tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61509362011-11-29T21:49:12.537-05:00our struggles with infertilityDawnnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-481225790507788452006-11-29T16:51:00.000-05:002006-11-29T16:52:54.131-05:00

The address for my new blog as of 6/26/06 is:http://decaf-please.blogspot.com

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1151243542826432802006-06-25T09:44:00.000-04:002006-06-25T09:54:51.756-04:00

"Now that my life is so prearranged,I know that its time for a cool change" - Glenn Shorrock, Little River BandWell, not a ton of responses to my last post. Hmm. I thought that would be more fun than it actually was. For those that are interested, the second commenter, Tina, was correct. The photos are of some islands that MAN is creating off the coast of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. I

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1150827583473071722006-06-20T14:14:00.000-04:002006-06-20T14:21:38.126-04:00

Phew...still recovering from that last post. So let's move onward, shall we?On to something completely different and totally light-hearted and irrelevant.Who can tell me what this is?Or, this?Or better yet, what the heck is this?I would love to see what your guesses are. I am certain that some of you out there know, because you are far more informed than I am. But for those of you that DON'T

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1150560374458546032006-06-17T11:16:00.000-04:002006-06-17T21:00:26.666-04:00

Ugh.I really didn't want to do this post, but I feel like I have to now. There has been so much discussion this week on the internet that now I feel like I have to throw my two-cents in, even if it means I am viciously attacked. (Hey, I can always delete the ugly comments, right?)**In a recent post, I mentioned how mothering in-and-of itself brings up a lot of feelings of guilt in me, because I

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1150471793578979322006-06-16T10:59:00.000-04:002006-06-16T11:30:51.536-04:00

Wow.What a difference a week makes.I have been feeling better. Much better, in fact, than I have felt in a while.I am not saying that my concerns about the potential for PPD are gone; the concerns are still very much there and I will still be keeping a watchful eye on everything for the next month or so. And I still may call my doctor - I am not dismissing anything.But this past week was just

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1150306508861525162006-06-14T13:32:00.000-04:002006-06-14T13:35:08.880-04:00

I can't help but gush sometimes, and so I have to share!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1150131126485398802006-06-13T08:46:00.000-04:002006-06-13T09:20:37.870-04:00

I wasn't quite going to write this post so soon, but I have some time right now so what the heck.In my last post I alluded to the recent bout of guilt that has gripped me in the first six months of motherhood. Specifically, I mentioned that I had "the immense guilt that comes with being a mom, and the guilt that comes with trying to keep everyone else in the world happy at the expense of

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1150107928339139362006-06-12T05:49:00.000-04:002006-06-12T06:38:33.356-04:00

I really appreciate the comments I received on my last post. I would say that 99% of what people said I already know, but it is sometimes good to hear it confirmed from others, to reassure me that despite what I may be feeling emotionally, the logical part of my brain still seems to be functioning properly.I said it before but it bears repeating: if I THINK I may have PPD, chances are that I

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1149882907141320892006-06-09T15:29:00.000-04:002006-06-09T16:46:11.026-04:00

Okay ladies, have you ever had a husband or a boyfriend inform you that "maybe" you are overreacting to something because you have PMS? To which you respond furiously that JUST because you are female, it doesn't mean that your emotions should be diminished to a case of excessive hormones - that perhaps, JUST PERHAPS, you are upset over something legitimate? Furthermore, you are the CORRECT

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1149812354285227232006-06-08T20:11:00.000-04:002006-06-08T20:20:51.996-04:00

So, my posts lately have been, short, sweet, cutesy and sporadic.Deliberate, my friends, deliberate.The truth is I haven't been able to blog lately in the way that I want to. Or, need to, I should say. There's some shit going down here in Corrado-land and I just haven't been able to bring myself to post about any of it. Not yet. Not now.Soon enough, though.One of these days I will mosey into

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1149622276376950752006-06-06T15:28:00.000-04:002006-06-06T15:31:16.396-04:00

So, Fedex just came to the door and dropped off a package labelled "iRobot."It's a ROOMBA!I just called Anthony at work to ask him why Fedex just delivered a Roomba to our front door. He said that since Amanda will be crawling around the house within a matter of months (at most!) he wanted to make sure we were keeping the floors as clean as possible at all times.I said, "So you got me a present

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1149123471738307112006-05-31T20:56:00.000-04:002006-05-31T20:57:51.753-04:00

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1148990660838358302006-05-30T07:49:00.000-04:002006-05-30T08:06:15.430-04:00

The wedding is over.It was awesome.My sister, the bride, even had the bartenders and the wait staff coming up to her during the reception, telling her it was the best wedding they've ever had there. People on staff, and her vendors, were THANKING her for being able to be a part of it. The ceremony left no one with a dry eye - not even the wedding coordinator. She was laughing about it

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1148812643779984682006-05-28T06:36:00.000-04:002006-05-28T06:37:23.796-04:00

I can't believe it is finally here. Today will be a long, but wonderful day.And the weather is perfect. I am so happy for my sister.Pictures to follow in the next upcoming few days...

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1148737816639481672006-05-27T09:40:00.000-04:002006-05-27T09:50:16.670-04:00

Months ago, I was asked if I would do a toast at the rehearsal dinner for my Cheryl and Ron. As the "matron" of honor, I gladly accepted. Of course I would do a toast, I would be honored.However, what with caring for a newborn baby and tending to all my "other" matron-of-honor duties (reminder - almost EVERY aspect of this wedding has involved hand-made crafts), I haven't really thought about

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1148564843106767992006-05-25T09:40:00.000-04:002006-05-25T09:49:10.530-04:00

Oh my God I am giddy with anticipation.All of MY projects are done for the wedding - the favors are done, the gift card box is done, the restroom amenities baskets are done.Today is my last day to "relax" (ha - that's a joke) before the wedding festivities begin. Although, all the upcoming wedding festivities are fun. It is FINALLY time to party!Tomorrow, Cheryl and I are going to get massages

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1148413392563348462006-05-23T15:41:00.000-04:002006-05-23T15:47:05.260-04:00

How can I be stressed out when I have this adorable mug to look at?(We were taking pictures yesterday of Amanda with my wedding veil).

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1148381775045431492006-05-23T06:37:00.000-04:002006-05-23T07:59:36.346-04:00

So I mentioned in one of my last posts that I prayed in church on Sunday for BAD STUFF* to stop happening to my sister Cheryl, leading up to her wedding.Apparently the God I prayed to believes in the displacement theory. Instead of BAD STUFF happening to my sister, it is going to happen to the rest of us. (Or so far, me).I am making 3 things for the wedding that have to be delivered to the

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1148333896770742142006-05-22T17:33:00.000-04:002006-05-22T17:38:16.816-04:00

Picked up my maid of honor dress this afternoon....it is tight.Ugh.The past couple of weeks I have been a major stress case, what with Amanda's ear infection and virus, and the wedding fast approaching.When I get stressed, I eat.So needless to say I have barely been following Weight Watchers lately. And the week Amanda was sick I didn't make it to the gym once.NOW I am paying for it.I have put

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1148298536547429412006-05-22T07:45:00.000-04:002006-05-22T07:48:56.570-04:00

So the meeting with Cheryl's new wedding coordinator went fabulously. Better than we could have hoped for. And I think Cheryl was finally able to relax, to exhale for a minute...Then, Saturday night, she was munching on (of all things) a rice-cake and broke a tooth!Enough is enough, I mean REALLY!I am NOT a religious person, not by any stretch, but Amanda and I went to church yesterday and I

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1148068755381920462006-05-19T15:51:00.000-04:002006-05-19T22:09:27.570-04:00

Okay, so here are the two things that prompted my outburst to begin with. Two things that happened to my sister within 24 hours of each other which, frankly, are just not fair. These could be the subsequent chapters in my book, Wedding Etiquette 101.Chapter 2 - If you are a Wedding-Related Vendor, show respect to your bride(s).My very first customer service job was for BayBank, which has since

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1147911379950987942006-05-17T20:12:00.000-04:002006-05-17T20:16:19.966-04:00

I apologize for my earlier rant. I was pretty pissed off.My sister, this morning, told me two things that happened to her in the last twenty-four hours with relation to her wedding (in 11 days) that made me feel bad for her. I was upset for her, pissed that the occurances happened, and I went off in my blog.So I am sorry.That being said, there WILL be a follow up post, because I am still pissed

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1147873482907008992006-05-17T09:11:00.000-04:002006-05-17T09:59:35.920-04:00

My baby sister's wedding is in 11 days. Hopefully I won't kill someone on her behalf before then.Having planned my own wedding, and assisted in the planning of both of my sisters' weddings, I feel like I've done it and seen it all. I feel like writing a book, entitled "Wedding Etiquette 101". I mean, seriously, what the FUCK is wrong with people? Really! I used to give people the benefit of

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1147810634010000912006-05-16T15:38:00.000-04:002006-05-16T16:17:14.043-04:00

(I couldn't find a bigger, clearer picture, so if anyone can tell me where to find a better one, please do.)Okay, so I am about to do something very unlike me. I am about to defend Britney Spears.I know, I know. You are thinking that the world has gone mad, that Hell has frozen over, but first please hear me out.I still think that Britney is trashy and is dumb as rocks - don't get me wrong.

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1147656810052044192006-05-14T21:32:00.000-04:002006-05-14T21:33:30.070-04:00

Oh holy hell!You mean to tell me that Martin Sheen isn't REALLY the President of the United States? And George W. is??Oh, dear....

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1147638432283749822006-05-14T16:22:00.000-04:002006-05-14T16:30:36.356-04:00

My first mother's day was as extra-special as I could ever have hoped for. Even now, I am supposed to go take a nap while Anthony feeds the baby!So, not wanting to waste one second of my free nap time, I want to wish all the mothers, grandmothers, mothers-to-be and MOST especially all the mothers-in-waiting a very Happy Mother's Day. As I know, you don't have to have a child to be a good mother

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1147307265276939632006-05-10T20:17:00.000-04:002006-05-10T20:27:45.293-04:00

Can I just ask, what is it that is so compelling about David Blaine?I was absolutely GLUED to his damned special on Monday night. And as he hit the seven minute mark and started convulsiing and breathing in water, I stared in horror and started shouting "Oh my God, I am going to watch this man DIE on LIVE TELEVISION!" I was mortified, sickened, and yet I COULD NOT LOOK AWAY. In fact, when all

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1147305966920303562006-05-10T19:29:00.000-04:002006-05-10T20:06:06.936-04:00

So, not much is new in our world.Amanda is still very sick. However she is in remarkably good spirits and has decided today that she wants to talk, a lot. She spent the entire day making new noises and new sounds. She is so adorable.I'm sick now too. Actually I have been for a few days, but had to put my issues on the back-burner the minute my little peanut fell ill. Now that Amanda's coming

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1147121697078814882006-05-08T16:51:00.000-04:002006-05-08T18:50:06.810-04:00

My little girl is 5 months old today. Here is a picture of her from two days ago.Today was not such a happy celebration, though. The photo was taken two days ago, when Amanda was still healthy, but exhibiting increasing signs of growing crankiness. We had no idea why she was getting fussier and fussier as each night passed over the last couple of weeks. And then, last night happened.Amanda

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1146772563119297542006-05-04T15:43:00.000-04:002006-05-04T18:53:49.553-04:00

When I first joined Weight-Watchers in January, after having the baby, that was when I discovered the joy of the 100-Calorie Snack Pack. It is perfect, especially for someone like me who cannot open a box of Wheat Thins and only take out the portioned "6 Crackers." Instead of devouring nearly half a box of crackers, I can just grab a "2-Point" bag of wheat thins on my way out the door. I

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1146222695474006432006-04-28T07:04:00.000-04:002006-04-28T07:11:35.490-04:00

I am looking for your help. I am going out tonight with a bunch of girls I went to High School with to celebrate two of their birthdays.Any thoughts on what I could get them each for a small present?Here is the deal; in a normal year, I am lucky if I see one of these girls once at all, and the other I am lucky if I see a few times a year at most. In the normal ordinary passage of time, it would

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1146088928190354782006-04-26T17:33:00.000-04:002006-04-26T18:02:08.206-04:00

So...for years and years and years I could not WAIT to have a baby, could not WAIT to be a full-time, stay at home mom. I would sit at my desk at work and pine away for the days that my life would be full of nothing but spit-up and diaper changes.This is why I have learned to never say never. Today, four and a half-months into my mommy-gig, I went on a job interview.Let me back up for just a

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1146057872069735652006-04-26T09:22:00.000-04:002006-04-26T09:25:23.643-04:00

If there is ONE life lesson I have learned through my 3 1/2 year journey to become pregnant and in the 4 1/2 months that I have been a mother, it is "never say never." There are countless things that I used to say emphatically "I would never do 'x'" that I now do, or want to do.The biggest, boldest example of that may be occurring today. I will post more this afternoon when I have more

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1145824019386782992006-04-23T16:24:00.000-04:002006-04-23T16:26:59.400-04:00

Didja? Didja?!!?We were on the Today Show this morning in the pouring rain, my sister Eileen and I. My sister Cheryl (the bachelorette) and her friend Jenn were too hung over to come with us, but we did actually make it on TV for about 5 seconds. So exciting!Much more on the weekend later, but I am going to try to take a quick nap before Anthony and my beautiful baby Amanda get home from

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1145622356152352312006-04-21T08:20:00.000-04:002006-04-21T08:25:56.170-04:00

It is supposed to be horrible weather this weekend in New York City. Horrible. Tomorrow, there is an 80% chance of downpours all day and the temperatures won't even get out of the 40's (!!!!). Tomorrow night, Thunderstorms! And Sunday, a 90% chance of downpours and thunderstorms.yucky.We'll still have fun and we'll still make the most of it. Now that I think of it, I can probably un-pack my

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1145455590784108902006-04-19T08:49:00.000-04:002006-04-19T10:17:02.650-04:00

Two-Part Post, thus the two titles. Here is "Anatomy of a Secret":I mentioned a few posts ago that I wasn't blogging much because I had two secretive things coming up for my sister, and since she regularly reads my blog I couldn't discuss them here.Well, the shower has already happened. In fact, it was on the Sunday before Easter. Way back when, when she had just become engaged, I had asked

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1145179084234203712006-04-16T05:14:00.000-04:002006-04-16T05:18:04.246-04:00

Amanda wishes you all a very Happy Easter!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1144945826207064742006-04-13T12:15:00.000-04:002006-04-13T14:12:28.293-04:00

Check out Amanda's first reaction to "real" food. Apparently, the girl HATES peas. I can't blame her - I hate peas, too!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1144872249712778122006-04-12T16:02:00.000-04:002006-04-12T16:06:08.906-04:00

In search of a good recipe for roast potatoes. Got one? (Sam, I'm counting on you to come through for me!!!)

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1144695500303612072006-04-12T09:50:00.000-04:002006-04-12T10:03:41.036-04:00

For the next couple of hours, I was able to relax and enjoy the miracle of the epidural. I watched my regular afternoon television: "All My Children" and 1, "NYPD Blue" re-runs on TNT at 2, and "Law & Order" re-runs at 3 and at 4, also on TNT. Somewhere during all this relaxing, my mother arrived with my sister Eileen and Anthony's step-mother. I warned all three of them that it was still

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1144455615964472962006-04-07T18:59:00.000-04:002006-04-07T20:20:16.023-04:00

I suppose now that Amanda is going to be four months old tomorrow, it is about time I finally tell the birth story, huh? Or at least start to tell it, as it could take a few posts. Not that anyone necessarily cares to hear it anymore, but if you DO care to hear the story, please read on. (And I also don't plan on holding any details back, so read at your own risk of being grossed out!)"This is

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1144422175499148212006-04-07T11:01:00.000-04:002006-04-07T11:02:55.516-04:00

I apologize, but I need to be braggy for a minute and point your attention over to that column on the right of my blog where my Weight Loss Blog is listed. I am officially four-tenths of a pound shy of being down 40 pounds since having Amanda.I am so proud of myself. I reached a couple of milestones with my weight loss today and have shared that information on my weight loss blog.Sorry, but I

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1144275915571492422006-04-05T18:24:00.000-04:002006-04-05T18:25:15.583-04:00

My baby shower was AWESOME. AWESOME. Did I ever mention that? Anyways, I am just glad it wasn't remotely like this one!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1144198336334432752006-04-04T20:50:00.000-04:002006-04-04T20:52:16.350-04:00

It's been a while since I have posted a picture of Amanda, so I thought I would show this one of her with her daddy, from this past Sunday. She changes every day, it is amazing!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1144101658997513332006-04-03T17:39:00.000-04:002006-04-03T18:30:40.470-04:00

So I haven't been posting much lately. God, do all my posts start that way or what? Anyways, it isn't because I have nothing to talk about. It is because there is a lot I CAN'T talk about right now.I am the Maid of Honor* in my sister Cheryl's wedding. This means that sometime between now and the wedding day, there is going to be a bridal shower and a bachelorette party. I am very involved in

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1143632711332460602006-03-29T06:41:00.000-05:002006-03-29T06:46:30.616-05:00

I may be posting this to no one, because I am not sure who out there is able to reach my blog anymore. Suddenly, after two years, the company where I registered my domain name has crapped out on me. I don't know why? There is not a billing issue, but if you try to go to www.dawncorrado.com or to dcorrado.dawncorrado.com (this blog) you get THEIR website. I have emailed their "help" department

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1143340046388363482006-03-25T21:23:00.000-05:002006-03-25T21:28:17.846-05:00

One year ago today - a whole entire year ago - was one of the happiest days of my life. I can't believe it has been a whole year.Wow.

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1142872853513138212006-03-20T11:36:00.000-05:002006-03-20T11:40:53.526-05:00

In one hour and fifty minutes, it will officially be spring.Woo hoo!!!!!!!!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1142604931251736452006-03-17T08:31:00.000-05:002006-03-17T09:15:31.370-05:00

disclaimer: I know that some of the things I say in this post are not going to be very popular. Please know I am not trying to offend or criticize others in the decisions they have made (or perhaps have been forced to make) regarding child care, but these are simply the true raw feelings I am experiencing today.So yesterday morning, my mom and I wanted to go to Spinning class together. We

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1142296233908374342006-03-13T19:25:00.000-05:002006-03-13T19:30:33.920-05:00

...still reeling from last night's episode of "The Sopranos." Unbelievable. The last time a new episode aired, it was June 13 of 2004 and we had not yet tried IVF. I swear to Christ if Tony is dead I am going to be SO PISSED that they made me wait two years just to whack the best guy on the show!On a lighter note, it occured to me today that one year ago today, the little embryo that could was

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1141666119531966222006-03-06T12:18:00.000-05:002006-03-06T12:39:40.156-05:00

I'm sick.Normally, especially this time of the year, I am sick all the time. I have a long history with my asthma and allergies and ordinarily I catch EVERYTHING. Usually by March I've been through at least my fourth or fifth cold of the winter. Instead, this year, the last time I had a cold was December 2 - my due date. It is odd that I haven't been sick before now, too, because EVERYONE I

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1141175129620594892006-02-28T19:35:00.000-05:002006-02-28T20:05:31.996-05:00

So I shipped Amanda off to Anthony's mother's house for the day (I am going through MAJOR withdrawal right now) so that I could finally, FINALLY, paint the mural on her wall. It is our plan to have her start sleeping in her crib in her own room starting this weekend. I don't know who this transition will be harder for - her, or us.Anyways, back to the mural on her wall. All day I had this

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1140813772099100712006-02-24T15:36:00.000-05:002006-02-24T15:42:52.116-05:00

Your comments and emails are so appreciated, I cannot even begin to tell you. However, there was a genuine common thread through all of it that I wanted to address. Nearly everybody that has responded has, in one way or another, told me how sorry they are for me that I am going through this.Please, don't be.I am not someone to feel sorry for. Be happy for me. Through all the difficulties and

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1140525296556531982006-02-21T07:19:00.000-05:002006-02-21T07:34:56.633-05:00

I feel like I haven't stopped crying since Sunday. Amanda's stuffy nose migrated. We thought, overnight Saturday night, that maybe her cold was getting better because all of a sudden her nose sounded clear. On the contrary, the mucus and phlegm had moved out of her nose and into her throat and upper chest. All I could think was "pneumonia." Saturday she seemed okay, but Sunday she developed

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1140208917554982772006-02-17T15:41:00.000-05:002006-02-17T15:53:18.206-05:00

I received such nice, helpful comments regarding my last post and I just wanted to say a heartfelt "thank you." None of what anyone said was anything new that I hadn't heard before, but it is still helpful to have people remind me that what I am going through is NORMAL and that feeling the way I feel is normal, too.A couple times this week, I left the baby with my mom for an hour or two here and

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1140007261047385312006-02-15T07:21:00.000-05:002006-02-15T07:41:01.110-05:00

Now that Amanda is here, the only thing I want is to be a good mother to her. Let me tell you, I have never in my life held a job where I have felt like such a failure, day in and day out.I feel like I am a competent person in most aspects of my life. So why do I feel so much like a failure at this motherhood gig?Could it be that my darling now cries ALL DAY LONG? I understand that babies cry,

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1139964966244990212006-02-14T19:53:00.000-05:002006-02-14T19:56:06.256-05:00

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1139431056402386412006-02-08T15:08:00.000-05:002006-02-08T15:37:36.470-05:00

Believe it or not, my sweet pea is 2 months old today. The time sure is flying!Unfortunately, she has had a tough day on her 2-month birthday. She was crying her eyes out this morning, which is unusual, as I was trying to get dressed to drop her off at my mom's so that I could go to the gym. (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE that my parents live 5 houses down from us? Not that it is an

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1139403514876596912006-02-08T07:56:00.000-05:002006-02-08T07:59:15.166-05:00

Once again, Britney Spears proves what an absolute idiot she is.If I had more time (if the baby wasn't crying right now) there is just SO much I could say about this. But honestly, the picture speaks for itself. What an asshole, huh?

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1138883621742910762006-02-02T07:29:00.000-05:002006-02-02T07:33:41.763-05:00

As of 2:00PM yesterday, my little dear is on Soy-based formula instead of milk-based. We have been struggling so much with the colic; her pediatrician prescribed Zantac for her, which she has been taking since Saturday, but it really didn't make much of a difference in her behavior. She started the soy yesterday, and we actually had a great night.I am crossing my fingers that it wasn't a fluke.

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1138628821318172462006-01-30T08:45:00.000-05:002006-01-30T08:47:01.330-05:00

Thought I would quickly post a recent picture of my cutie. She is growing so fast, it is incredible!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1138028066279342142006-01-23T09:48:00.000-05:002006-01-23T09:54:26.290-05:00

Yup, the "C" word. And no, I am not talking about the "C" word that Howard Stern couldn't wait to start using once he moved to Satellite Radio. (Did I mention that my daughter gave me Sirius Satellite Radio, the gift of Howard Stern, for my birthday? She knows me so well already.)No, the "C" word I am referring to is Colic. And we are pretty sure Amanda has it.It has been a rough, rough week.

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1137252140710739842006-01-14T10:20:00.000-05:002006-01-14T10:22:20.720-05:00

So far I am off to, what I would call, a good start with Weight Watchers.I have decided to have a separate blog to track my weight loss progress, so you can check out how I am doing here.Good luck to all of you also trying to lose weight or get in shape.

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1137019438324820622006-01-11T17:39:00.000-05:002006-01-11T17:43:58.336-05:00

Haven't had time to post, and don't know when I will to be honest. I don't know how people with multiples do it, one baby in and of itself is SO much work. And my baby, according to many many people, is an "easy" one, what with all the sleeping she does.But it is nearly impossible to find "me" time. I steal a moment here and there, but that is all they are: moments. Perfect example, it is 5:

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1136492852976481492006-01-05T15:04:00.000-05:002006-01-05T15:27:42.266-05:00

Fact: I am overweight.Fact: I am the Matron of Honor in my sister Cheryl's wedding in just under 5 months.Fact: I have not successfully dieted or exercised regularly in almost 3 years.Fact: It has been officially 4 weeks since I gave birth to Amanda.It is time. Time to get back on track.Before I got pregnant, I was a bit overweight for my liking. I was roughly 146 pounds, which for my short

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1136390622699552612006-01-04T10:58:00.000-05:002006-01-04T11:03:42.710-05:00

I've only got about 30 seconds to post, so this will be a quick one.I went to both the wake and funeral, and was glad I did. It would have felt wrong to me to not be there, as his grandma was a big part of my life, too, for the past nine years.Amanda is still sick. She seems to be improving, but it is slow going at best. It sucks so much so see her try to yawn or take a breath and gag on mucus

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1136122354905584612006-01-01T08:23:00.000-05:002006-01-01T08:32:34.920-05:00

Let's hope so...my baby is sick, and let me tell you all, this is the worst feeling I have ever experienced in my life.We took our tiny 3-week old to the emergency room yesterday morning, not because we were overly paranoid "new parents," but because after my second phone call to her doctor's office this is what they recommended we do.The official diagnosis? "The Common Cold."But at 3 weeks, she

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1135885431513119592005-12-29T14:19:00.000-05:002005-12-29T14:43:51.560-05:00

Amanda is 3 weeks old today. And today, her only Great-Grandparent passed away. And they never had a chance to meet each other.Anthony's Grandmother has been very sick for a long time. Her failing health has caused many of us to fear that her death was imminent for several years now. But her will to live was stronger than her diabetes, stronger than her legal blindness, stronger than her legs

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1135513934313987772005-12-25T07:30:00.000-05:002005-12-25T07:32:14.336-05:00

I know lately all I do is post pictures, but I cannot help it. Take a look at this picture of me and my beautiful little lady, from Friday night at my parent's Christmas party. Have you ever seen anyone looking happier than I am?I hope everyone has a very, very Merry Christmas (or whatever holiday it is that you celebrate)!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1135254750183695832005-12-22T07:30:00.000-05:002005-12-22T07:32:30.193-05:00

I've got a much longer post in me, but haven't the time. Probably after the holiday mayhem has passed. In the meantime, enjoy a picture of my two-week old. How has it possibly already been two weeks???

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1134995024303468502005-12-19T07:12:00.000-05:002005-12-19T07:23:44.856-05:00

No, I am not talking about milestones that the baby is making - at 11 days old it is still a bit early for that. I am talking about myself. At 12:21AM today I turned 35.The age of 35 looms over most women with a haunting sense of dread - "35," after all, is supposedly the age where a woman's fertility takes a sharp nose dive. Having already dealt with three and a half prior years of

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1134685363401437172005-12-15T17:17:00.000-05:002005-12-15T17:22:43.420-05:00

My dear sweet girl is one week old.I can hardly remember my life without her, and at the same time cannot believe she has been here for a week already. I have never been so in love in my life, except for when I fell for her daddy.That's all I can post right now - it is hard, as a lefty, to type one-handed and right-handed with a baby in my arms. She needs my attention right now, so I need to

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1134405096027322482005-12-12T11:25:00.000-05:002005-12-12T11:31:36.420-05:00

First of all, a big thank you to Cheryl for updating you all. Second of all, a big thank you to all of you who sent well-wishes our way.We're all home and doing great. I'm sore and I have developed some sort of rash which covers 99% of my body - pretty gross - but other than that I am doing great. Anthony has become some sort of uber-dad. Who knew? I keep watching him with the baby and

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1134098446209817252005-12-08T22:05:00.000-05:002005-12-08T22:20:46.220-05:00

Hi everyone, This is Dawn's sister, Cheryl. I'm very pleased to be able to tell you all that Amanda was born at 6:13 this evening (7lbs, 1 ounce). She is beautiful, healthy, and looking like she might be a blonde! ;) Dawn and Anthony are ecstatic (though exhausted). She was induced early this morning, and though she says she is surprised at how smoothly things went - it was still quite a

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1133877123258542122005-12-06T08:48:00.000-05:002005-12-06T08:52:03.270-05:00

Quick update - ultrasound went well, they estimate that Amanda weighs approximately 7 pounds, 3 ounces right now. I was relieved to hear that she isn't over nine pounds!So we're still status-quo. Tomorrow night, 12/7, we report to the hospital at 7:30PM for Cervidil. Thursday morning, 12/8, they will begin the pitocin.Shortly after that (hopefully shortly), our 3 1/2 year quest to have a child

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1133782109128516372005-12-05T06:25:00.000-05:002005-12-05T06:28:30.466-05:00

Lest anyone think anything has changed, it hasn't. I'm still home, I'm still pregnant.I was telling people yesterday that clearly this kid is my daughter, as she has already picked up my bad habit of showing up very late for important events.We've got an ultrasound today at 3:00PM, just to make sure there is still enough amniotic fluid for Mandy to keep hanging out inside me. I am convinced

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1133619753087045762005-12-03T09:18:00.000-05:002005-12-03T09:23:43.050-05:00

Well, the due date has come and gone without any pomp and circumstance. I took down the ticker because at this point it is only going to bum me out to watch it say "40 weeks and 1 day pregnant, 40 weeks and 2 days pregnant," etc.Thursday just cannot get here fast enough.Oh, and did I mention, for the first time since early May, I woke up this morning sick as a dog! Nose running like a faucet,

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1133374142431868932005-11-30T12:46:00.000-05:002005-11-30T13:09:02.493-05:00

Yes, there is actually an end in sight to this pregnancy. I wish it were sooner, but just knowing there is an actual END DATE helps tremendously.I had a doctor's appointment yesterday, and for the 3rd week in a row I am still only 1/2 cm dilated. UGH! Because of this, the doctor scheduled the following for me:Next Monday, 12/5, I am to go to the hospital at 3:00PM for an ultrasound, to make

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1133124355004453942005-11-27T15:39:00.000-05:002005-11-27T15:45:55.030-05:00

Okay, I have been putting this off for as long as possible....here is a lovely picture of me, taken this morning. This is me, 5 days before my due date. Nice belly, huh? And look at those dark circles under my eyes! Very nice.It's almost over...I keep reminding myself of this!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1133045595313785082005-11-26T17:51:00.000-05:002005-11-26T17:53:25.163-05:00

No baby yet. But man, am I uncomfortable.Everyone keeps telling me I will "know" when it is time. Yet I keep having mini-false alarms left and right. It is absolutely exhausting. Let's hope my wait is kept to within the next 6 days, and not within the next 13 or more days. (My doctor promised me that the LATEST she'll let me go is Dec. 9th.)Ugh!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1132840613170738652005-11-24T08:39:00.000-05:002005-11-24T08:56:53.183-05:00

I just took a moment to go back and read what I wrote last year on Thanksgiving, on 11/26/2004, to see what a difference a year makes. I remember being absolutely miserable at this time last year, but interestingly enough I did stop my bitching for all of five minutes to say thank you for the things I had: my health, my husband, a potential new home, insurance coverage for my IVF treatments, and

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1132356042304141222005-11-18T18:09:00.000-05:002005-11-18T18:20:42.316-05:00

I can't do this. Who am I kidding? I can't be a MOTHER!I am far too immature, even at almost 35 years old, to be someone else's parent.I am far too selfish to me someone's mom.I am far too emotional to take care of another human life.I am far too overtired to take home a new baby soon.I am far too naive and inexperienced to care for a baby.I am far too ignorant to the needs of and dangers that

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1132186734412873692005-11-16T19:06:00.000-05:002005-11-16T19:18:54.426-05:00

Still busy as all hell with work. Crazy busy. Mostly, probably, because I have 4 work days left, and the people I work for are trying to squeeze every last drop out of me before my maternity leave begins. Also, probably, because I am such a consciencious employee that it matters to me that I tie up all loose ends in a nice ribbon so that I can leave with peace of mind, knowing that I didn't

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1131199939070094212005-11-05T08:54:00.000-05:002005-11-05T09:16:00.873-05:00

I hate that I haven't been posting lately. Hate it. I miss my blog. I miss my friends in the computer. I really, really do.It is just that work has been absolutely insane lately. I take comfort in the fact that I only have 2 1/2 weeks left, but in the meantime things are incredibly busy in the office right now and there is no avoiding it. I keep reminding myself that I am in the home

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1130510179992176192005-10-28T10:36:00.000-04:002005-10-28T10:36:20.003-04:00

35 weeks down, 35 days left. I love it!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1130426165972100772005-10-27T11:13:00.000-04:002005-10-27T11:16:05.983-04:00

Wow.I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. And I am only posting now to say that I promise to post soon!All because of a 4-letter word:W-O-R-K.UGH!(Thankfully, only 18 1/2 more work days until I go on maternity leave!)

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1129378491922595382005-10-15T08:04:00.000-04:002005-10-15T08:14:51.930-04:00

...And I am not talking about my baby shower, which is in a few hours.Here in the Northeast, it has not stopped raining in over eight days. I feel odd complaining about this, because of all the recent tragedies here in the US and abroad with hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.But man, it is depressing.Right after we moved into our new home, almost a year ago (!!!), we had a few incidents of flooding

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1129300757019676132005-10-14T09:35:00.000-04:002005-10-14T10:41:26.433-04:00

So I had my regular monthly doctor's appointment this past Wednesday morning at 8:00AM. Based on a couple of things I told my doctor, she ended up sending me to the Hospital for an ultrasound. I wasn't supposed to have an ultrasound for another 2 weeks, but in order to be "safe" the doctor decided she wanted it done today. She did so based on the following:She asked me if I was feeling a lot

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1128702407081418532005-10-07T12:21:00.000-04:002005-10-07T12:26:47.090-04:00

After not going to ANY games last year, which is a hard thing to accomplish when your husband holds season tickets to the Red Sox, I was really looking forward to being able to go to the playoffs this year, once they clinched the Wild Card Spot.So I am going to the game tonight.However, I am not as excited today about it as I was a few days ago. I really, really, don't want to be sitting there

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1128460925887779082005-10-04T17:12:00.000-04:002005-10-04T17:35:31.436-04:00

First of all, thanks very much to Ginger for coming to my defense against the anonymous commenter on my last post. Ginger is always so kind and thoughtful and I truly appreciate it.That being said, I am not upset or angered or offended by anon's comments. On the contrary, it sort of reflects honest feelings that I have had throughout the entire pregnancy. Here is what anon said:"Do you think

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1128382234710956272005-10-03T19:27:00.000-04:002005-10-04T17:12:15.593-04:00

I have not yet decided to officially close down this blog; however, I have launched a new blog which is going to primarily be dedicated to all things "Amanda."You are more than welcome to begin visiting this new site, which over the next few weeks should begin to have regular postings.The url is:http://mandyscrib.blogspot.comEventually, this site will be permanently closed and I will be doing all

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1128296727531524502005-10-02T19:37:00.000-04:002005-10-02T19:58:36.710-04:00

No, no, I haven't had a baby yet. The new member of the family I am referring to is Tivo. We picked up the new Tivo box today while visiting with Anthony's family, and I was laughing a few minutes ago when it occurred to me that those of "us" in the world who own Tivo refer to it as though it is another person in the house, as though it is a member of the family. Tivo is it's name-o, and it is

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1128125247043988642005-09-30T20:04:00.000-04:002005-09-30T20:07:27.050-04:00

My sister loaned me a maternity shirt that says that. It is totally true, though. I look at my belly and get excited when I see it move around; but I also look at it and get depressed. No, actually, wrong word choice. I get terrified that it is never going to be small again. That it is going to stay this way forever.And, my friends, let me tell you - my belly is BIG. So big, in fact, that I

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1127920860253264122005-09-28T11:20:00.000-04:002005-09-28T11:27:52.270-04:00

So when I got home from the hospital yesterday, all I wanted to do was go to bed and watch the recording of NBC’s new show “Surface” which I had Tivo’d Monday night. I was SO tired from the concert the night before I could barely function; how I drove myself home from the hospital without falling asleep behind the wheel is beyond me.I turned on the TV in the bedroom and discovered, to my horror,

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1127817180317783122005-09-27T06:31:00.000-04:002005-09-27T06:33:00.323-04:00

Wow.I saw a Beatle last night.My mom and I went to the Paul McCartney concert last night. I am exhausted, as I didn't get home until 12:30 and need to be at the hospital by 8:00AM today (an hour and a half away) for my glucose tolerance test.But it doesn't matter that I am exhausted - the show was ridiculously unbelievable.I saw a BEATLE last night!

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1127525228597274372005-09-23T21:20:00.000-04:002005-09-23T21:27:08.603-04:00

So back in May I posted about this show.Tonight is the season premiere (in about a half an hour). I have to admit, I am intrigued. And I WILL be watching.But I will be watching with pen poised, paper in hand, and the minute I deem anything inappropriate, inaccurate, offensive or insensitive, NBC will be getting a NASTY letter from me.If anyone else out there in infertile world watches the show

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1127348747204904012005-09-21T20:23:00.000-04:002005-09-21T20:25:47.213-04:00

Do I need to worry?My sister Cheryl and her fiance left today for a vacation to Austin, TX until next Monday. Just as Hurricane Rita was upgraded to a Category 5, the biggest threat. Austin LOOKS far enough away from the Gulf Coast, but I've never been to Texas.What do you think? They'll be fine, right?

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1127254505822829522005-09-20T18:11:00.000-04:002005-09-20T18:16:05.970-04:00

So...I failed my glucose test. I just barely failed it - they want the number to come back under 140, and I scored a lovely 142.Next Tuesday, on a previously scheduled personal day off from work, I need to go to the hospital from 8:30AM to 12:30PM for my fasting glucose tolerance test.Can you say....ick? Especially since the whole point of the day off from work was to sleep late, since I will

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1127006424115922982005-09-17T21:13:00.000-04:002005-09-17T21:24:25.116-04:00

Last night Anthony and I cozied up on the couch with a movie rental. "Fever Pitch."Can I just say, I wish someone had WARNED me that they had made a movie about my husband! It was uncanny. Anthony kept getting defensive with me and saying "I'm not as bad as him, I'm not as bad as that!" And suddenly, he'd interject with "I had that same Red Sox book when I was a kid."There was one scene in

Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150936.post-1126834504194309832005-09-15T21:21:00.000-04:002005-09-15T21:35:04.203-04:00

The good news is, our daughter is still, in fact, a daughter. In fact, I got a lovely picture of her - um - "girl parts" to take home with me. Didn't really need to have a photo of that, but...at least there is no doubt now.The bad news is, I still have placenta previa. It is funny, I completely wasn't worried about it because everyone (and I mean EVERYONE including the doctors) told me not to

Dawnnoreply@blogger.com