midwives too? Do doula's deliver babies alone? If I do interview an OB or Midwife do I pay a copay, does it count as a "visit" like that, or can I do it over the phone? Do they actually schedule time for those things?**

Anything else you can think to add? What should I watch out for? Be aware of? How did you choose yours? Are there good doctor review websites you like? Feed me!!

Thanks!

PS: My BFN story here.

******
PS: Winner of my JOHNSON'S gift basket giveaway: #39 Mrs. Priss who said: "Glad you're feeling better. I'm a follower" Congrats! email me your address babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com

Waiting Waiting Waiting...

I'm drying my tears, and moving on...
Only two weeks of this. I don't think it's as bad as I imagined it would be. Probably because I'm only in... Oh, about the fifth day of the wait. And it's my first time EVER experiencing this. I think I was already wondering if I was pregnant before I even ovulated. (By the way... If words like "ovulated" and "Aunt Flow" and "Baby Makin'" weird you out you may want to stop reading my blog for awhile.)

Anyway, I'm still trying to adjust to this "new" stage of life I'm in. I'm no longer having the constant questions of "do I want a kid right now?... Really? Am I REALLY ready for this? There's no turning back once..."

Now it's more like "OMG, I had better not stand too close to the microwave in case I'm pregnant!"

It didn't take much for people at work to start to get suspicious. Instead of coming in with french fries every day (although I'm told they can't permanently harm a fetus) I'm coming in with veggies, rice, beans, pineapple juice (thanks to one of you who told me it helps with conception) and LOTS of water.

"Preparing for a baby?" One of my suspicious friends asked me.
"No," I squeamishly replied. "Just trying to be healthier." I could see the word "SUUUURE" spreading across her face.

I have found a few things to keep me occupied (isn't is sad I need this when I've only been TTC for a week?).

TwoWeekWait.com: It rocks my socks. There are two things in particular that I like to look at one that site. 1. Pregnancy tests. Yes, good 'ol pee sticks.

People post pictures of their pee sticks starting after ovulation and show how the second line appears and gets darker and darker as the days go by. There are also an evaporation line examples so you can tell if it's a false positive.

2. There is also this forum on there that is called "Early Pregnancy Symptoms" and it has pretty much is sure to be the death of me. From things like "sore boobies" to "sneezing".. Yes sneezing, now I'm constantly analyzing every body twinge, ache and tickle. But it's also fun to read. When I'm wondering if I'm pregnant and I have some down time I'll go to that site and read the stories of women who wrote down every little detail that they thought were "early symptoms" from when they finally got their BFP (big fat positive!). There are SO many stories and it makes me feel like it's possible, and it'll happen when it's suppose to!

Another thing that's helped me through this wait is my reading materials, especially my Fertility Journal, I got from Conceive. It's a great book that I write in every day with my temperatures, if I take them, what I'm feeling, eating, everything like that... And I think it will help with comparing (false) symptoms month to month. It also helps the days go by a little faster, and every page has interesting facts about trying to conceive. I really think this is a great tool for anyone who's trying to get pregnant!

There's also a forum on My Conceive that I love for women in all stages of TTC. I usually hang out in the "just starting out" section. There's a lot of women there going through the EXACT same things, feeling the same emotions... It's nice to get it all out in a sort of "anonymous" setting.

I'm also really intrigued and about to try Circle+Bloom. Apparently it's an audio track that is suppose to help create a mind/body connection to help change your body an relieve stress. There are 28 recorded sessions to listen to daily during your whole cycle. Worth a try right? I'll let you know how it goes.

Twitter, and my blog has also helped a little. Knowing that a lot of you have been through, are going through or will go through the same things as me helps A LOT!

At some times during the day I'm thinking "am I pregnant" ALL the time. And other times I'm not even thinking about it. I'd have to say most of the time I am though. Not stressing over it, just wondering. I wish I could know NOW.

What do you/did you/ will you do, to help cope with the longest (monthly) two weeks of your life?

My Kickoff!

I've been wanting to write about this for awhile... I even almost snuck in a post during, but I had to resist, leave you with this, and enjoy my time away. I had such a fun time... I already split some juicy details here (family, you can skip that post!).

Finally, after 9 months of having this blog, going back and forth, and LOTS of contemplation, deciding I was as ready as I was going to be, convincing my husband he was too, I was accomplishing one big goal and a series of others on my vacation.

It wasn't a long trip, I had just planned on one night because I had to be at work on Wednesday morning and wouldn't have been able to get back in time staying two nights. Jo Anne, the lovely lady who owns the place we stayed, was nice enough to make an exception for us for her two-night minimum rule.

We stayed at the Colorado River Retreat in the Casita Dl Colorado Cabin. and boy was it BEAUTIFUL! Seriously, if you're ever visiting Central Texas and are looking for a romantic getaway, or even a girlfriends getaway, you need to visit this place. It was secluded... Which was what I was going for, and the reason I opted against the beaches I was looking at. But it was also in a great location, not too far from Austin, but away from all of the noise!

Our cabin was right on river, and though there was a kayak and bikes we could have used we *ahem* spent most of our time inside.When we first got there we were greeted by this little fellow:An adorable little pooch who made himself at home when we walked in. We didn't mind though, and Snoop didn't seem to mind either, in fact, they became friends!

We walked around the area, down near the river, and sat on the benches by the water. I noticed a fire pit.. Which we also didn't use, and a trail. I thought about taking the bikes for a spin but then I remembered this little fact and opted against it (I know one ride isn't excessive but still... Better safe than sorry!).We set our stuff down then went back out to the local grocery store to get snacks.. All junk of course, but it was SO FUN. Just to pig out, relax, and spend time together.
We brought a few movies, and did watch a little TV... That's one thing I'd probably change the next time we go... Watch less TV! I hate when I just watch TV on my vacations. I have TIVO at home for heavens sakes!

Our big 5-year anniversary is coming up in December and I hope to go back there to celebrate. It doesn't really snow here, but it will still be a fun place for a getaway during the cooler months too, and I'll have more time off so we can stay a couple of nights.All around I think it was a great way to wrap up our practice plays and kick off the real game. Even if I'm not lucky enough to have gotten it right the first month, it was still a great way to celebrate this life-changing move. A little over five years ago we met, not long after we were engaged, and two months later we were married. After three years we adopted Snoop, and he's been my "little baby" ever since. Following nearly five years of marriage, and a year and a half of "puppy practice" I'm finally ready to take the next life-altering step, and I can't wait to see where we go from here! I guess I'll have an idea in two weeks.

The Letter to Aunt Flow

Dear Aunt Flow,

I remember the first time you came to visit me. It was time time around middle school. I was wondering when you were coming, as many of my friends were talking about their special visits from the Aunts.

I was a little shocked when you finally showed up, and I found you didn't live up to all the hype. Please don't take offense... It's just that you've been known to cause me A LOT of pain.

As I got older, and eventually got married I eventually found ways to avoid you for awhile. I would take extra birth control week after week so I'd only have to see you every third month. Then I found I could take a big dose of a shot in the booty and avoid you for three whole months at a time... I don't think I saw you for nearly a year.

But I must have missed you deep down because yet again I changed my form of birth control and decided to deal with you in light doses every month, for about three years. It was towards the end of that time that I began to appreciate you. In fact, that's when I went of hormonal birth control all together and started to learn about you and what made you tick.

For the last three months I've studied you... The real you, and I pretty much know the day and time to expect you. I've appreciated that. Oh yes, there have been moments when you've caused me scares here and there, but overall, I think we have a good working relationship.

That's why I'm writing you now... To ask you to do me a favor. See, I've enjoyed your visit this month (as much as a girl can) but now... Don't be offended--but I want you to go away for a while. I know you're wondering how long, and I'm thinking about a year or so... Just long enough for me to produce and incubate a baby for nine months.

I hope you don't mind. It's not that I don't like you... Really, I appreciate the way you remind me I'm a woman month after month, but I really don't want to see you anymore... Not until I have a baby.

Perhaps you could go on a vacation, or plan ways to torment me when you get back, but please don't torment me in four weeks.

Thanks for your consideration. I hope to not see you next month!

Sincerely,

Future Mama

See my other letter to her here.

The Transition

When did this happen? It use to be when someone announced their pregnancy I was just glad it wasn’t me. Ok, it wasn’t that bad. Actually, it was more like rolling my eyes and thinking to myself: ‘Another one bites the dust.’ But that sentiment has since taken a one-eighty…

But on the other side of my spectrum it’s not all roses and butterflies either. It’s sadly also a bitter emotion… Jealousy.

When did this happen? I think I missed it… The transition from wanting a successful career more than anything else. From wanting a child (but not in the near future) to wanting a child NOW YESTERDAY. When did this happen?—HOW? What happened to me?!

I’ve had baby fever before. Yes, the bug has bit me, and then I built up an immunity towards it. But now I feel silly when I feel the aching in my stomach as I look at pictures of a newborn baby in her mother’s arms. What happened?!

How did I go from planning my future and goals of things to do with my husband to not wanting to do anything else but make a baby?.. To feeling a pit of depression every time another friend announces their pregnancy.

Who am I to feel that way? It’s not like I’ve been trying to have a child for months or years… Or ever. It’s not like I’m struggling with infertility, and wanting a child longer than all of my friends having children. Granted I have a right to feel this way too, but I seriously feel insane.

I wasn’t going to go for it… Try to bring a child into this world, until I knew I was sure. I couldn’t just try to “see what happens” because that would probably mean baby (yes, for people who don’t want it that’s what happens). To me, you either want it, and are trying, or you don’t try. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t expecting to feel a “maybe sortof” emotion for some time in between.

What happened to the middle ground? Wasn’t there suppose to be some transition here?… You know, don’t want a kid, sorta want a kid, wanting a kid more… more … ok for sure want a kid?

It’s like my maternal desire had been dormant for decades and all of a sudden it has awoken from the tomb inside me and has erupted like a massive volcano.

I’m trying to scrape the lava back inside me with a squeegee but it’s not working. I can’t contain it. I can’t deny it. I want a child, and I want it more than ever.

Can't wait to get this part started!

The Meanies: A Response From the Editor

I felt like I needed to spend a little time clearing some things up because my last post stirred up some apparent controversy I didn't know existed (then again, with mom bloggers I've learned almost everything can be controversial) and I had to do something I HATE doing... Delete comments. Yes, and not only that, I also turned OFF anonymous comments. Here's why...

As you may know, my post yesterday was about a gift I call my hopeful "push present." I wrote a post before about them (which actually got NO rude anonymous comments) and the tradition behind them in some cultures.

My post yesterday was about finding a gift I'd love for the whole family... Something I'd like to use to document the whole journey with. Something I didn't think was very selfish as I was actually planning on getting one anyway, why not consolidate the gift as a push/anniversary/Christmas/birthday gift?

Normally I'll leave comments from people who disagree with me because I welcome a difference in opinion and I like to see all sides in things, but these comments got a little out of hand, and some hurt my feelings so I decided to delete them. Besides... I want to print out my blog one day for my family to see (helpful comments and all) and I'd rather my kids not read from the trolls.

I also generally don't respond to comments in the comments section because I don't think people come back to read them... But because I went against my journalistic instinct and deleted the comments I decided to post them here and give a response to each comment (Yes, I know this isn't necessary but I'm doing this for me). I'm not trying to "feed the beast" or give into them, I'm just trying to explain myself to them and anyone else who maybe was VERY confused by my message. Plus, I don't like contention and I'm taking this like a "letter to the editor." So Anonymous #1-6 I hope you come back to read this!

Anonymous comment #1: Why does anyone deserve a "push present?" You want to be pregnant, you want to have a baby, it's your choice. And what if you never get pregnant? This blog is premature, pun intended.

Future Mama's response: Why wouldn't a woman deserve a push present if that's what she wants? It's a tradition in many cultures, and who are you to judge those who get them or want them? As far as this blog being premature.. Thanks, sorta. The whole point of this blog was for me to research things about conception, pregnancy and beyond. I think there should be more planned and thought-out pregnancies.

And if I can't get pregnant... I'll adopt. But I'd still like that camera.

Anonymous comment #2: You're not even pregnant and planning your push present? I've never heard of anyone so obsessed with being pregnant before. Maybe you should let the big man upstairs take care of it and when it's time it will happen! How does this not drive your husband insane?

Future Mama's response: My husband loves me, and he loves my ultra-planning personality. He's not insane... Yet.

Anonymous comment #3: I know anonymous comments are sort of lame, but I have to agree with anonymous commenter above me. You are planning this a little TOO Much IMO. If you try so hard chances are it isnt going ot happen when you want and then ur going to be disappointed!

Future Mama's response: "I know anonymous comments are lame but..." - signed Anonymous. Nouf said!

But in response to your comment... I do sometimes over-plan, and I'm working on that. If you've read previous posts you'd know I'm starting yoga to help with stress (since stress can lead to having a harder time conceiving). But I don't think I'll be too disappointed if it doesn't happen right away. I've waited this long. I'm sure I'd still find more to write about and plan then.

Anonymous comment #4: I also agree! Calm down already!

Future Mama's response: Got it!

Anonymous comment #5 (in response to a tweet I sent suggesting these are the same person): Def not same person!

Future Mama's response: Suuuure.

Anonymous comment #6: I think the idea of push present is incredibly selfish. The present should be that precious LIFE that you have just created and brought into this world. The present is seeing those beautiful eyes, the tiny toes, the sweet fingertips, and knowing that this life was created inside of you. Why would you demand a camera, or jewelry? Why put even more financial strain on a family by demanding a push present? You aren't even trying to conceive yet, give it a rest. There are other women out there who have been trying to conceive children for YEARS who no longer read your blog because you are incredibly selfish and have no idea that amount of emotional energy, patience, and mental health go into trying to conceive.

Future Mama's response: I'm sorry you think it's selfish. In my post I talked about how my child will be the greatest gift I could get But I also think every woman... Every mother deserves an additional gift if that's what she so desires. I know a lot of women who have received a push present for each child, and whether or not you want one is your own personal decision, so don't judge me!

I'm not sure if you took the time to read the post or if you were coming over and commenting because your friend told you to. I'm not demanding a push present... And who's to say I'd be putting financial strain on my family? That's awfully presumptuous of you.

I'm not blogging for you or anyone else, I'm blogging for me. If you choose to be offended by what I've said I'm sorry, but the point of my blog is to ask questions, find answers, and find joy in the journey of preparing to be a mother. What's wrong with spending some time (less than a year) preparing for one of the biggest decisions of my life?

No, I don't know what it's like spending years trying to conceive, and I'm not pretending like I do. But I DO know how much emotional energy, patience and mental, physical and spiritual health goes into PREPARING to try to conceive, and waiting for the right time to make that decision. Maybe YOU don't know how hard that is. Counting the years of marriage wondering when it'll be my turn to be pregnant. Watching my friends have babies, throwing them showers. Wondering when my spouse and I will BOTH be on the same page and want to have a child... Then one of us loses our job and plans change AGAIN. Waiting for even the simplest things to fall in place, and finding joy in planning the little things. Discovering comfort in researching ways to get my mind, body and spirit ready to conceive while I wait for Him to be ready.--All the while praying I'll be ABLE to have a baby when it's time to start trying.

I'm not making light of your situation so don't make light of mine. And don't act like you don't dream of pictures you'd like to take of your new baby too... Even if it's with a brand spanking new camera!

So from now on... or until I feel like changing the settings, if you have something rude you want to say, you're going to have to have the balls to put your name with it.

What do you do to trolls? Or am I the only one they pick on?

The Sex Natzi

You know that commercial that goes: "When you're ready to have a baby, nine months is long enough to wait?" Well, they fail to mention 1. That is actually more like 10 months and 2. All the waiting beforehand!

There are a few technicalities I'm trying to work out during the next few months, before turning the Baby Makin' Machine "on" and into full-gear--But in the mean time, I'm planning my strategy--Sketching my blueprints--Setting the table--for when it's All Systems Go.

...You think I'm kidding? I'm planning a little D B Day of my own over here and there's going to be no excuses for not following my rules.

If he only knew what I have in store, he'd sleep with one eye open. I've already got plans for a few pair of underwear that just aint gonna make the cut. That's right-- Any undies that are the slightest bit tight... Gotta go! Can have any tighty-whities hurting the team.

Speaking of the team--Forget saving electricity. It's hot in Texas, and desperate times call for desperate measures... We're not sacrificing the swimmers for a cheaper electric bill.--And you'd better believe I'll turn the hot water off if I have to. Hunni likes to take a hot bath every now and then but that little habit has gotta go too.

Peas? "NO you can't eat that, what are you THINKING?!" ...We hardly eat them, but you'd better believe they're out of our diet for the next--Until I'm pregnant. Take the vitamin hun... I'm already taking one everyday, 'bout time he starts too.

Now's the time I also thank the Lord my hunni's not a biker... Cause I'd hate to make him quit a hobby.

And when my temperature shoots up and it's time to rock and roll...The dog is going to his own room and the house WILL be on lock-down. And I may just have to bust out those newlywed handcuffs again.

It's sad. Because I know if pregnancy just happened... I'd live with it. But knowing that I'm actually going to have to WORK for this makes me nervous. What if I fail? If it takes awhile? I know they say it does for most people but that's just not fair. People who want to, have to wait. And people who don't want to, get it anyway?

What if my Baby Makin' Machine is broken--And this whole time, all these years I just had no idea? Not. Fair. Every single month of failure will be TORTUROUS!

...I know stress can make things harder too... Perhaps that's a good excuse to get a spa massage daily during this process. And should I get one of these?

I promise I will NOT take fertility for granted. I've met my fair share of women struggling and who have struggled and my heart aches for them just reading and hearing about their stories. If I'm faced with the same challenge I worry I won't be as strong.

Having a baby isn't something I've wanted or admitted until very recently. Now it's practically all I can think about. Yea, I go back and forth a little still, but deep down I know there's a looming "yes" underneath all of my doubts.

I'm already tracking and researching... My sweet husband, when it's time to turn the Baby Makin' Machine "ON"... Poor guy's not going to know what hit him.