FINALLY A MOM

Why not help out someone in need today

2012-02-14T11:21:00.000-08:00

I could not resist doing a post on helping others when I saw the video below, since this is largely the goal of

my site.

We have sadly, largely become so preoccupied with our selves. We go after the best education so that we can get the highest paid jobs to buy the most expensive cars and the penthouse with the picturesque view. All of this gives us no time to slow down and see those who are in need in around us. Note, I am in no way engaging in class warfare, we all have a right to be ambitious.

I know because of these challenging economic times, it is becoming more and more difficult to give financial assistance to the needy. Many times too, we are conflicted about giving our hard earned money to people, who we come across on our streets, because we are wondering if we are feeding them or supporting their drug habits. This could be true in both cases, but we should not let that deter us too much. How about giving them a meal then, if this makes us feel more comfortable.

In the early Church, the tithe, after it had paid the expenses of spreading the gospel, the rest was used to help the needy in the church. How much are Churches these days, operating by that example? Instead we are piling up here on earth, what we cannot take with us when we die.

Helping others however, does not have to be monetary at all times, neither does it even have to be anything too physical. A smile or a kind compliment or even just saying a heartfelt thanks to someone can brighten lives.

We are called to be our brother's keeper and this video is a great example of how we can, in one way, carry out this mandate.

Notice, even the creatures that we live among, know that we cannot live only for ourselves.

On this Valentine's Day, let us not be comfortable to just talk about love, let us put love into action.

HAVE A LOVE-FILLED DAY, my readers.

Post image by http://alltimeclassicsongs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/loveheart.jp

Infertility and Friendships

2012-02-13T05:59:00.000-08:00

When one of my very good friends became pregnant many years ago, I instantly found that I had pulled away from her. I no longer wanted to be in her company because she now represents what I wanted so badly, to become pregnant, after I had been actively trying for a few years. I had pulled way so much that when she had her baby, I was not one of the first persons to know, in fact, I only knew by the way, that she had had her baby. I was guilt ridden and when I went to the hospital to look for her and her baby, I felt so unworthy of being there. This guilt stayed with me for a while, so much so that when my friend asked me to be her son’s godmother, I refused at first.

Infertility had adverse effects on me and I suffered in silence and alone for the better part of this struggle. I was very relieved when I found someone who was struggling just as I was, not as long as I have been, but just as intense. She was the wife of a very good friend of mine. We began sharing our deep private feelings of wanting to become mothers so much and how we felt victimised and enslaved by this monster, infertility.

Not long afterwards I became pregnant, she was happy for me and said that I had given her hope that she would one day follow. I was so happy to hear this. When I lost the pregnancy at 28 weeks gestational age, she helped me deal with my loss. Shortly after that loss, my family and I migrated and immediately after that I became pregnant with our son. I did not tell her right away, but waited until I felt comfortable enough to give her this news, because I felt that this time around, being my chance at pregnancy, she might not be as happy to hear this news as she was for my first. I called her and we spoke, and somehow I felt what I had suspected would happen, an instant strain on our relationship. I tried talking to her on a few occasions after that, encouraging her to not quit the infertility fight, but it just did not feel the same.

When I had our son, I called her husband just to say hi and that the baby was here. When I asked to talk to her, she told her husband to tell me that she was in the middle of something and could not come to the phone. A few months later, I extended an invitation to her husband and her, to attend our son’s christening, when I called to confirm if both of them were coming, she told me she was unsure of her attendance, due to prior engagements. I understood, because it was Christmastime, which is usually packed with activities. She did not attend and by then, I had felt it, infertility had its cruel grasp on our relationship, and it was on its way to demise. I felt such sadness and felt so helpless, because as one who understands to a great degree, the negative impact that infertility can have on our lives, I thought I would be able to help my friend continue to coop with her infertility struggles, but I was not able to do anything to help her further and save our relationship, one that I valued so much.

I did not tell her about the pregnancy with our daughter because I could not bring myself to telling her about me having a second child when she was still struggling to have one. I however extended an invitation to the christening, to her husband and her (out of courtesy, not expecting her to come) which she did not. I have since sent her the link to my blog, but she has not said anything to me, to indicate that she is reading it.

There is another friend I have who has a grown daughter and wants another child. When she learnt that I wanted another child as well, we began talking daily of how our plans were going in this regard. I even said to her, as a joke, on one occasion, not to get pregnant before I do and I won’t get pregnant before her either. Turns out I became pregnant, I told her and she was very happy for me. We continued to interact with each other online where she would enquire with great interest, about my pregnancy. About 5 or 6 months into my pregnancy I noticed I was not getting any forward emails from her, neither was I seeing her online. I tried to go on her facebook page, but it has been discontinued. When the baby came, I could not help but still send her a note via all her email accounts just to see if she would respond. To date, I have heard nothing from her and I am even wondering if she has migrated or something. She gave me her number twice and because I did not log it to my phone right away, I lost it and I feel so bad about this.

I must say that I am terribly saddened that infertility has seemingly robbed me of two relationships that I treasure. I would have wanted very much for these relationships not to become victims of this dreaded affliction and would have also wanted to be able to stay close to my friends so that they would have hope from just seeing how I persevered and conquered infertility.

Are you dealing with similar challenges in any of your relationships, as a result of infertility? I would like to hear from you.

Post image by: http://www.harpyness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Law-of-Friendship.jpg

LIGHT MOMENT FRIDAYS - Feature 29 - A sudden change of mind

2012-02-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

My Dearest Susan,

Sweetie of my heart.

I've been so desolate ever since I broke off our engagement. Simply devastated. Won't you

please consider coming back to me? You hold a place in my heart no other woman can fill. I can never marry

another woman quite like you. I need you so much. Won't you forgive me and let us make a new beginning? I love

you so.

Yours always and truly, John

P.S. Congratulations on you winning the state lottery.

Source: Sustain Jamaica Sunday Humour
Like them on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sustain.jamaica

Maybe you are not really infertile

2012-02-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

It has long been a long standing rule that once a couple under the age of 35 have been trying to conceive for a year, chances are they could be dealing with infertility issues and should see a doctor.

According to an article that I came across in Pregnancy Consumer Report recently, even though 1 in 7 couples will not conceive in one year of trying, more than half of these couples go on to conceive in the following year, without treatment.

I wish I had known this when I was trying to conceive, but then again it would not matter, because I had infertility issues.

For more on this, please visit the link below.

http://pregnancyconsumerreport.com/getting-pregnant/

Post image by: http://www.areyoutryingtogetpregnant.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/trying-to-get-pregnant-quickly.jpg

LIGHT MOMENT FRIDAYS - FEATURE 28 - TOILET BRUSH

2012-02-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

Toilet Brush

Bubba and Earl were in the local bar enjoying a beer when they decided to get in on the weekly charity raffle. They bought five tickets each at a dollar a pop.

The following week, when the raffle was drawn, each had won a prize. Earl won 1st prize, a year's supply of gourmet spaghetti sauce and extra-long spaghetti. Bubba won 6th prize, a toilet brush.

About a week or so had passed when the men met back in the neighborhood bar for a couple of beers. Bubba asked Earl how he liked his prize, to which Earl replied, "Great, I love spaghetti! How about you, how's that toilet brush?"

"Not so good," replied Bubba, "I reckon I'm gonna go back to paper."

Source: Sustain Jamaica Sunday Humour
Like them on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sustain.jamaica

Soft Drinks and Infertility

2012-01-31T10:31:00.000-08:00

Soft drinks are a favourite for many of us and sadly not good for us at all. On a good day, I do treat my taste buds to a cold one, grape being my favourite flavour.

With all that said, according to a recent study, soft drinks poses a lot of threat to our overall health, including of course, our reproductive health. This is because the inside of the soft drink can is lined with material containing BPA, the same material found in baby bottles, water bottles etc, which is said to be quite harmful to our overall health.

Follow the link below for more information in this regard.

http://visual.ly/how-soft-drinks-impact-your-health

Post inspired by: http://www.facebook.com/sustain.jamaica

“Water is Life” – Drinking water could help lower the risks of diabetes.

2012-01-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

According to a recent claim, water could help lower the risks of diabetes.

This is good news to all who are at risk for diabetes, and especially for those of us who have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility, with one of its symptoms being diabetes, as this could help to better manage this condition.

LIGHT MOMENT FRIDAYS - FEATURE 27 - My Young Lover

2012-01-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

My Young Lover

When I went to lunch today, I noticed an old lady sitting on a park bench sobbing her eyes out. I stopped and asked her what was wrong. She said, 'I have a 22 year old husband at home. He makes love to me every morning and then gets up and makes me pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit and freshly ground coffee.'

I said, 'Well, then why are you crying?' She said, 'He makes me homemade soup for lunch and my favorite brownies and then makes love to me for half the afternoon.

I said, 'Well, why are you crying?' She said, 'For dinner he makes me a gourmet meal with wine and my favorite dessert and then makes love to me until 2:00 a.m.' I said, 'Well, why in the world would you be crying?' She said, 'I can't remember where I live!'

Compliments of Sustain Jamaica - Sunday humour

Unexplained Infertility?? - Could this be the reason?

2012-01-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

A defective gene in men could make conception more difficult. This could be the reason for some couples' unexplained infertility diagnosis, because this problem could be present even when everything seems all right.

Read more:-

http://infertility-fertility.blogspot.com/2012/01/defective-gene-in-men-makes-conception.html

image by: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/7319890.cms

FINDING FREE SPERM DONORS ONLINE

2012-01-16T11:54:00.000-08:00

Treating infertility is expensive, I know first hand, and it is even more expensive for those who have to go the route of invitro-fertilization or use donor sperms to conceive.

Little wonder the internet is becoming the new place where more and more couples are going to source sperms, which they get for free, only because it is too expensive to use fertility clinics.

Some couples also say that they went the route of fertility clinics, but sadly this did not work for them and they are left with no money and no baby in their arms and so they have to use the internet as a last resort to see if they can still realise their dreams.

Here is a link to a video which speaks more on this.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/

image by: http://-images/GETTY_H_112911_LaptopInMansLap.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1322613187237

LIGHT MOMENT FRIDAY - FEATURE 26 - The Politician

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

This being an election season, how funny, but true............

............While walking down the street one day a "Member of Parliament" is tragically hit by a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'

'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.

'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.'

'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP.

'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises....

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

'Now it's time to visit heaven.'

So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'

The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.'

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.

He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,' stammers the MP. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.

What happened?'

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning... ...

Today you voted.'

Borrowed

“WE ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE PERFECT JUST TO BE WHOLE” - Jane Fonda

2012-01-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

This being my first post for the New Year, let me hope that you had a great Christmas and is having a blessed and prosperous New Year so far.

My New Year began with some lack of sleep here, some anxieties there, but all in all, a feeling of satisfaction that I have taken quite a few steps towards my quest for wholesomeness. My family is doing good. Baby LeeAnna is now 7 weeks old and has changed so much. She has the biggest gummy smile (so precious), and is rolling over and a lot more animated now. The weeks following her birth, were expectedly, some of the hardest. So much so, that by the time Christmas rolled around, I was suffering from severe sleep deprivation and anxiety to the point of tears. I remember thinking on a couple of occasions, who am I kidding, I am not supposed to be doing this at my age. I began feeling guilty that I would not have been able to help my family much for Christmas, in terms of cooking etc. Thanks to my sister and mom, who went far beyond to make sure everything was perfect. I have a great family and I love them dearly. I did not go out much for Christmas as the baby is not yet immunised, but so as not to be covered in cobwebs, I went to Church on Christmas Day. I always love going to Church at Christmastime.

Our son is back at school today and he is not amused, because he wanted to remain at home with us. Everyday throughout the Christmas holiday, he would ask if he is going to school today. When he heard no, he was so happy. A couple days ago, when he asked the same question, his father told him, "no, you won’t be going to school today, but next week." He began crying in advance, “I do not want to go to school next week." and cried himself to sleep. He seem to have taken that from me because as a child his age, I hated school and would tell lies that I had tummy aches, just to have my brothers take me back home. One day I received a fine spanking for it and I never did it again. Our son loves his sister so much and gives her many kisses though out the day and if I am lucky, I get one too. Whenever he hears her cry, he comes charging into the room and tells her “never mind, I am here now.” When he wants his father’s attention and he is holding the baby, he says to his Dad, give the baby to mommy, Daddy, and come to me. He is just not always willing to share is Daddy’s time. Over Christmas, he said to us that Santa is not real. I was so taken aback and said to him, child, you are not supposed to be saying that at this age, you are cheating yourself out of your childhood. Bottom line is, I was not suppose to hear something like this from him until he was older. This is just a testament to the fact that, these are really different times.

Having more than one child is a beautiful thing, but as some of you know well, it can get challenging at times. My husband has been a great team player in this regard and I love him so much for this. Having two children feels so right, one to each parent. I can’t imagine having more than two, then, we the parents would be outnumbered. There are days though, when we do feel outnumbered because our son is so hyperactive. I just have to remind myself to take some time for a deep breath and do not subject myself to any high expectation, because parenting, whether you are a new one or not, keeps you on a learning curve as every child is different.

The other night I saw the quote, which I have made the title of this post, “We are not expected to be perfect, just to be whole.” It resonated with me strongly. I remember while struggling with infertility, and not just that, as I have mentioned from time to time, I do struggle as a stutterer as well, there were times when I felt so far from being whole. In fact, I felt inferior and inadequate. I have come a long way since then. I have now overcome infertility and where my stuttering is concerned, I have now found a support group and is sharing and learning from others who stutter and it feels so liberating, knowing that I am not alone or unique in my struggles. Most of all, I am now realising that there is absolutely nothing wrong with imperfection, in fact, it is a beautiful thing and challenges us to always strive to be our better self and keeps us grounded.

I hope this post will be encouraging to persons who have to chart their life course amidst struggles. Remember, we do live in an imperfect world and many of us live in less than perfect situations, which is really a testament to the fact that nothing in life is really perfect. Why then do we so often seek after the elusive perfection. Perfection should be reserved for God and God alone. Choose to strive to become whole then, instead of being perfect.

Catch you for my next post.

post image borrowed

FROM ME TO YOU, THIS CHRISTMAS

2011-12-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

The other day, I had the privilege of listening to a conversation, it was about Mary the mother of Jesus. Mary, a virgin, engaged to Joseph, was visited by an Angel, telling her that she would become pregnant and her fiancée Joseph would not be the father of the child she would soon carry. Mary was understandably frightened, “how could this be?” she exclaimed. After she learnt that she was chosen by God to carry his only son, the Saviour of the world, that fright turned into song. Luke 1 verse 48 – 55 carries this song, which in part reads, “My heart praises the Lord; ......for he has remembered me, his lowly servant! From now on all people will call me happy.” Mary embraced this divine favour that she was hand-picked by God for.

During my struggles with infertility, I never thought I would ever become a mother, and now here I am with two beautiful children. As this Christmas season approached, I found myself reflecting on God’s favour in my life. My situation can in no way be compared to those blessed events in Bethlehem so many years ago, as that would be presumptuous, Nevertheless, I too feel hand-picked by God, for certain struggles in my life, of which infertility is the main one, which led me to being a recipient of God’s divine favour, and this becomes even more real to me every day, when I look into the faces of my two precious gifts, my beautiful children.

May this Christmas for you, be filled with joy and my wish for you, for the New Year, is that you allow God to take the first place in your heart and allow him to order your steps, and even more, if you are one with challenges in your life, so that out of your challenges you will emerge victoriously on the other side, feeling highly favoured by God, because let’s face it, to have a testimony, you must take the test.

ALL THE BEST to you and yours.

Post image by: http://www.brutallyhonest.org/brutally_honest/images/salemchristmascard.jpg

“Laparoscopic Excision Surgery For Endometriosis Frees Patients From Chronic Pain And Complications.”

2011-12-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

Women who are diagnosed with Endometriosis, sadly deals with a lot of pelvic pain and discomfort caused by gastrointestinal and urinary tract conditions. I totally understand this, because my Polycystic condition, causes similar discomfort as well.A Laparoscopic Excision surgery eliminates this pain and discomfort, according to an article in Medical News Today.

The article also advise that women who suspect they might have endometriosis, get an accurate diagnosis sooner than later, so that they can be accurately treated and in so doing, minimize the chance of infertility, when they are ready to have children.

For more on this subject, please visit the link below.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/236843.php

From the article:

“Keynote speaker and women's health advocate Padma Lakshmi, an international supermodel and TV show host, who co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America to encourage research to help other women to avoid her ordeal, declares: "Endometriosis is one of the most treatable, but least treated of women's health problems. Like me, many women suffer debilitating pain and other symptoms for as long as a decade before receiving an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Many women suffer silently or use painkillers, sometimes for years. Because pelvic pain can have many different causes, including appendicitis, bowel obstruction, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, fibroids, IBS and many others, correct treatment can often be delayed further, as endometriosis is sometimes not immediately diagnosed.

For example, in women with endometriosis on the intestines, symptoms may prompt a physician to suggest GI tests, which will not reveal the true problem.

Lakshmi continues saying: "If a woman wants to have children, it's critical to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Endometriosis is one of the top three causes of infertility. Many women are delaying childbearing into their 30s and even 40s these days, but if you have had untreated endometriosis for many years, it may be too late. And that is a real tragedy."

The currently most effective treatment is laparoscopic excision surgery as alternative medical therapies for endometriosis are extremely limited.”

“THE LORD GIVETH AND THE LORD TAKETH AWAY”

2011-12-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

I did a post recently announcing that the Duggars of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, were expecting their 2oth child.

I just learnt that mom, Michelle Duggar, suffered a miscarriage.

My heart ached for them when I heard this, because having a miscarriage, given any set of circumstances, carries with it, a lot of emotional trauma and pain. I know of this first-hand.

Reports are that the other kids are very sad as they were looking forward, so much to a new sibling.

My prayers are with them at this difficult time.

Post image by: http://visitcos.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Duggar-family-2011-010-small.jpg

FROM FIGHTING INFERTILITY TO FIGHTING BREAST CANCER

2011-12-05T14:09:00.001-08:00

In October 2010, I did a story about a celebrity couple, Giuliana and Bill Rancic, who has their own reality show on the Style Network, chronicling their struggles with infertility and their attempts at invitro-fertilization, to hopefully have the family they so want.

See story at http://onereachinganother.blogspot.com/2010/10/we-have-indeed-come-long-way.html

Turns out, on their second attempt at invitro-fertilization, (the first sadly ended in a miscarriage), Giuliana was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and has now announced that she will be doing a double mastectomy, as this is the only option which gives the cancer a less than 1% chance of returning.

Tears came to my eyes as I watch her make the announcement along with her very supportive husband Bill. When asked how this would impact on their plans to have children, Giuliana said, she has to choose life at this point and further said that her husband, when they were in discussing their options about the cancer, said to her, “I just want you around for another 50 years kid, so let’s just get you healthy.”

This is a tough one, and I am now realising how good I had it, even though I thought that my days struggling with infertility were some of the darkest, but if cancer was thrown into the mix, I am pretty sure those days would be even darker.

This couple is in my prayers, as I ask for God’s favour on their lives.

Post image by: http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQLxeKCiBrts8neGCFHowyHFG_SBmSM43XYMtt2bWQ0-TCKDO1n

INTRODUCING...........

2011-12-01T09:38:00.001-08:00

........for the first time on my blog, LeeAnna Marie Price, born Thursday November 17, 2011 at 8:20 am, weighing 7 pounds 3.5 ounces.

I checked into the hospital on Wednesday November 16, 2011, to give birth to our daughter the next day. As my husband and the hospital staff was helping me settle in, my doctor came by to see me. He then told me that my c-section would be done via an epidural. I went into shock, as I had more or less settled on having general anaesthesia, as this was what I had when I had my son. I told him how terrified I was of having an epidural as I had read about the risks. He wasted no time in telling me that 90% of his c-section surgeries are done via an epidural and it is really safer than having general anaesthesia. You also experience far less pain. I said to him, well that is why you are the doctor and I have to trust you.

After my husband left, I settled into bed and began pondering about the events that would unfold the next day. I also realised that I felt a sudden sense of calm and even some excitement. I figure it had to do with the fact that I would now be able to hear my baby cry, and would know right away that she is fine, something I did not have the privilege of with my son.

I could hardly sleep that night as I kept checking the time quite anxious to begin the next day. I was happy when the nurse told me that I will be awaken at 5:30 am, to be prepared for surgery, as that made my night even shorter.

I was awaken at 5:30 Thursday morning as promised. I had what would be my last real bath for a couple of days and got dressed for surgery. My Anaesthesiologist came in shortly afterwards to brief me about the epidural that will be administered to me. I told him my fears and he basically consoled me the same way my doctor did. I was by now even more comfortable with having this epidural done. Not long afterwards my doctor came in, he asked me what kind of music I liked and proceeded to select something that would be played in the background while the surgery was being done. He then instructed that I be wheeled into the OR. All members of his team were not present as yet, so he told me that my surgery would be a little late. I did not mind at all as by now I was feeling really calm and confident that all would be well.

My husband could not be there with me as he had to take our son to school and have him settle in until his teacher arrives. I was sad at that, but my doctor and his team made me feel at ease. I was administered the epidural and it took effect shortly afterwards. All I felt was some tingling in my legs, then gradual lost of feeling in the bottom half of my body. My surgery which was originally set for 7:00am that morning, got under-way at 8:00 am.

The OR was buzzing with laughter and jokes that I could hardly hear the background music. I find myself adding my little bit to these jokes when I could, as I was battling nausea and heaviness in my chest. At 8:20 am precisely, our daughter was born, and I heard her cry shortly thereafter. It was the most surreal experience I ever had. A relief swept over me as I wanted to hear that precious cry so much. I was even more relieved when they presented her to me and I saw that she was a normal, healthy beautiful child. God is so faithful.

No sooner had my doctor finished stitching me up, I began having the most unbearable pain. I guess I must have only received enough anaesthetic to last the duration of the surgery and by the time I was wheeled back to my room I was having shivers so much that I needed a blanket. I remember I kept asking the nurse that was looking after me for pain medication but she kept fussing over having my drips in place and said that my drips were more important than any pain medication. I thought t myself, how cruel.

I received the pain medication at last but I did not take effect right away, I even had visitors who were anxious to meet the baby, but I could not be host to anyone at that time. I remember just shivering and asking my husband to hold me.

I drifted off into sleep, and the next thing I knew I woke up and the pain had subsided. I felt so much better and was even able to get out of bed, with help of course and have my supper in a chair. By this time I had more visitors and was able to be a good host, even though I felt very drugged up.

LeeAnna did not quite get the hang of breastfeeding right away, but with persistence and patience she eventually got it, and refused to do anything else but feed for the rest of our stay in the hospital.

By this time, I had received a roommate as I had opted to share room. She registered for a vaginal birth but when things took an awful turn, where her baby’s head was not engaging for birth and showed frightening signs of distress when they attempt to intensify labour, they had to perform an emergency c-section. Thank God, she and baby came through alright and when she was well enough, we had some bonding time.

I was by now missing my son so much, because children under a certain age are not allowed in the hospital. I sent for him and when he arrived I was told that I could wheel the baby out in the lobby to him. I was excited and he was too when he saw myself and his sister. We spent some quality time together and when he was ready to leave he began wheeling the baby to the door and saying, come mommy come, let’s take the baby home. When I told him not just yet, he said, but she is my baby. I was so overcome with joy knowing that he had accepted his sister and was ready to have her home.

The next day, Sat. November 19, 2011, I began packing to leave the hospital as soon as I learnt that I would be going home, and sure enough my doctor came and officially discharged me. I was so eager to get home to see how things would change from then on with our family. Things did not change much that first evening but the next day, our son began acting up. I guess the reality of this little person that he wanted to take home so badly, taking up so much of mommy’s time must have now reached him. I remember later that day, putting the baby to bed so that I could get some much needed sleep. He barged into the room almost waking the baby. I was so mad I shouted at him, which had his father rushing to us to find out what was wrong. When I told him, he scolded our son again and immediately removed him from the room. I heard that he withdrew to a quiet place in the house and cried. I began crying too, feeling so sorry for him, but that cry was also for something more as well, I had fought a long difficult battle with infertility for more than a decade long and have finally won, with three beautiful children to show for it, one God wanted for himself and the other two, he has so graciously allowed us to keep. God is truly amazing.

I know it helps and I have been advised over and over again to involve our son in taking care of the baby as much as we can, He has even assumed the role of putting the soiled diapers into the bin and because newborns change so many diapers in a day, each time he comes to the room and see another soiled diaper, he would say, “another poopy diaper, oh man.” I guess you can involve them as much as possible, but they will act up from time to time. This is just a transitional moment for everyone and so we take comfort in that.

Things have not quite settled yet, but we are doing better with each passing day. We are looking forward to when the baby settles into a routine so that we can at least feel some sense of normalcy again. In the mean time, we continue to take things a day at a time, giving God thanks for his blessings and his continued favour on our lives.

........AND OFF I GO.......

2011-11-16T09:09:00.001-08:00

Well, the time is here. I will be heading to the hospital later today to have our daughter via c-section 7:am tomorrow, Thursday the 17^th of November. I can't wait to meet her.

I am a bag of emotions right now, excitement, anxiety, etc. I have every confidence though, that God will see me through to the end, because he did promise, that once he begins a good work in you, he will be faithful to complete it and I have absolutely no reason to think otherwise.

Anyone who have sent a kind comment, some encouragement, sent up a prayer on our behalf, or extended more physical acts of kindness, my family and I thank you so much . You have sure made this experience all the more rewarding.

We will sure have a lot to talk about when next I post.

Post image by: http://us.cdn4.123rf.com/168nwm/bds/bds1109/bds110900099/10601550-pregnant-woman-with-old-suitcase-isolated-on-white.jpg

LIFE LESSONS

2011-11-14T08:13:00.001-08:00

I used to watch Oprah Winfrey shows a lot, but stopped watching them for quite some time now. One night recently, I was looking for something to watch and stumbled across her network. A program called ‘Oprah’s Life Class' was in progress. I decided to stop by and check what it was all about.

She was co-hosting this show with Life Coach, Iyanla Vanzant, and they were basically talking about lessons learnt in life because of situations we have had to experience.

Later on in the show, they had a guest on, one of the stars of my 'Big Fat Greek wedding.' Her life lesson came to her, when, as a victim of infertility for over a decade, she decided one day, while driving to an awards show in which she was nominated for an award, that she did not want to fight this infertility fight anymore. She was feeling really crappy that day and was in no mood to be on a red carpet, she said. That moment led her to her foster daughter and she is now a spokesperson for Foster Care. She even went further to say that, she is glad for the struggle of infertility, as it is because of this that she now feels so fulfilled in life.

As I listened to her, I thought about my own struggles with infertility. As my struggles progressed and my pain intensified, I knew somewhere along the line I wanted to help others, but I just could not make the move. It was not until February 2009, when my son was almost 2, that this resolve came, as I was too preoccupied with my infertility pain to do it before that.

I know sadly, many of us who are facing struggles in our lives, do not so easily find the resolve to help others from our pain, because we are not able to see beyond this pain and therefore cannot see the life lessons that are in these struggles for us. For some of us, it is not until much later that we are able to identify these lessons and act on them. This is a pity though, as it is a known fact that we end up feeling better about our circumstances when we help others.

For those who are able to cease these opportunities, what empowerment for you and what motivation for the rest of us.

BE ENCOURAGED THEREFORE

Post image by: http://teamaltman.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Life-Lessons-Butterfly.jpg

LIGHT MOMENT FRIDAYS FEATURE 25

2011-11-11T12:55:00.001-08:00

This is sadly true, but funny nevertheless

Why men die first

Why men die first is a question that has gone unanswered for centuries, but now we know:

If you put a woman on a pedestal and try to protect her from the rat race, you're a male chauvinist; if you stay home and do the housework, you're a pansy.

If you work too hard, there's never any time for her; if you don't work enough, you're a good-for-nothing bum.

If she has a boring repetitive job with low pay, this is exploitation; if you have a boring repetitive job with low pay, you should get off your lazy behind and find something better.

If you get a promotion ahead of her, that is favoritism; if she gets a job ahead of you, it's equal opportunity.

If you mention how nice she looks, it's sexual harassment; if you keep quiet it's male indifference.

If you cry, you're a wimp; if you don't, you're an insensitive bastard.

If you make a decision without consulting her, you're a chauvinist; if she makes a decision without consulting you, she's a liberated woman.

If you ask her to do something she doesn't enjoy, that's domination; if she asks you, it's a favor.

If you appreciate the female form and frilly underwear, you're a pervert; if you don't, you're gay.

If you like a woman to shave her legs and keep in shape, you're sexist; if you don't, you're unromantic.

If you try to keep yourself in shape, you're vain; if you don't, you're a slob.

If you buy her flowers, you're after something; if you don't, you're not thoughtful.

If you're proud of your achievements, you're full of yourself; if you aren't you're not ambitious.

If she has a headache, she's tired; if you have a headache, you don't love her anymore.

Men die first because they want to.

Borrowed from Sustain Jamaica (Sunday Humour)

THEY HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!

2011-11-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Many of you should know the Duggars of the popular reality show on TLC, ’19 Kids and Counting. Well, very fertile Mom, Michelle, who is 45 is expecting her 20^th child.

I am not going to lie, I was shocked because I thought that after her last one, who she had to deliver prematurely, weighing just over a pound, via c-section, due to complications from preclampsia, this would be it for them. Twenty is a nice round number though, so congrats to them.

This is more encouraging news for women in their forties who are contemplating having children, hence my reason for doing this post.

See link to their Blog below, for their big announcement and see what they have to say about their pending addition and the comments that follow:-

http://duggarsblog.blogspot.com/

Post image by: http://visitcos.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Duggar-family-2011-010-small.jpg

WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY

2011-11-08T05:23:00.000-08:00

You should remember the Tucson, Arizona shooting earlier this year, where Representative Gabrielle Giffords was one of the victims. She received a gunshot wound to the head and has been recovering since.

It turns out that Mrs. Giffords, at age 42, had been undergoing fertility treatment at the time so that she and her husband could have children. No doubt this tragedy has put a hold on her plans in that regard.

I mentioned this story just to encourage other women who find themselves in their 40’s and would like to still have children. You see, where there is a will there is a way. It might not be easy because women in their 40’s are less fertile, and so you have to commit to doing all that is necessary to realise this dream; Get your body ready by way of proper diet and exercise, seek the help of a fertility specialist or a herbalist, as more and more women are going this route and are having great success, and most of all adopt a positive attitude.

I am 42 and is expecting my third child and I did tell myself that if I reached the age of 43 and did not realise this dream, then I would have to seek other alternatives, turns out this child is actually coming on my 43^rd birthday. My point is, having given myself this age deadline, I had to commit to doing all that I needed to do, in earnest, while relying on my faith in an all-knowing God, to take it the rest of the way. There were anxieties of course, but they did not deter me much, as I knew I was in good hands.

ALL THE BEST IN YOUR EFFORTS

image by: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2779214577_93c59c92c3.jpg

LIGHT MOMENT FRIDAYS - FEATURE 24

2011-11-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

A Homeless Man

A man was walking down the street when he was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless man who asked him for a couple of dollars for dinner.

The man took out his wallet, extracted ten dollars and asked, "If I give you this money, will you buy some beer with it instead?"

"No, I had to stop drinking years ago," the homeless man replied.

"Will you use it to gamble instead of buying food?" the man asked.

"No, I don't gamble," the homeless man said. "I need everything I can get just to stay alive."

"Will you spend this on greens fees at a golf course instead of food?" the man asked.

"Are you NUTS!" replied the homeless man. "I haven't played golf in 20 years!"

"Will you spend the money on a woman in the red light district instead of food?" the man asked.

"What disease would I get for ten lousy bucks?!!" exclaimed the homeless man.

"Well," said the man, "I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you home for a terrific dinner cooked by my wife."

The homeless man was astounded.

"Won't your wife be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting."

The man replied, "That's okay. I just want her to see what a man looks like who's given up beer, gambling, golf, and sex."

Borrowed from Sustain Jamaica (Sunday Humour)

CONSTITUIONAL AMENDEMNT IN MISSISSIPPI COULD HAVE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON INVITRO-FERTILIZATION

2011-10-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

A constitutional amendment in Mississippi, set to come up for a vote on November 8, could have negative impact on invitro-fertilization.

This amendment could spread to at least twelve States, including Florida and Ohio and seeks to classify a fertilized human egg as a legal person, thus making abortion and some forms of birth control (like the morning after pill) murder.

For more, please visit the link below:-

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/10/24/personhood-ballot-initiative-in-mississippi-could-ban-some-ivf-practices.html

From the article:-

“As Hines explains, for IVF to have a decent chance of success, doctors have to try to fertilize more eggs than they intend to implant. “A basic problem in IVF is that we cannot look at an egg and determine that egg will get you pregnant,” he says. “In order to enhance the pregnancy rate, we stimulate the patient and take all the eggs that we can get and combine those with sperm. Then the eggs and the sperm determine which ones are actually going to lead to pregnancy. Some will not fertilize. Some will not become embryos, and some embryos will not progress."

Post image by: http://pregnancy.about.com/library/graphics/invitro.gif

THOSE DREAMS........

2011-10-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Pregnant women are known to have dreams and some of these dreams are very unpleasant and frightening. I know I must have had these dreams when I was pregnant with my son because my anxiety level for that pregnancy was very high.

Recently I had two dreams, one was that I went to my doctor for what was supposed to be a routine prenatal visit and learned that my baby had died. I was, as anyone can well imagined, very devastated and having already had a shower and has purchased everything and is now ready for our new addition, this is not a reality I want to relive.

The other dream was that I had checked into the hospital and was awaiting my c-section surgery. I waited for a while and my doctor, nor any nurse, did not show up to prepare me for my surgery, I later saw one of my sisters and she refused to look at me. Fearing that this was an indication that something was wrong, I hesitantly asked her, what’s the matter, to which she replied, there is something terribly wrong with your baby. It felt like someone had taken a knife and stabbed me in my heart. I quickly awoke and was relieved that this was only a dream. I was still rather disturbed.

Have you been pregnant or are you pregnant and can relate. Please see a link below to an article about why pregnant women have these dreams and what they are actually telling us about this very special time in our lives.

http://dreamhawk.com/dream-encyclopedia/pregnancy-and-dreams/

From the article:

“ Pregnancy is one of the most powerful experiences any woman can face. A woman’s body changes enormously during childhood and adolescence, but to meet such enormous physical, personal and social changes as an adult is a huge challenge. A woman’s dreams at such a time not only show some of the detailed events that are occurring physically, but also comment on psychological and relationship events and subtleties too.

It is also very common for women to dream about actually having the baby, and these dreams are often bizarre or even disturbing to the dreamer. Winget and Kapp found that a high percentage of dreams showed this theme of anxiety, and by following their research through, they were able to observe that the more anxiety dreams a mother-to-be had, the easier the birth was. They conjectured that the anxiety dreams release a lot of tension and fear, and the mother is therefore more relaxed at the time of the birth – usually less than ten hours."

Post image by: http://blogs.babiesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/sleep-positions-during-pregnancy.jpg