Friday, July 22, 2011

Guest Bath: Before and After

Guest Bath Before:
Guest Bath After:
The styles and finishes used in the guest bath are mostly the same as the ones used in the master bath. I did this for simplicity's sake and for continuity. It also streamlined the decision making process for me, which was nice because the possibilities are endless!

Happy Birthday...

...to my favorite! I love you! :)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Memories

Tom and I's 10 year high school reunion is this Saturday. We both graduated from Putnam City North in 2001. In honor of the reunion, here are a few pics of us from back in the day.
The right and left pics are my MotoPhoto 'headshots' for the playbill of the musical my senior year. The middle pic is actually one my photographer's business cards. I couldn't find a regular version of that pic.
Tom and I were just friends in high school. But I have a vivid memory of him handing me the picture on the left one morning before class in senior hall. I never would have thought then that he would later become my husband!
It doesn't seem possible that it's been 10 years since we graduated from high school! Go Panthers!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

What's My Motivation?

What's my motivation [as it pertains to physical fitness/health]? I'm making a list for when I'm lacking motivation so I can go back and re-read this to remind myself why I'm doing what I'm doing.
1.) Results: The scale and the measuring tape do not lie.
2.) Energy: I have so much more energy when I'm in better shape [due to eating healthier and working out].
3.) Stress Relief: It feels good to literally work off the stress of the day.
4.) Clothes: My clothes fit better [and some are actually too big]. I need to shop for smaller ones soon. :)
5.) Confidence: I feel better in my own skin.
6.) Health: I am healthier and reducing my risks for future health problems.
Now that I've shared some of my motivations, I would love to hear from you lovelies. Leave me a comment telling me what your motivations are! :)
I read this quote on a fitness blog today, and I like it, so I'm using it!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Inching Closer

In the midst of a tough/emotional week, I received some unexpected positive news yesterday that I wanted to document. In the beginning of our IUI study at OU, nurse Michelle was required to take down my waist and hip measurements. I didn't look at the tape measure while she measured me nor did I ask what the numbers were. I didn't want to know. As I posted yesterday, the study has been concluded for us. So at my final study appointment yesterday, Michelle had to measure my waist and hips again. I asked her to compare the two sets of measurements so I could see how many inches I've lost. She didn't have my old chart in front of her at the time, so she emailed them to me later that day. I was so pumped to see the comparison!
Waist: Down 4.3"
Hips: Down 3.5"
On a side note, I previously made a goal to lose 12 lbs by July 29, and I know right now that is not going to happen. But I'm not going to beat myself up over it. I also may have made too lofty of a goal. I don't like making excuses, but I have to say, fertility medication hampered my progress. I'm just proud of myself for a.) losing weight at all and b.) losing weight during 4 rounds of fertility drugs! :)

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Timeline Update 2

Written on June 25, July 5, and July 7, 2011
June 2011: On Wednesday, June 15, we had our first appointment to begin IUI Round 4. We did 7 days of Menopur shots. At our appointment on Wednesday, June 22, I was given the hCG trigger shot. [The hCG trigger shot contains the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, which causes final maturation of eggs followed by ovulation within 12 to 48 hours of administration.] Our 4th insemination was done on Thursday, June 23. On Thursday, June 30, I had my 1 week post IUI check-up appointment. It showed that I ovulated 2 or 3 eggs.
July 2011: The morning of July 4, my body began telling me that it was not pregnant. My official pregnancy test appointment was today, July 7, 2011. And just like the final appointments for the previous 3 rounds, I knew the outcome before the final Round 4 appointment.
Where do we go from here? Well, we have decided to undergo more aggressive fertility treatments, which will be totally unrelated to the IUI study. Since we have exhausted 4 Rounds of IUI's, the study has been concluded for us as participants. [The study is however still in progress for new and existing participants.] We have a consultation appointment with our doctor in a week and half to discuss our further treatment option. At this time, we do not have a date in which we will actually begin the next step.
It's hard to understand this journey, in fact, it really can't be understood. I have to keep reminding myself, His ways are higher than mine. And I will continue to claim the verse below.