A Chloe Story
*Warning to my friends with fertility issues, I will be putting a picture or two at the bottom of the post*As last noted, Chloë had once again gone into the breech position so my doctor had again scheduled the version procedure (where they attempt to turn the baby manually) and a possible c-section. The doctor was successful at turning her after a failed attempt (he was determined he wasn't going to do another c-section). Chloë was born October 1st at 10:30pm weighing an astonishing 6lbs, 10 ozs. The

The Fertility Journey: Oh How Things Change
What a difference 4 days makes when it comes to plans. I saw my OB earlier then my regular Thursday appointment this week because he managed to snag more OR time. Which is likely a good thing. I must admit, I love my OB. He takes one look at me and knows exactly how I'm feeling despite my cheery demeanor. He asked how I was coping with the pain and I honestly told that I wasn't coping, I was existing. Which is the truth, for the past few weeks I have been existing. I try everything to keep my mind from the pain, but the sharpness of it all forbids me from being able to avoid it completely. And yet, I am still adamant that if I could go through with it all again, if I knew it wouldn'

Fertility Journey: Changing Plans
It's slightly ironic that my last post was a letter to my unborn daughter Chloe on the topic of challenges. I'm now facing one of my hardest challenges yet, making it through each moment. September 26th was supposed to be the day that our little 3-some of a family made the transition to a 4-some. In an instant, that all changed. I went to the OB on Thursday and the results of the growth ultrasound that were told to me over the phone, were for a different patient. Chloe remains small. They have cancelled the c-section in favor of having me carry her as long as possible in hop

Dear Chloe: A letter on challenges
Dear Chloe,One of the happiest days of my life was when I discovered that I was going to have another little jumping bean in my life. You were a very much wanted gift, so much so that your brother even put in a special order to Santa Claus for you to join our family. There were tears of happiness in everyone's eyes when we found out that you really were going to come to join in our life. Chloe, you are such a dream come true for us all. We had thought that it wouldn't be likely for our family to expand due to mommy's health issues, only to find out that miracles DO come true. I want you to know that your mommy has fought very hard to ma

The Death of a Super-Hero
As most of you already know, Patrick Swayze died of cancer last week at the age of 57. I have spoken on occasion about my admiration for Randy Pausch, who during his battle with cancer continued to inspire and give hope to many others. Patrick Swayze is another one of my health battle heroes. When Patrick was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, he was given mere months to live. A lot of people upon hearing this prognosis, would accept their fate and might sink into depression. Not Patrick. Patrick rallied his strength and determination to live well with this disease and went on to live a