I interrupt this regularly scheduled blog to bring you NIAW.
National Infertility Awareness Week is April 24th through May 1st.
Perhaps some of you are fidgeting in your seats because infertility is a taboo subject that isn't openly discussed among much of society, unless of course you are the Octo.mom or Kate +8 (what? you've never heard of them? do you live in a cave?). The people we hear about in the media are poor examples of the average couple seeking infertility treatments.
So, it is important to me that you understand this cause.
Infertility - The inability to conceive naturally within 12 months.
(As described by my insurance company.)
The average couple who have sex *gasp* for a few months and end up conceiving are not infertile. I'm talking about the couples who try for years to have a child of their own. Infertility is not a situation where you "Just need to relax." or "Adopt and you'll get pregnant!" These are myths that need to be understood. Infertility is a medical issue and adoption isn't always the answer either. It is extremely expensive and paperwork and placement can take years.
According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 7.3 million Americans, or 1 in 8 couples of childbearing age are infertile. This is a staggering number. Let me repeat that. 7.3 million Americans are fighting to do what so many couples can do easily without much *ahem* effort and with little to no cost. It's sad and unfair.
Clinics and insurance companies won't even humor a couple as infertile until they've been trying to conceive for at least one year. (Unless the woman is of advanced maternal age; 35 years old). Even then, insurance companies do not want to help pay for the treatment of infertility for couples to get diagnosed and be treated (i.e. testing, meds, ART and even consults in some states.)
So why am I writing about this? I'm writing because we were once a part of this unspoken club. And although we have CT, it has impacted our life in many ways and feelings we can't describe in words. It taught us patience, empathy, compassion and most of all gratitude. Gratitude for the amazing miracle we get to enjoy every day. His smile, his giggles and his spirit.
I'm also writing because I know there are so many wonderful couples out there who want, more than anything in the world, what I have. I was in their shoes and so I honor them and their journey. And I will continue to stand by their side and support them until their dreams are fulfilled.
I ask that you be aware. Be respectful of peoples feelings and privacy. Say a prayer or two for the couples out there still on their journey to start a family.
Of course if you want more information you can always ask me or check out http://www.resolve.org/
And now we will return to our regularly scheduled programming.
Thank you.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
10 Months!
A week after we returned from vacation we were certain CT was finally teething. He ran a low grade fever for a few days and was showing many of the other *ahem* signs of teething. Alas, still no teeth.
He's moving around VERY well these days. We have to put the dog bowls up and close the gate to the mudroom where we keep the water dish. CT has even attempted to help Tucker eat his dinner. Tucker doesn't seem to mind, but of course we do.
He is swiftly pulling himself up on anything that allows, including Tucker. He's become very stable and is starting to stand flat footed, rather than on his tip toes. We need to go buy some shoes for him so he can get comfortable wearing them and moving around in them. He's never worn shoes. He loves crawling around and having the freedom to move around the house. He even went up a couple steps this weekend.
Christos' lawn care contract started again at the beginning of April. He is eager to get out there. With little care so far this year, the property already looks outstanding! Green and lush like a golf course.
Teeth Count: 0
I'm nearly certain by the next time I post CT will have a tooth or two. I can see and feel one in there and he's a gooberie mess today.
He's moving around VERY well these days. We have to put the dog bowls up and close the gate to the mudroom where we keep the water dish. CT has even attempted to help Tucker eat his dinner. Tucker doesn't seem to mind, but of course we do.
He is swiftly pulling himself up on anything that allows, including Tucker. He's become very stable and is starting to stand flat footed, rather than on his tip toes. We need to go buy some shoes for him so he can get comfortable wearing them and moving around in them. He's never worn shoes. He loves crawling around and having the freedom to move around the house. He even went up a couple steps this weekend.
Christos' lawn care contract started again at the beginning of April. He is eager to get out there. With little care so far this year, the property already looks outstanding! Green and lush like a golf course.
Teeth Count: 0
I'm nearly certain by the next time I post CT will have a tooth or two. I can see and feel one in there and he's a gooberie mess today.
As you can see, we replaced our camera. I've been playing with all the settings. Which means you get to enjoy some adorable pictures!
10 Months Old!
Sugar insisted on having her picture taken too. She's so persistent.
Twins Home Opener Day with Z and D.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Our California Adventure
We arrived home from our California adventure safe and sound. It was a great trip, but exhausting nonetheless. We only encountered two major bumps along the way. In a poop induced craze, I left our camera on the plane. Yes, my friends, CT waited until the descent to relieve himself and it wasn't pretty. He'd slept a total of 20 minutes the entire flight, but maintained a chipper attitude until three of us got him naked in the middle of San Diego airport to clean the mess he'd made. Yes, we made a scene. Yes, there was screaming and lots of poo, but we all survived.
The other major bump, the earthquake. As I visited with a cousin, I thought my chair was unstable. Then I thought it was the wine (because you know I'm a light weight after not having a sip for 16 months.) Oh no, this action couldn't be blamed on either of these things. I was experiencing my first earthquake. CT's too! What a thrill!
I wish I had pictures to share with you, but a short journal of our adventure will have to do. CT had many firsts this trip. The earthquake (see above.) His first plane ride - in which he received a certificate and wings from the flight attendant. His first time seeing the ocean and putting his toes in the sand. And his first wedding. And what a beautiful wedding it was. An intimate affair with family and friends celebrating the union of a special couple dear to our hearts. We were so honored to be there.
Aside from these firsts and the main event, we drove up the coast to San Clemente to eat at a few of our favorite restaurants and watch surfers from the pier. We visited with friends and family and ate a lot. CT adjusted well to the accommodations, sleeping through the night and snuggling in our big hotel bed in the morning. The loud train whistle that blew outside our room numerous times a day (and night) didn't bother him a bit, and we took the opportunity to teach him how to "Toot Toot" while pumping his arm. (Ok, so we continue to work on this talent.) He moved freely around the hotel room, mostly crawling and getting into trouble. But he also started to push himself up on all fours, butt in the air. It won't be long folks!!
Since returning home he has been irritable and obviously uncomfortable. Running a slight fever I'm almost certain it's teething this time. It has to be, right?
Teeth Count: 0
The other major bump, the earthquake. As I visited with a cousin, I thought my chair was unstable. Then I thought it was the wine (because you know I'm a light weight after not having a sip for 16 months.) Oh no, this action couldn't be blamed on either of these things. I was experiencing my first earthquake. CT's too! What a thrill!
I wish I had pictures to share with you, but a short journal of our adventure will have to do. CT had many firsts this trip. The earthquake (see above.) His first plane ride - in which he received a certificate and wings from the flight attendant. His first time seeing the ocean and putting his toes in the sand. And his first wedding. And what a beautiful wedding it was. An intimate affair with family and friends celebrating the union of a special couple dear to our hearts. We were so honored to be there.
Aside from these firsts and the main event, we drove up the coast to San Clemente to eat at a few of our favorite restaurants and watch surfers from the pier. We visited with friends and family and ate a lot. CT adjusted well to the accommodations, sleeping through the night and snuggling in our big hotel bed in the morning. The loud train whistle that blew outside our room numerous times a day (and night) didn't bother him a bit, and we took the opportunity to teach him how to "Toot Toot" while pumping his arm. (Ok, so we continue to work on this talent.) He moved freely around the hotel room, mostly crawling and getting into trouble. But he also started to push himself up on all fours, butt in the air. It won't be long folks!!
Since returning home he has been irritable and obviously uncomfortable. Running a slight fever I'm almost certain it's teething this time. It has to be, right?
Teeth Count: 0
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