We have been waiting anxiously to get the final results from Birdies for Babies. Todd and Melissa have given us a final number and we are over the top. It will allow us to do 2 IVF cycles should we need it. I am confident we will not Dr. Feinberg has great plans for us.
I went for a consultation with her on October 7th to formulate a plan. As you know these things take precious timing and a lot of planning. Travis and I decided even before Birdies for Babies we would not start any treatment until after the first of the year. Two out of my three miscarriages occured before Christmas plus a new year always feels like a fresh start.
Dr. Feinberg has suggested I have procedure called an endometrial biopsy. The procedure is done in the office and doesn't require me to go under. That and the progesterone shots are the worst part of the whole process for me. I HATE being put under twilight or general doesn't matter. Anyways Dr. Feinberg will take a small biopsy. By doing the biopsy it produces healing cytokines and good enzymes which increase the chances of our embryos implanting. This procedure has to be done a month before we undergo IVF. Dr. Feinberg feels like a friend now at this point. The consulatation did not have that medical feel it was more like us sitting down and chatting. She feels very positive and hopeful. One of the things we discussed was that during the last IVF cycle we were under a study which regulated how much stimulation medication I could take. Although I responded very well Dr. Feinberg thinks we can get even more embryos this time. SOOO exciting. She has no doubts about of being able to conceive and has very little reservations about our upcoming cycle. Dr. Feinberg will be hosting another event that is near and dear to her heart on June 23rd. She has asked me to be a part of this great event as well. Stay tuned for details.
I am emotionally in a very different place this time. Patience has never been my strong point but this whole experience has taught me nothing but that. I feel almost at peace with the journey we are about to go on. I can't even imagine if we conceive telling our child how many people pulled together to make our dreams come true. What a great story to be born under. Travis is looking forward to hunting this month without having to rush home or even skip his weekend to have to do his duty as he calls it. I am so happy that he is able to go into the woods with no baby pressure. Happy hunting honey. Bring home the big buck and I'll bring home the baby.
Good luck to Katie and Pat as they embark on their new journey as well. You are right Katie 2012 is our year I am following and wishing all my good thoughts and prayers with you!!!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
The Crescendo
It's been a couple weeks since Birdies for babies. I needed time to get back to "normal" The day after the event I did 7 loads of laundry and spent 5 hours just getting things back to functional. Birdies for babies was definatly my priority. So everyones dying to know how it went.
Travis and I went down on Friday to help Melissa and Todd set up. We stuffed the gift bags with all the wonderful goodies. We went to dinner to just try and relax before the big day. At dinner I received a phone call from Melissa that ABC nightly news was going to be at the event and wanted to follow us while we golfed. I was super excited but fearful of how Travis would react. Remember he does not like to be in the spot light. So I broke the news and to my suprise he was okay with it. Got to bed early because we knew that Saturday was going to be a long busy day. The beds were so comfy at the Country Inn and Suites. I slept like a baby.
Alarm went off at 5 am. We needed to be there by 6 to help with final set up. The weather man had been calling for rain so we were praying it was going to be a dry day. As we started to drive the rain started to fall. I looked at Travis and told him he cursed us. A few weeks before he said its gonna rain on our event. The rain got heavier as we got closer to the course. But god was smiling on us because at 6:55 the clouds parted and the sun came out. It was going to be a glorious day.
I will never be able to convey to you what it was like to walk into Tamarack after Melissa had performed her magic. We left the banquet area a blank canvas and when we walked in it had been transormed into a amazing golf outing. I started to cry it was so beautiful. Melissa really puts her heart and creativity into putting the prizes and silent auction together. We met our new friends Katie and Pat last years recepient and my support system. Katie was great to me she answered any of my questions and helped me get this blog going. She is also responsible for the TV crew showing up as well.
At 7 am golfers were starting to arrive. I checked people in with my Mom and Dad and Travis and Pat handed out wind shirts. It was amazing to see all the people that came out to support us that we had never even met. When our friends arrived it made the whole thing come full circle.
8 o'clock golf started. Of course we were the last ones out. We golfed with our friends Corey and John. They were so much fun. We haven't laughed that hard in a long time. We still had to break the news that the news crew was going to be following us to them. I wanted for the first screwdriver to be finished. They were fine with it. They like us at this point were just rolling with the punches.
About 11 o'clock the news crew showed up. How akward was that! They tell you to act normal while you have a camera and a big fuzzy microphone in your face. I shanked all my shots when they were with us. Good thing it was a scramble. They had to leave us because a foursome that wasn't with our outing complained we were holding up play.
I was able to visit with our friends in between holes. All you could hear was laughter all around everyone was having such a great time. Dana was out on patrol selling raffle tickets. She is a riot. Another past recepient. It's funny because we all bonded so quickly but we also seem to have the same type of personalities. She actually had someone donate $140.00 if she could come back with a cubs hat. She did it!
When we arrived at the reception the news crew was waiting for an interview and Todd needed to get the reception started. I was getting really nervous about giving my speech. I am not great at speaking in front of big groups. As I looked around I realized all these people our here to support this cause and a peace came over me. It went off without a hitch. Travis was by my side the whole time providing the support only he can.
After it was all over Travis and I realized we hadn't eaten a thing all day. Adrenaline had left and we were starving. We stopped by Tommy Nevilles pub to relax with Katie, Pat and Todd. Travis was exhausted and starving so we headed off to get something to eat. Full bellies and totally exhausted we went back to hotel and as I closed my eyes that night I was kind of sad it was all over. Then I remebered theres always next year!!
Travis and I went down on Friday to help Melissa and Todd set up. We stuffed the gift bags with all the wonderful goodies. We went to dinner to just try and relax before the big day. At dinner I received a phone call from Melissa that ABC nightly news was going to be at the event and wanted to follow us while we golfed. I was super excited but fearful of how Travis would react. Remember he does not like to be in the spot light. So I broke the news and to my suprise he was okay with it. Got to bed early because we knew that Saturday was going to be a long busy day. The beds were so comfy at the Country Inn and Suites. I slept like a baby.
Alarm went off at 5 am. We needed to be there by 6 to help with final set up. The weather man had been calling for rain so we were praying it was going to be a dry day. As we started to drive the rain started to fall. I looked at Travis and told him he cursed us. A few weeks before he said its gonna rain on our event. The rain got heavier as we got closer to the course. But god was smiling on us because at 6:55 the clouds parted and the sun came out. It was going to be a glorious day.
I will never be able to convey to you what it was like to walk into Tamarack after Melissa had performed her magic. We left the banquet area a blank canvas and when we walked in it had been transormed into a amazing golf outing. I started to cry it was so beautiful. Melissa really puts her heart and creativity into putting the prizes and silent auction together. We met our new friends Katie and Pat last years recepient and my support system. Katie was great to me she answered any of my questions and helped me get this blog going. She is also responsible for the TV crew showing up as well.
At 7 am golfers were starting to arrive. I checked people in with my Mom and Dad and Travis and Pat handed out wind shirts. It was amazing to see all the people that came out to support us that we had never even met. When our friends arrived it made the whole thing come full circle.
8 o'clock golf started. Of course we were the last ones out. We golfed with our friends Corey and John. They were so much fun. We haven't laughed that hard in a long time. We still had to break the news that the news crew was going to be following us to them. I wanted for the first screwdriver to be finished. They were fine with it. They like us at this point were just rolling with the punches.
About 11 o'clock the news crew showed up. How akward was that! They tell you to act normal while you have a camera and a big fuzzy microphone in your face. I shanked all my shots when they were with us. Good thing it was a scramble. They had to leave us because a foursome that wasn't with our outing complained we were holding up play.
I was able to visit with our friends in between holes. All you could hear was laughter all around everyone was having such a great time. Dana was out on patrol selling raffle tickets. She is a riot. Another past recepient. It's funny because we all bonded so quickly but we also seem to have the same type of personalities. She actually had someone donate $140.00 if she could come back with a cubs hat. She did it!
When we arrived at the reception the news crew was waiting for an interview and Todd needed to get the reception started. I was getting really nervous about giving my speech. I am not great at speaking in front of big groups. As I looked around I realized all these people our here to support this cause and a peace came over me. It went off without a hitch. Travis was by my side the whole time providing the support only he can.
After it was all over Travis and I realized we hadn't eaten a thing all day. Adrenaline had left and we were starving. We stopped by Tommy Nevilles pub to relax with Katie, Pat and Todd. Travis was exhausted and starving so we headed off to get something to eat. Full bellies and totally exhausted we went back to hotel and as I closed my eyes that night I was kind of sad it was all over. Then I remebered theres always next year!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
It's all becoming so real
Great things are happening leading up to this wonderful event. The PR buzz is on!!!! Birdies for babies has received some wonderful publicity. Todd, Melissa, Katie and I have been interviewing with some of the local papers. The articles from Oswego patch and Naperville Sun times came out today. We are still waiting on the article from the Chicago Tribune. Tommorow morning Melissa and katie are headed dsown to NBC to give a shout out to Birdies for babies. I could not attend due to schedule conflicts at work. It's such a shame I would have loved to have been there with these wonderful women. So watch for them tommorow on NBC between 6:30 and 7 a.m. You can also read the articles at http://oswego.patch.com/articles/oswego-couple-organizing-golf-outing-to-benefit-infetri-couples.
and http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/lifestyles/7750942-423/birdies-for-babies-raises-money-for-in-vitro-fertilization.html. Gillian is doing a great job promoting our event for us!! Kudos to you.
Also special thanks to FCI Penny has donated a limo to eleviate the stress of the long drive for our friends who are able to attend. Everyone has been so wonderful and giving. There is so much support from these individuals it is unbelievable.
Donations are coming in as well. This week things are really looking up. Thanks to the maternity staff at Lake Forest Hospital for your donations. Especially the wonderful women who sold candles and donated 30% of what she made to our cause. I never know if I should mention names or not. My mom and sister who sold a fundraising pack of candy bars. Family is the best. I love you guys so much. Don't know what I would do without you guys. Keslin landscaping. Jenny who donated her wages for a day! Then anothr touching event happened tonight I was presented a wonderful gift from all my coworkers at Delany Dental. Come visit us. Not only is it beautiful but the dentists are above and beyond superior. One of the blessings I thank God for all the time is being able to work with such caring people who are also the best at what they do.
Everyone always asks how Travis is doing. He is a little sad that not more of our friends could be there but we understand everyone has priorities and obviously family and children will always come first. He is excited about the friends that will be there and is looking forward to greeting all the people who are supporting us that we don't know. We silently hope we get to be a part of registration so we can greet and thank
all the people that are part of this wonderful experience.
So last minute push is on and we are looking forward to a fun and wonderful event.
and http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/lifestyles/7750942-423/birdies-for-babies-raises-money-for-in-vitro-fertilization.html. Gillian is doing a great job promoting our event for us!! Kudos to you.
Also special thanks to FCI Penny has donated a limo to eleviate the stress of the long drive for our friends who are able to attend. Everyone has been so wonderful and giving. There is so much support from these individuals it is unbelievable.
Donations are coming in as well. This week things are really looking up. Thanks to the maternity staff at Lake Forest Hospital for your donations. Especially the wonderful women who sold candles and donated 30% of what she made to our cause. I never know if I should mention names or not. My mom and sister who sold a fundraising pack of candy bars. Family is the best. I love you guys so much. Don't know what I would do without you guys. Keslin landscaping. Jenny who donated her wages for a day! Then anothr touching event happened tonight I was presented a wonderful gift from all my coworkers at Delany Dental. Come visit us. Not only is it beautiful but the dentists are above and beyond superior. One of the blessings I thank God for all the time is being able to work with such caring people who are also the best at what they do.
Everyone always asks how Travis is doing. He is a little sad that not more of our friends could be there but we understand everyone has priorities and obviously family and children will always come first. He is excited about the friends that will be there and is looking forward to greeting all the people who are supporting us that we don't know. We silently hope we get to be a part of registration so we can greet and thank
all the people that are part of this wonderful experience.
So last minute push is on and we are looking forward to a fun and wonderful event.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Sometimes you wonder if anyones listening
We meet with Todd and Melissa two weeks ago to discuss the ins and outs of the golf outing. They are so sweet and reassuring. They really made me feel at ease about everything. I continued on asking for donations and spreading the word to anyone I could. Last week Dr. Shapira did a press release and within 72 hours 17,000 people had read it. I was so excited I figured this would definatley bring in some donations and golfers. Nothing!
This week two of the bigger organiztions that I asked for donations denied us. I have to be honest I am feeling VERY defeated! I keep texting and calling our friends who swore they would see us there but no one has signed up yet. I am starting to wonder if we are gonna have any golfers at all. I understand financially it is a little bit of a strain and it is far away. It's getting to be crunch time now though. We will see how it pans out. Wait and see is not something I am good at. I keep trying to brain storm other ways to reach people. I am out of ideas. Travis has reassured me there is nothing else I can do. I have done all I can.
The only bright spot this week is that one of the newspapers in Oswego wants to do a story about BFB and Travis and I. I am speaking with them Saturday.
Today I am off to Gurnee to try and get some more sponsorships. Hopefully today will be a more productive day. Always trying to look on the bright side and remember God has a plan but it's not always mine!.
This week two of the bigger organiztions that I asked for donations denied us. I have to be honest I am feeling VERY defeated! I keep texting and calling our friends who swore they would see us there but no one has signed up yet. I am starting to wonder if we are gonna have any golfers at all. I understand financially it is a little bit of a strain and it is far away. It's getting to be crunch time now though. We will see how it pans out. Wait and see is not something I am good at. I keep trying to brain storm other ways to reach people. I am out of ideas. Travis has reassured me there is nothing else I can do. I have done all I can.
The only bright spot this week is that one of the newspapers in Oswego wants to do a story about BFB and Travis and I. I am speaking with them Saturday.
Today I am off to Gurnee to try and get some more sponsorships. Hopefully today will be a more productive day. Always trying to look on the bright side and remember God has a plan but it's not always mine!.
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Good and the Bad
Life has been busy posting flyers and trying to get golfers. We had a little bit of a disappointing week one of my very close friends and her husband will not be able to attend. Also other friends of ours have commitments for that weekend as well. On the bright side Delany Dental has been overly supportive. They have donated two in office bleaching sessions. Dr. Shapira put together a press release in sleep and medicine journal. Bless his heart he has more on his plate then anyone can imagine and yet he still found time to do this for us. Dr. Amidei is also very busy being the general contractor for our new office in Gurnee and he has been busy spreading the word as well . He took flyers to the Gurnee Rotary. I always knew I was fortunate to work with two dentists who are superior in their field and truley care about there staff but they have gone above and beyond for me personally. We are hoping that all these leads will produce some golfers for us. That seems to be the area we are struggling with.
Emotionally I have had a rough week. I tend to be a pefectionist as well as a worry wart. I am worried the event won't be a success. People won't donate etc.... Plus I think it really hit me that we are going to be going through fertility treatments again and that is always a stressful time. I am also feeling like I am not giving Travis the attention he needs as well. One lesson I learned from previous treatments is I get all consumed with whats going on with me and forget about him. I am trying to be very mindful of his feelings and not deserting him as a wife. I am trying to balance work B4b and being a wife. It is very exciting don't get me wrong but stressful as well. I just keep reminding myself to enjoy this because before I know it will be over. It kind of reminds me of a wedding tons of planning and stress and then the day comes and you wish it could last longer.
We are headed done to Tamarack today to meet with Todd. It was difficult to find a time to meet between his schedule and ours. We live an hour and half away from each other. He graciously accommodated our schedule. I am hoping he can put some of my fears at bay. I will keep you posted! Tommorow we are headed to the Brewers vs Cubs game. Don't care who wins just looking forward to spending some time with Travis and family should be fun. One of my favorite parts is when Bernie goes down the slide into a mug of beer. Have to rejoice in the simple things in life some times.
Thanks to Jandee Salons, Dr. Freund and staff, Lake Forest Hospital and Salutos.
Emotionally I have had a rough week. I tend to be a pefectionist as well as a worry wart. I am worried the event won't be a success. People won't donate etc.... Plus I think it really hit me that we are going to be going through fertility treatments again and that is always a stressful time. I am also feeling like I am not giving Travis the attention he needs as well. One lesson I learned from previous treatments is I get all consumed with whats going on with me and forget about him. I am trying to be very mindful of his feelings and not deserting him as a wife. I am trying to balance work B4b and being a wife. It is very exciting don't get me wrong but stressful as well. I just keep reminding myself to enjoy this because before I know it will be over. It kind of reminds me of a wedding tons of planning and stress and then the day comes and you wish it could last longer.
We are headed done to Tamarack today to meet with Todd. It was difficult to find a time to meet between his schedule and ours. We live an hour and half away from each other. He graciously accommodated our schedule. I am hoping he can put some of my fears at bay. I will keep you posted! Tommorow we are headed to the Brewers vs Cubs game. Don't care who wins just looking forward to spending some time with Travis and family should be fun. One of my favorite parts is when Bernie goes down the slide into a mug of beer. Have to rejoice in the simple things in life some times.
Thanks to Jandee Salons, Dr. Freund and staff, Lake Forest Hospital and Salutos.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Secrets told
Let the word be spread
Now that the shock has worn off it was time to get down to business. We needed to make this event a success. I enlisted the help of my mom Beth and dad Bob to help brainstorm where we could start to hanging flyers and possibly ask for donations and sponsorships. Both my mom and I made special frames to hold the flyers so that it looked a bit more professional than just a flyer hanging. Hopefully I will be able to put them in as a donation at the event. I have to say they turned out really cute. Once I get better at this maybe I can post a picture so you can see them. Of course that will require the help of Katie last years winner. I have only spoken to her once but from that fifeteen minute conversation I can tell she is someone I want to get to know better. It is funny how sometimes you just get the right feel. I definitely get that from eveyone I have been in contact with so far! I was pretty proud of myself for the picture frames and had fun doing it. I also ordered cards that would go next to the flyer so that people could have the information to take with them. For the places I felt it was appropriate I hand wrote a story about my journey. Little did I know that each one of those books would take me two hours to write. I felt it was important for people to know my story if they were going to donate to Birdies for Babies. I have been getting very little sleep because I am constanlty thinking of ways to promote the event. Any suggestions are certainley welcome my brain is getting tired. So we would like to thank the people who have allowed us to promote the event in their businesses. Dr. Wells, Dr. Wascow in Mundelein, Delany Dental Care in Gurnee, Weichs Inn in Mundelein, Graffeti Cafe in Lake Bluff and Lake Forest OBGYN and Bella Babies. Your support means the world to us. Thank you to those of you that offered suggestions and tips fom past outings. Didn't know if you wanted to be mentioned by name but you know who you are.
On Friday FCI called to use two of my quotes for their newsletter so you can watch for that as well. Travis has been great. I can tell he is getting more and more excited about sharing our news. My husband is a very private person so this was a huge thing for him to share. I on the other hand have no problem sharing our story and helping anyone that needs advice, words of encourgement whatever I am here to help. I apologize that my posts are not as frequent as I would like but there is a lot of work I must do for the event I will keep you posted as much as I can. Feel free to visit www.golfinvite.com/bfb to sign up to golf or donate.
On Friday FCI called to use two of my quotes for their newsletter so you can watch for that as well. Travis has been great. I can tell he is getting more and more excited about sharing our news. My husband is a very private person so this was a huge thing for him to share. I on the other hand have no problem sharing our story and helping anyone that needs advice, words of encourgement whatever I am here to help. I apologize that my posts are not as frequent as I would like but there is a lot of work I must do for the event I will keep you posted as much as I can. Feel free to visit www.golfinvite.com/bfb to sign up to golf or donate.
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