His Name

So. When we first started talking about baby names. The girl name came to us right away. I threw out a name I had always loved, Piper and Jimmy loved it too. It just seemed to marry so perfectly to his grandmother's name that we ended up with Piper Rose. I have to admit I was bummed I wouldn't get to use it when we found out we were having a boy. I really adore it. But there you go. Now the boy name...not so much. I had always wanted to use my maiden name as a first name. But Jimmy was not a fan of that idea. I threw out hundred of names over many months and was shot down each and every time. No good. Then we were at my grandfather's church. Waiting to talk to the Pastor. And in thier sanctuary they have bibical names etched on the glass. Jimmy points to Asher and says, "What do you think?" I liked it. Then I did some research. Asher was a king. The king of what is current day Lebanon. Could that be anymore perfect? And it also means Peace. Love that!! So that was it for me. I was sold. We were originally going to go with Samual as the middle name. It's my great grandfather's name and he was an amazing man. But then, my grandfather became such an intrical part of our IF journey. This pregnancy would NOT have happened without him. So we decided to change the middle name to honor him. And I think he is most excited about it. So it was worth the change. And I think it works...Asher Robert. I think it's a good name. A wonderful name for my amazing miracle boy. Yes, a good name indeed.

Level 2 Ultrasound

So we finally had our Level 2 ultrasound. We got to see our little one for the first time in 13 weeks. We had been in the dark since our viability u/s at 7 weeks. We are having a beautiful, healthy, moving around like crazy BOY!! I am so excited.

Isn't he gorgeous? I am more and more in love every time. And because of (1) my age (2) the u/s doctor is good friends with my RE and (3) he had a daughter who had a baby last year at my age...the doctor wants to do at least 1, possible 2 more u/s as we progress. So I have another one in 8 weeks. I'm waiting to hear what the date is...but I'm so thrilled to see him again. Especially since I have a front placenta. Meaning it's buffering me from feeling Asher move and kick and be as active as I watched him be yesterday. He was moving so much that the tech said he was making her job really hard, and I could not be more thrilled. So I very possible will not feel him at all. And definately not this early. I am devastated. This is my one and only shot at pregnancy...so I was SO looking forward to feeling him in there...and it breaks my heart that I may never. But he is doing amazing in there. He has long legs and a big belly (according to the tech) and he is a little above average in size...he's a lb. already!! So all is good in my world. Jimmy and I are over the moon and already starting to really plan the nursery. I can not wait!! James was a little bummed as he wanted a sister, but I think he'll change his tune once he meets his amazing little brother. Because...they are going to be best friends, I just know it :)

TGIFriday and then Monday...MonDAY...MONDAY!!

I am so flipping excited about my u/s on Monday. I have not seen Hercules since 7 weeks...that is almost 13 weeks by the time I see her/him again. Unacceptable :) But in the mean time. I had gone to my hair dresser to get a cut. I wanted her to cut it short and she refused, needless to say I am looking for a new hairdresser as I will cut it short...but that's another story. So I was pretty down on my hair and self. I had so much out growth and gray that it looked like crap and I felt old. I mean really old. So she mentions henna hair color to me. So I started researching, and found out it is totally natural. From plants and roots natural. So I found a color from an on-line company that I liked and ordered it. It finally arrived this week and my husband (yes my husband colors me hair, he is so "frugal" that the savings makes it worth it for him and it's alot easier for me :) colored my hair. The product was really strange and went on like mud. It dried like mud too. So it was a real bitch to get out of my hair, but it worked. That's the key. I have no gray, no roots and I don't look like I am 60 something. I love it. It's a good week!! And then next week is my u/s...which is the best week ever. I can barely contain myself. I just keep looking at Jimmy and saying "Monday...MonDAY...MONDAY!!"...

4TH OF JULY

James and his cousin having a blast on Independence Day :)

Ugh

Woke up to an excrusiating calf charlie horse (I've had ones in my arch as well :). I forgot how painful they are. Horrible way to start the day.

Massage

So, for my birthday, Jimmy and James gave me a massage gift certificate. So I had called and scheduled an appointment then had to change it because I was sick. Then I had to call and cancel it because I was STILL sick. So finally I got to go this past weekend. Ladies...if you have never had the joy of a massage...treat yourself!! I have been getting massages for years. I got Jimmy going with me for couples massages since shortly after we started dating. He wasn't sure he would like it and now he reminds me that it's been X amount of time since our last :) So I thoroughly enjoyed Saturday. I got an excellent massuesse (spelling?). She had just the right touch. I was loving it. I would like to get another one done when I am further along. But we'll have to see how that goes. Heavenly I tell you. So...do what you have to to make it happen for yourself Loves. You deserve it...

Sick!!

So I went to Chicago for my Godson (and his twin's) baptism my birthday weekend. I was set to stay with my little brother and his family. When I got there I was informed that his wife and son had been sick, but were "over it". Lies. All lies. The baby was sick the entire time and my SIL ended up at Emergency Care on Sunday. So...I got sick. And of course with being pregnant my immune system is weak and mine turned into broncitis, acute broncial spasms, sinisitious and a viral infection. Fun stuff. I have been sick for 9 days now and I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel yet. I tell Jimmy I am dying at least once a day...it has become a joke around our house at this point. I saw the doctor and was put on antibiotics (weak ones) and an inhaler. But they do not seem to be helping me. I am so frustrated. I have coughing fits (that sometimes end in my vomitting) that then make it nearly impossible to breathe. And I had to come back to work even though I am not nearly ready. It bites. Today after a pretty nasty coughing fit and alot of wheezing and trouble breathing, Jimmy told me that we can go up to Illinois and smack my brother and his family. I just might take him up on that!! I even had to cancel my prenatal massage that I had scheduled for tomorrow (my birthday present from the boys :) because I didn't think I could enjoy it and didn't want to get anyone else sick.

And while I was at my sick appointment, my doctor had me do bloodwork to check on my Vitamin B12 and D deficiancy statuses (I have been taking supplements for awhile now). And while I was dying on the couch yesterday after work, they called to inform me that I had not absorbed a smidge of the B12 (the horrible, caulk like pill that I have to gag down...bastard!) and I have to switch (with my OB's permission) to a weekly B12 shot (in the ass thank you very much). So I finally finish with my fertility shots, and now I get this. And once I'm not pregnant anymore...I will add shots for my MS as well. I am destined to be a pin cushion I guess. I just need to accept it. It's crap I tell you!!

2nd Trimester

Holy crap...how did that happen already? My chance of miscarriage goes down to 5%...that is my favorite part. If the morning sickness would subside...it would be perfect :)