The Dreaded 2WW

Everyone in TTC land knows that the 2 week wait is pretty much the worst time of the cycle....its where the most patient ladies can turn bat shit crazy lol! Straight after ovualtion day your mind starts to think "did we get the egg this month?", "we had heaps of sex so our chances must be high, right?" You start to question  yourself ....did you really ovulate that day? seriously the questions go on and on.

Everyone in TTC land knows that the 2 week wait is pretty much the worst time of the cycle....its where the most patient ladies can turn bat shit crazy lol! Straight after ovualtion day your mind starts to think "did we get the egg this month?", "we had heaps of sex so our chances must be high, right?" You start to question  yourself ....did you really ovulate that day? seriously the questions go on and on.

Then a few days into the 2WW you start to think about all the 'new' body signs you are having, are they possibly EPS (early pregnancy signs)?? I mean...surely those veins where not that bright before...and my gut....that could be morning sickness right? ....or the pains could be implantation? HAHA most 'signs' are made up in our head I swear!

I have been lucky, for the last 12 months we have known about our infertility issues so we knew our chances were lower therefore I didn't get as worked up as normal. Usually I can float through the 2 weeks and not really care until AF is arriving/late. This cycle is all difference, I have gone in with such a positive attitude the 2WW is killing me- already I know! It doesn't help that every morning and night I have to take mountains of support drugs so taking my mind off IVF is not an option.

To help with this 2WW I am trying to keep really busy with things that are fun and I am try to stay relaxed, so far I have booked;
Fri - transformers the movie with 14 friends
Sat - shopping and dinner with the loveable hubby
Sun - lunch and drinks for my besties birthday
during next working week - bridesmaids the movie and a few nights in with Sons of Anarchy re-runs and a recommended TV series of Offspring - Thanks Juana ;-)

So I think that will keep me busy and my mind off the 2WW but I must say it is harder at work when I have time to think. Thankfully the drugs I am taking at the moment mask any EPS I might have and I can not test early at home as my support drugs give a false positive.

For now its plod plod plod - I can't wait till the weekend so the time can zip by.

Thank you

I want to take the time today to say a huge thank you to my friends. I have received so many messages regarding my cycle and I can't say how much it means...it really is priceless.

I find it hard sometimes as IVF and infertility is not a topic people discuss openly, I think more so as many don't understand. For me heading down this IVF path was very hard on our financial position, relationship and more so mentally/emotionally.

I know I whinge and complain alot (before and during the cycle) and for putting up with me I say thank you. Whenever I am struggling your messages of encouragement, support and friendship really do keep me going, keep my eye on the prize and its so nice to know people are behind me. I can not find the right words but just know I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

feeling crappy

Today I woke up feeling like complete shit. My gut feels terrible and I feel like throwing up. I think it might be a combination of the previous drugs used and my body being abit run down.

I pushed myself into going to work as I have had the last few days off...but I am regretting it now. Its only 11:00am and I'm struggling big time, I am feeling worse than this morning. Its so hard to drink my 3L of water today but I am pushing myself as this might help me feel better.

At the moment I am sucking it up and carrying on...but I am looking forward to home time, straight to bed for me tonight.

Transfer!!

On the weekend I kept up my drug intake after the egg pick up; I am now taking my steriod Prednisolone (for NK cells), Carbergoline (to help reduce OHSS) and Cardiprin (thins bloods, reduces clotting) all in pill form. on top of this I have to take 2 Progesterone pessaries daily. Pessaries = horrible...they are inserted into the vagina and is absorbed....do I need to say anymore? I stay on these drugs for a few weeks and I get updated after transfer.

Today I get a call from the clinic to give an update on our embryos. I was so nervous answering the phone but to my surprise it was good news - 1 will be transferred and 6 in the freezer!! so 7 good quality embies!!WOW and to think I was completely stressing I wouldn't have any the way the clinic was talking EPU day. So my FS made a recommendation to do a 3 day transfer and got told to come in today and the other 6 would be frozen.

I couldn't believe it was happening....after the call it was all on, I had to get ready and head into the clinic - I was so excited!! We had a 12pm appointment and I had to have a full bladder - geez this was hard, I was busting to go to the loo and had to wait an hour till the transfer.

So what happens in a transfer? Well my clinic runs like this; you meet and discuss with all the docs/embryologists, dress down and head into the theatre room. This is where you sit in a weird chair with stirrups (this is harder than you think with a full bladder!). The lovely nurses explain everything before they start and the transfer can be seen done by an ultrasound - its very interesting to watch. When you are all ready they insert a speculum (like having a pap smear) and they insert a small catheter through the cervix. When its all in place they take your embryo in a small tube like device and enter through the speculum and catheter and drop it into your uterus.

You are fully awake for the procedure and it doesn't hurt, just uncomfortable (more so with a full bladder). After this I had to go into recovery and stay on the bed for approx half an hour, just to settle down inside etc. The staff there are fantastic they explain everything and answered any questions.

So with 6 frosties and 1 transferred Aaron and I are very happy with the turn out so far....I think this 2 week wait will be a killer, but thats for another post...for now I am resting up and back to work tomorrow.

I can't believe it .... I'm PUPO!!! (pregnant until proven otherwise)

Egg Pick Up

Yesterday morning I was pretty nervous, not because of the EPU procedure but because from here its all pretty full on and it can turn from positive to negative with just 1 phone call.

In the morning we drove into the clinic, as soon as we got there the nurses prep me for surgery and I have discussions with my FS and the whole team. I walked myself into the theatre room and there was approx 15 people in there! Thankfully it wasn't long until I was put to sleep and woke up in recovery. To say I was sore is a complete understatement - I felt like I was hit by a bus. I couldn't really walk yesterday from the pain and I did nothing when I got home just bed rest.

Now in general its hard to get excited about all these numbers in an IVF cycle. Leading up to this point in your ultrasound scans you get told approximate follicle numbers - now this is not the number of eggs, just guessing work as some follicles will not contain eggs. After this you get told how many eggs are collected, then how many fertilised, then how many are viable at day 2/5 transfer (blast) .....and so on....you get my drift right? My point is from the beginning of the cycle you can't get too excited about your numbers because sometimes you can get heaps of eggs but none make it to the next stage and no transfer occurs, then the next cycle you can have very little eggs but they are all great and can be used at transfer and some frozen. Summary is; the major point is quality not quantity.

Saying this I can out of recovery to a nice meeting with my FS. He told me they collected 14 eggs. This sounds like a good number but at this stage they don't know how fertilisation will go etc etc. My FS said I have high levels of progesterone, this may effect implantation. Therefore his recommendation is if I have very few blasts (5 day embies) I will freeze all of them and do a frozen transfer another month.

To be honest I was pretty shattered about this news, I have come so far this cycle I really want to make it to transfer...I really want to have a chance. I understand my FS is only doing what is best but I just a bit pissed off my levels are high. BUT I am trying to remain positive and hope for the best. This morning I will receive a phone call advising me of how many of the 14 collected fertilised. My goal is half, if 7 are fertilised I will be happy and I hope they look like they are good quality. I will update later when I get the call.

For now I am resting up as I'm still sore and drinking HEAPS of water to avoid OHSS (Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). I pray my phone call this morning is positive.

Update; Call from the clinic today and they said I had 10 mature eggs out of the 14 collected and 8 fertilised. I am happy with this number but now its the waiting game.... I pray that I get a few blasties out of this cycle.

Next Clinic Visit - Planning EPU

This morning I had my next clinic visit. Today was a scan, large blood test and nurses appointment. The scan tech said that my follies are looking good, there are approx 7 or so of correct size (many small ones)...hopefully more will increase over the next day or 2. My uterus lining is perfect which is great news.

I then had a large blood test. the sample is spilt into 2; 1 for general levels etc (what I normally get checked every 2 days) and the extra sample is for my EPU. They use the extra blood for sortage of any frozen blasts (fertilised eggs). I was stressing about this as I'm not the best with blood tests however it went fine.

My nurse appointment was to discuss EPU and pick up my drugs for tonight. EPU is set for friday so I have my normal 3 injections tonight (puregon, Orgalutran & pregnyl) and then my trigger injection. After these I will not be having injections until after transfer. On thursday (night before EPU) I need a 'bowel prep' - sorry I hope you aren't eating waaay TMI. This is a drink that will clear out your system so when EPU is done friday the scans and pick up is nice and clear/easier for the docs.

I will get a call tonight to comfirm all my times for EPU and trigger....but from here on it gets pretty full on, I am very nervous about tonights injections and tomorrows 'bowel prep' is not going to be pleasant. I am nervous about my EPU, I just hope I get some good quality eggs.

Update; The nurses just called and checked I only had the recommended amount of pregnyl on monday. One of my levels has increased alot so the pregnyl injection is off the list for tonight. I am glad about this as 1 less needle but am worried now my levels might be too high .... oh this IVF crap is stressful! She will call later for my other results.

Update; Nurse called again. She confirmed I dont take the pregnyl as my levels are high, therefore I take the puregon and orgalutran at 6pm then trigger injection at 11pm tonight. OMG I am going to be so tired by 11pm! EPU is booked in for 9am Friday morning, with Aaron doing his sperm sample same time.

Its all pretty full on from here....let the nail biting begin!

Just keep swimming

Last night didn't improve but today is a new day. My lovely online friends always help me when down, I can't really turn anyway else. I know all this struggle and effort is worth it ... sometimes we just need to be reminded. I am very grateful for having the chance of doing IVF, please don't think I'm not.

Today I am feeling more upbeat, I am remembering the days when I didn't have a chance naturally...this cycle is different - 40% chance. Yes it may not be successful however you must be in it to win it right?!

so for now ... just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

More injections & FS update

We planned to have a quiet weekend.... and that always changes last minute. We went out for dinner friday & saturday with friends then sunday had a group of friends over for the footy and a BBQ. Turned out to be a good weekend, however on sunday night I had to do my injections when people where over so that was weird. They are our close friends and put 2 & 2 together so they kinda know we are doing IVF now but we haven't gone into detail so they don't ask questions.

I started my second injections friday, they are not my favourite. Being a thicker liquid to inject the sryinge is harder to get into the skin so Aaron has to really push it in (not like the puregon pen). It hurts more after the injection when the liquid spreads out under the skin and I seem to go really red and swells up for 15-30 mins. I have had a few of these now and they don't get much better. Also I seem to be getting alot more CM lately, must be due to the larger quanity of eggs (sorry for the TMI).

Its Monday now and I had my next clinic appointment for bloods, ultrasound, pick up drugs and see the Embryologist. I will update later on the bloods (as I get a call in the afternoon) but the ultrasound shows the increased puregon amount is doing well, my follicles are growing nicely. I had a different ultrasound tech and she recorded 15 one side and 12 the other. I have a few good size but not that many as yet.

I felt good after seeing these numbers however the Embryologist squashed any positivity I had. He said I only had a few in correct sizing so hopefully by wednesdays test many more come up to size. He explained how the EPU and transfer works and what happens with fertilization. He discussed the ins and outs of the egg developing. To be honest I pretty much knew everything he was going on about as I had researched it but I came out a bit down thinking I didnt really have many viable eggs. BUT I am staying positive as I can't really change anything ... and lets face it that Embryologist was about 14 years of age so he doesn't have the right to make me unhappy right?! lol

So for now I keep plodding along until wednesday where I will get alot more info regarding the trigger/EPU and how to prep for that. Back later to update about my bloods.

Bloods update: The clinic called this afternoon and said I had to come in and pick up another drug - pregnyl. Pregnyl is used with other medicines to ripen an egg cell in the ovaries. This drug is injected and I must mix myself during prep time. I must have this drug as some of my levels are low. I will have this 3rd injection again on wednesday. The clinic thinks I will have my trigger injection on wednesday therefore egg pick up (EPU) will be friday (this is just approx).

Tonight I had a bit of a melt down, again just hormonal but still very real. I found the pregnyl injection quiet painful and another 2 jabs later I just feel over it all. I'm only CD10 and feel like I can't do it anymore :(   It hurts daily, I feel like shit and completely bloated, can't sleep and just generally over it. I feel guilty on top of it all because I can't help but wonder if this is really worth it....I may not even fall pregnant at the end, I may not even have any viable eggs for transfer. I know these are 'maybe' thoughts but when I'm down I can't help but think like this :( and for that I feel guilty...I wanted this for so long and now I struggling and not even half way.

Tomorrow is another day so I will pick myself back up then and force myself to be completely positive...I have to - for my own good and for Aaron. Next clinic appt is wednesday - this is where the fun begins.

Stirrup Queens - another blog

In my spare time I search around reading other blogs and I love to read other infertility/IVF blogs. I came across the blog Stirrup Queens. This website lists many blogs all relating to fertility/IVF/parenting etc etc. I have this blog - Ards listed and I reckon if you read this one you will like many others on the list.

check it out!

FS Update

To start with I'm in a better mood .... not by choice, more forced. I'm not sitting here hating myself for a month so I woke up telling myself to get my shit together and be happy - even if its forced.

To my surprise I was not really that nervous heading into the clinic today, usually I am. I had bloods taken and an ultrasound done. I will get a call this afternoon regarding the bloods (I will update later) and the ultrasound went well - 15 follicles one side and 20 the other side, all small but at the size they should be on CD7. My uterus lining is great thickness and is top grade - so in that area I am looking good!

I had an appointment with the nurse and she made sure the steriods and puregon injections were going ok. She gave me my next injection drugs (Orgalutran) .....and let me tell you my bones jumped out of my body when she explained this injection. It will be daily until EPU and it is a normal syringe type (comes loaded) and to be injected into the tummy fat area. She said this type of needle will be more painful and harder to inject (not to mention the fkn size of it!!!!!) This drug is used to prevent pre-mature ovulation.

So after all that I am waiting to get a call from the clinic this afternoon to see if my levels of puregon increase and if I can start my new injection. I'm not going to lie I am freaking out about the new injection, the size is very off putting (might look big to some but when you hold it I find its much bigger than the pen). Tonight will be interesting with the 2 injections and steriods.

Next step; Monday more bloods, ultrasound and appointment with the clinic nurses and embryologist.

FS update; clinic called to confirm starting the orgalutran tonight. Also I am to increase my puregon to 116.60 units (2 clicks past 100 - just incase I forget lol). Hopefully they are happy with the results monday. fingers crossed.

Hitting the wall

OMG I'm only a week into this cycle and I have hit a wall....I am so down and feel very emotional. I know its all the extra hormones racing around in there (FS said it would happen) but it feels so real, I feel horrible and upset.

Don't ask me what I'm upset about - just everything...the main point is I have to do this stupid IVF shit and not just have 1 wild night of sex and be UTD. I just feel bummed, like I have been dealt a shitty card. I know this phase will pass but I hate being negative ... I'm so scared this won't work, this was my back up plan ....what happens if it fails? What next? keep trying you say ... well its not as easy as that.

God I feel like a whingy downer and I hate myself (I swear this is not usually my attitude). I feel like I am snapping at everyone when I don't want to :( I think hiding away is prob the best thing right now.

plod plod, jab jab

Nothing new this end, second jab last night. Went alot better as we were not as nervous. Aaron is away tonight so my dad has been recruited as jab master - gotta love ya parents when they do anything for you! Hopefully tonight goes ok.

I don't know if you meant to feel different yet but I certainly do....not huge changes but I can just tell. I feel really bloated and in general I'm feeling fat, I also have a bad headache. I'm trying to eat good and walk the dog at night to try feel better. I don't know if its the new drugs or just me thinking too much.

Oh well friday is my next bloods, scan and appt with nurses....will find out more then. for now plod plod, jab jab ....

Drug pick up and first jab!

WOW its all moving forward now! After AF arrived Saturday I had to head into the clinic today for bloods and pick up my drug stash. Heres a picture of my goodie bag.

Inside the insulated bag is my sharps container, prednisolone steriod, puregon injection pen, Puregon liquid drug (600), needle heads, swabs and my addition of the elma cream and pads.

I had a call from the FS clinic and they said I was all good to start off with 100 units of puregon, along with the 2 steriod pills daily. I will be having the injections at night as Aaron is doing them for me.

Tonight I put on the cream and Aaron and I watched the instruction DVD again and got everything ready. When it was time we were both incredibly nervous, Aaron was shaking when using the needle and I couldn't help but hold my breathe. I have been told from everyone it doesn't hurt and I knew it wouldn't but its more the fact you are doing something totally new and using something at home I have the biggest fear for. But all went fine, it didn't hurt and I (hopefully) will not be as scared tomorrow. It was sore after for a while but thats all.

So 1 self injection down .... many many more to go. Next step is continue until friday where I have bloods, ultrasound and speak to the nurses again about my drug levels. wish me luck!

Sewing - Spongebob Blanket

Since I had the afternoon off I decided to spend the time sewing. I fixed a few buttons, seams etc. then looked into making a blanket. I grabbed the spongebob fabric and went to work.

Sorry for the quality of photos, only taken on my iphone and at night. By the way the sides are straight it just looks a bit wonky as I haven't ironed it yet.

It is the same as the last blanket cotton on top, 'baby cot wadding' insert and cream polar fleece for the bottom. I like the print on this one so I might keep this one for my stash :)

Online Shopping

I have been searching around online over the few weeks and have come across some really nice baby products....don't stress I have only been looking not purchasing. There are a few things I would love to get and the main thing is a really nice baby mobile and cushion set, which I have been eyeing off for the last 6 months.

I had abit of 'play' money this week which I really should have purchased some clothes or something for myself but I couldn't help it and I finally purchased the mobile set. Its from Bubba Bling and this is the set.

When the time comes I am planning on having owls as the main theme and a soft green colour baby room so these go really well. Can't wait for them to be delivered!

AF is here, no turning back now!

After the longest week ever AF finally has arrived. That was my longest cycle being over a week late. Even though she came during the night with the worse pains/cramps (to the point where I couldnt walk/move) I still had the biggest smile on my face as I knew its no turning back...from here forward I start my first IVF cycle.

So tomorrow morning I start my steroid pills (2 a day) and Monday I have my first lot of blood tests, pick up the drug goodie bag and then do my first self injection. As I have said before, Aaron will be doing my injections....as much as I have improved with needles I still have a long way to go, and 1 point is I can not watch. I am so nervous for the first few jabs I hope it goes smoothly.

I am trying to stay 100% positive and not think about any negative, if something comes up we will address it then if not we will take 1 day at a time. I can't wait to start .... monday here we come! I hope and pray this is the last time I need to see AF for a good 9 months :)

Needing a Laugh? check this out

So today has been pretty shitty...I cant help being upset about it all. BUT I'm not here to whinge and carry on ...because lets be honest - it only makes it worse.

SO instead I want to share this funny blog with you - 999 reasons to laugh at infertility! have a read through it, I find so many of the posts funny and people comment under each post and they are funny also...you can relate so well. One of my favs is the mothers day posts!

So if you want a laugh head on over and check it out.

PS - Like the new blog format? as you can tell not much work has been happening my end today lol I thought it was time for a change :)

Infertility = a taboo topic

Often online people link other websites and blogs for others to view, today this page was listed on the EB site regarding infertility. This post speaks about infertility and how its a taboo subject and the need to overcome this. My favourite quote is below:

Pomegranates, a longstanding symbol of fertility, serve as a strong analogy to those suffering through infertility. Though each pomegranate skin is unique in colour and texture, the seeds inside are remarkably similar from fruit to fruit. Though our diagnosis is unique—endometriosis, low sperm count, luteal phase defect, or causes unknown—the emotions, those seeds on the inside, are the same from person to person. Infertility creates frustration, anger, depression, guilt, and loneliness. Compounding these emotions is the shame that drives people suffering from infertility to retreat into silence.


This blog lists so much more information about infertility and has many other blogs you can check out and contact to others in the same situation.  I find reading this today has really hit home...in a good and bad way I guess....hopefully you enjoy the read also.

Challenge Day 27

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

Well I could post many photos here but I will make a post about my younger brother. I don't have many photos together as we mainly take them of each other ...so above is a pic taken on a very fun night out with the gang. Here he is very drunk but is such a good mood! We had the best time, we still talk about!

Growing up there was just the 2 of us and we were more like best friends, we never really had fights. We have some priceless memories. Below is last christmas, as you can tell very laid back and cruisy.

Love ya guts Matt xxx

Waiting for AF...

Geez this is the only time you want AF to arrive on time and what do you know I am sitting here waiting! 4 days late now mate ...come on out from wherever you are hiding!!

This is the first month even Aaron has commented saying he wants it to arrive so we can get the show on the road. The worse thing is I am getting heaps of cramps but still waiting....this sucks.

Its true - A watched pot never boils   :(

Update a day later :
still no AF and the cramping has kinda stopped. No common AF signs (like sore boobs). I hate my body today....why this cycle is it deciding to play up? I was very upset last night as I just want to move on, I want to feel like I'm doing something but my body is holding me back....I know its only been a small wait but add that on top of the other months it feel like a life time :(

I have been thinking of taking a home pregnancy test but deep down I know its a waste. I have not 1 EPS. I guess if AF doesnt arrive during today I will buy some on the way home for tomorrow morning.

I'm in such a downer mood I just wish I can take my mind off it for 1 minute, I try but I can't ...its all I think of.

Update again:
I caved and took a HPT as I was 19DPO and it was getting to me....

BFN    :(    nothing new.

Long weekend = more sewing

The weekend just gone was a long weekend ..... there is nothing better than a few extra days off! We didn't have much planned apart from a Quiz Night I orgainsed on saturday. The quiz was a hit with many comments asking for another soon.

Apart from that we had drinks with a few friends and cleaned up a few loose ends around home. With time on my side I planned on sewing (as I received a stash of fabric friday) and went to work on a baby shower gift for a very dear friend. Below is a picture of the baby blanket which was sent in the post today.

This baby blanket has a top cotton Transformer fabric and is backed with soft cream fleece. The blanket has light 'baby cot wadding' for the insert to make it warmer for those cold winter days. It was made for a friend and I know the dad loves transformers, I hope the little one Cameron loves it also.
When I had the sewing machine in use I thought I would play around and try make a crackle toy. This is a mini blanket (size of a face washer) which has tags around the outside. Inside the toy is padding and a thick plastic sheet which when touched makes that loud crackle noise you hear in store bought toys. On the outside the top is cotton and the backing is a soft flannel fabric. These toys are very popular at the handmade markets so for my first one it turned out ok....I think this one can be put away in my collection of baby stuff.

Next week when I have time I will look at sewing a few blankets for me to put away and keep for my stash....I'm sure I will take some pics to show you all.

Oh How I Have Changed...

Geez I have changed so much in the last few years...body wise I mean. I am reading all these EB threads and ladies that are just starting to TTC with certain low key issues.  Don't get me wrong I am not mocking them in any way, I used to be exactly the same!

For example one lady is struggling with the idea of going to the doctors for a general check up pre-TTC. She is very shy and doesn't want to be viewed by other people. I used to be very similar, I hated getting dressed in front of people or going to the doctor for a pap smear - I was extremely embarrassed. When it came time for us to see a local GP at 12+ months TTC I was worried about the tests....just picture me when I was referred to the FS clinic WOW I was freaked out!!

Another thread a lady was complaining about taking 1 pill every day, she would break it down and put it in something to take it. Here is where I admit I was like that growing up also. I found it so difficult I even had issues in my late teens. Now I take huge horse tablets and have no issues - my view is its better than having a needle.

And talking about needles ...well you all know I am just scared shitless with any needle. But saying all this I am getting used to all the above, I don't really care about any of it now ... where before you had to hold me down!

It not just me that has noticed the difference in my attitude towards everything medical, Aaron and my parents have mentioned that same....they cant believe I even want to do IVF or how I will deal with it. All testing became so regular that now I am happy to walk in, strip down to nothing and get on with it ... I even put on a smile and add a few jokes to the mix these days :)

Start to the long weekend

We are coming up to a long weekend YAY! Saturday night I have organised a quiz night for Aarons sporting club, we have booked the whole place out so with over 100 people we should have a great night.

Today I received my fabric delivery WOOHOO it took 2-3 weeks but its finally here! Below is a small pic of some of the fabric; I ordered spongbob, green owl design and transformers. I am turning these into blankets. So on my way home from work I will pop into my local spotlight and grab the backing fabric and start on the weekend!

 Hopefully this sewing and quiz night will take my mind off AF arriving. I hope it comes on the weekend and not delayed after my gastro bug the other week. Oh well no big deal.

Have a great weekend all!

Challenge Day 26

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Something that I value highly is family traditions, whether they are old or new. We don't have many set in stone but my family tend to do certain outings/holidays etc. together. When we were little we used to travel up north every year with our grandparents, my brother and I had a ball each time.

Another tradition is every christmas eve we drive around looking at the local christmas lights. We all jump in the hot rods and cruise around on the lovely summer night and most times we pop into friends houses along the way. My fav is my dad's 1935 ford hot rod, kinda looks like this:

We also celebrate all events in a big way. We have a small family but we get together every birthday, easter, christmas etc. and put on a huge food spread and talk the day away. Family is important to us and Aaron and I wish to continue these values when we have a family....and most likely start a few more traditions along the way.

Chellenge Day 25

Day 25 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

Someone I couldn't imagine my life without would be my husband Aaron. We have been together 9 years, married for 2 but it feels like a lifetime....and I wouldn't have it any other way. We have our differences but thats what makes us both individuals. I know we will be together forever xxx

Challenge Day 24

Day 24 - A picture of your day.

Well this post is going to be very interesting .... NOT! It's during the week and I work full time in the heart of Perth CBD. My days during the week are pretty uninteresting so I will share a few pics of my boring work desk and the view out my window.

As my pics are boring I will share this lovely picture of our city Perth which I drive through everyday to and from work. Today is a nice sunny day and it does look like this.

Challenge Day 23

Day 23 - A picture of something you wish you could change.

 

Well this one is very easy... it would be our fertility issues. If you don't know all about them by now you must be living under a rock (or not reading my blog lol). Aaron and I are very lucky, the only big issues we have faced are our fertility. We know we are very lucky is other areas of life and we never take it for granted, Aaron always mentions that IVF is our only big hurdle so far and hopefully we can pull through to the other side without much drama.

But like I said before, I don't believe in changing things in our life .... and I seriously wouldn't change now. Aaron and I are completely different after our long TTC road but it has made us stronger as a couple and as individuals....and for that I would not change anything. Also when the time comes for us to be parents we will feel very blessed and enjoy every single moment, just thinking about it puts a smile on my face :) :) :)

Challenge Day 22

Day 22 - A picture of your favourite book

Geez picking just 1 book is impossible. I am not a huge book reader compared to others (as I am slow at reading) but the only books I read are recommended by friends and family....I have never picked a book off the shop shelf and read it. That way I know I will enjoy it and be drawn into the story.

I like really weird stories as well. My fav types are true stories, crime, different culture living and most of all 'bad' topics (for example drugs, drinking etc.) Even though I don't read as many books as others I still have a huge book case full, half not read yet but I will find the time. So below I will mention a few of my fav book:

This is a crime series I fell in love with years ago (when living back at home - mum recommended it). The first book is called Naked In Death. I love all the characters and have read the 30-40+ books.

Tweak is not a book for everyone. This is a heartbreaking and powerful memoir of a young man's plunge into the mental and physical depths of crystal meth addiction.  The reason I love this book is the style it is written, it is from the fathers point of view and it also details the effects on the family. I think this touched me personally as this topic does effect a family member of ours and its feels like I could relate.

Tully is a book my best friend put me onto, again this is a sad book. Tully Makker is a tough young woman from the wrong side of the tracks and she is not always easy to like. But if Tully gives friendship and loyalty, she gives them for good, and she forms an enduring bond with Jennifer and Julie, schoolfriends from very different backgrounds.

A bit of light reading which I highly recommend is any book with Les Norton in. You Wouldn't Be Dead For Quids is the first of many in the series - best of all its Australian ficton....based in Bondi Junction.

Les is a likeable, laconic Aussie battler. He doesn't mind a fight, a punt, a ladies or 2. Les's career with the illegal casino in Kings Cross provides many opportunities for training, fighting, dancing, photography, reflection and the odd mystery solving.

Well thats just a few books...I could go on and on about them but I have bored you already!  Maybe in the coming weeks I will post a few more favs.

Most of all, please leave a comment below if you have any must read books! You can never have too many books and I love a good recommendation :)

Challenge Day 21

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

Look I'm not going to lie ...I'm not the best cook in the world. Don't get me wrong I can cook a few fantastic dishes but thats pretty much it, I stick to what I know. Where Aaron...well he used to be a chef so do I need to explain anymore? lets just say he is my backup guy when I try a new dish and it turns to shit.

Aaron has shown me how to make a few impressive dishes but for me it takes so much time and patience and I usually give up. Something I would love to be really good at is cooking, not just your family dinner cooking but really fancy dishes.  I am trying though and with some hard work I might just learn a few more dishes....whats better than impressing a few close friends with your cooking skills - it always makes you feel special!

Challenge Day 20

Day 20 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

This is a hard one, I always believe everything in your life happens for a reason.... yes even the bad points. I am sitting here with 25 years of life experience and seriously I wouldn't change it, or in the case forget any of it if I had the chance.

I think we all grow from negative experiences and forgetting them would not solve anything. Most times I try put a positive spin on things...see the silver lining.