tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-179030352012-01-18T12:32:06.595-05:00Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.comBlogger741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-43558607750115402922011-07-11T09:35:00.000-05:002011-07-11T09:35:30.813-05:00

When we first bought our house, almost 10 years ago, we began making plans to build a deck almost before we passed papers.  We designed it with two levels, with the top level the perfect size to fit a table and chair set.  The table and chairs were great for the first few years, but then I grew really tired of it.  We only used them when we had company over, and it took up so much space. It never

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-53247242202022786552011-07-11T09:23:00.000-05:002011-07-11T09:23:09.039-05:00

A few months ago, I started the Live The Life program for eating and exercise.  I am proud to say that I lost around 20 pounds and a went from a size 12/14 to a size 6/8!  I've been a bit hesitant to post these pictures, because it was so easy to lose, I am afraid it won't be permanent.  It's now been about 4 months and I'm still looking pretty good.  I think there will always be little tweeks to

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-52075865819407097852011-03-08T09:16:00.005-05:002011-03-08T09:24:29.002-05:00

It has been over nine years since we moved into our house. When we moved in, there were sheers on the windows in the front room and I always hated the way they looked. After 4 years or so, I took them down and left the windows open. I've been using the excuse that drapes would hide too much light, so I never put anything back up.Well, a wonderful friend suggested that I hang drapes wider

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-13795210025396023052010-12-15T16:52:00.003-05:002011-01-13T09:44:47.672-05:00

play with the kids moreless "not now"run moreweigh lessdeclutter moreless spendingblog morecomplain lesssay "no" more and less

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-25812058596384249282009-06-28T13:27:00.023-05:002011-01-04T13:08:58.904-05:00

You are stunned, surprised, shocked even! Toni's blog suddenly popped up to the top of your list. Something must be wrong with Blogger today. No, I just thought that maybe I should start blogging again, and maybe you might like to see some new pictures of the girls. Enjoy!First, decorating Christmas cookies!ClaraLucyTessa, she did more eating than decorating.And Christmas morning pictures:

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-50182440482905227162009-01-23T14:41:00.004-05:002009-01-23T15:02:43.096-05:00

What better to pull me out of my anti-blogging days than the 2nd birthday of this gorgeous little girl!(and I thought I looked good in this hat...)Today is the 2nd Anniversary of the best day of my life, the day that Clara Rose was born... 13 days later than expected. We celebrated her birthday on Sunday, the coldest day on record since the day we brought Clara home from the hospital. Auntie

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-21238672826624515892008-12-09T10:11:00.003-05:002008-12-09T10:36:05.361-05:00

Lucy was sleeping, Clara and I were playing in the family room when I heard a knock, knock, knock. Clara went running to the front door, and I followed but, there was no one there."Gee Clara, we've been ...." but I realized that what had just happened to us should not be said.When I was a child, we played a game... we would run up to a door, knock on it, and run away. We called it, "N"

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-29767899761846818062008-12-03T14:23:00.005-05:002008-12-03T14:35:08.204-05:00

I've been feeling very Anti lately. Anti BlogAnti InternetAnti TVAnti RadioAnti ShoppingI feel like reading books.I feel like listening to Christmas music.I feel like playing with my girls.I feel like cleaning my house (huh?!?).I feel like cuddling with my Michael under the Christmas tree.I feel like taking a nap.I feel like staring at pictures of my girls... here's some of my new favorites...

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-33616255651551061612008-11-10T16:50:00.004-05:002008-11-10T17:01:00.716-05:00

Lucy was such a trooper for her photo shoot. I can't believe she is already 7 months old. She is such a happy baby and a joy for all of us. Even Clara is warming up to her.Enjoy the photos!View AlbumGet your own

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-21523271012691945672008-10-26T19:24:00.002-05:002008-10-26T19:33:50.619-05:00

Halloween comes early in our town... here's some pics of the girls and family... enjoy! Lucy, the bumblebee Clara, the butterfly Our family! Oh, those cheeks! I love the way Lucy is looking at Pop-pop Clara, after the first house, sits down to enjoy her candy. The dancing butterfly - can you say sugar rush?

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-51861471689669970312008-10-07T19:26:00.003-05:002008-10-07T19:33:39.083-05:00

Fall is the best part about living in New England! Michael and I are so blessed to have such beautiful little "pumpkins" in our lives!By the way - thank you to Summertime Designs for the cool swirlys! http://www.summertimedesigns.blogspot.com/

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-68035154687471449502008-10-04T19:36:00.010-05:002008-10-04T20:13:49.098-05:00

Every day, for naps and bedtime, I sing Lucy to sleep with the song, "My Favorite Things." There is one line I can never remember, so I hum, "hmm, hmm, hmm, hmmm, hmmm, and crisp apple strudel." I always think, I really should look up the lyrics and figure this out, but then I get busy, or tired, and forget.A week ago today, we celebrated Lucy's 6 month birthday with a girls' only cold. Michael

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-85244750781499212782008-10-02T19:30:00.002-05:002008-10-02T19:37:17.340-05:00

OK, maybe not... but Lucy, Clara and I are featured in a friend's blog post. Since I'm too lazy to take pictures when we're out, I'll send you there to check us out (I must say that we're looking very good in these pics).http://grs919.blogspot.com/2008/09/lucy-and-clara-my-new-friends.htmlWe spent this Monday in Boston with some new friends, Deb, Allen, and Gabrielle. Deb is one of the women

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-28832961505312987442008-09-25T08:22:00.005-05:002008-09-26T07:15:02.816-05:00

Last Sunday, Clara, Lucy and I joined some of our neighbors at Tattersall Farm Days (the farm next door to our subdivision). We ate icecream, went on a hay ride, watched a hot air balloon take off, and fed the animals! Clara liked feeding the minature goats... she would say, "Eat! Mmmmm...". She also liked the baca bacas (chickens), and horsies. Enjoy the pics!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-69816265446613438562008-09-22T12:48:00.003-05:002008-09-22T12:52:02.519-05:00

You may have noticed a new blogger feature under your Dashboard... you can now follow peoples blogs! I've added a link on the right so you can come out of the closet and let me know who's reading... so sign up! Let's see those beautiful faces!Besides, how silly will I feel if no one is really out there????Add this feature to your own blog and you may just be surprised to find me already there.

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-87723028903891646752008-09-18T13:10:00.006-05:002008-09-18T13:39:31.288-05:00

These were common questions I heard when I mentioned to people that I was going away on a Mommies Weekend to Wisconsin, with a group of ladies that I had met on the internet. People were skeptical, telling me how brave I am, and probably thinking behind my back that I am pretty whacked out!Let me just tell you about the power of the internet... these woman (and many others who couldn't make the

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-55589674914808389682008-09-15T10:27:00.003-05:002008-09-15T19:15:02.686-05:00

How could I forget how soft my babies cheeks are??I did, I'm sorry, it won't happen again...Sure am glad I'm back to snuggle those cheeks again... I missed you girls!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-90466411195097240492008-09-09T11:42:00.003-05:002008-09-09T11:58:21.318-05:00

I've finally followed the example of some of my fellow blogging friends and added a playlist. I hesitated to add it, because, well, I don't have working speakers on my laptop (who knew you shouldn't let your 10 month old open and close your laptop repeatedly - thanks Clara - mwa!), and therefore I haven't listened to anyone else's playlist, and I wouldn't be able to enjoy my own. But, then I

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-58733771418615822262008-09-08T19:37:00.002-05:002008-09-08T19:51:18.805-05:00

OK, first things first. Isn't she a cutie?? I'm sure it's fun for you to watch another person's baby cry. Baby cry's are cute until they come from your child at midnight... Lucy is known around our house as The Screamer. Of course, in the middle of the night, she is known as many other names in addition to that (the whiner, the manipulator, the bitch). She was angry from the moment they

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-73509488593186413152008-09-05T12:52:00.006-05:002008-09-06T08:46:52.351-05:00

Lucy enjoying the sunshine Michael and Clara analyzing the waves Cool Clara, waiting for the next big wave. The sound of the waves scared Lucy, or was it mama screaming in her ear when a wave caught me by surpise? Clara loving the sand and her sand toys! In celebration of my birthday yesterday, Michael took the day off and we went to the beach with the girls. The day didn't start out as

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-77084443016175641812008-07-04T08:51:00.002-05:002008-07-04T09:22:54.944-05:00

Lately, I've been too exhausted to even think about publishing a new post on my blog. The girls are doing great and yes, I will post pictures again someday, but momma and daddy are going a little crazy with a cranky newborn and an "I think I'm independant, but not so much" toddler. Well, yesterday, something happened that is truely worth blogging about.Lucy was crying, Clara was clingy, momma

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-21529682275872999532008-03-26T08:53:00.002-05:002008-03-26T09:03:45.427-05:00

Time is such a funny thing... I can't believe that tomorrow I will meet my new daughter, yet on the other hand, I can't believe this pregnancy has taken so long! I often feel this way about an event that I have waited and waited for, once I get to the point of it being tangible, I start to miss the process of getting there.Things I will miss about being pregnant:Feeling the bean moveAll chocolate

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-29529992043094226502008-03-18T08:30:00.001-05:002008-03-18T08:42:51.356-05:00

http://www.stumbleupon.com/ Go to this page and you can download a toolbar that will take you to new websites, based on your personal preferences. The more you stumble, the smarter it gets. Happy surfing!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-42745123332923377822008-03-06T20:09:00.003-05:002008-03-06T20:30:01.575-05:00

View AlbumGet your own

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-21104253995885793022008-02-22T10:45:00.002-05:002008-02-22T10:47:37.101-05:00

www.cavy320.blogspot.comI stole this idea from a friend of mine... the challenge is to take a picture a day, every day of the year. Yes, it will mostly be pictures of the kiddos, but hopefully I can keep my eyes open to other beautiful and interesting things around me and share those with you also! I've added a link on the right so you can always find our new blog... Enjoy!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-14784914829609653742008-02-16T15:15:00.002-05:002008-02-16T15:21:38.842-05:00

I just read a great article by Tom Hodgkinson of The Idler Magazine. Here's the link for those who have a little time to read up:http://idler.co.uk/features/leave-them-alone/Here's the summary for those who don't:Manifesto of the idle parentWe reject the idea that parenting requires hard work We pledge to leave our children aloneThat should mean that they leave us alone, tooWe reject the

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-52023417764634827412008-02-08T12:50:00.000-05:002008-02-08T12:52:49.573-05:00

OK, I'll say it - what a cutie pie! Try your own cover... http://covermaker.parenting.com/

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-78203341711737255362008-02-05T10:05:00.000-05:002008-02-05T10:11:49.970-05:00

A friend of mine was having a psychic party where she invited a psychic over and each person got a 15 minute read for $25. I had never been to a psychic before so I was really excited to try it out. I had 2 questions in mind when I went, 1) will I ever have a boy and 2) will I get this job I'm hoping to get. Here's what she told me... (she answered my 2 questions first - freaky!)1. There is

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-82142073901912194192008-02-04T20:10:00.001-05:002008-02-04T20:16:36.160-05:00

We had a great time celebrating Clara's birthday. We had a polka dot and balloon themed party with a polka dot cake and lots of decorations around the house. We just had family over for some food and food and kept it low key. I was particularly happy that mom & dad and Nicole could make it to celebrate!I can't believe that my little girl is one! What a great year we've had with this little

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-80076459997045506472007-10-12T19:36:00.000-05:002007-10-12T20:08:18.236-05:00

I'm invisible.It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1176403037517861502007-05-04T13:30:00.000-05:002007-05-04T12:31:48.331-05:00

I love so much about you!I love... that you were willing to take a chance on dating long distance, and take a chance with a west coast girl like me.I love... sharing a bottle of wine with you and talking about our days.I love... your butt chin.I love... to stay in bed with you and Clara on Saturday mornings and watch you play with our daughter.I love... that it is just as important to you as it

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-60819841542657032732007-04-20T19:55:00.000-05:002007-04-20T19:55:15.611-05:00

 

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-79989247322056638732007-04-20T19:36:00.001-05:002007-04-20T19:40:55.575-05:00

We've caught a couple of these laughs coming from Clara in the last week or so - luckily we caught one of them on video. We just spent a few days in Toronto. Michael had to teach a class, so Clara and I went along to keep him company. She also had her first swim on this trip. She wasn't so sure about the pool, but once we got her into the bathtub, she was happy, as you can see!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1176317764101993732007-04-11T13:55:00.000-05:002007-04-11T13:59:56.796-05:00

Surprise! It's me! Back on Blogger!Can you believe Clara is 2-1/2 months old! I promise - I'm turning over a new leaf and I'm going to update the blog more often. Now that I have a great new camera that takes these great video shots - I have no excuse. Clara has never liked tummy time... this morning, she figured out a new way to get out of it. What a little gymnast we have!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1168280665592824422007-01-08T13:23:00.000-05:002007-01-08T13:30:25.370-05:00

It all started when I was 15, when mom was pregnant with Jack. We would sit in church, with my hand on her belly, waiting for a kick or a punch. I would watch her sitting on the couch across the room and could see the "alien" slithering around inside of her. We prepared his room, picked out his clothes, agonized over the decision of a name. My mother loved being pregnant and it showed. I was

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1168088053841084142007-01-06T07:51:00.000-05:002007-01-06T07:54:13.850-05:00

Sorry the pictures are so dark - I'll try to get some better ones soon!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1164727483167256622006-11-28T10:16:00.000-05:002006-11-28T10:24:43.200-05:00

I just read this article and feel that I need to post it for my own future reference, and for the benefit of all of my loved ones who are a constant support to Michael and I on our journey to parenthood. Sometimes, other people can put our feelings into words better than we can...What God Meant Couples experiencing infertility often receive well-meaning but extremely insensitive "advice." We can

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1162432653532120462006-11-01T20:50:00.000-05:002006-11-01T20:57:33.546-05:00

Get Your Own! View SlideshowJust a quick update to say that we have happily reached 30 weeks! I LOVE being pregnant. I have very few complaints... a little heartburn here and there, a few aches and pains, but other than that I have never felt better. Clara is moving all around in there and we love watching my belly jump. She tends to be shy around Michael - she'll be moving all over the

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1161518352322695602006-10-22T06:40:00.000-05:002006-10-22T06:59:12.333-05:00

I've heard people say that the 2nd trimester is the honeymoon phase of pregnancy, and, well, I believe it! Through most of mine, it was difficult to even tell I was pregnant! So, there hasn't been much to post lately... but there have been a couple of highlights over the past 2 months that I want to share with everyone.First, mom and dad Stratton came to visit us in our home for the first time

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1156200279139902212006-08-21T17:42:00.000-05:002006-08-21T17:48:39.830-05:00

In honor of my 20th week (1/2 way there!) I created a "belly pic" slide show... for your viewing pleasure.

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1156100567972748112006-08-20T13:45:00.000-05:002006-08-20T14:02:47.983-05:00

Finally! Justin came to visit us this weekend and there was no rain! So Justin and Uncle Michael were able to get a round of golf in, and we all spent a few hours at the pool. Justin is a natural! He has a beautiful swing and is a very decent putter. Michael and I really enjoy the times that Justin comes to stay with us. He is such a great nephew!We also watched a little of Justin's

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1155662491596033612006-08-15T12:20:00.000-05:002006-08-15T19:46:14.176-05:00

She looks very healthy and was wiggling around like crazy. I'll scan the pictures when I get home tonight and post them.So - here she is... our beautiful little girl! Ok, I know... she looks a little alien like right now, but Michael and I have all the confidence in the world that she will look nothing like these pictures and she will in fact be beautiful. The second picture is her face, belly

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1155129895247676872006-08-09T08:16:00.000-05:002006-08-10T16:09:06.520-05:00

We spent another glorious weekend at the Cape - this time with the Cavallini clan. Michael and I finally got in some good quality beach time. We spent both Saturday and Sunday at the beach with the family. Michael even convinced Alyson to go into the ocean a little ways. It was fun to spend time with her and with Justin and the rest of the family.Only a few more days until we can find out if

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1153849269100997302006-07-25T12:35:00.000-05:002006-07-25T12:41:09.110-05:00

I had a doctor appointment today. Every thing with baby is still checking out a-ok! I was able to hear the heart beat again... I can never get enough of that sound. I started crying and the nurse had to wait for me to stop before we could continue our checkup. I've been very emotional today, must be these darn hormones.I'm starting to get growing pains in my belly. It feels like I've just

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1153225898735478652006-07-18T07:14:00.000-05:002006-07-18T07:31:38.753-05:00

Michael and I spent a wonderful weekend at the Cape, courtesy of Anthony and Janice. Freddy & Jessica were there too...The girls shopped and ate, the boys drank and golfed. Janice took us to a beautiful outdoor shopping mall. The weather was perfect to walk around and enjoy the outdoors.There hasn't been much to report lately on the pregnancy front. I think I'm passed the exhaustion phase...

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1151681898574246062006-06-30T10:01:00.000-05:002006-06-30T10:38:18.636-05:00

As of last Wednesday (the 12 week mark), I am officially done with all my IVF medicines! No more shots, no more pills, no more "extra" hormones to make me nutty! Only my prenantal vitamin every night. I think this milestone makes me officially... a NORMAL pregnant lady!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1151447432375331292006-06-27T17:16:00.000-05:002006-06-27T17:30:32.386-05:00

Am I the only one who can't make out a thing in these ultrasound pictures?!?I have to admit - it really helps to be there and see the live image. Baby Chub (this weeks nickname) was jumping around again today... with a random stretch thrown in. We definately have an active one! So - in the top picture, the Baby is a little blurry, but you can see the hand (the bright spot in the top). The

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1151094478268364972006-06-23T15:23:00.000-05:002006-06-23T15:27:58.286-05:00

... not just the normal ho-hum rain, but the type of rain that makes the outside dark, the buildings shake, and the power flicker (I hope the power goes out so I can go home!). I'm still at work and I love the sounds of the rain pounding on the metal roof - it's one of my favorite sounds ever! It reminds me of Kennewick rains, when it would rain so hard that it would fill up the drainage ditch

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1150125871212511532006-06-12T10:14:00.000-05:002006-06-12T12:03:20.570-05:00

I must apologize for my delinquency in updating my blog. Yes, some of it is my fault... I'm tired and it was a very busy weekend. Also, the blogger site has been very slow the past couple of days, and I have no patience.Last Thursday, we had our first OBGYN appointment. We were pleasantly surprised when the doctor gave us another ultrasound! In the picture, the baby is lying on it's back, head to

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1149639771598959752006-06-06T19:13:00.000-05:002006-06-06T19:22:51.600-05:00

Happy Graduation Jack! My little brother graduted from high school this weekend... and he was valedictorian! I'm so proud of him! It was great to see the family. Grandma Vody, Grandma Marge and Aunt Kathy were there... unfortunately, Michael and Debbie couldn't make it - we missed you guys!It will be strange to have Jack away at college next year. We're going to have to start coordinating

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1149193262375928002006-06-01T15:10:00.000-05:002006-06-01T15:21:02.396-05:00

My Mikey came back home to me last night. His plane was 1.5 hours late, of course... but he's back and I'm so happy!We went together for our 2nd ultrasound this morning. Our little blob is looking more like a little baby bean. We were able to see the heartbeat again (180bpm - perfect), we could see the shape of the head, and the starting of the spine. It's absolutely amazing! Michael loved seeing

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1149078369674957192006-05-31T07:24:00.000-05:002006-05-31T07:26:09.696-05:00

My sweetie is on a plane home to me right now!!!I just noticed that my count-down ticker says that today is my wedding day. Ha! They didn't have any tickers for "my sweetie is out of town and comes home today" so I had to improvise. It might as well be my wedding day because I am so freakin excited!!!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1148994091522873982006-05-30T07:55:00.000-05:002006-05-30T08:03:34.060-05:00

...this has been a question on my mind for years. When I finally have a baby, will I stay home, or will I continue to work? I still don't have the answer to that one, and I change my mind quite frequently. I feel like I at least need to have an idea of what I want to do before I tell my boss that I'm pregnant.I did just read a quote in my Franklin that spoke to me today about this decision..."

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1148404020821999702006-05-23T12:03:00.000-05:002006-06-06T19:06:00.290-05:00

Today, I feel pregnant.I'm emotional, exhausted, and my belly feels very hard. I'm lucky I wore a long shirt because I need my pants unbuttoned today. I thought I would be smart at lunch, so I drove to a lake and took a nap... I think it was too short because I almost feel worse now. I miss Mikey like crazy today. Only a week and a day until he comes back!My friend Kim from Utah came to visit me

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1148051118847283682006-05-19T09:56:00.000-05:002006-05-19T10:05:18.866-05:00

Here are the pictures of our beautiful baby blob!!! You can't see from these pictures, but we were able to see the heartbeat, and the baby is measuring perfectly! EVERYTHING is perfect!I'll try to explain what you are looking at...In the pics, you see mostly the large black embryotic sac. In the center there is a circle... that is the yolk sac. Right above that is a fuzzy area with 2 white marker

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1147651754339605342006-05-14T19:07:00.000-05:002006-05-31T07:26:37.546-05:00

I just got back from dropping Michael off at the airport. He's going to Taiwan, Singapore, and Shanghai. The pregnancy hormones must be kicking in because I sobbed! I'm kind of chuckling about it now, but I really miss him already! 2-1/2 weeks is going to be a long time!Some good news though - I had my third blood test yesterday and my HCG level was 4265! That's doubling about every 1.5 days.

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1147478836856788942006-05-12T19:00:00.000-05:002006-05-12T19:09:47.260-05:00

My first official Mother's Day flowers!!!My wonderful husband surprised me yesterday and had them delivered to the house. I think he was just as excited to be able to give me Mother's Day flowers as I was to receive them.I am so grateful for all the amazing women in my life who are mothers. First, my mom, who has always loved me, supported me, cried with me, and treated me like I was the best

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1147367037994579332006-05-11T12:02:00.000-05:002006-05-11T12:03:58.003-05:00

I'm suffering through my first pregnancy illness. I caught a cold! I realize there are a couple of things I can take, but I'm going to try to wait this one out. So far, it's not too bad - I just need to be able to sleep through the night tonight! Staying up blowing my nose didn't help with my exhaustion at all!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1147108044199398902006-05-08T12:02:00.000-05:002006-05-08T12:09:46.730-05:00

I came into work today, and read the quotes from my Franklin for the weekend. Here is the quote from Saturday:All of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today. -Dale CarnegieThat describes exactly how I was feeling on Saturday... and today for that matter!

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1146998601125121302006-05-07T05:36:00.000-05:002006-05-07T08:52:07.470-05:00

We had our second pregnancy test on Saturday. The Beta HCG # was 264 this time. That is again, exactly where we want it... somewhere around double in 48 hours.This moment right now is the most content I've ever felt in my life. You can read the quote I have in my profile and know that I never live in the moment, I'm always looking forward to the next thing to come along. But, this time is

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1147003409742130312006-05-06T18:56:00.000-05:002006-05-07T07:03:29.753-05:00

Friday night, Paula and I went to see the musical Wicked! It was such a fun night with a great friend! Wicked was... as they say in New England... Wicked Awesome! If you get a chance to see the musical (i think it's playing in Seattle), make the trip. This was one of the best books I've read in many years - and I have to say... I'm in love with the Wicked Witch of the West. I literally cried

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1146768183883430322006-05-04T13:40:00.000-05:002006-05-04T13:43:03.896-05:00

The blood test came back today with an hcg level of 127. The clinic looks for it to be between 80 & 100 - so this is a good strong number. I go back on Saturday for a repeat test to make sure the number is rising like it should.You are the select few who know. Michael wants to try to keep this between us for the first few weeks... I don't know if my big mouth can handle it, but I'm going to

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1146664342613616602006-05-03T08:51:00.000-05:002006-05-03T17:25:29.543-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day - wish us luck. I'll be able to post the results Friday morning...

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1146575259269139942006-05-02T08:02:00.000-05:002006-05-02T08:07:42.256-05:00

I'm sure I'm going to get fired soon.Ok, I hope I'm exagerating, but my mind is just not in the office where it should be. I've only been with this company for a month, and I'm not making so much of a great impression. I don't think I'm making a bad impression, but I like to rock people's worlds - and that just isn't happening right now.Everytime I try to refocus on the tasks at hand, I drift

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1146574535829082142006-05-02T07:47:00.000-05:002006-05-02T07:58:11.076-05:00

I tested again this morning, and the line was still there, and still faint. I tried to convince Michael to pee on another stick for me so we could compare the results and use him as the "control group." He looked at me like I have 3 heads.I've been referring back to a website that gives statistics on HPTs. http://www.pinelandpress.com/faq/hpt.html They have a picture on this site that looks just

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1146486930811001692006-05-01T07:27:00.000-05:002006-05-01T07:36:47.623-05:00

Important Disclaimer: Do not read any further unless you are willing to accept the rules. I WILL NOT discuss this with ANYONE until after the official blood test results on Thursday. Any attempt to bring this post up in conversation with me will cause you to be immediately banned from my blog!Yesterday, I made Michael take me to CVS, where I purchased 4 home pregnancy tests (hpt). My intention is

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1146171557406144022006-04-27T15:53:00.000-05:002006-04-28T17:56:53.296-05:00

Here's a little peak inside the head of an infertile woman:Today is 5dp3dt. That's infertile speak for - 5 days past a transer of 3 day old embryos. Implantation is supposed to take place somewhere between 2 or 3 days past. So, I could be pregnant right now. That means - it's time to overanalyze every little twinge of my body.Today, I feel a little crampy, a little naseous, and a little tired.

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1145994978139393342006-04-25T14:55:00.000-05:002006-04-27T16:00:35.626-05:00

http://www.vocalicious.com/empty_arms/empty_arms_mod.html

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1145986982912365582006-04-25T12:38:00.000-05:002006-04-25T12:43:02.923-05:00

Our donor had her retrieval last Wednesday. We had 21 eggs retrieved! Only 11 of them fertilized... i was very disappointed in that number. We always had around 75% fertilization rate on our IVF cycles. At least I know that my hubby's sperms like my eggs better than my friends. That must say something about his fidelity :)We went in for our transfer on Saturday. We found out that all 11 were

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1145704892922459712006-04-22T06:17:00.000-05:002006-04-22T06:21:32.936-05:00

It's Saturday, April 22, at 7:15 in the morning. I'm sitting in bed with a bag of ice on my ass, waiting for Michael to wake up and give me my morning shot of progesterone. The poor guy was sick all night - he thinks it might be another kidney stone (once you've had that pain before - you don't forget). I'm sure he's also bumming about the timing. Our transfer is today, and Freddie's wedding

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1144882480303287732006-04-12T17:54:00.000-05:002006-04-12T17:55:15.730-05:00

I'm beautiful. I'm smart. I have D-size, slightly sagging, beautiful breasts. I'm flexible and athletic. I'm large, but well proportioned. I have very high arches. I have a clear complexion and freckles. I have seasonal allergies and athletically induced asthma. I'm tall. My nose is a perfect shape, with a little point at the end. I have normal blood pressure and low cholesteral. I have 20/20

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1144882393275123072006-04-12T17:31:00.000-05:002006-04-12T17:56:23.260-05:00

Our donor egg cycle has finally begun!The last few months have been a blur of waiting. Waiting for a phone call, waiting for bloodwork results, waiting for medications to arrive in the mail, waiting for a miracle. Hell, why limit it to the last few months. I've spent my entire life waiting. Waiting for that next event that will define my life to finally take place and set me on my path to

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1131058117492871752005-11-03T17:25:00.000-05:002005-11-03T17:48:37.503-05:00

Once again, I'm being hard on myself... i'm debating internally about where to start my story. Beginning... middle...end... (wouldn't that be nice if I actually new the end!) I guess the best place to start is now.I'm 33 years old, and I have bad eggs. I'm not quite sure what that means exactly. I think it's one of those "catch all" statements that doctors use when they don't know what the hell

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17903035.post-1129595520323031062005-10-17T19:17:00.000-05:002005-10-17T19:32:31.696-05:00

it might take me a while to become comfortable with this. i've tried several ways to see if others can view my posts. this whole "blog" concept is very new to me. I wonder if that means that i'm getting old.anyway - we'll consider this another practice attempt. it takes me a while to spill my guts to strangers. most of the time i consider myself a stranger.i'd like to learn to share more of

Toni C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17337452206897812305noreply@blogger.com