My Cure for Stress

"I'm not stressing."

That's the quote I use to chant to myself and say to my husband when I was working at a high-stress sales job years ago.

I'd ramble off about the annoying people I'd talk to, how my commission was on the verge of a higher bracket, and how I REALLY wanted to use the extra money to save for that new car.. "But I'm not stressing," I'd add to the end of my rant. Kind of like how you can say whatever you want about that girl you don't like at work but just add "bless her heart" to the end to make it all ok.

The last week in a half I've been trying hard not to stress... Less stress = better incubating quarters. I also decided to do some of my favorite things in order to make me feel better.

First, I got a pedicure. LOVED it. Sadly, I hadn't painted my toenails since my cruise in January... Yea, a pedicure was WAY past due, and SO relaxing. I brought Fully Fertile and had to highlight a great quote I came across regarding mental stress and negative thoughts: "Every day you need to weed the garden of your mind. Pluck out the negative thoughts, words and feelings by the root. If you don't they will grow like weeds and begin to take over even your most positive thoughts." What a thought to remember!

I also started listening to Circle+Bloom and I'm LOVING it. I try to listen to it in the morning when I get up, or at night before bed, and enjoy the meditation and relaxation it brings. More on this later!

Then, I went SHOPPING. There are few things that can make me happier than spending money. I walked past Bath and Bodyworks and noticed they had a new scent, so I decided to stop in and smell it... And loved it. Then the lady had me sold when she told me about their buy 2 get 1 free promotion. The bubble bath was only $12 and a bubble bath sounded SO nice, so I got that, the body mist, and a free tube of body cream.

Snoop even got some pampering at Petco. I couldn't fully enjoy my day off knowing he was at home missing me! So I dropped him off for a bath and brush while I got my toes done. He thanked me.

I also did something I'm so excited about because it's something I can cross off my "Baby Bucket List." I started Yoga! I've been waiting awhile to start a Pulling Down the Moon fertility yoga class but it keeps getting rescheduled, so I'm taking a gently moderate class for now. My yoga instructor is AMAZING. She's so nice, and afterwards I feel like I've gotten a good workout and had a chance to relax and calm my nerves.

After that I went home and got all dolled up with my hubby and we went to my company party. It's always fun looking extra fancy from time to time, and it definitely got my mind off things. We didnt' stay much longer than an hour or so. It was a blast, but the "open bar" doesn't keep non-drinkers around as long as unlimited cookies... I didn't see cookies.

If you live in Central Texas and have thought about taking fertility yoga let me know, I'd LOVE to join a class together at Sundara Yoga! And on that note, Pulling Down the Moon has been SUCH an inspiration in my whole journey. I love their 12 week holistic program to fertility, and though mine has turned into more like a 20-week plan, it's helping me so much.. Really, I've even started to eat more organic food for heavens sakes (more on that later)!

I heard today that they are up for the Shine A Light award, as a small business that is making a BIG difference! They are making a BIG difference in my life! So I've voted, and if what you've read has made any kind of difference for you please help and vote for this deserving small business.. Helping so many women, infertility struggles or not, to get ready to get a bun in the oven! You can nominate them here.

In other news I got my first BFN.

The 400th Follower Giveaway Part 3

CLOSED!

Day one and two are still going well, and my vacation is going well too! I went to a waterpark today with the hubs, my sister in law and her husband... It was a fun little double date. We also took some fun family pictures this morning, I can't wait to see how those turned out. AND guess what I'm doing later today?!... Getting drilled drilled baby! That's right... I've never been SO excited to go the dentist and here's why! I'm not sure how I manage to find time to write real blogs on vacation but that post just came to me last night. So... If you're missing my ramblings here this week go read that one... And please leave a comment so they know people read my blog and want to keep me :)

But it looks like you all are still having fun with this contest, and I'm glad cause it's been quite a task putting this together. But worth it! I'm so happy to be able to give back a little in a creative way. So enough of my chit chat... On to day 3, back to classy things for all women... Moms or not!

To start it all off today I have something pretty and unique for you...
12. Erica from Garden Goddess Mosaics is donating a beautiful custom ceramic necklace to one of you! Right now she has some beautiful new summer colors flying through her shop. But if this combination isn't your thing, don't worry, you can mix and match the colors you like and put your own initial on there to sport your stuff--And she also had pretty flower and butterfly designs to choose from. I think it would go with with your favorite bathing suit or summer dress, and you could parade around in matching jewelry. She has many beautiful vivid colors that just POP and guess what?... She hand paints it all!! She's a busy woman but she's offered to make a custom one for the winner of this giveaway! So check out her site, tell me some colors you like or what you see that you like and the design you'd like on your necklace.

The next prize will come in such handy you don't even know...
13. At least for me that is, because I LOVE having cases for things... Especially if they're matching! Meghan's Designs Etsy is giving you not only an adorable checkbook cover but an adorable business card holder to match! Want a stylish way to keep your business cards organized in your purse? Want a place for your credit cards? Or do you want a nice gift card holder? This checkbook cover has two pockets. One for your checks and one for your register. Ok ok, it may seem dorky to you... But I think it's SO great to have a place for everything... And if my checkbook had a cute case to sit in, I'm sure I'd treat it better.--Same with my business cards! So if you're anything like me than take advantage of this opportunity NOW! Check out her site and let me know the fabric you'd want your covers to be in.

I'm really honored to be giving away this next prize, and I'm really thinking you'll love this...
14. Diane from Iris and Lily makes BEAUTIFUL photo albums, and and she's giving one of you a CUSTOM album which holds 100+ sleeves for 4X6 photos with memo space. When I looked at her work... Especially this sample pictured, I was stunned! I want preggo pictures one day.. Maybe that's why this one caught my attention, but don't let that alarm you! You can take what ever picture you want to go on the front and she'll hook you up! She'll let you send your own photos, choose the fabrics, personalization, and she'll put it all together for you. Iris & Lily albums are custom-created with your photo and choice of fabrics when you order. You get to design the perfect album for new parents, grandparents, anyone you choose. It's a completely one of a kind keepsake. Normally these cost around $59 from her shop. Yes yes, you're welcome! Well don't stop here... Go check out her site, and come back and let me know what kind of picture you'd want on your book, and what you'd be getting it for as well as any fabric ideas you have for it.

Well, you know how I've been talking about starting yoga soon... If you're interested like me you'll like this next prize.
15. Michelle from Chella Bella Designs makes the CUTEST yoga mat bags and when I saw them I nearly flipped! Ok... So I admit, I haven't been to a yoga class yet, so I don't have the mat or anything yet, but you better believe, once I start it's going to be like the first day of school all over again when I walk in with my cute yoga clothes, a mat and matching bag... Oh yea, that's me. Well, if you're a dreamer like me, I'm going to help you out with fulfilling that dream by giving you the chance to win one of these adorable yoga mat bags. This one is probbaly my favorite right now but I change my mind daily. Check out her site and let me know which one you like! The winner gets a $15 bag of their choice.

Are you a home decorator like I think I am? If so... Check out this next item, and last but not least one for today.
16. JK Vinyl Designs makes all sorts of beautiful vinyl designs and sayings for your home, and they are giving away one design to one Baby Makin(g) Machine reader! I've browsed through their site and there is SO much to choose from. Twilight sayings, family names, love inspired family quotes... Oh I love it all! I could put those things all over my house and be happy with it! If you haven't used this stuff before, it's really easy to apply and remove. No painting or gluing necessary! And the winner gets to choose ANY of their vinyl designs... So check it out and tell me which one you'd want for your house (or a gift for a friend's home)!

So there you have it! Just leave a comment for your first entry! That's it!! No requirements, just leave one comment and you're in! BUT if you want something specific for one of these prizes let me know which color/style you like. Go ahead... Leave a separate comment for each choice, that'll up your odds! Here's other ways to up your odds:

You get extra entries by letting me know:

-You subscribe to my blog
-Become a Facebook Fan for my blog
-You favor my blog on Technorati
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (just click the link)

-You Tweet/ Facebook about this contest (every day you tweet is an extra entry!) Please say: "Check out this 400th follower giveaway by @babymakinmachin 25+ prizes! http://tinyurl.com/nzmfpn (Please RT)!"

-You follow my blog (worth 2 entries so leave 2 comments)

-You share your favorite "mommy moment" post you wrote this month (2 entries)
-You post about this contest (2 entries)

-Leave a comment on one of my posts for Conceive Magazine (2 entries for each comment on a different post)
-Leave a comment on one of my posts for MyBrownBaby (2 entries for each comment on a different post)

-You have my blog button (3 entries, so leave 3 comments)

-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards (worth 5 entries! So leave 5 comments)

-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Black Weblog Awards (worth 5 entries!)

Again, Please leave a comment for each extra entry! That way you up your odds!

**I'm using Random.org to choose the winners. This contest closes Wednesday July 15th**

Is this your first time visiting? ...Don't forget to check out the giveaways below from Monday and Tuesday! A LIVE giveaway is tomorrow for lots of fun stuff! Stay tuned for that!

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!