My Top Ten Baby Making Tips

Now I'm not a fertility expert or anything but I do know a thing or two about baby making. Before trying to get pregnant, I researched fertility tips and tricks and thought "what the heck, why not try it."

So in no particular order, here are some things you can keep in mind if you think you may want to try to get pregnant in the next year or so:

1. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins: Never too early to start. It can take your body a few months to stock up on all of the nutrients you may be low on (especially folic acid), so it's not a bad idea to start a few months before you begin trying to conceive.

I picked up some cheapos at first but then a few people told me they go straight through you and don't break down right. So I got Garden of Life Raw Prenatal vitamins. All of the ingredients are things you can understand, and while they don't taste the best, they're easy to swallow. I also took the Oceans Mom vitamins (and still do) which has DHA and is great for baby's brain development. I attribute Lil' J's advanced intelligence in part to my religiousness of taking these.

Vitamins not your thing? BeNice Prenatal is a drink that comes in a packet you mix in with water to get all the prenatal vitamins you need! (Free shipping right now too!!)

2. Eat Healthier: Really, you should be getting all of your nutrients from food but take note to things you can cut back on, and what you can eat more of. Green leaves are more rich in folic acid, so eat lots of yummy salad. Also, cut back on caffeine. Studies are back and forth on whether or not caffeine affects the ability to conceive but it doesn't hurt to take a break from it. I did, and haven't looked back since. I had my husband give it up too because excessive caffeine can affect sperm count.

Also, think about cutting out artificial sweaters if you haven't already. If you're craving something sweet, BellyBar has a bunch of yummy things to try. I love their shakes but my favorite is their Berry Nutty Cravings. They also have a new "boost" bar that compliments your prenatal vitamins.

3. Keep Warm: I read a great book called Pulling Down the Moon which has 12 steps to optimizing your fertility. One thing I thought was interesting learning about were my body's processes, and how fertility is a warm process, therefore drinking warm liquids (or water at room temperature versus cold temperature) made less work for my body. I dunno, maybe it was all in my head but I ate a lot of steamed veggies, and drank a lot of warm water with lemon, and if I ever ate something cool, I would usually drink something warm with it.

4. Use a Sperm-Friendly Lubricant: Did you know stuff like KY jelly inhabits the swimmers from getting to their destination? It's not birth control or anything but it doesn't help things when you're trying to get pregnant. I used Conceive Plus. Which doesn't inhibit them and supposedly helps the swimmers get there easier.

5. Keep the Legs Up: Ya know. After doing the deed. Use good old gravity for 5-10 minutes to get the swimmers on their way.

6. Get Your Spouse Involved: My husband thought I was a little crazy when I was telling him what he could and couldn't eat and to skip hot baths. But it's good to discuss things and make sure you're on the same page. It's a good idea for him to eat better, exercise too. My husband used these vitamins. Oh, and Horny Goat Weed is supposedly suppose to help male fertility but really... Who the heck knows! Whatever you do, don't be like me and turn in to a sex natzi.

7. Relax: It's the #1 think you'll get tired of hearing from people when you're trying to conceive. But try it. Go on a baby-makin moon, or try Circle + Bloom (a fertility relaxation program). I did both. Use this as an opportunity to try that yoga class you've been eye-balling. Or start a new book. Something to get your mind off trying to conceive (TTC). If it doesn't work, you can always think about all of the reasons why you DON'T want to get pregnant and try to trick your uterus using reverse psychology.

8. Get Regular Exercise: I took my dog for a jog every day (obviously pre-baby. Now he's lucky if I remember to pet him). Gaining or loosing weight can whip your baby making machine into gear! You can try Carmen Electra's Striptease DVDs like I did during my stripper stint and hit two birds with one stone!

9. Know Your Fertile Days: There's a few key days every month that you're most fertile. You can take your basal body temperature every day to track when you ovulate. I did this for a month but it really took the fun out of "being spontaneous" (but even when I wasn't tracking I still knew when I was ovulating I just didn't tell my husband so he thought it was spontaneous). I recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility to learn more about that good stuff.

10. Know it Can Take Time: Only about 25% percent of couples actively trying, get pregnant in the first month of trying. You really have only a 25% chance in any given month but 90% of couples get pregnant within a year of trying. So don't give up!

Questions anyone?

And here's a little something to help--Everyone who comments on this post before October 9th will be entered to win a pack of the Garden of Life Prenatal Vitamins I mentioned earlier!

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Random.org winner: Commenter #37: Brittany!

The Road from TTC to Pregnant

When I first began my journey to try to have a baby I was so anxious, excited and scared. In my journey of preparing and researching fertility I realized how not-easy it was for so many people. It seemed as though many friends I knew in college were able to get pregnant easy enough but for many, I didn't know the story behind their baby story.

As I learned the challenges some of my friends faced I began to wonder what my journey would be like.. I wondered how long it would take for us to get pregnant. I didn't know why I'd feel so confidant about it being the time to try to have a baby then it take years to happen... But maybe it would just be a trial for me to overcome. I wondered if we were secretly infertile. I knew, and know so many people who didn't know why they weren't conceiving, why their cycles were irregular, why they had to wait a year to get professional help.

I sorta knew way to much to begin with. My cycle was 28 days exactly but I knew that didn't guarantee my fertility. What if the problem wasn't with me, but with my spouse? I prepared as best as I could, but all I could do was hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

I know some thought my ramblings of insecurity were premature... And perhaps it was, but it wasn't a mockery I was portraying... Rather my true feelings on the topic of trying to conceive. And I imagine they're similar feelings of any woman who wants to become a mother... A woman who has compassion for friends she knows has struggled but wonders what her fate will be.

I was shocked, to say the least to find out I was pregnant... And so quickly. But I also felt like I had immediately become a traitor to my friends who were still in the trenches of TTC. I had only gotten a taste of the trial and already I was rescued from the pits... Leaving them behind. I felt so bad at first, I didn't know how to be excited, how to share my excitement while not causing pain. I KNOW how that feels. I didn't know it to the same extreme, but there were so many times... Even before we were trying that I wished we were in the right time and place to have a child. Then after beginning to bring a baby into our home, I got just a taste of the sting when a friend shared the news of their new baby. I could only imagine how that feeling is magnified by YEARS of experience and pain.

I knew what NOT to do... I knew how much I hated people telling me time and time again just to "relax." All of my research and preparing could have come across as stressing but I really was just trying to be informed. I know that's not a piece of advice I'll give to someone who is TTC. ...Because I'm sure they've heard it enough already. I know I did and we weren't trying for years and years. Actually I don't think I'd give anyone advice... Unless they specifically ask me for mine.

I didn't know what to do but blog on, as I had always been... Express my fears, excitement, frustrations, everything as I always have, and hope not to offend or hurt anyone. All the while I'm praying my friends trying to have a baby aren't far behind. Sometimes I don't know what to say, if I've said too much. All I can do is be myself, be honest, and hope I'm not hurting anyone, and hope that anyone struggling knows I'm not doing anything inspite of them.

My situation of expressing my journey has been unusual to say the least. I think most women start documenting their TTC journey once they've been trying for awhile... Maybe even once they've been diagnosed with infertility. I loved helping other women who were in the same boat as me, or not yet TTC but getting ready.

I know I'm not alone with this feeling either though because as some of my TTC friends cross over to the pregnancy side with me, they secretly message me with their excitement, I assume feeling the same sense of worry for expressing their happiness. It's such a quick and drastic change, and sometimes difficult to absorb and explain.

I want my friends on all sides of the TTC fence to know I love you, I support you, and I'm here for you in whatever way you want me to help!

I know my tone has changed based on what I'm going through but I'm still thinking and praying about my TTC friends daily.

Before I found out I was pregnant Fertilaid contacted me about doing a review and giveaway. I found out I was pregnant shortly after but still wanted to offer this Little Bundle Pack to one of my TTC readers... If you still read.

Here's info about the Little Bundle Starter Pack:

The Little Bundle Starter Pack helps ensure proper nutrition, promotes hormonal balance and improves cervical mucus production; all of which play an important role in the conception process.

FertilAid for Women is a doctor-designed supplement that takes a dual approach to aiding conception. It contains a full prenatal vitamin supplement (including folic acid) as well as an herbal blend of fertility enhancing herbs that help to regulate the hormones and normalize one's cycle. This "Just Right" formula of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs (such as vitex) is designed to improve your odds of conceiving.

Without fertile quality cervical mucus, sperm have a difficult time making their way to the egg. FertileCM is designed to improve both the quantity and quality of a woman's cervical mucus. In addition to mucus production, FertileCM helps to strengthen the uterine lining for better implantation of the embryo.

FertilAid for Women and FertileCM complement one another and were formulated to be taken safely together. Both are natural, non-prescription supplements designed to improve overall reproductive health and help you conceive.

But I'm going to up the prize a little. You get a Little Bundle Starter Pack PLUS goodies from me.
I'm throwing in my 4 Pulling Down the Moon Fertility ARTeas (I've only used a few table spoons of each) the containers are practically full!

Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Cleanse ($10.95)
Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Implantation ($10.95)
Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Nourish ($10.95)
Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Ovulation Support ($10.95)

A tube of Conceive Plus ($16.50)

A Clearblue Easy Digital Pregnancy test! ($8)

Self Fertility Massage DVD ($29.95)

1 FertilAid for Women
and 1 FertileCM ($45)

So about a $145 Value!!

Also, everyone gets a free download to Circle + Blooms Fertility Relaxation program for cycle days 1, 5, and 13. They recently lowered their prices and I HIGHLY recommend checking it out. It's the one thing I used religiously the month I got pregnant, and it really is relaxing. Try it for free before you buy!

You can also use coupon code "newyearsavings" to receive 10% off at www.fairhavenhealth.com.

I know it's not much, I wish I could do more, wish I knew what to say and that I could make EVERYONE pregnant (wouldn't that be nice?) But this is a little something I wanted to add to my Full Term of Giveaways for you. Consider this your TTC Kickoff Package. Whether you've been trying awhile or not, this is Baby Makin(g) Machine's good luck baby dusting basket of goodies!!

All you have to do is leave a comment to enter telling me why you'd like to win.

That's all! If you would like extra entries here are ways you can enter (leave a comment for each):

-Vote for Baby Makin(g) Machine as top 50 Mommyblog on Babble (once per day)

-Follow my blog.
-Visit Fertilaid and tell me another product you'd like to try
-Follow @Fertilaidamy on Twitter
-Tweet "I'm in it to win a $145 fertility package from @FutureMama including Fertilaid from @FertilaidAmy http://bit.ly/7Zwk2j" (2Xs per day)
-Give me a pregnancy tip!
-Become my Facebook Fan
-Add my NEW button to your blog!
-Add my Full Terms of Giveaway button to your blog.
-Post about this giveaway on your blog.
-Email Subscribe to my blog (don't forget to confirm your email!) OR Subscribe to my blog through one of these feeds (let me know which one in comments).
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-Tell me how you heard about this giveaway (you read my blog regularly, saw it on Twitter, etc.)

This giveaway ends January 22nd at 11:59pm. I'll choose a winner using Random.org Goodluck!

How it Happened: How Circle+Bloom Helped Me

Wait... Miss my big announcement? Read it here.

Well, it was after a romantic evening and I told my husband we should... Kidding!! I'll spare you those details. I'm talking about what I did... Or what I think I did that helped me become with-spawn.

The first month... And even several months before, everything was extremely thought-out. I took my temperature daily, and I figured out when I was ovulating. The first month of TTC I drank herbal fertility tea, ate organic foods, took a break from french fries, I used swimmer-friendly lube and had a healthy diet. I even stood on my head... Ok, well not really, but practically. I started moderate yoga, and I kept my cool. I didn't feel stressed. I was wondering all the time "am I pregnant?" But I wasn't stressing over it. At least I didn't think I was.

After the first month I took a different approach. My BFF told me I should tell myself I didn't want to get pregnant... As silly as it sounds I tried it. I didn't think about all of the rules. I are as much fast food as I wanted, skipped the swimmer-friendly lube, and baby danced when I felt like it. Ok ok... Well I had an iPhone ap to show me when the "green days" were (yes, there's an ap for that) but I didn't focus too hard on the whole process.

The only thing I did religiously last month was meditate while listening to Circle+Bloom. It's a natural technique to help you get pregnant. It's a great way to start trying to get pregnant as well as something to add to your current routine if you're already trying.

There are 30 audio tracks... One for each day of your cycle plus a bonus ovulation track, as well as an introduction. Don't worry, it's ok if your cycle is longer than 28 days (mine is actually spot on so it was perfect for me). One of my favorites was the bonus track... It went right along with my reverse-psychology ideas last month.Before I started, I connected with Joanne, she's the co-founder of Circle+Bloom. When she first told me about it I was a little skeptic. But I started using it the last week and a half of my first cycle (you can start it at any point). It was crazy how relaxed I became by listening to it. I sometimes listen to music while relaxing but this had a way of taking me into a deep... Almost hypnotic relaxation that I couldn't get to alone.

Joanne has PCOS, but she now has two beautiful children. She said exploring the connection between the mind + body, as well as the direct connection between stress and hormone balance and ultimately fertility, gave her the idea of creating a daily relaxation program that tracked to the monthly cycle. Given the fact that our bodies are changing every day throughout the month, a physiological daily guided visualization made complete sense to her. As she says “it was my “ah-ha” moment and one that I will never forget standing in my kitchen with this idea that hit me like a bolt of lightening. I have never turned back.”

If you're like me you LIKE to know what's going on with your body... But you also know stress can be bad for conception... And you also know annoying it is for people to tell you that. This program helped me relax, AND let me know EXACTLY what's going on with my body each day while I was TTC . It even made the two week wait, as well as the first couple of weeks of my cycle more interesting! As weird as it sounds it gave me something to look forward to every morning.

I personally loved the program! I think it helped me relax and ultimately helped me get pregnant. All of the other stuff I threw out the window but I stuck with this. I know I didn't try to conceive for long, so it's hard to compare the evidence... But I know with my extreme-controlling personality it can sometimes be difficult to just calm down. I think it's important to take some time daily to relax, and what's 14 minutes a day? Maybe it was my "I don't care" attitude, or maybe it was all of the french fries I ate... But really I think my new pregnancy had A LOT to do with this. Plus, it's nice an natural!

Want to try it? Circle+Bloom has a free download on their website for cycle days 1, 5, and 13! AND they're giving one full program away to one of my readers! That's a $125 value!!

Here's what you do to enter:
-Follow my blog (mandatory)
-Leave a comment with something you learned by visiting Circle+Bloom's site there's TONS of info on there, so that won't be hard (mandatory).

For extra entries (please leave seperate comments for each entry):
-Become my Facebook Fan
-Become a Circle+Bloom Facebook fan
-Tweet "I just entered @FutureMama's giveaway for @circlebloom's fertility relaxation program. http://bit.ly/2oHleg"
-Follow @CircleBloom on Twitter
-Add my NEW button to your blog!
-Post about this giveaway on your blog.
-Email Subscribe to my blog (don't forget to confirm your email!)
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-Download Circle+Bloom's Free Trial (5 entries! Please leave 5 comments)

Contest ends Saturday November 6th at 11:59 pm. I'll choose a winner with random.org. Good Luck!

I disclose: The product in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary or other means of compensation.

The Lost Blogger

When I first started writing in this blog I had never heard of a "mommy blogger." I mean, I have friends who have kids who write in blogs and take pictures of their kids and use it as a way to keep in touch with family. I get it. I have a family blog for similar reasons.

But a few months in to writing here I began to notice there were mom bloggers who took their blogging very seriously... Some even made a career out of it. And being the curious kitten i am, I inquired further.

As I've developed my blog I've found I'm in the strangest "no man's land."

Single and Newlywed blogs didn't quite fit into my theme as I'm past that stage of marriage, and I hardly mention my husband.

I'm close to fitting in the "Baby Blog" group, except for the fact that I don't have a baby. I try to cheat sometimes and count my dog, but that didn't always fly.

Preggo blogs seem to be a fairly new thing to me at least, they are cute but I can't pretend to be in that group either. Next thing you know I'd have someone accusing me of being that scary lady who stalks pregnant women and carve their baby out to pretend it's my own... Oh wait, nevermind, someone already accused me of that last week.

"Mommy Bloggers" are open to letting me hang out with them because I'm "different" but I often felt excluded when meme topics would surround children and "stay at home motherhood." My mind is always flowing with questions about motherhood, and I think one thing moms like to do is give advice. Solicited or not. I'm always here to listen/ read, and ready with open ears... Er, eyes.

And last but not least, "Infertility Bloggers" almost always immediately rejected me... How could I know what it was like to want a child? I haven't been trying for as long as they have, a few even wrote me hate emails and comments telling me how the tone of my blog offends them. Lord knows that's not my intention at all, in fact, I had no idea people could be so upset about me writing about my journey. I've never tried to compare myself to someone else who's gone through as much, but sometimes people take me the wrong way.

I mistakenly tried to add myself to a list of what I thought were "TTC Blogs" But come to find out they were "infertility blogs" and I'm not allowed on the list cause I haven't been diagnosed with infertility.

I'm not going to complain about that... It's a high price to pay to be on that list, and I'd hate to offend someone who thinks I don't deserve to be on it.

A "Fertility Blogger" I guess you could call what I've been. So many blogs of that sort are infertility blogs, so I think the fact that I'm writing about the process before knowing the state of my fertility is slightly revolutionary. No one really knows what to think of it.

And with that I've decided to make my own blogroll! I know a few of my blog friends are TTC bloggers too, and I'd love to have a blogroll of them to visit. Haven't been trying long enough to be on Stirrup Queen's list? That's ok! I'll add you to mine!

It's ok if that's not the theme of your blog, I can know to visit you often though, and check up on you! Also, let other TTC bloggers (if there are any others besides me) know about it too!

If you're not a "Fertility Blogger", let me know what kind of category you'd like to be in and I'll add you! I'll add a "Future Mama" list to it too. Maybe a "Trying for #2" "pregnant" even "baby blog" group as well. Let me know if you'd like to be added and how and you've got it

I found out last night that I WON Best Fertility Blogger on The Bump! Talk about a big week! We met our goal with March of Dimes then this! Thanks SO MUCH for voting! Now I'm up against all of the other "mommy bloggers" for the overall Best Mommy Blog Award. I know I'm not a mom (yet) but I'd love to win this for all of us TTC bloggers out there, or in-between mommy bloggers!

I won the $100 Gift Card to Pottery Barn Kids for my first win, and now I'm up to win $1000 in the Best Overall Mommy Blog Award!! Click that link and scroll to the bottom of the page to see the polls! Please vote often and as much as you can! This would be HUGE! :) But if I don't win it's ok! There are some big-named bloggers on the list and I'm grateful to have been nominated, and to already have won something already!

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PS: Sorry I didn't add this earlier!! The winners of the cutest "baby" contest:

Boy: #1

Girl: #23

Winners email your address to babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com so I can get you your prizes!

But please know I Loved each and every one of your babies!! They were all so beautiful and I CAN'T WAIT to have one of my own!!

Eating for Two...

...Even though it's just me. Sad right? No, it's all good! I'm preparing for that second person.

Last week I had an awesome opportunity thanks to the generosity of Pulling Down the Moon, to chat with one of their nutritionist, Sadie Wells, who specializes in fertility nutrition. It's really pumped me up, and gotten me all into eating better. ... Did you notice anything different? I crossed that off my Baby Bucket List!

I know it's just been a few weeks, but it's more effort than I've EVER put into this before, and I think it's a habit I'll be able to keep.

Nutrition is one thing I wanted to get down before getting pregnant to both help with that effort, as well as to help create good incubating quarters for my future mini me.

I am eating a daily dose of veggies everyday now (I usually steam broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots). As well as fruit (usually apples and bananas) along with rice (I switched to brown) bread (still on white.. So sad I know) and a huge difference.. I've been eating breakfast!

As long as I can remember I haven't been a big breakfast fan. I don't like scrambled eggs, not a huge pancake fan, HATE grits (I know, and I'm a southern girl, it's sad) and it's usually just too early for me to have an appetite.

After talking to Sadie, she really gave me the motivation I needed to get my to TRY to eat something in the morning. I started with an apple, some orange juice and some granola. After my body adjusted to that I've been adding more things and now I'm eating a full-fledged (pretty healthy breakfast: I usually eat granola with blueberries, and strawberries; some yogurt, a bagel, orange juice; a Bellybar, and herbal tea.

I also found a way and eggs that I like. I like them hard boiled, and I'll just eat the whites, but I also like them fried... When you cook it on both sides, and crack the yoke and cook it too. I sometimes will cut the yoke out and just eat the whites. It's YUMMY!

And speaking of eggs... One thing Sadie and I talked about was organic foods. I posted before about trying to eat more organic and starting small with yogurt and eggs. I've upped it a little bit. I'm buying more organic fruit... But pretty much just the kind I eat a lot... Apples, strawberries. Stuff like that. I'm not going crazy but the big thing is I'm trying and I'm learning!

What are your thoughts on organic foods? I'd love your take!

Sadie sent me a great list with a rundown of how much to try to eat in a day ie: 1 apple = 1 serving of fruit and I should try to eat 3 servings a day. That's been an easy way to break it down versus counting calories or something crazy like that, which would be hard for me to do right now.

One challenge for me is drinking enough water. Eight glasses a day is hard to remember, so I'm going to try to buy one of those half-gallon jug things, fill in the beginning of the day and try to drink it all before the day's over.

I do get quite a bit of my water from my herbal fertility tea from Pulling Down the Moon and from warm water with lemon. I didn't know this before reading Fully Fertile, but fertility is a warm process, and digestion should be warm too, so eating, or drinking something warm during meal time helps the whole process.

I know a lot of my lady friends out there right now are trying to have a baby, or maybe getting ready to! So I've decided to give a gift to one of you... (Or maybe you could give it to one of your friends!). And let one winner choose two ARTeas of your choice! I'll have them sent directly to you.

The ARTeas aren't made to diagnose, treat or prevent diseases, but they are GREAT for calming your mind during each phase of your cycle. There are four different kinds for each phase. As it says on their site:

Nourish ~ This fortifying blend of partridgeberry, raspberry leaves and blueberry helps strengthen and support a woman’s reproductive system and is recommended in preparation prior to beginning a fertility cycle.

Implantation ~ A calming blend of chamomile and other citrus flavors for use during the stressful “two week wait” to help relax the mind and body. Safe to drink during pregnancy, too!

Ovulation Support ~ The invigorating flavors of spearmint, lemon and ginger provide gentle support during ovarian stimulation in a medicated cycle. Also appropriate during the follicular phase of natural conception cycles.

Cleanse ~ A purifying blend to support the body's natural ability to detoxify. Perfect in-between fertility cycles and after a failed cycle. May help relieve symptoms of fatigue and sluggishness that are common after use of fertility medications. Combine with any of Pulling Down the Moon's professional detoxes. Not appropriate during pregnancy or during medicated cycles.

They hooked me up to try all of them, and it's hard for me to recommend my favorite. I love drinking each of them with breakfast and to have something nice and warm with any of my meals during the day.

So read the ingredients and think of which two you'll want if you win!

Here's the rules:
1. You have to be a follower of my blog to enter (or become a follower!)
2. Visit Pulling Down the Moon's website and in the comments section, let me know something that interest you, or something you learn.

That's all! But if you want more ways to enter leave additional comments if you:
-Become a Facebook Fan of Pulling Down the Moon
-Become a Facebook Fan for my blog
-Subscribe to my blog
-You favor my blog on Technorati
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-You Tweet/ Facebook about this contest (every day you tweet is an extra entry!) Please say: "I just entered @futuremama's #giveaway for #fertility tea from Pulling Down the Moon http://clicky.me/Gk"
-Leave a comment on one of my posts for Conceive Magazine (2 entries)
-You have my blog button (3 entries, so leave 3 comments)
-You post about this contest (3 entries)
-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards (worth 5 entries! So leave 5 comments- EACH email account you vote under is 5 entries :) )
*new*- Vote for my Blog in the Love this Site Awards- (5 entries) (per vote per account)

Giveaway ends October 9th 11:59pm! Goodluck!

Tomorrow I'm starting a BIG contest for a BIG cause! I hope you'll stop by to help out, and enter!

I Gave Myself a Fertility Massage

This post has been a LOONG time coming! I'm always looking for things to try to help with having a child, and when I found The Natural Fertility Shop I was IN. LOVE. So much information, so many things you could try! If you click the fertility Info tab you're taken to a whole other site that has natural fertility information about TTC and things on news, diet, herbs, etc.

I connected with Hethir Rodriguez, the owner and she introduced me to Self Fertility Massage™. I had heard of fertility massage before, but I wasn't sure I'd go to a place to have it done err... Before I was trying to have a kid. Hethir hooked me up with a Self Fertility Massage™ DVD but I didn't try using it until I was TTC. But now... I'm kind of kicking myself and wishing I did.

I think some people notice my blog and think I'm doing WAY too much too early, but I disagree. Why wait until you are six or seven months... Or a YEAR into TTC before you try something that could make a difference? What's wrong with trying natural techniques before you hit "the year limit" and can see a reproductive specialist?

I knew that I was waiting until I was READY to have a baby... Emotionally, mentally, physically, and somewhat financially. But once you're want that baby you want it NOW. I knew it could take awhile getting into it, but I wasn't going to let that fact stop me from doing what I can to help the cause.

I popped the DVD in this week, and by the time I finished I was amazed at how much I had learned. I almost skipped over the "reproductive information" section at first cause at first I was thinking 'Yea I've read Taking Charge of Your Fertility, and other books on the subject, yada yada I got it...' But I watched it anyway, and learned from it. It was really cool having someone demonstrate visually where all of your organs were, and seeing it presented in a different way off-paper.

The DVD walks you through step-by-step how to give yourself a massage that helps: Increase circulation, break up adhesions, and support normal reproductive health.

There were a could of times on the DVD where it said not to do it if you're pregnant, which made me thing 'shoot! I so should have done all of this before I was even TTC!'

There's also a really cool section on the DVD that walks you through self-pressure puncture. Like acupuncture but without the needles, and it shows you how to massage parts of your feet to help the function of corresponding organs in your body.

If you want more information about it, here's a quick video presentation about the DVD.



Anyway, I love it! And I have an extra copy for one of you lovely readers! If you're interested in learning another natural way to help with fertility I HIGHLY recommend this. There's a lot more information on her site too, so check out Natural Fertility Info and in the comments, let me know either a product you like from the site, or a helpful fertility fact that could help another reader!

Leave an extra comment if you follow my blog, or if you follow @hethir on Twitter.

Want additional entries? Leave additional comments if:
-Subscribe to my blog
-Become a Facebook Fan for my blog
-You favor my blog on Technorati
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Contest Ends Saturday August 19th at 11:59pm! Good luck!

In other news... I start fertility yoga tonight! Wish me luck at my first yoga class!

The Baby Makin' "Do's"

One thing I think I have on my side with this whole reproduction planning is feeling empowered by knowing my body and "what works."

It's not about stressing to me or over-planning, it's about going for what I want. For some reason I don't tend to do anything half-A (if you know what I mean).

I came across an article on Conceive's website about 14 Simple Changes That Enhance Fertility (aka becoming with-spawn), and I was surprised to find I'm already doing most of them. A lot of them I've read about in Fully Fertile too... Which has a holistic approach to achieving optimal fertility.

Let me share:

1. Get regular exercise.
Ok ok, it depends what you count as "regular" I've been pretty bad about my daily walks with Snoop lately, but I promise to do this better next month. Nothing too heavy, just stimulating the body more and making it think "baby makin."

2. Avoid artificial lubricants.
For now this isn't a problem, but did you know stuff like KY Jelly could keep the swimmers from getting to their destination? I did! So I got some Conceive Plus, I'm going to try. It's suppose to not only NOT prevent them from getting there but HELP them get there and survive a little longer. (A review and giveaway is coming).

3. Lose or gain if you need to.
My BMI is pretty much right where it needs to be for now but again this is about making your body think "baby makin'" so a little bit of exercise can help.

4. Don't forget the folate.
I've been taking prenatals for months now (and I'm getting a new natural one soon too that I'll be reviewing and giving away). I've also been taking a calcium pill daily since I know I'm not getting enough (I don't drink milk) and that can cause fertility problems for some women. The Bellybars I eat daily too also help with folic acid... Yum!

5. Have a bowl of full-fat ice cream.
I have to admit this isn't one I've heard before. The fat can help your body get all dosed up for baby! Since reading this I've been chowing down on cookie dough ice cream. I try not to eat too much though.. Or eat it with something warm (like a brownie... Yum!) Because digestion is a "warm process" according to Fully Fertile, and giving your body too much cool stuff causes extra work to warm it up.

6. Do it on the right days.
Well, umm... Yea, I'm doing everything but IT (without the blockades) once I remove the barriers hopefully we'll be in the clear. I was tracking my BBT for months but I lost my thermometer and I've promised not to buy another for a few months. I think I'll be ok though cause I know other signs.

7. Avoid trans fats.
No french fries? Is that what this means? Ok honestly, I haven't heard of this before and I am a little sad about it!!

8. Kick the butts.
Not as in booties, as in cigarettes... Never smoked, nasty stuff if you ask me.

9. Relax.
I'm getting better at this, trying to be happy, pray more and meditate more, still hoping to try yoga soon too... hopefully fertility yoga!

10. Keep it cool (for men only).
I have been yelling at my hubs about this and he seems to be doing his own research too, saying exactly how much caffeine he's allowed to have before it effects his boys... Either way, I'm keeping an eye on the bath tub temperature... I'll turn off the water heater if I have to!! ..Ok, for real though... I think it's pretty much ok as long a he doesn't go hot tubbing daily.

11. Cut down on caffeine and alcohol.
Never drank, so I don't miss what I haven't had. Caffeine I have COMPLETELY eliminated (yay!) ... Minus a few hiccups here and there when I've had a REALLY early morning at work.

12. Choose vegetable sources of protein.
I am a meat eater, which I think is also important for fertility, but I'm TRYING to choose more organic stuff, so I can avoid meat pumped with steroids and what not. I'm also eating more vegetables just because it makes me FEEL healthy.

13. Don't Douche.
I use this as a term, not a product... When I'm yelling it out my car window at the jerk who cut me off.

14. Assume the right position.
I've heard missionary works pretty good, then you've gotta stay that way for about 15 minutes after, or just go to sleep that way. I may get up after awhile to avoid a UTI, but we'll have to see how that goes!!

So there ya have it! Helpful right? I'm surprised I've been doing most of these things just for practice rounds, hopefully when games are in for real, I'll be set to go!

One other think I want to mention that I remember from reading Fully Fertile that I think is REALLY important and that I want to try to focus on is getting enough sleep. Our bodies need to recoup from the day and that takes time and a full nights rest. One of the challenges in Fully Fertile is to get at least 8 hours sleep every day for a week. I'm not sure I've gone a week straight yet, but you'd better believe I'll be using that excuse next month when I don't want to get up to let Snoop out.

Any others you can think of? What do you think of this list?

The Website I LOVE!: And Swag Love

It's hard to find people who understand me. Especially people I normally associate myself with in day to day life.

Just last night I was downtown with a group of friends, listening to live music at a bar feeling like I was in a different world. I wasn't drinking, (not that it's THAT uncommon), and (no joke) really just thinking what I'd be doing right then if I had a kid.

It wasn't that way the entire night. I had fun. But it really wasn't ME. Not anymore at least. I'd had my spurts as a city girl, loving to be out all of the time. But really, I'm a homebody. And I think blogging has helped me find other homebodies like me who would sometimes prefer to be home watching a movie with their little family than spending a night out on the town.

For awhile I would browse the web and find adorable blogs I love with moms and their cute babies. Or women who were trying to have cute babies. And other stuff... I still do!

I'd also find websites geared towards moms, and keep hearing about all of this "mommy blogging" craze yea yea yea!! But what about women like ME?! Seriously, I know I'm not the only one out here who is THINKING about having a child but not TRYING to!

Maybe I'm one of the only ones who is very vocal about it. Hey... I don't mind. But it's nice to find information out there for us every now and then you know?

Well, a few months ago I found this website... ConceiveOnline.com and I fell in love. You may have seen their magazine, but their website is awesome too!

Finally a site for women preparing to be mothers, or trying to conceive. But what's better?--They recently started a free community for everyone to join called My Conceive. Kind of like a Myspace for a network of women... But no drama! haha. I've already found lots of advice from women and had a great time "meeting" people in the same shoes as me! There's a great forum with a plethora of advice, and a great place you can chat with other women about all things baby-makin.

If you're looking to have a child in the near future... First second, third, whatever, or are experiencing infertility I HIGHLY recommend joining their group. Lots of great resources! And even in you're private about your baby-makin' business, you can join and just read the forums. There's great words of advice and encouragement given to others and it helps!
I also have a blog there too called Ready or Not. Yes, it's sometimes hard to believe there's MORE I can write about on this topic but there is. It's something I've really become passionate and excited about. Just recently they interviewed me on their Conceive on-air radio show, about my planning and blogging... And more planning. You can listen to it here. But I'm not the only blogger for the website. There are several others who blog about their struggles with infertility, or trying "organic fertility practices" also, there are a few women who have gotten pregnant since blogging for Conceive and they're blogging about that experience too.

They were one of my sponsors for Blogher this year and I had so much fun going around and telling people about them and my blog. They even gave me goodies to share like pens and hand sanitizers and things like that with the Conceive logo on it and I saved some for you. Oh, there's a back massager too (get your man to use that on you!) It also comes in a nice carrying bag I think is great for the pool or beach, or even as a makeup bag! I've also throw in some yummy Bellybars (I'll be telling you more about them soon) and two baby headbands made by ME! The bonus is a pregnancy test!! Woohoo! Hopefully it'll be the one to tell you good news (whatever you want that to be right now).

So let's call this the Conceive Goodie bag!!

Here's the list of what's in the prize:

A carrying bag from Conceive
A Conceive pen
A Conceive hand sanitizer bottle (great to keep in your purse and use whenever)
A Conceive back massager
A pregnancy test- I hope you get the answer you're looking for. I'm sending this with LUCK!
2 baby headbands made by ME!
2 Baby Needs Chocolate Bellybars (I eat these all the time, they're great for folic acid! and yummy)
(cute baby not included, that's an example of my headbands)

So if you're interested just leave a comment! If you follow leave 2!
*NEW* Comment on a Conceive blog post of mine or any of the other Conceive Bloggers for another 2 entries (per comment)!
**And if you join MyConceive (it's free) you get 3 extra entries!**

You get extra entries if you:
Follow me on Twitter
Subscribe
Vote for me in one of those contests to the right
Become a Facebook fan of my blog
Become a Facebook fan of Conceive

I'll close the giveaway a week from today August 20th!

The Progress--Reading Fully Fertile

Things have toned down and geared up at the same time. I've set an "official" goal for baby makin' time, and every day it's getting little closer.

I've accepted the fact that it may not happen right away, and have actually found out that it only does for 25% of people?... I dunno, if you ask me the number seems A LOT bigger than that. I mean, I feel like everyone I know is pregnant!

Despite that, I have calmed down a lot. I still give my husband a little crap every now and then for drinking caffeine, and wearing tight underwear, but I'm trying to go easy on him. In fact... He's even been cooperating and taking a male vitamin with Zinc and other good stuff to help his swimmers.--I'm not sure if he knows that's why I gave it to him--If so, he sure is being a good sport about it.

I'm still trecking my way through Fully Fertile. I'm more than half way through now and I've learned a ton! I've also been trying to read Taking Charge of Your Fertility for awhile but one thing I like about Fully Fertile is that it's less text-book like. The women who wrote the book share a lot of their personal experiences and write what they're experts in.

When I got to the part about organic foods and nutrition I was kind of dreading it a little--I've never really been big on the whole "organic craze" that's been going on lately. To be honest I read all nutrition things with a grain of salt... I don't feel like I have time to check every detauk if everything I eat with a microscope... I know I should be better, but I sorta figure since I don't drink or smoke, a strawberry that may have been sprayed with pesticides once in it's life won't kill me--As fast. BUT since I'm thinking I may be eating for two... Eventually, I'm trying to have a more open mind about these things (even though I swear a lot of women eat like crap and still have healthy babies).

I am making it my goal to eat a few things organic... Eggs, and some dairy products. I don't drink milk as it is, but take calcium supplements, but I like yogurt, so I'll try to buy those things organic.

I also love fruit, and I may try to buy organic fruit, or... There's a good list in the book of fruits that have the most pesticide, then their main nutrient, and a comparable fruit you could eat instead. For example: Strawberries have a lot of pesticides. The main vitamin in it is C and a good "nutritional match" with lower pesticides is: Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, orange and cantaloupe. I'm going to try to be more aware of little things like this as far as diet. Do you buy organic? Why or why not?

I'm also going to try to be better about sleeping. It's easy for me to stay up all night and read, write or surf the net. But sleep is one of the most important parts of the life cycle, and not getting enough could be detrimental.--Who knew? Instead of pulling so many all-nighters, I've decided to give my body a break and attempt to get 8 hours of sleep for the next month... We'll see how that goes! I'm not sure how many people I know who actually get that much sleep.

I've given up caffeine for the most part. I admit, I've snuck a cola here and there, but I'd say my headaches are proving my abstinence from the drug.

And the biggest thing that's been keeping me is the dentist. Well guess what?.. Wednesday is my big day to take care of that! I've been worried if I was pregnant any time before that the Novocaine I'm sure I'll need probably wouldn't be good for my growing spawn.

And on a sort of side note... Have you heard of Feng Shui? It's confusing but fun to read about at the same time. For instance... I have no idea the best place to put the bed since it's like a loose loose the way my room is positioned, however I'm not making up my bed again every morning, so I have a neat, and calmer bed to get into at night. There was a section on that in Fully Fertile too, I found it intriguing.

I know people are probbaly reading all of this and thinking I'm crazy. Probably saying to themselves I should "just have fun" at first. And I completely understand that. But I think it's hard to relax when in the back of your mind you know what the goal is. I will say though, at this point, I'm doing more of this research for fun an education rather than out of fear or paranoia. That's progress right?

As far as all the tracking goes, I'm still doing the BBT readings, however last month they totally screwed me up. I thought my cycle was going to be like 40 days cause my temperatures never went up but I was spot on around day 28 again. SO... Knowing that it has pretty much been that way since April, when I went off hormonal birth control--give or take a day or two-- I'm not going to stress about it the next few months. I mean... If you have regular cycles, isn't that kind of a good sign?

Just for fun, I'll try to see if I can figure out the big "O" day, and see if it's consistent, so I can possibly plan a baby makin' moon kick off... But we'll see. Am I going overboard? Ok, but really, women who want to get pregnant... How much planing are you doing? And to women who have gotten pregnant--How did you do it?--No, I mean, with food and sleep and all that good stuff, did you pay attention to all of that?

On another side note... It's the 4th of July! Happy Independence Day my friends! I hope you're having a wonderful time with those you love! I made this cake... Aren't you loving how domestic I have become? Ok I admit... I was running a little late so hubs baked it for me... But I decorated it!

***

PS: The winner of my "Labor Fascination" post giveaway with the wonderful birth coach Karen Angstadt from Intentional Birth is #54 Nichole from Scorpion Sojourn. I also love her blog "Smothered in Motherness" But it's private :) She's expecting her first baby and is 22 weeks along so this is PERFECT for her! Congrats! Email me and I'll get you in touch with Karen for your free hour session!

The Big Goal

I feel like I have so much to say and I haven't said it for fear of changing my mind, not sure if it was going to pull through, and other reasons, but I've decided to just LET IT ALL OUT today!

First off, I want to add a disclaimer to those who know me in real life (99% of you can probably skip down two paragraphs). "What happens on Baby Makin' Machine, STAYS on Baby Makin' Machine." And I'm not just talking about copyright issues or plagiarism. No, as far as I know I haven not fallen victim to this. I'm talking about what I'm saying here. Yes, I know it's a public blog and anyone who wants to read can read it, but I'd like to keep it at that.

Got a question? Ask me in the comments section, or in an email, I'd be more than happy to write a post answering it. I write about these things because it is easier to write about than talk about.

I wanted to get all of that out of the way before I said this. After six months of having this blog, going back and forth on when to try to have a baby. Debating whether or not I'm willing to sacrifice sleep. Getting off of hormonal birth control:...

I'VE SET A DATE!

See that switch at the top? Well my mental picture of my baby makin' machine switch looks a little like that and I've set a date to switch it on. I wasn't planning on blogging about it because I always thought when I turned my baby makin' machine "on" I'd want to keep it secret so everyone is surprised when they find out I'm with-spawn. Well, after much contemplation I've decided I will write about it, because it not only is a part of my journey but a HUGE part. And I think so many women are going through the same thing and hopefully what I go through, and what I learn can be helpful to them--AND women who have been through what I'm going through can share their tips--Yay!!

As for the date--Well, I said it first yesterday on Conceive Online. Oh yea, did I mention I'm the magazine's newest blogger? Check it out. If I'm not open enough here... You'll get all of the dirty details there. And join the "My Conceive" community and show your support for me there! The website was EXACTLY in my ballpark. I've never seen a more helpful site/magazine for where I am right now. It's ALL inclusive helpful information on before AND during TTC. The blog's name (which hubby helped me choose) is "Ready or Not."

But like I've said... The date... August or September. That's when I'm planning turning my baby makin' machine "on". I have been known to change my mind before--In fact, I didn't even blog about my last two goals... May and June. I sorta chickened out. Plus, there are a few things I'm trying to get done first.--For one, I'm going to the dentist again to get my cavities filled. I'm doing that in a few weeks. But this time, hubby and I are both working for this goal and feeling good about it. So I'm hopeful and planning on pulling through this time. I'll have been off hormonal birth control and taking prenatals or five months, and I've already for hubby hooked up with vitamins... Someone told me Zinc is somethin' a guy's gotta have so I went out and bought him some vitamins the next day. I'm hoping once I kick the machine into action it works, and that it isn't broken, but I'm taking steps to help with that too.

If you read this post last week, you'll know I've been a little nervous about being able to produce a baby. I mean... I haven't gotten pregnant on birth control and it seems like so many of my friends HAVE! I've also talked about my fear of turning into a Sex Natzi. Now that I know the rules to making a baby, and what helps, I plan to follow them to the best of my abilities to make a baby FAST.

In consequence to that, I know that can cause added stress and can cancel some of my progress. SO... I've decided to do something that will help lower stress, help with fertility AND cross something off my Baby Bucket List all at the same time... I'm going to try FERTILITY YOGA!

Cool, no? I have tried meditation once before, but never anything like this. I've been in touch with the wonderful women of Pulling Down the Moon, and (hopefully next month) I'll be starting a fertility yoga class here in Austin, and learn exercises I can do to help stimulate fertility, while lower my stress-level in the process.

I started reading Fully Fertile. Their book. It's a 12-week process to achieve optimum fertility. I'm suppose to read the entire book before starting the process, and I'm hoping to just be completing the process the same time I switch my machine "on."

I just finished reading the first section about breathing and yoga positions. I am DYING to get to it! I also read some good tips about good exercise and what's "too much." And another good cleansing tip I learned that I am SO starting ASAP is to drink a thermos-full of warm water and lemon daily. I don't normally like water with lemon but I think it'll be a fun experiment knowing it could help a little with getting ready for baby makin'! I'm also hoping to learn a lot more about good nutrition, healthy living, and things like that while reading this book.--I'll keep you updated on it!

I know a lot of people would see something like this and think that it's for people dealing with infertility.. And I thought that at first too, but then I realized that something like this is perfect for someone who is trying to get ready to have a baby. I know for some people it's just easy to do the freaky-deek and get pregnant, but for other's it takes work. I also know a lot of women who are going through "baby fever" and aren't sure what to do with themselves while they wait to finish school, or for their husbands to come around, or to accomplish a certain goal... I think stuff like this is great to do while you're passing the time.

I've said before that I don't think I'll have the "in-between" stage of "not trying, not preventing." In my eyes I either want to have a child, or I don't. And when I'm not preventing anymore I'm going to be trying to get pregnant.

I don't want to set myself up for disappointment, but I'm going to do some experiments the next few months. I'm going to try to do everything I can so I can get it right the first time. Worth a try right? We'll see! I will try my best NOT to be disappointed though if it doesn't happen right away--I can't control EVERYTHING. So I'm going to try not to stress in my planning, but have FUN in my planning. Make sense?

I'm going to be blogging about fertility yoga, and a lot more things I'm trying, reading, and experimenting with. I'm surprised by seeing the results of my poll, and seeing that so many future mama's like myself are reading my blog! It's nice to know I'm not in this boat alone... And I have lots of great stuff for future mamas and other women looking to make additional babies. I'm so excited for this commitment I'm making and the turn this blog is taking.

Hopefully this will not only continue my detailed diary, but also be helpful for others. So stay tuned for updates! And let the countdown begin!

Any advice?

***

To my real-life friends: If you read my blog--Thank you! But if you're a member of my family or a co-worker, I'd appreciate if my writings stayed with you and didn't become family/newsroom gossip. I only say this because I think sometimes things can get misconstrued, and all of a sudden, just because I want a baby one day, or have a dream about my child the next, I'm all of a sudden the "kid obsessed" person, or being asked if we're "trying to make a baby" in places I'd probably prefer not to talk about it. Sure, I'm an open person, and I'd be more than happy to talk with you about it in private.--I like to keep this blog (and my blog Twitter account) as my ONLY "public" forum. Thanks!

The Premature Breakdown

I don't know what it was or where it came from, but the conversation of "when"--The official goal-setting timetable of what we want accomplished first and when we hope my Baby Makin' Machine will officially switch "ON"--also turned on the knobs to my water works.

I've always been a big crier, so normally my sudden tears wouldn't surprise my husband too much, but this time it only confused him.

Him: "You're worried you're what?"
Me: *Sniffles*
Him: ???!
Me: "That I'm infertile!!"
Him: "What?!" (tries to stifle a laugh)
Me: "DON'T LAUGH AT ME!"
Him: "Well don't you think it's a little early to be worried about that?"
Me: "I don't know... All of my friends are getting pregnant on accident, and we've been married four and a half years and that hasn't happened to us!"
Him: "So you're worried because your birth control hasn't failed?" (tries to hide a smile)
Me: "Ye--No!"
Him: (Obviously laughing) "You are worried you're infertile because the birth control is doing what it's suppose to do?"
Me: "I don't know!"
Him: "Don't worry about that, it'll all work out. But if you are going to worry about it, at least wait until we're not trying to not get pregnant."

I had thought about it before but never had the worry hit me like I let it this time. We had a serious conversation about "whatifs"-- Though quite early, and probably unnecessary, it was nice to get it all out and talk about options and solutions beforehand.

Unfortunately, we're not the type who will have an in-between period where we'll "not try, not prevent." Both of us are a little too controlling to do that. We either want it or we don't--There's not really anything in-between about it.

Planning so much has really made me think I'm going to be a nutcase when it's time to rock and roll, and I worry that will prohibit me from achieving the ultimate goal...Actually, based on what I've read, I'm pretty sure it will. Getting all of this out made me think I'll be able to be calm and just let things happen. And while I still sometimes worry and think about and try to plan a step ahead of the "whatifs" I've decided to cross that bridge when I actually get there--Even through it's scary not knowing what's on the other side of that bridge.

Are you or were you ever worried about this?--Is it a normal woman thing?

The Sex Natzi

You know that commercial that goes: "When you're ready to have a baby, nine months is long enough to wait?" Well, they fail to mention 1. That is actually more like 10 months and 2. All the waiting beforehand!

There are a few technicalities I'm trying to work out during the next few months, before turning the Baby Makin' Machine "on" and into full-gear--But in the mean time, I'm planning my strategy--Sketching my blueprints--Setting the table--for when it's All Systems Go.

...You think I'm kidding? I'm planning a little D B Day of my own over here and there's going to be no excuses for not following my rules.

If he only knew what I have in store, he'd sleep with one eye open. I've already got plans for a few pair of underwear that just aint gonna make the cut. That's right-- Any undies that are the slightest bit tight... Gotta go! Can have any tighty-whities hurting the team.

Speaking of the team--Forget saving electricity. It's hot in Texas, and desperate times call for desperate measures... We're not sacrificing the swimmers for a cheaper electric bill.--And you'd better believe I'll turn the hot water off if I have to. Hunni likes to take a hot bath every now and then but that little habit has gotta go too.

Peas? "NO you can't eat that, what are you THINKING?!" ...We hardly eat them, but you'd better believe they're out of our diet for the next--Until I'm pregnant. Take the vitamin hun... I'm already taking one everyday, 'bout time he starts too.

Now's the time I also thank the Lord my hunni's not a biker... Cause I'd hate to make him quit a hobby.

And when my temperature shoots up and it's time to rock and roll...The dog is going to his own room and the house WILL be on lock-down. And I may just have to bust out those newlywed handcuffs again.

It's sad. Because I know if pregnancy just happened... I'd live with it. But knowing that I'm actually going to have to WORK for this makes me nervous. What if I fail? If it takes awhile? I know they say it does for most people but that's just not fair. People who want to, have to wait. And people who don't want to, get it anyway?

What if my Baby Makin' Machine is broken--And this whole time, all these years I just had no idea? Not. Fair. Every single month of failure will be TORTUROUS!

...I know stress can make things harder too... Perhaps that's a good excuse to get a spa massage daily during this process. And should I get one of these?

I promise I will NOT take fertility for granted. I've met my fair share of women struggling and who have struggled and my heart aches for them just reading and hearing about their stories. If I'm faced with the same challenge I worry I won't be as strong.

Having a baby isn't something I've wanted or admitted until very recently. Now it's practically all I can think about. Yea, I go back and forth a little still, but deep down I know there's a looming "yes" underneath all of my doubts.

I'm already tracking and researching... My sweet husband, when it's time to turn the Baby Makin' Machine "ON"... Poor guy's not going to know what hit him.

The Looming Question

I'm a sucker for infomercials. I try not to watch them but on the weekends, when I'm working there's one television above my desk that always shows the most appealing infomercials. I've already bought Smooth Away, Mighty Mendit, I'm about to go buy a Smamwow, and as soon as they release the college addition Snuggies, I'm all on that!

Given my background on infomercials I'm pretty much doomed when I see something somewhat relevant to me. If it's sold in stores, I'll search for it and purchase it the same week.

Last night it wasn't an infomercial that caught my attention, but one of those women commercials by First Response ...The kind that makes you think 'I hope my husband's not watching'. I actually like their pregnancy test commercials, (and when I've had a few scares in the past I was always sure to use their kits). But it wasn't a pregnancy test that caught my eye this time.

The commercial showed different women asking the same question "am I fertile?" We've all gotta ask ourselves that at some point in time right (or am I just crazy?) I've actually even found myself wondering if that's why I haven't had a "slip up" like some of my friends. It sounds strange but when you know as many people as I do who "accidentally" got knocked up, you begin to wonder if it just happens to everyone... And perhaps the reason it hasn't happened to me is because I'm... *gasp*... not fertile.

I successfully made it though my first month of Natural Family Planning method(s) as BC and stayed un-pregnant. While this is very good news, I am beginning to wonder even more if maybe I wouldn't get pregnant anyway.

Regardless if it's all in my mind, it's something I've spent some time wondering about and I think I'm going to give this so-called Fertility Test (no, not an ovulation test, that tells you when you're fertile this is suppose to tell you IF you're fertile at all!) a try. It tests your FSH level and can basically tell if your egg quantity and quality is good. Obviously if there is something else wrong I wouldn't know, but this would be a nice confidence booster anyway right? Just nice to know I think--Worth it to get a little piece of mind, right? You're suppose to take it on day 3 of your cycle and that's tomorrow for me. Just not sure if it's $25 for two tests worth it... Maybe I should save the cash, buy a new shirt, and eventually take my chances.

The "Natural" Family Planning Technique

WARNING: Some of the information contained in this post may or may not gross you out. So if you're a guy (specifically my husband) or if you find human sexual anatomy gross in any way, you may not want to read anymore. Consider yourself warned.

I've heard this called many athings. I've heard "not trying, not preventing," which in my book, IS trying--Which I may have been accused of in this post. But I beg to differ... I think people who may say "I'm not prevention at all, but leaving it up to the Lord" in turn will probably wind up pregnant, while those of us who are preventing still but say "If it still happens than maybe it was the Lord's will" is kind of a logical statement. I think if you're using SOME form of protection/prevention then you're not expecting to get pregnant. However, I do understand that my methods now may not be as effective, I'm still doing my best to stay un-pregnant.

One way I'm doing that is researching the Natural Family Planning or "NFP" method and/or the Fertility Awareness or "FAM" method. For now, I've just been mapping it all using the rhythmic method. I've been charting my days and what not and have been trying to avoid--(Ya know)--on certain days. I even downloaded a free iPhone application from Fertility Friend to keep track. It's REALLY helpful! Their website is nice too.
I've also heard of the ovulation/billings method, which seems a little more complex and takes more effort. You watch more for signs from your body, take your temperature a lot and check all sorts of nasty anatomy stuff. I bought a basal thermometer that I'm hoping to try to use, and map out my minor degree changes from day to day. If anything this should be a fun experiment right?

Here's my plan: Track as much as I can so I know what days to AVOID, and in turn, when it's baby makin' time, hopefully I'll have it down. But for now, I'll try to count and figure out the days, and keep using the magic gel (every time regardless) and hope I don't wind up pregnant for at least a few more months. I hear these methods work pretty well when used correctly.
I'm actually interested in finding more books on this topic. I know a lot of my friends tried this because they don't like hormones. Most of them are pregnant now, but I think it's because they weren't trying hard enough. At least that's what I'm telling myself so I have the confidence to make it though.

I hear this way of tracking is great for when you're TTC too because you'll know your cycle very well. Part of me doesn't get that though... Can't you just do it every day? That's one way to try to make a baby. At least that covers all of your bases! That's my plan at least.

I dunno, what do you think? Have you tried this method before? It work for you? Have any books or sites to recommend?