Wiegand Writes

I know it's been a few days since I last blogged, so I just wanted to give you an update... Meg and I have been busy getting ready for the new school year (she came to school with my mom and I and organized my classroom library!!) She's still feeling nauseous and doesn't seem to have much of an appetite. She claims that it's all worth it, so that's a good sign! Friday is our next ultrasound appointment...I think we're supposed to hear the heartbeat, so that's exciting! With only 2-4 weeks left at RMA we're running out of time to find an obgyn. This afternoon I spoke with a receptionist from a doctor's office affiliated with a brand new hospital opening in November. It's only 17 minutes from our house, so it's perfect AND it's located in NJ, so my name can go on the birth certificate at the time of the birth. BONUS! The receptionist was really nice. She told me that there are 6 doctors and 4 midwives in the practice and that they w...

I suppose I should preface this blog by stating that my mom and dad invited us to stay at their house during the hurricane (we always lose power and our yard typically floods). That being said, we decided to brave the storm on our own...a decision that almost led to my demise. I figured Meg would be more comfortable sleeping in her own bed and I didn't want to have to chase after Heineken all night, but mostly I wanted to investigate whether the new gutter I bought (and installed) for my next door neighbor would rectify the flooding issue. So yea, Meg and I rented Something Borrowed . It was cute! We then decided to use Hurricane Irene to our advantage. We went upstairs to clean out our closets. We had every intention of making our way into the second bedroom (seems weird to refer to it as the nursery), but around 9pm we lost power. Tired, we decided it was time for bed. Ok, let me just set the scene...Meg and I tend to run our air conditioning cooler than the average family....

Meg and I woke up early so we could hit whole foods for breakfast and buy chocolate chips (Meg is going to bake cookies!) We were a little early, so we decided to wait in the car. When people started rushing the door, Meg and I thought we should follow suit...I've never seen anything like it. There had to be 30+ people anxiously awaiting the store opening. Naturally, I started cracking jokes and embarrassing Megan. The guy in front of us thought my black friday comparison was hilarious. Meg did not. lol, she also didn't appreciate my shopping cart popawheelie. Note to self...it's not a good idea to piss off a pregnant woman before she eats breakfast!!! When the doors finally opened a mass of people rushed to fill their recyclable water jugs. Meg and I headed towards the fruit and then made our way towards the breakfast bar (clearly our priorities had nothing to do with preparing for the impending hurricane). We picked out an apple danish and breakfast sandwich to shar...

Had I known that Meg wouldn't remember her blood results moments after speaking to the doctor, I would have blogged hours ago...(beta ??; progesterone is holding strong at 15) Today was our first ultrasound and I have to admit that, up until this point, I was excited, but still in total disbelief. I don't know how to explain it. We have had 4 positive pregnancy tests and several blood tests that confirmed it, but I guess I needed to see it in order to believe it. Here is our first picture (I've been dying to post it!)... If you're like my mom, you're probably thinking it looks like a watermelon seed, but the dark oval is the gestational sac (where the baby develops). You can also see the yolk sac (the small white circle in the upper left of the sac), which is the source of nutrients for the fetus. All in all, Doc says everything looks perfect and it was exactly what she wanted to see. Our next appointment is Friday, September 2nd. Time to celebrate and ...

Today I received an email notification from babycenter stating that our baby is 5 weeks old and roughly the size of a sesame seed. It went on to say that the baby's brain is beginning to grow. I can't wait for tomorrow's ultrasound! I know we won't be able to see much of anything, but at least we'll be able to figure out this twin madness once and for all! As for Meg, she's sound asleep (making it the second night in a row where she's gone to bed before 8pm)

Just writing to say that I hope everyone is safe and sound and enjoying the beautiful day despite the earthquake... Meg and I are fine. Neither of us felt it, but we actually took a ride to Meg's parents' house because her brother called frantic (his cell phone stopped working and he couldn't get a hold of them) Turns out t-mobile had an epic fail today...guess landlines are important after all!! To be honest, I feel as though the majority of people hyped it up only after reading tweets and facebook statuses..seems like everyone I know has changed their facebook status to something quake related...it's kind of annoying. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that so many places were able to evacuate safely, but I'm just cranky. I've been trying to help out more and take care of Meg for a change, but I'm convinced that there aren't enough hours in the day!!! Our relationship used to operate on an 80/20 scale...Meg did 80% of the work and...

The doctor just called with the results of Meg's third beta...her hcg was 2188 and her progesterone was 16 (On Friday her hcg level was 651 and her progesterone was 15) Doc says everything looks fantastic!!! We go in for our first ultrasound Thursday morning at 7:15 (Happy 8 year anniversary to us!!!) It's hard to believe...

Today was the first time we saw Meg's parents (since telling them about the pregnancy). Meg and I were both a little apprehensive as we had not heard from her dad. Meg's parents met us at the door, but Meg had to run in to get a banana (she was feeling a little queasy). With a chunk of banana in her mouth, she kissed her dad and said, "hi." Her dad hugged her and said congratulations. Before we could sit down her mom asked if we were having a boy or girl. Meg laughed and said it is too soon to tell. Clearly they were excited. We played a card game called 5 crowns...I annihilated everyone!!! (I can say this proudly because I always lose!) Meg's parents asked questions randomly. Meg thought it was a little awkward, but I found it comforting to finally have an open conversation with them. We went to dinner at whole foods. There we discovered that Meg's dad's family has a history of twins...lol, go figure...if we are meant to have twins, then so be it. ...

Here is a list of things that agitated Meg yesterday: Me Loud Chatty People ("I can't think or enjoy my caesar salad because he won't stop talking!!!") People who take 100 pictures of their food/lunch (same guy as up above) Cashiers that crush groceries People who have pitchforks and hay in their pick up People who go to McDonalds (sorry if that offends anyone!) People who brake too much People who walk too slow in grocery stores Taking too long of a nap (me) Did I mention me? Today should be interesting...

So, Meg decided to tell her mom last night. She was a nervous wreck and insisted on making the phone call before driving home (she couldn't wait any longer). I grabbed my keys and started driving towards her work!!! A few minutes later Meg called. She wasn't crying. She sounded relieved. I asked her how it went and what she said. Turns out she told her mom not to say anything at first and to just think things over (smart move on her part). Her first question was, of course, "How?" Meg briefly explained the process and told her mom that she is 4 weeks pregnant. Her mom said congrats and that she would pass the news onto Meg's dad and brother. She was definitely surprised, but she didn't yell or say anything judgmental...Meg and I concluded that it was the best response we could have hoped for! This morning Meg and I went back to the doctors for our second beta. We were sitting in the waiting room when Meg realized she had two text messages: one from her...

I couldn't take it any longer. I had to tell my mom. I thought about finding some clever way to share the news, but blurting it out seemed like the best option (I'm not good with surprises!). "Mom, I have to tell you something before I explode...Meg is pregnant." She almost spit out her banana! She paused for a second and said, "What." So, I told her again..."Megan is pregnant." "Ok," she responded, but "How?" I giggled and said, "We bought sperm!" "You mean you just went to a store and picked up sperm?" she asked. "No, we ordered it on the internet!" She asked how Meg was feeling and if anyone else knew. She then told me to start picking out a boy's name (everyone around us seems to be pregnant with girls). After about a half hour of talking I had to leave to go meet a friend for breakfast, but I decided to text my mom and thank her for being supportive. She called me back crying. I ask...

As if driving over an hour to come see us wasn't enough, my best friend felt the need to bring Meg and I a present. I hate surprises, so I made Meg open the box... She made a onesie for our baby!! Jealous?!?! Don't be...I'll hook you up. (she has other designs too!) She's seriously amazing...wait until you see the mural she's going to paint in the nursery!!!

After 4 positive pregnancy tests and a strong beta, it's official...Meg is pregnant! As far as the numbers go, her first beta was 258 and her progesterone was 23. Our next appointment is Friday at 7:30! So far, so good. Here's how everyone is handling the news... Pretty is hiding in the closet! Bailey is ready to be a "big brother" Heineken doesn't know how to contain himself! We're ecstatic! 

Meg used the last of our pregnancy tests this morning. What?!? It's fun when you know it's going to be positive!!! We're both very anxious to go to the doctor tomorrow and get this show on the road...did I mention how much I hate waiting?!?! Last night we spent about an hour rummaging through the closet in the guest room. Meg made piles of what to donate, what to get rid of, and what to sell (we're planning on having a garage sale, but if that fails, we're taking it to my family's consignment shop) Either way, it's leaving the house!!  My best friend is coming over for dinner tonight. She's an amazing artist and wants to take a peek at the future nursery. I'm just excited to see her (and I know Meg is too!) and to take her to our favorite organic pizza place. It's SOOO good! For all of my friends who are ttc...I'm crossing my fingers and waiting to hear about some BFP!

Meg took another test this morning. She's still pregnant! 4 weeks, this Wednesday, to be exact. Confused??? Yea, I was too. I actually googled it because my mind was completely baffled. I didn't understand how she could be 4 weeks pregnant when we just inseminated 2 weeks ago...turns out it goes off of the first day of your last period.  That's not the only thing I learned...I also learned that our munchkin is smaller than a grain of rice. How insane is that?!?! I'm never going to look at food the same way! Speaking of food, I took a trip to whole foods today. It wasn't as fun without Megan, but it gave me time to search for items to put in a surprise pregnancy survival basket... I bought her the book,  Your Pregnancy Week by Week, a prenatal yoga dvd, more (organic) prenatal vitamins, dark chocolate, ginger candy, mints, and gum (without artificial sweeteners). I also bought her shampoo, conditioner, face moisturizer, body lotion, and chapstick. Oh, and a brita...

First off, I apologize for the teaser yesterday (it was pretty mean of me!). I fully intended to blog more, but I was too exhausted by the time we got home from the beach. We spent the day in Long Beach Island with a few of our close friends. We played in the ocean and ate a lot of food!!! I boogie boarded and Meg relaxed and read. (she did come in the ocean to swim and float for a little) It was awesome!!! Sadly, Meg and I didn't get a picture together. We actually didn't take many pictures at all. Guess my mind was focused elsewhere. (I can't tell you how many times I randomly interjected with "Megan is pregnant." lol) It's so surreal. Meg took another test this morning because we didn't believe it. I have to admit I was afraid it wouldn't show up, but it did!!! I have a feeling this pregnancy is going to make me even more neurotic!!! Rewind to Friday...Meg and I went shopping for school clothes (Meg is student teaching, yay!!). We were in th...

I'm sure I'll have more to report later, but for now I thought you would want to know that Megan is PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Oh, and for the record, I'm not the one freaking out..Meg is! lol, she has called our closest friends screaming (and I'm pretty sure has woken up all of the neighbors!)

I intended to take Meg to see the Help tonight, but she got out of work a few minutes late (we would have been rushing had she not) so we decided to bail on those plans. I tossed out the idea of mini golf, but we hadn't eaten dinner, so that was out. We scoured the kitchen in search of something, but it was pretty much useless. SOOO...we drove to the grocery store and took a stroll down the organic aisle (I'm allergic to sulfites (preservatives), so we only eat organic food). We settled on mozzarella sticks and pizza stuffed pretzels (despite reading the caloric information). It wouldn't have been a true junk food fest had we not had some organic soda to wash it all down, so down the aisle we went. Before we left the store, we stopped to check out the movies at redbox. Meg selected Season of the Witch , but then added Arthur to the cart (redbox conned her into renting it by telling her it would only cost an additional 50 cents!) lol!!! So, now we're home. Our be...

I was wide awake at 3:45 this morning. I thought about grabbing the computer and blogging (since I've slacked off again) but I was afraid I would wake up Megan. Instead, I sat in bed thinking about all of the things I still need to do before school starts...buy crayons, pencils, scissors, glue, notebooks, folders, oh,  and pregnancy tests. I've been so anxious about the upcoming school year that I haven't had a lot of time to analyze Meg's "symptoms" or to obsess about the two week wait. I've even managed to stay away from babycenter (my addiction during our second cycle). That being said, the only symptoms worth reporting (at this time) are some constipation, bloating, and mild cramping on the right side. Oh, and moodiness. It's still early though, so we'll have to wait and see. Last night we stopped by my childhood best friend's house to see her daughter, Kallie. She was born less than a month ago and is absolutely gorgeous. She was sleep...

After watching the Real L Word all day, I've come to the conclusion that Meg and I should have been on that show! I am confident that all of America would have died laughing had they witnessed today's events.  Our excitement stemmed from a surprise visit of hormones (I'll admit, some were mine). Now, I'm not talking about the type of hormones that make you cry at those animal rescue commercials (you know, the ones with Sarah McLachlan?) No, I'm talking about the hormones that make you want to throw something against the wall, rip out all of your hair, and then apologize all on a whim.  At 4dpiui, it's way too early for PMS and implantation doesn't start until at least day 6, so really the only explanation is stress. Clearly, ttc has taken a toll on our bodies and our minds.  Meg is back to her "negative nancy" mentality. She said that she would be shocked if we actually got pregnant this time. I, naturally, started to cry. She then proceeded to ...

Meg and I spent the afternoon catching up on episodes of the Real L Word. We wanted to find out if the lesbian couple, Kacy & Cori, got pregnant. Unfortunately, the season ended with their second IUI attempt (talk about a cliff hanger!) Naturally, I got on the computer and started googling. I was unable to find out any information regarding the couple, but I did not stumble across a really awesome website... It's Conceivable provides information for the LGBT community about insemination, adoption, and surrogacy. It contains links to lawyers, sperm banks, fertility clinics, and many other resources (I think it's safe to say that they beat me to the Lesbian Pregnancy for Dummies idea!)  Check it out!   http://itsconceivablenow.com/

I was told that I haven't been blogging enough recently. I guess I'm going to have to pick up the slack! Truth is, I check in everyday hoping to have more followers (because followers equate to readers...at least that's what I tell myself. lol) Anyway, my friends told me last night that they don't know how to officially follow the blog. It never dawned on me that people could just bookmark the site and read at their own leisure. (totally new to this blogging thing if you didn't already know) Here is my solution...a crash course in google friend connect. If you would like to become a follower of Wiegand Writes, scroll down until you see the box on the right titled Followers . Click the blue button that says Join this site . It will ask you to use an account you've already created (google, yahoo, twitter, aim, netlog, openid) Don't fret if you don't already have an account or email, there is a link to create a new google account (it's free). After ...

When we first started trying to conceive, it felt like we were alone. Yes, we had our friends to talk to, but no one truly understood what the process of getting pregnant entailed (we didn't even know!). Meg and I had to learn everything the hard way. We spent hours researching on the internet, making phone calls, scheduling doctor's appointments, discussing our options, and reading books (this was Meg's department!). Life would have been so much easier had we been able to run to the library and check out Lesbian Pregnancy for Dummies. (I should write this, no?!?!) In the beginning, our friends were our training wheels. They listened to our fears and helped guide us in the right directions. They even threw some interesting baby names our way (lol, usher? Yea, no!) When we found out our first IUI failed, our friends encouraged us to try again. They cursed Aunt Flow and counted the days in Meg's cycle, all the while, anxiously awaiting news of ovulation. When it c...

I've never been a fan of carrying a rabbit's foot. I refuse to spend my entire life searching for four leaf clovers. I despise ladybugs (all bugs, really). I don't have a special pair of underwear or socks. I will admit that I have been known to, on occasion, pick up pennies (only if heads up). The truth is that the only "good luck" charm to have ever served me well is the number 3. In high school, I used to sport a pendant of the number 3 on a necklace. It was the number on my basketball jersey. (I used to be so superstitious that I would bounce the ball three times before shooting a foul shot!) So yea, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited that our third insemination took place on August 3rd. We arrived at our appointment a little before 7:30. Meg checked in and told them she was there for an IUI. We ate breakfast (english muffins, woo hoo!) and attempted to solve more of the mystery picture puzzles (did I mention how much I hate these??). It wa...

I had a hard time sleeping last night. I guess I was just anxious about our doctor's appointment... Keeping with tradition, I entertained the office while Meg had her blood drawn. I rocked Meg's purse on my shoulder and asked them if I looked pretty. (lol, it's truly amazing that Meg still lets me go with her!) The nurse took us back to the room and I assumed my second role...door locker. I have to make sure the alternate door to the bathroom is locked while in use and then unlocked when we leave the bathroom (so the patient in the other room can use it) I'm always so afraid that I'm going to open the door on the other patient...that would be embarrassing! While we were waiting for the doctor, I managed to convince Meg to take a picture with me (it didn't turn out well) I don't know what my problem is, but I can only take pictures holding the camera in my left hand. The right hand covers the flash. When Meg tries to take the picture she gets super frustr...

When Meg and I started looking for a townhouse, we knew we needed a place with at least 2 bedrooms. While our house had many attributes at the time, the nursery was the defining feature. With laminate floors, two large windows that fill the room with natural light, chair rail molding, built-in closet organizers, and gender neutral green paint, the room was perfect for a baby.. For the last two years, the room has been set up as a guest room. Much to our dismay, the primary guest was our cat. Prior to trying to conceive, we knew that we needed to clean out the room (and train our cat to stay out). We gave the bedroom set to our friends, dusted, and vacuumed...Pretty's hair was EVERYWHERE (on the bed, on the curtains, you name it!). It was gross! We go back to the doctor's tomorrow morning to find out when we will inseminate again. I can't help, but dream that we will soon be able to make our empty guest room a nursery.