Ultrasound today

So today I was off to Honolulu again for a blood test and ultrasound to check my progress. We're not actually 'officially' started with everything yet as we're waiting for good old "Aunt Flo" to show up.

It was weird going to Honolulu by myself. Interisland airfare is just too expensive to warrant Peter coming with me everytime. But I love to drive, so driving the freeways weren't a problem or anything. I just sang to myself in the car!

When I arrived at Dr. Vu's office, one of his past patients was in the waiting room with their new baby girl. When Dr. Vu came out to say hello, the woman leaped up, wrapped her arms around Dr. Vu and thanked him profusely. It was quite a moment. It was nice being there to witness that.

The ultrasound was fine and now we're just waiting for my cycle to start and I'll be heading back to Honolulu on cycle day 6 and perhaps cycle day 9. After that, I'll be traveling a lot more frequently and once the egg transfer happens mid-September, will need to stay there for a week or so on bed rest. I'm having a hard time finding a hotel, as the choices are limited: super cheap no amenity hotels, or hotels that are WAY too pricey for me to be able to afford a week. So we'll have to figure out what we're going to do because I'll be there by myself quite a bit while Peter is on Maui working a few days in between. I just need a hotel with room service as I won't be able to walk outside and stuff.

So I'm still on my Lupron and I'll start the Gonal F injections on CD2. I had to warn Peter because the nurse said I'm going to be one hormonal person soon (I thought I was already!). Poor guy. At least he's been warned. Anyway, I'm more of a crybaby than raging b*tch anyways.

OK - onto another subject....

I watched the ABC special tonight about hurricane Katrina. SO SAD... We gave some money to the Red Cross, as much as we could give, but I wish we could do more. Heartfelt wishes go out to all the people out there.

And one more thing before I sign off for the night... gas in Kahului hit $3.44 per gallon today! OHMYGUSHNESS... thank goodness I have a little car.

Goodnight!

All the scoops

OK.... so we finally passed the day that I was waiting for.

FIRSTLY, I'd like to send a BIG congratulations to my brother in law Pat and his girlfriend Lisa. They just found out today that their baby will be a little boy! =)

Now for the rest of the scoops.

Peter and I flew to Honolulu on Friday the 19th to meet with Dr. Vu at the IVF clinic in Kailua. Traffic was crazy. The doctor is wonderful, explained everything, and is so helpful.

He explained that I have PolyCystic Ovarian Sydrome (PCOS) which nobody had ever told me before. It explains SO MUCH that goes on with my body in regards to ovulation, weight gains, hormones, ect. He said he has worked with PCOS patients with success. That's not to say that there isn't any risk. PCOS patients are more prone to diabetes and earlier childbirth.

So what does this mean for me? A complete change of lifestyle. I'm very proud to say that I've been sugar free, caffeine free, and preservative free for three days now.

So anyhoo, I am now on Lupron injections as well as baby aspirin, and a few pills. I go back to Honolulu on Weds 8/31 to check my blood levels, and if all is good, then I start the gonadatropin injections as well and the egg retrieval and transfer will happen sometime mid-September.

Needless to say, I am very excited and nervous all at the same time. We're thinking of trying for twins, and I made Peter promise that when the babies come we'll still make time for each other. That's my biggest fear... that I'll lose my best friend. But he promised and that made me feel much better.

So in the meantime, I am definitely being affected by this medication. I am tired, sluggish, bloated, sore.... I know this won't be easy, but I need to vent somewhere!

Not to make this a novel entry or anything, but I had a wonderful birthday too. Peter surprised me with a trip to the spa at the Ihilani where we were staying. It was very much needed and a really nice treat!!!

That's all for now... Pau...

Be grateful...

Working in the tourism industry, it never ceases to amaze me how ungrateful people can be. And these are adults no less. In my day to day working life, I do about 17 portrait sittings a day. These are FREE little sittings with the waterfalls and greens in the background at the Westin. Out of those 17 maybe about 5 will say thank you. This blows me away.

It astonishes me that people can actually critisize my work - devalue my work - just because it's free. And they do this in front of their kids. What kind of message does that send to the kids? It tells them that it's ok to critisize someone. It's ok to turn your nose up and walk away without a second thought.

It's very important to me, especially now, to recognize the kindnesses and good thoughts of others. Even it's a small little thing - a smile and a thank you can make someone's day. I know that one small Thank You sure makes my day better.

Talking like Eeyore

Having a rough morning today. I woke up not feeling very good, but dragged my butt to the Westin anyway. My first two sittings were really nice - but it was funny because I sound like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. "Good Morning... How are you?" in a really slow voice. hahaha ... at least my humor always stays with me.

I'm looking forward to going home and having some tea and jumping in bed - shutting my eyes and making everything quiet.

It's Friday today and only one week until we go to Honolulu. I'm nervous and excited. I've had such a tough time having doctors help me out because they always pull the line, "You're young. You've still got time.". HELLO! RED FLAG! That's the point... I am young and I shouldn't be having this issue so it's obvious somethings up. So I'm really hoping that this doc doesn't pull that line. I'll probably dress a little older and make my voice lower. Which is hard because my voice is so high and quiet.

The quiet, soft voice works out well when telemarketers call though. "Sorry... my mommy isn't home right now. Okay, bye." hehehe - I'm terrible.

Well, my eyeballs feel like they're going to pop right outta my head so I'll stop here for now.

Lub lub,

Mariah

ps) The new plants that I planted in the backyard are still alive after almost 2 weeks! YAY! I've been keeping them watered and they're doing great. =)

The Last Day of July

It's hard to believe that July is done already. I'm relieved that my doc appointment is getting closer, but gosh... AUGUST already? This year has really flown by - no joke!

My mom told me today that my brother is really sick and had to go to the hospital last night. I'm so glad that he's back at home resting - I just wish him a speedy recovery.

Today I did work on the backyard. Basically, I kill every plant that we've ever had out there - well not really ALL, but most of them. So I went to Lowe's today and bought a bunch of new plants and Miracle Gro and stuff and I spent a good three hours weeding and planting the new stuff. It looks GREAT! I have more weeding to do tomorrow and I also have some solar powered lights to add some ambiance out there. Let's hope that I don't kill everything!!!

Tomorrow is a busy day... I have an engagement shoot in the morning with a couple that's getting married on Friday. It's so nice to do the engagement sessions because then we meet in advance and they get used to being in front of the camera. And then I also have a small wedding in the afternoon. So definitely a busy picture day - but that's great. I love photography!!!

Well I'd better get to bed. Welcome August!!!

The countdown is officially on - 19 days and counting!!!