Pull Up a Seat
It seemed like the perfect time to open the doors of the Virtual Lushary and encourage everyone to get good and figuratively drunk, distracting them from searching for a post that fits the first clue.
A toast: to Blogger Bingo! Long may it be played.
In addition to pouring drinks, I am serving ice cream today. Big scoops of rocky road or mint chocolate chip or vanilla.
My perfect moment (how many things can I work into one post–the Virtual Lushary, Blogger Bingo and now Perfect Moment Monday?) came on Saturday after the Our-Family-Beginnings-and-Stirrup-Queens crews went to get ice cream outside in the rain after surviving Costco (and grinding 6 pounds of coffee–just in case you ever wondered how I do so much. It’s the 6 pounds of coffee. Don’t judge me).
Which doesn’t sound like a good idea in theory (and perhaps wasn’t a good idea once it came time to walk back to our cars), but was excellent in practice. I got caramel explosion ice cream with bits of Twix cookie and we sat at a table under this huge umbrella. You could hear the rain hitting the thick umbrella, but we were all mostly dry. And we got to eat ice cream in the middle of the day, before dinner. Some of my favourite people all around one table, in the rain, eating ice cream. Talk about a perfect moment.
List your own perfect moment, not here, but at Lori’s list. You can even Twitter it and add the link to the Tweet on her linky thing. Pretty damn cool.
Over here, we’re just discussing what has been happening to you this past month.
As always, it has been about a month since we met, bitched, cried, comforted, and caught up each other on our cycles and lives. Pull up a seat and I’ll pour you a drink. Let everyone know what is happening in your life. The good, the bad, the ugly. My only request is that if a story catches your eye, you follow it back to the person’s blog and start reading their posts. Give some love, give some support, or laugh with someone until your drink comes out of your nose.
I have a ton of assvice in my back pocket and as a virtual bartender, I will give it to you unless you specifically tell me that this is simply a vent and you do not want to receive anything more than a hug.
So if you have been a lurker for a while (or if this is your first open bar as someone who found this space through IComLeavWe or Blogger Bingo), sit down and tell us about yourself. Remember to provide a link or a way for people to continue reading your story (or if you don’t have a blog–gasp!–you can always leave an email address if you’re looking for advice or support. If not, people can leave messages for that person here in the comments section too). If you’re a regular at the bar, I’ll get out your engraved martini glass while you make yourself comfortable. And anyone new, welcome. I’m glad you found this virtual bar.
For those who have no clue what I’m talking about when I say that the bar is open, click here to catch up and then jump into the conversation back on this current post.
So have an imaginary cocktail and tell us what is up with your life.
62 comments
I can't be first, somebody will finish before I'm done typing.
Past month…hmmm…deciding what to do with my frozen embryos, learning how to deal with having my beautiful transracial family scrutinized, learning how to properly explain to people that adopting our son didn't magically create our embryo donated IVF daughter, and not mentioned except under password…handling my in-laws from hell at the moment. Also, on my own quest to lose weight, 56 pounds down, 14 to go!
Oh, and counting down until vacation.
okay …it must be 24th in USA too (only 2hrs left in Aust) but I can't see the card details ?
what time will it be posted to help the internationals out so we don't miss it.
Oh man… looking at your old post now has me humming the Cheers theme song to myself 🙂
Big question…. should hubby and I start IUI's with Clomid through my OB and privately pay for them (the Clomid is covered through my insurance- but this will be round #7 of Clomid) or wait until hubby gets on my insurance in December and do IUI's with injectibles at an RE's office starting then (which would be covered in full by the insurance?)
fromchaoscomesclarity-j.blogspot.com
I'm not in the lushary Mel .. just wanted to tell you that I am reading your post in bed, Dave looks over and says, "Stirrup Queens? What the fuck is Stirrup Queens??"
HA
I'm not in the lushary Mel .. just wanted to tell you that I am reading your post in bed, Dave looks over and says, "Stirrup Queens? What the fuck is Stirrup Queens??"
HA
I'll take anything fruity and reeeeeeeeaaaaaaaallllllllyyyyy strong. It's been a hell of a couple of weeks. Dealing with deciding to divorce, the X moving out (and still not fully moving all of his belongings out), trying to come to terms with where I fit in (am I still infertile if I'm not TTC?) anymore, dealing with the prospects of maybe never TTC again,…on top of all that…my cousin was killed serving in Afghanistan last week. So yeah, something strong please…and make it a double.
6 pounds of coffee?! That explains *so* much…
🙂
Something that might relax me please….A nice big glass of Shiraz might to the trick. Friday at work seemed to be bring your baby to work day at my office. Not fun for an overly emotional woman.
Still anxiously waiting for another couple to choose the donor we chose..every day gets worse, and I'm beginning to feel this may never happen. I don't want to go through choosing another donor, ugh. I'm emotionally drained at this point.
Wow, I'm new here, and think this virtual lushary is a fantastic idea. So, pour me something strong and let me talk your ears off…
In the last month, first we've discovered that we have severe MFI and will never conceive without ICSI.
We spent a couple of weeks agonising over all the possible options before deciding that we did want to go ahead and try ICSI.
Then we discovered that I have low ovarian reserve and had to wait around for a while to find out whether the consultant was even willing to go ahead with the ICSI.
And now we've got the go-ahead, but with a warning that our chances of success are low, and are sitting around waiting for the fun to begin…
http://movingontothenextplan.blogspot.com/
Ahhh, I was thinking it was about time for a visit to the Lushary!! : ) I'll have a mimosa (since it's early) first, followed by mint chocolate chip ice cream later.
Let's see… over the past month, I came back to earth with a thump after a lovely vacation, to face the 11th "anniversary" of my daughter's stillbirth and a pile of work awaiting me at the office (which I am still plowing through). My boss's boss, a guy I've worked with for 21 years, suddenly left to go work for another bank. And I spent yesterday with one side of dh's family, enduring not just one but two pregnancy announcements. In both cases, the peesticks were barely dry (10 weeks along for one, less than that for the other), and in one case, it's dh's cousin's 24-year-old daughter, whose wedding two years ago was a highly emotional event for dh & me (realizing anew that we will never get to see a child of our own married). Meaning dh's cousin, who is younger than I am, is going to be a grandmother next spring. :p
Enroute home last night, I said to dh, "I KNEW we were going to get a pregnancy announcement from her. For a second there, I thought maybe not, because her tummy was so flat, but sure enough…" Dh: "How did you know?" Duh. After all these years…
I'll take a pumpkin pie martini (read it on someone's blog… at the moment I can't remember which but it sounded incredible!)
The last month… not a whole lot going on. Commorated my Olivia Noelle's edd, working on plans for our NYC trip, and slogging through the last month of our ttc break.
That's about all that's happening on the northern flatland!
I need whatever is strong enough for a still pregnant lady to have to calm her freaking nerves. I don't think they make that.
Pulling up a chair for my first visit to the Lushary! I just found Stirrup Queens and the IF-blog family the past few weeks. There's not a nicer, more welcoming bunch of people that I could imagine being on this island with. Thank you for the warm welcome!
Last month we found out that we're dealing with severe MFI. We'll find out just how severe tomorrow at our first urologist appointment. For now, we know that we're dealing with low count, volume, motility and 0% normal morph.
DH also suffers from chronic depression, so there's a high likelihood that his anti-depressants are playing a role. Of course, there's not much we can do about those. That's a non-negotiable change. Meanwhile, we've been making changes that we can make…eating better, boxers, consistently taking vitamins, etc.
I'm prepared to hear ICSI tomorrow. I'm also prepared to get to hear nothing new.
oursomedayfamily.blogspot.com
I havve just come across your blog and find it very enjoyable.
I am writing my own blog about infertility from a male perspective – Me and My White Stuff
i'd love you to check it out.
http://infertilitymedicalguide.com/IVFmaleperspectiveblog
Since it's still early-ish, I'll take a tall glass of milk with equal amounts of Kahlua and Bailey's. Save me a bowl of mint chocolate chip for lunch, please.
I'm impatiently waiting for this cycle to end so we can get started with the FET protocol. My temp just finally rose this weekend (20+) days into the cycle, so I'm thinking my hope for a start in early September was misplaced.
I'm also thankful that we have some frozen embies so we can keep moving forward despite DH's erratic work travel schedule this fall.
Oh, I'll have something sweet. Maybe a strawberry daquiri. School starts for me next week, and I'm quite happy about it (anything to get past the Summer of Death and Despair). IVF #1, Take 2 coming up quickly (I'll start stims in a month) and I'm both excited and petrified, after how badly the last attempt went. I'm running out of back up plans. Can't I please get pregnant already, just like everyone else in my immediate social circle? Argh.
Give me a stiff drink.
We just moved into our house and I swear the more we unpack the more we seem to have to unpack.
I haven't felt comfortable there yet. I'm still looking for where I put stuff in the kitchen (nothing is intuitive.) and it bothers me.
mmmmmmmmmmm… the lushary
I have coffee envy. Just thought I would say that. Although I did just up to two cups a day and am getting WAY more done.
I am working on finding balance. Being grateful for moments in my life and trying to work through the really scary stuff. As in we probably only have one more month in this house before the big downsize happens. And trying not to worry about how we will find a place to live when there is nothing to put on the line that asks for current employer.
trying to drop my shoulders and remind myself that somehow, some way, things will get back to normal.
buying a round for all of the other early visitors to the bar.
oooh i'll have a jim beam & coke 🙂 i don't care how early it is.
my last month: follistim…ovaries went on overdrive (they are "pcos-looking" to begin with). so those 8 mature follies canceled the IUI.
So now we're down to one more medicated cycle before our IF insurance runs out…
I'd like an elderflower martini, please. Sweet and girly, yet STRONG.
I have been in a very peaceful place, but I had a massive, unexpected freak out Friday night over a baby sign language book my husband bought for our new nephew. I was completely unprepared, which made it even worse. I then magically cried it all out, perked up, and was able to spend two consecutive days with our nephew. Hell, I even played patty cake.
I'm on a roller coaster, and even I don't know what's coming next. Poor TH.
XOXOXO for this, Mel. So many wonderful new people to Perfect Moment Mondays.
I'll take a summer mojito, of course! And a side of ice cream and coffee. A perfectly balanced meal.
Just settling into a new routine. Have some good news I'll reveal for Show & Tell.
Oh! And I'm going to re-run Drama 2B Mama starting September 7. Three posts a week, M-W-F.
XOXO again!
Ooooh, engraved martini glass, huh? Swanky. I'm a margarita fan, personally. Frozen and strawberry, in that order. I'd have taken it it in a frosty beer mug, though, I'm not picky. Does that make me a drunk? I wonder. Anyway, this last month has been spent gushing away about the jumping bean and feeling him move. Threatening to nail my husband's feet to the floor if he doesn't make a decision on the name soon (I have a short list, he thinks we have plenty of time. He hasn't figured out that the best way to send a preggo into orbit is to talk about time as an unlimited resource.), and trying to come up with a paint color for the nursery.
Strawberry basil margarita, please. My sister and BIL made that for us earlier this month. Yummmmm.
Rebecca, I am so sorry. It all sounds terrible.
My parents literally just drove off, after a weekend's visit. And this should conclude the crazy part of the month. But I start teaching in a week, an every day kind of thing, for five weeks. So there's much to cram into this week in preparation and on all other projects I have going. Meanwhile, I think I am having a health scare of as-yet-unidentified severity, and so I need to call doctors and get a move on it. I'll get to that, right? A ton of projects at home, too. And a job I applied for that I really really want, but haven't heard boo about in two weeks, and am constantly nervous about, in the background. Um, can I have another margarita, please?
And good luck to everyone waiting for news and cycles. And a strawberry basil margarita on me. It helps, a little.
I suppose I should mention that I've not been drinking since the jumping bean sprouted. So, for nor, it'll just have to be sweet tea.
Hmmm…another newbie to the Lushary here! Since this is virtual and all that, I'll take whatever I can get that is super strong and will drown my sorrows with the least amount of effort. 🙂
My backstory can be found on the past posts at http//:braziers.blogspot.com so stop in by and take a gander if you'd like. Basically we're TTC w/ PCOS after multiple m/cs and can't get in to see the stupid RE until APRIL…thus we're on our own and winging it right now.
As I pull up my bar stool, I'll tell you that I'm currently dealing with raging jealousy that my 20 year old niece gave birth last night after an unplanned, unwanted and totally perfect pregnancy which she so joyfully announced in the midst of me recovering from my last miscarriage. So that makes her mom, my older sis by 3 years, a grandma before I'm even a mom. GRRRR.
And of course, her happy news comes on the same week that my uncle has a terrible car accident, my DH's grandmother falls and breaks her hip and my mom gets sent to the renal specialist because her kidneys could be failing. The icing on the cake (and the reason I'm looking to drown my sorrows so early in the morning) is that the anniversary of my most recent miscarriage, our baby Grayson, is coming up on Friday.
A girl can only take so much, you know? So maybe a bit of liquid courage will help erase the events of the past month and fortify me for the rest of the week…
I'll take a rosemary lemonade with Maker's Mark. After almost two years, we are taking a hiatus from TTC so we can save up for Clomid and IUI cycles, and it breaks my heart and makes me want to cry and rage.
We just completed our first IVF with ICSI cycle due to male factor issues, and I am now almost 6 weeks pregnant. I have had 2 losses before, so I am cautiously optimistic right now. I am counting down the seconds until my ultrasound on Thursday so I can see if this pregnancy is viable. Friday the school year starts for me with our teacher inservice, so I am praying for good news so I can start my school year off right.
I'll take a Green Tea with lemon since I am approaching the O time.
I'm a newbie here so I'll give a little ditty about me. After going at it for 2 years I was diagnosed with tubal infertility. I had a lap done in June and we are currently on our 2nd cycle after treatment. Insurance doesn't cover IF so we are currently all natural. The doc is giving us 3 months to conceive and if nothing another HSG…that is approaching all too quickly…
This week was hectic with the hospitalization of my grandma. She goes in for yet another surgery this Friday so the drama isn't quite over. Please keep her in your prayers, everyone.
Much love. ((((HUGS))))
I'll have a chocolate martini if you please.
Me and my DH have been TTC for over 2 years now. I have PCOS, he has low sperm count though it's not too bad. We completed 1 IUI but the Clomid doesn't work on a regular basis so we have to take breaks in between fertility treatments. I'm hoping to do a second IUI next month but I'm already making back-up plans. Do we continue with IUI? Move on to IVF? Move on to adoption? I just want a path with the least amount of heartache and tears.
I'm a newbie to the Lushery. I need something stout!! To calm my nerves!!! I just called the local RE's office and made the leap this morning. I have been doing acupucture only for treatment for PCOS. So I'm super nervous today but glad I did it. I was hoping the acu would do be the ticket but after 6 mo+ on acu treatments. I'm ready to move on. We have been ttc for a year and half now. We really wanted to avoid medications and treatments but I guess it wasn't in the cards for us.
Hi everyone—-this is my first time at the bar!
I've posted a pretty full intro on my blog (in prep for blogger bingo) so if you want to read it, i'll let you have at it.
As far as the last month–I've been faced with the hard truth of paying upwards from $300/month OOP for our treatments or giving it more time on our own.
I've also battled with the choices of trying to vitamins on my own again (despite my RE's protests not to do it). The rational part of me knows that it makes more sense to do it through them and that I could make it worse if I play Dr. Quinn on myself, but the irrational part of me knows that I took soy before, and I got ku.
I have also bit the bullet and signed up for a 12 week weight loss program through the local hospital. For $65 I get personalized advice from a nutritionist, physical trainer, shopping and recipe help, a few free yoga/exercise sessions at their facility and other stuff. I'm debating signing up with H (as I know he needs to lose weight too) or just going on my own and using the information for both of us. I don't really know yet, what I'm going to do. I do know, I've signed up for it now and while I'm excited, I'm also nervous.
I guess I'm kind of banking on that whole philosophy of losing 20% of your body weight can help with pcos, saving me some serious oop cash.
:shrugs:
I'm new to the lushary, too. Give me a margarita on the rocks, with salt!
My story can be found at: oninfertileground.blogspot.com
Waiting on pins and needles for my RE to call (he's been on vacation for two long, long weeks). I just found out I'll likely lose my infertility insurance in a few months and I was scheduled for IVF #1 in October (after 4 rounds of Clomid/IUIs and a round of injectibles/IUIs … all BFNs). Now I'm desperate to get moved up to September to gain more insurance time. I know lots of people don't have insurance and I'm glad for what I DID get, but this was very unexpected and I don't have $15k just laying around since we weren't saving for this.
Can I have another margarita?
Cosmopolitan please.
I just discovered that I have to work as an admin to my father-in-law, who I do not have the greatest relationship with, and I was just now feeling like I could handle all the housework and baby stuff. I was just starting to feel under control and now I have to figure out some way to work for at least two hours a day, while also doing all the housework and baby stuff. But don't worry, THIS WILL GIVE ME SOMETHING TO DO! (I'm a little angry.)
I'll take a red raspberry leaf tea to (hopefully!) help induce me! At 39 weeks 6 days, I'm ready to meet our little one after 6+ years of TTC and IVF+ICSI resulted in this pregnancy. Mind you, keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge for me; there'll be some hella celebrating in our house when Petit makes a debut! Thanks for the drinks Mel. It's good to come to a place where everybody knows your name…
Newbie here!
I'll take a pale ale…make it a big one.
Current quandary is whether or not to go off of the pill again. When we decided to adopt I just had to be able to put tracking cycles and "fertile" days to the side (I'm unexplained infertility and DH is just hunky dory). Taking the pill is the easiest way. But, it messes w/ me a bit and DH isn't nearly as concerned with the REMOTE possibility that I could get pregnant while we're waiting for a match. My brain hurts from the tennis match going on in my head.
::cheers:: To All !
My past month has been preparing for homechooling, dealing with starting to pack up and organize for our huge move (and starting to sell stuff off) … and dealing with health issues …
Now can I have some mint chocolate chip please!?!
Something non-alcoholic, a shirly temple sounds nice.
I am in a good place, but it's an emotional and trying place nevertheless. I have strong morning sickness, I feel like crap constantly but I am grateful and hopeful that it's a good sign for the pregnancy. I am worried that with such high betas, that I might be having multiples (three follies popped when we did the IUI). I am not sure I can be a good mother to multiples and our son at the same time. T-minus 8 days until we have our first ultrasound. I am terrified.
Yay, another lushary! I would love a virtual scotch. Maker's Mark is fine with me. I love seeing all the new bloggers this time! More blogs to add to my reader.
This came at a great time for me. I had my 20-week anatomy scan today, and I get to tell someone about it! Baby and mommy are both healthy. Baby looks great, and apparently is a boy! Both Hubby and I are very excited!
I don't usually come in, but the ice cream is calling to me.
I'll have a big mug of root beer and a large scoop of vanilla. I haven't had a good float in a long time, yum.
This month has sucked. We've been trying to get the doctors to listen for months, but its only when my tiny kid drops 3/4 of a lb in a week that they take action, and now we're bypassing his stomach instead of trying to find out the problem, because we ran out of time to help him. Again.
And it's getting depressing, watching the development gap between the twins widen … feeling my body fail … waiting on yet another round of genetics to find out if it's safe to have another … and watching everyone around me dive back into the ttc/pg realm while we can't.
Make that two scoops, please.
I want something fun – bahama mama. Husband is on his way home after 1 month training and I need it! Been a long month with going back to work, being the sole caregiver to the kiddos, sickies going around, and just felt overwhelmed.
I'll have a final glass of white wine, please. I did my endometrial biopsy/e-tegrity test today, and should start on IVF #3 meds this week. Hopefully, third time's the charm!
So one more glass of wine, before I'm off it for this cycle (and hopefully the next 9 months!).
what is new…put a contract on two different houses- and got one accepted and agreed on after going back and forth four times. The inspections are crazy….I had a minor meltdown a few weeks ago- that resulted in wine..and more wine. phew. What else? Jump on over and check it out!
http://www.ttc-wildride.blogspot.com
oh- Bartender Mel? Can I please have a glass of pinot nior. Yummy
I'm new to the Lushary but I will gladly join everyone at the bar! I'd love a Fuzzy Navel – I could drink those all night!
My story: We've been married for over 7 years and TTC for most of that time. Our only pregnancy thus far ended in m/c at 10 weeks on July 10, 2003. So far we've had lots of time-outs due to a lack of money or insurance or both.
This month: This was my 2nd cycle of a three-cycle run on 200mg Clomid. Doctor is referring me to the RE if no luck after three cycles. Waiting for AF now – I am fairly certain that I did ovulate but I know for a fact that I didn't conceive.
Since I'm off coffee and alcohol for our current cycle, a virtual coffee with Bailey's sounds lovely.
I'm excitedly waiting for a day-5 transfer. Right now we have four growing embryos, created from eggs of mine that we froze during our last IVF. After 3 failed IVF/ICSI cycles, it feels really good and hopeful to be trying something different.
Cheers to all!
I'll take a drink.
In the past month….uhm….nothing really? I need the drink cause we're gearing up to start testing to ttc again.
Oooh boy. All the fun plus two toddlers.
I'd love some mint chip ice cream. Yum.
I'm in the midst of a wait while switching RE's after only one failed IUI cycle. I sometimes can't believe we're switching so "fast", but I also can't imagine stepping foot in that RE's office again. Only 2 more weeks until our new appointment and hopefully another IUI cycle.
I feel stuck in life. I want to move on to something, but at this point that something only involves having a baby. But maybe I will quit my job and find something else and that will help…?
I'll take a barrel of Pinot Noir. The past month specifically the last week have been HELL! My dad had cardiac arrest (twice) and will be having a quintuple bypass in the morning. Then on Friday my mom stopped by her office in the morning and in her rush to get to my dad fell down the stairs and broke her wrist. She had surgery on Saturday. Than today the power at my son's day care went out so he had to go with me to work and than the hospital which wasn't fun. Really I couldn't make this shit up if I tried. I just can't wait for this week to be over and than I think I'm going to spend a week (ok maybe a day) getting drunk!
I'll take a nice french martini, maybe it will help me sleep through the night, this month has been fraught with insomnia, anxiety about impending dates,and prescription hormones to get my cycle back. Nothing a really strong french martini couldn't handle.
Hum…no alcohol in real life for me…so, In the virtual world, I'll have just a BIG, COLD, COLD dos equis. With quite a few limes.
The past month we've been to the beach, had 3 ultrasounds and found out that this baby we are expecting is a girl! Lots of things going on…we are just so thrilled and truly feeling blessed to be pregnant (FINALLY) with this little girl.
Oh, and for Ice Cream – I'll have the oreo cheesecake if it's coming from brusters 🙂