I’m writing this on the 17th of May, a day before my period is scheduled to come and nineteen days after I ovulated (and made out appropriately.)
Which means for the past nineteen days I have interpreted any tiny fluctuation in my existence to mean I am either pregnant or not. For anyone who has ever longed to be pregnant you know exactly what I’m talking about. Suddenly everything you do with yourself from the day you ovulate could have bearing on the entire future health of your hypothetical fetus.
Feeling a little barfy? It’s because you’re pregnant, ignore the fact that you ate some seriously questionable chicken fingers chased by lukewarm fruit salad and a flat soda the night before. Commence eating nothing but Gatorade and Saltines.
Cookies and cream ice cream for dinner one night? You just ruined their chance at a Harvard education by dumbing them down with chunks of frozen chocolate cookie in your first trimester.
Forgot to take your pretatal Flinstone vitamin on Wednesday? Congratulations your pretend (or is it?) kid is now going to have a flipper.
Fell down the stairs?* Whoops, you just knocked the little imaginary embryo loose and you are completely out of luck, thanks for trying, come back again later when you’re a little more graceful.
I even convinced my husband to go out at almost midnight to procure me a Cherry Slushee because there’s a chance I could be pregnant and the violent vomiting could begin any! day! now! rendering the enjoyment of a Cherry Slushee null and void for the next nine months because they burn so bad on the way back up.**
Speaking of vomiting, with the way my last pregnancy turned out*** I seriously consider everything I put in my mouth, because it could be the first thing to come up. (Seriously, with the moosh? I felt fiiiine, then one day, I kinda had a tummy ache, I ate some Cheerios for breakfast at 8:31am MST and at 8:43 am MST on April 15, 2004 those suckers came rocketing back up in the last stall on the left at Beehive Clothing. Nothing stayed down for the next 35 weeks. The last thing I vomited up? Lime Slushee in the delivery room, I told that nurse I was scheduled to puke just after 10 am MST and to hurry up and give me the Zofran already, however she went with a ‘wait and see’ approach. Lime slushee puke? 10:08 am, Zofran administered? 10:12 am. THANKS NURSE.)
So here I sit in limbo. Wanting so badly to troll etsy for baby stuff that was never around when the moosh was a baby. Ignoring the overwhelming desire to enter every online contest for onesies and burp cloths and bedding sets. Putting off buying one of those “I’M A BIG SISTER” t-shirts for another month**** because frankly there is a possibility that the moosh may never be a big sister.
My time would be better spent vacuuming than dreaming up ways to tell my husband, my daughter, my family and all of you magnificent witty ways to announce my pregnancy.
But that’s just the thing, it’s so all encompassing, it changes everything. If I were pregnant it would mean that spare bedroom in a new house would be a baby’s room, not an office. People constantly offer the well meaning advice of “Just don’t worry about it and it will happen.” or “You think about it too much, just relax.” and then there’s my favorite, “I had this friend who gave up years ago and went out and adopted twins and a month later she found out that she was pregnant with triplets! Can you imagine!!!!1!!”
I have to remember when it comes to magnificent stories of conception they are all the exception. For every woman out there who miraculously becomes pregnant after a dozen years trying or after coming back from cancer or after going through a heart wrenching adoption, there are a dozen more of us out there who are the rule.
Those of us who pee on sticks every month to a single line or a blinking display of “NOT PREGNANT.” Those of us who will never become stories of “miraculous pregnancies.” Those of us destined to be ordinary infertile people that most of the pregnant world will feel awkward and uncomfortable around.
To those of you who are the exceptions? You’re welcome, because without people like me your stories would never be considered miracles.*****
_______________________________________
*I actually haven’t fell down a flight of stairs for almost a year. Yay me!
**Personal experience.
***For those of you who are new here I basically barfed myself into emaciation while pregnant from a soul sucking condition known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
****Honestly? I’ve been putting off this purchase every month for the last three years.
*****And that? Just sounded a lot more snarky than I intended. Maybe that’s why infertiles make fertiles feel so awkward?







Comments off.
By Avitable on 05.17.09 10:55 am | Permalink
Twitter: @Avitable
It has to be hard, especially with mass social media like Twitter, where every pregnancy and birth for other people becomes an event, even if you’re only tangentially related. And you don’t want to spoil their happiness, but the whole time, you’re thinking, “Why not me?”
Avitables last blog post..How to pronounce Avitable
By Jody on 05.17.09 11:08 am | Permalink
Well said. You must be reading my mind practically daily.
By Overflowing Brain on 05.17.09 11:14 am | Permalink
Twitter: @overflowinbrain
It sucks. And it’s okay to be angry AND snarky. You deal with this your own way and if someone else doesn’t like it, they have the option of not reading about it.
I don’t know any stories of miraculous conceptions, but I know many about faith. And I think that’s what we need to cling to right now.
Overflowing Brains last blog post..4 long years
By Rhea on 05.17.09 11:17 am | Permalink
I can’t tell you how hard I’m praying for you to be pregnant!
I’ve never met you, but I’ve been reading you off and on for a year, and I love the way you write and the glimpses into your life.
Rheas last blog post..The Butt of the Joke
By Della on 05.17.09 11:22 am | Permalink
Twitter: @adelas
My existence should preclude me from writing this (I get the “not allowed to post where Casey can see it for the next few days” award) but I just wanted to make sure you knew I’m listening.
As much as it doesn’t help.
And again, I dunno if it helps to know this, but:
I have a cousin in your shoes (well, on year 5 going for #1) and somehow our closeness can warp my ability to really listen to her. When I come here and read things in your voice, because you seem to put things in a way I can “get it” (dysons, shoes, uteruses, whatever), I hear it halfway as you, and halfway as her speaking. And it renews my patience and understanding for a while again.
Next time you need to rant, I’d love to hear what you really want from someone like me (surprise pregnant with #2). Do you want us to shut up and hide? Do you want us to shut up and hide about the babies at least? As a mom yourself, you’re aware how much of my life the munchkin takes up, and proportionately how little I have to talk about when he’s taken out of the equation. Now that he’s a toddler, will it sting less if I blab about him when she calls, or do I need to keep saying nothing about him unless she specifically asks? Is that worse? – like when people studiously Do Not Look at a person in a wheelchair or with a physical deformity, to avoid staring?
Unfortunately (?) I want to do the right thing, and sometimes it’s paralyzing. I can’t really just “be casual and don’t think about it” because I want so badly not to be accidentally hurtful, yet I don’t want to be so careful that it’s obvious and then hurtful.
Anyhow, I figure if anyone can frame it for me (us, because I know I’m not the only one asking), you can.
And, shutting up now? Except to say again. I’m here. I listen. I don’t “really” understand, but I lend heart groans when I read you need them.
*hug*
You’re a fave
Dellas last blog post..(Basically) Wordless Wednesday
By Midwest Mommy on 05.17.09 11:23 am | Permalink
Twitter: @midwwestmommy
Keeping my fingers crossed for good news.
Midwest Mommys last blog post..Um, Ok
By Debbie on 05.17.09 11:24 am | Permalink
Twitter: @debbiefriesen
I love the last sentence you wrote (before all the ***:). I think you’re absolutely write. People who celebrate miracles only get to do it on the backs of all the people who suffered the norm.
By Debbie on 05.17.09 11:25 am | Permalink
Twitter: @debbiefriesen
Shoot. You’re absolutely *right*. Dyslexia? I has it. And yet I can spell it. An interesting conundrum.
By Janet on 05.17.09 11:26 am | Permalink
Actually, I really didn’t think this sounded snarky. It sounded real and honest to me.
Janets last blog post..Online Dating–Not For the Faint of Heart
By Parsing Nonsense on 05.17.09 11:32 am | Permalink
Twitter: @ParsingNonsense
I was so excited to read this I rolled out of bed just to see what you had to say. You’re spot-on!
I just took a pregnancy test yesterday because my period was 10 days late! It came back “Not pregnant” and, to add insult to injury, my period started 2 hours later.
Getting pregnant sucks unless you’re one of the rabbit people, thanks for writing this for all of us wwho make other people look like super-reproducers!
Oh, and also? I hope your period doesn’t show up and that you’re pregnant as the day is long
Parsing Nonsenses last blog post..My Life As a Sitcom
By T with Honey on 05.17.09 11:32 am | Permalink
Twitter: @twithhoney
Not making me feel uncomfortable at all. In fact I found myself nodding my head in total understanding almost all the way through the post. I did the pee-and-pray monthly thing for 3 years with Princess and for almost 3 years TTC with baby #2.
It was awful! The anticipation. The worrying. The disappointment. Nothing like TTC and infertility to make a person feel like a total failure. Even worse when you have family members getting pregnant at the drop of a hat.
Good luck!!!
By Bree on 05.17.09 11:40 am | Permalink
Twitter: @Bwildered07
My mom and my sister got pregnant the moment they thought about trying. Me? Not so much. I’ve only been TTC for a few months but already the anticipation is killing me. Here’s hoping this is your big month!
Brees last blog post..Because its Friday and I’m happy because its Friday and I want you all to laugh today
By Casey on 05.17.09 11:48 am | Permalink
@Della-
Honestly the answer to your question changes daily. But that is for me personally, everyone takes it differently.
I am happy for you, I do want you to be excited about being pregnant, I am excited for you, just as I wouldn’t want anyone to say nasty horrible things to me if I ever turn up pregnant.
There are some days for me and for your friend where things things are going to be really hard for us for whatever reason, please don’t take it personally. It’s just such a unique kind of pain.
And I can say that this month for me has been the hardest I’ve been hit with the reality that I may not be.
So obviously I’m a little meaner than usual, I don’t mean to hurt anyone and I really don’t want anyone who wanted to be pregnant or be happy about their pregnancy to feel any differently just because I happen to be throwing a fit that day.
Did that even answer your question?
*sigh*
xoxo
By Colleen on 05.17.09 12:06 pm | Permalink
I am 31 yrs old and have no children. On my 30th birthday I had a hysterectomy. I will never give birth to a child. At first I was depressed. All I ever wanted was to give birth to a child, and when I found out that would never happen, I felt like my purpose in life was over. Those feelings lasted a week. A very good friend of mine told me I needed to snap out of it. At first I was hurt. She was 34 yrs old and already had 4 children. Who the hell was she to tell me to get over it. Then she explained. Having the hysterectomy did not mean that I wouldn’t be a mother. It just meant that it would not come from my body. I would have to work a little bit harder at being a mother than most others. She told me that God still wanted me to be a mother, but he had other plans for how it would happen.
I cannot fully explain but as I listened to her words I felt like I was hearing God’s words.
Since my 30th birthday I have had 6 friends give birth to beautiful new babies. I have been there for all 6 births. Never once did I have a moment where I got sad about my own situation when they were experiencing one of the best days of their lives. I couldn’t have been more happy for my friends. And I shared in their joy knowing that one day they would be there for me as I became a mother.
I read your twitter post last night.
“Oh. I guess your wife is having a baby. *heavy sigh* congratulations. Have an extra shot of epidural for me.”
I am very sorry that you are having such a hard time with this. I understand the frustrations of wanting something so bad, and just knowing that it may not happen. God has a plan for your and your family though. You have to have faith in that. In the mean time as you wait to see what that plan is, be thankful that God bless you with getting to have one of your own. I am not bitter that you got to have something that I never will. I am just sharing in your joy. Many prayers for you as you continue through your journey.
By Trish on 05.17.09 12:34 pm | Permalink
Found you through Twitter. Totally get where you’re coming from.
The old “just relax and it will happen” adage was always the one that ticked me right off! Oh, okay; so if I relax, I’ll miraculously stop having a medical condition that precludes pregnancy, hmm? No one gives this advice for other medical conditions. Cancer patients are never told to just relax and they’ll get better. But for some reason, folks think it’s acceptable to tell infertiles this. It’s maddening!
Both our sons are here because of fertility treatments. Negative pee sticks are horrid. Being surrounded by pregnant people is really tough when you’re an infertile trying to conceive. I feel for you. I’ve been there. I hope it happens for you soon.
Infertility sucks.
Trishs last blog post..Shopping FAIL! Bedtime WIN!
By Jen L. on 05.17.09 12:37 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @jennelsonlane
Thank you, Casey, for once again being so open and honest about your journey. Sending love and hugs your way.
Jen L.s last blog post..Comfort Food Saturday (on Sunday): Vietnamese Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup
By Mr Lady on 05.17.09 1:15 pm | Permalink
My sister-in-law struggled for years to get pregnant, didn’t, adopted, adopted again, and is living happily ever after with two Vietnamese babies. The end.
I’m of the opinion that motherhood is the miracle, and how one gets there is less than relevant.
That said, I really hope he knocked you up. I want to hit etsy on your behalf.
Mr Ladys last blog post..Something Old, Something New
By Ali on 05.17.09 1:31 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @alihooper
I sent a friend the link to your site – she has been trying for over a year.
I thought of you because I knew she would appreciate your humor – like you, she finds the whole process so unbelievable that she just has to laugh. The mental, physical, emotional, and financial toll that it takes on her and her husband is beyond frustrating, disappointing, and simply unfair.
Thanks for putting yourself “out there” so that other women can share, laugh, be inspired, and cry.
Alis last blog post..Because somedays the dog needs a little tlc.
By Lindsey on 05.17.09 2:09 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @mrslswan
UGH. I know. I SO KNOW. We took a four month break after three failed IUI’s, because the whole thing is really stressful. I don’t think people realize how much the little list of signs that you are pregnant can be applicable under so many circumstances. I feel like there are so many technological advances that they should be able to test for pregnancy on day 5 or something and at least cut some of the pain of waiting out.
I will cross my fingers for you!
Lindseys last blog post..Technology With Cath
By Emilie on 05.17.09 2:13 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @emiliescribbles
Thank you for writing this. I get it. And although infertility is NEVER something I’d wish upon someone else, it’s nice to be reminded I’m not so alone.
Emilies last blog post..Fun in the sun (because it’s 1:30 a.m., and that’s the best title I can think up)
By Adventures In Babywearing on 05.17.09 2:23 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @babysteph
I dig your honesty.
Steph
Adventures In Babywearings last blog post..The Middles
By Heidi on 05.17.09 2:34 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @slightlycosmo
Rather than saying any sort of “sorry” line, I’ll say – holy crap! You have a 19 day luteal phase? That is a LONG time to have to wait each month! I’m 14-15 days, and it feels like freaking eternity.
We’re starting our first ivf cycle (lupron tomorrow). I had SO hoped to be one of those miraculous infertile people. Alas, it’s not to be. Now, I’m just hoping to ride the statistics and end up with an ivf pregnancy (which will also be a miracle, but more of a painful assisted one). But it certainly does shake my faith to have gone this long without a miracle.
Hope you get yours soon!
Heidis last blog post..The Rest of the Story
By Moxie on 05.17.09 3:19 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @whymoxie
I feel your pain. And I REALLY hate those pee sticks.
After a year and a half of trying and all that false hope, I did the best thing I could have possibly done for myself and spent $15.00 on eBay to buy 100 pregnancy tests. Now the waiting won’t kill me. Now I won’t get my hopes up. Get a twinge? Take the test to tell me what I already know: not pregnant.
Moxies last blog post..So Yahoo! is a dirty, low-down, crooked post stealer
By Breigh on 05.17.09 3:24 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @Breigh
That wait is the worst. No matter how much you remind yourself that it’s probably NOT that you are pregnant, you still deep down think it is.
Every flutter, twinge, pain, crying jag, outburst… there’s always a way to chalk it up to a possible pregnancy.
There is no way on earth to explain what that feeling is like and the toll it takes emotionally. Only women who have been through it can really understand.
So glad I stopped trying. Reading this and talking about it has reminded me just how hard it was and why I ended up giving up. Almost 4 years with no success, I don’t know how I didn’t go completely insane.
Breighs last blog post..My Ten Secret Thoughts
By courtney on 05.17.09 3:27 pm | Permalink
hoping you are about to break the rule.
courtneys last blog post..look who got a trim…
By sam {temptingmama} on 05.17.09 3:36 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @temptingmama
Hoping this is The One. You’re always in my heart friend. I can only imagine how hard it is when there’s a new pregnancy or birth announcement. *HUGS*
sam {temptingmama}s last blog post..If It Walks Like a Duck, Don’t Be Too Quick To Assume That it is In Fact a Duck.
By mommymae on 05.17.09 4:13 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @iammommymae
i’m so sorry you are hurting right now. a huge hug to you.
mommymaes last blog post..i’m gonna say it
By roztime on 05.17.09 4:27 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @roztime
THANKYOU. i recently had all three of my neighbours ask why, instead of having my newborn foster son, didn’t i just have my own kids? when i replied that, well, i couldn’t, they replied ’sure you can!’ and continued with stories of those who are as you say exceptions. so thanks, it’s nice to have someone talk about us ‘rules’.
roztimes last blog post..IT’S ALIVE!!
By Ket on 05.17.09 4:58 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @simplifyingAmy
I am in a similar boat, though my head and heart are nearly to the point of giving up. So it’s not quite as raw for me (at least it isn’t today).
Like you, I have been blessed with one beautiful, smart, funny, amazing, fabulous little girl. So sometimes I feel a little like a poseur for getting down about infertility — obviously, all of my plumbing worked one time, and that’s a heck of a lot more than other people can say.
Not challenging your current feelings at all — I totally get it. But I was wondering… have you ever felt like a poseur, too?
Is that a totally tacky question to ask?
Love your blog, and even though I don’t know you I’m oddly happy that you’re staying in Indy. Indy needs more feisty chicks like you!
Kets last blog post..New love
By Nicole on 05.17.09 5:24 pm | Permalink
I can totally relate to this post. Coming down from an Entire.Week.Long.Visit from the “definitely-not-pregnant fairy”, I know how you feel. Too bad I dumped more money down the drain with those fertility drugs that obviously didn’t work well enough.
Crossing my fingers that whatever magical pregnancy dust skipped over me this month hits you up!
By Rebekah on 05.17.09 5:48 pm | Permalink
When I was pregnant (first and only), I hated it when people would tell me all the miracle conception stories. Everyone was always convinced that having a baby would “fix” me. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t have any effect on my husband’s morphology, and I would fear to hope that my infertility would be “cured”. “But, it could happen!” says they. Because they are all doctors and totally know.
Yes, I am still bitter even though I have a child. I’m still bitter because I know I have to suffer all over again when we try for the next baby.
I agree; it sucks. It’s harder to maintain hope and be let down every month than it is to just be depressed about it and never hope. But without hope, there can be no faith, right? Goodness, just thinking about feeling all of that again brings tears to my eyes.
Sorry for the bummer comment. I just meant to commiserate with you. Good luck. Really, good luck.
Rebekahs last blog post..What’s the worst that could happen?
By Erika on 05.17.09 6:00 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @erikareyes
Here’s hoping the moosh gets to be a big sister in the near future!
I completely understand the ever change or possible symptom automatically leads to the dreaded (at least in my head) thoughts. I’m even on BCP right now and I still talk myself into being pregnant each month and am disappointed each month. At least I’ve stopped crying over it after almost 6 years. One day, we’ll know why and it will all make sense.
Good luck! ((HUGS))
Erikas last blog post..Mother’s Day
By Jenni/mom2nji on 05.17.09 7:07 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @mom2nji
I feel ya with the “sigh”. I feel that way whenever ANOTHER friend gets pregnant or gives birth. I have been TTC for 3+ years now for my 4th. In the last 2 years, I have lost 4 babies. One, a little boy near my fifth month of pregnancy. Its really easy for others to say, “Just relax and it will happen” or “Its ok if it never happens”, but the thing is, it isnt freaking ok. If it was I wouldn’t spend $30 a month on those damn pee sticks. (*speaking of which my fingers are crossed for you to see 2 lines this month). I dont get why God easily blesses some and makes others struggle so much, but I hope the struggle ends soon for both of us.
Jenni/mom2njis last blog post..Grocery Deals 5/14
By Heather on 05.17.09 7:15 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @coolzebras
I have been on both ends of this spectrum now. It took two years of trying and hoping before my Baby D was conceived. I understand this pain and it really wrecked me every month. My weight ballooned, I was depressed.
I don’t wish that on anyone.
I am one of the exceptions I guess, but it sure didn’t feel like it for those 2 years.
I’m hoping for you to be an exception too.
(Arrived here because of Shawn’s tweet.)
Heathers last blog post..Simply Joy Sunday #17
By Nosaby on 05.17.09 7:25 pm | Permalink
A perfect post. I am right where you are, except I’m still trying to have my first. After 8 years of trying and no clear reason for it not to work, I’ve all but given up. I made the mistake of watching The Discovery Channel’s “She didn’t know she was pregnant,” and for a week was convinced I was several months pregnant. Nah, just too many pop-tarts. But I try to focus on how good my life is. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have a good cry every time a friend has a baby. I wish you nothing but the best and hope your dream of a sibling for your child come true.
By Erin Marie on 05.17.09 7:40 pm | Permalink
“Your turn will come soon.” *sigh*
With my first, I was sick a week or so after ovulation, so anything the day after ovulation is a pregnancy symptom. Sometimes I’m glad for the monthly chance to get pregnant, and sometimes I wish it were a longer break to give my brain a rest.
By Redneck Mommy on 05.17.09 8:19 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @redneckmommy
I so understand this.
While adopting a five year old is wonderful and fabulous and I am truly blessed, my uterus shatters into a million tiny pieces with every birth announcement, every pregnancy of all those around me.
What I would give to grow another of my own.
But I had my turn I suppose.
I only hope you get yours.
By April on 05.17.09 8:31 pm | Permalink
19 days since you ovulated? That’s a super long luteal phase! If I were you I’d be peeing on a stick right now.
In any case, I’m rooting for you!
By Louise on 05.17.09 8:32 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @jeezlouise
I’m currently knitting baby blankets for a friend who is pregnant with twins. Three women I teach with are pregnant with their first, second, third… and I *am* happy for them. I am. At the same time I wonder why them and not me? And then I feel incredibly jerky because why NOT them? They haven’t done anything wrong.
I’ve been told to “just” everything – “just relax!”, “just take out a loan!” (for IVF), “just adopt!” – and everytime someone says something like this to me, I wish I lived in a world where it was “just” that easy.
So um. The nail? You hit it right on its head!
Louises last blog post..Don’t you know?
By Ami on 05.17.09 8:57 pm | Permalink
This is all I want to say: I love you so, so, so much that all I want to do is drive over to your house with donuts and squeeze you SO tight that the 2 or 3 little pimples (that all woman have by their hairline) pop right open.
There, I said it.
By Christina on 05.17.09 9:51 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @mommystory
I’ll avoid the “I’m sorry” and all that jazz.
Instead, I’ll just say that I hope this is the month, and if you happen to have that vacancy sign on your womb by BlogHer I’ll give your uterus a stern talking to. Maybe it works coming from someone else?
Christinas last blog post..Haiku Friday: Nearly Done
By Karen on 05.17.09 9:55 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @agentninety9
Well here’s hoping your an exception after all.
Karens last blog post..Did you keep your receipt?
By Domestic Extraordinaire on 05.17.09 9:58 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @DExtraordinaire
xoxo
Domestic Extraordinaires last blog post..Waterboarding doesn’t have anything on this
By pgoodness on 05.17.09 10:23 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @pgoodness
fingers, toes and chin hairs crossed for you. If not this month, then SOON.
Also, Avitable? Exactly, I’d bet.
pgoodnesss last blog post..First t-ball game!
By Jessica on 05.17.09 10:58 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @mommasgonecity
Sending happy thoughts to you and praying that the stars are aligned in your favor! I hope you get the answer that you are wanting
By Melissa on 05.17.09 11:19 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @melissity
Thank you for posting this. I have a friend who has been trying for two years, and your struggle helps me to better understand and support her.
Admittedly, I am one of those “rabbits”: over the past four years, I was able to get pregnant 4 times in 5 cycles. I have an almost 3-year-old son from the first pregnancy; but last year, I had two miscarriages just a few months apart. It was devastating. But in a strange and sad way, that sort of leveled the playing field between my struggling friend and me. While it’s nowhere near the same thing, she stopped seeing me as perpetually lucky, she saw that I didn’t “have it easy” after all. She was a huge support when my world came crashing down. And I was able to get just a tiny peek into what she might feel when she goes yet another month without getting the one thing she wants the most… thus it was doubly heartbreaking. I am now 15.5 wks pregnant and I still haven’t been able to tell her. I don’t want to cause her pain AGAIN, because that hurts ME, too. It sucks on both sides.
I would like to believe that most of us women really do care about each other and hope for the best, whatever part of the spectrum we ourselves we ourselves happened to fall into, and even when we struggle over the bumps on our own road.
Thanks again for being so honest and open. Wishing you the blessing you so deserve.
By Ann on 05.17.09 11:32 pm | Permalink
I feel for you! It seems like everyone and their dog is pregnant with their second (and I was very lucky to have one at all) and completely blitheless about it. My 5-month pregnant neighbour is SO excited to be having a girl so that she can have my daughter’s recently outgrown baby clothes. This is after I had JUST told her I was once again NOT pregnant and depressed about it. Thanks for being so honest about your experiences, I feel less alone. And of course I will jump for joy if you announce your pregnancy next post!
By rachel-asouthernfairytale on 05.18.09 1:05 am | Permalink
Twitter: @sthrnfairytale
SHould I scream WHAT at you again?
No?
Okay
Hugging you, loving your guts and hai friend.
By Reese on 05.18.09 1:31 am | Permalink
Did all those silly mental tricks to myself this last month. Felt SO tired and nauseaus every morning for three days right before my period was supposed to arrive… therefore i MUST be pregnant!
not so much.
Reeses last blog post..Best Friends! Day One
By Natalie on 05.18.09 7:25 am | Permalink
Most people don’t understand that it’s just so all encompassing. You can’t stop thinking about it, it’s obsessive. It takes control of you, even when you try really hard not to let it.
There are so many women out there that are dealing with the same issues, but to me, it feels like I’m the only one. Everyone I know is either pregnant or just had their 2nd or 3rd, or 4th baby.
I’m just waiting for the lesson I’m supposed to learn from all this.
Natalies last blog post..Letting go
By Becky on 05.18.09 7:49 am | Permalink
To all the people who are telling you adoption stories…STOP! I’m 30, have been married since 22, and I’ve never been able to maintain a pregnancy past 15 weeks. I am now mom to 4 (soon to be 5) wonderful adopted children. But, it has to be right for you. It’s no cakewalk either. You have birthparents, agencies, lawyers and your child’s questions to deal with FOR.EVER. If you’re hearts not TOTALLY into it, if it isn’t what you REALLY want to do, then your adoption seems like Option #2. No child should feel like that. So for you Casey, even though adoption has been AWESOME for us, I really hope you get that bun in the oven. And if, God forbid, you don’t and He leads you down the adoption path, we’re all here with all kinds of advice.
Good luck!
Beckys last blog post..Pulling Up
By Must be Motherhood on 05.18.09 9:34 am | Permalink
xox
By Jamie on 05.18.09 10:01 am | Permalink
Twitter: @jamiea
It sucks. That’s the best thing I can say. I had an ectopic pregnancy before we got pregnant with Littlebit and that year of trying to get pregnant with her was literally the worst year of my life. I can’t imagine how hard it is to struggle with those feelings and panic over multiple years. I think I would seriously have been in the nut house.
Jamies last blog post..Menu plan monday
By Alis on 05.18.09 10:14 am | Permalink
First, *baby vibes & babydust* to you.
Second, BTDT. We were TTC for over 2 years with our second. (Birth control forever messed up my cycles, I swear!) Seriously. I went through similar for 17 (yeah, SEVENTEEN) cycles of various lengths.
Third, I actually was the exception because after said 17 cycles of torture doing everything possible to procure those 2 pink lines, we decided to take a break because we had some major plans for the summer like traveling, my sister getting married (me=MOH) out of state, family reunions on both sides of the family, etc. And what do you know but that ONE cycle that I didn’t temp, didn’t BD on the *right* days, didn’t test a million times, etc. the day that we were leaving on a road trip from Oregon to Alberta for another family wedding, I thought, hmm, it’s been awhile since I had a period, maybe I should look into this, oh look, I think I’m late, I should test, WOOOOOAAAH!!! is that 2 pink lines?????!!!!! And it was. Just like that.
Fourth, I don’t think you made me an exception. I think the reason ppl tell stories like that is because they so want to give hope to ppl who are still TTC. It *could* happen. To you. It happened to me. Who’s to say you can’t be an exception, too.
Fifth, to end this on a funny note, I like to remember something I saw on my charting site. Someone posted a picture of a billboard that said, “From all the women of the world who are TTC, DON’T TELL US TO JUST RELAX!” =o)
By Angie on 05.18.09 11:33 am | Permalink
If I had read this post yesterday, I totally would’ve found a way to FIND YOU just to give you a hug (I was in Indy visiting friends in Meridian Kessler area). Girl, I think you are coping incredibly well…keep sharing all of the emotions. In return, I’ll keep hoping and praying for you.
By Stefanie on 05.18.09 12:30 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @RagstoRitzMama
I am so glad that you share your story. Your words are beautiful!
Stefanies last blog post..Tailored
By Jen on 05.18.09 1:23 pm | Permalink
Casey, I read something the other day and I really liked it. Instead of saying “infertile”, we are “subfertile”. Sounds a little nicer, right?
I’ll be praying for you!!
By Megan on 05.18.09 1:56 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @mek47
I am so there with you. I’ve been undergoing fertility treatments and today is my 8th dpo. It’s hard to hold onto the hope that this could be the month, but who knows?
Hopefully we’ll both have some good news soon!
Megans last blog post..Travelling with a Toddler.
By Mrs Soup on 05.18.09 2:10 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @mrssoup
I’m praying for you to get those two lines! Good luck, dear.
And I hear you on the vomit and the planning of the food. I was the exact same way, to the point that towards the end of the pregnancy, even with Zofran (which I took religiously daily so I would be able to eat anything) I was still nauseas. And I couldn’t drink plain water or I would projectile vomit, even with the Zofran. Now I know if I vomit after drinking water, I’m pregnant….
Mrs Soups last blog post..The Grand Ole Opera
By Domestic Goddess (In Training) on 05.18.09 2:21 pm | Permalink
It seems odd to hope for this… but I hope to hear many puke details in the next 9 months!!! Good luck!
Domestic Goddess (In Training)s last blog post..The Bloggerati
By Tori on 05.18.09 2:22 pm | Permalink
Just wanted to let you know that I have been reading through your archives and am finally caught up. I’ve enjoyed reading and am always a little sad when I catch up because then I can’t just read a bunch of posts at a time, anytime. Now I have to wait for the next one like everyone else
Love your writing style and am thinking good happy baby thoughts for you and Cody.
Toris last blog post..-insert celebratory dance here-
By Bellamomma on 05.18.09 3:11 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @Bellamomma
I racked up $18,5hundred and some odd dollars in zofran & home health care bills last year. I’m really hoping this time next year you are posting a scathing letter to your provider about WHYONEARTH does Zofran need to cost that much.
I am an exception to your rule and I feel guilty, but blessed, but wish I could rub my luck onto you & the other girls who are still in the infertility boat. If I could share I would.
Bellamommas last blog post..Would I do it all again? aka: Infertility SUCKS.
By Kristin on 05.18.09 3:50 pm | Permalink
Oh, yes. I’m so with you. TTC right now, and just found out I didn’t this month. But don’t think I didn’t attribute every muscle twitch to a new pregnancy all month. And don’t think I didn’t actually walk around with my hand on my (sorta flat) stomach all month like pg women do. And don’t think I didn’t take ANOTHER pg test when the first one didn’t say what I wanted it to.
Oh well.
At least I can drink again for another few weeks.
good luck to both of us.
By SciFi Dad on 05.18.09 7:35 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @_SciFiDad_
Prayers from me would be useless. We both know this.
So, I will have a good thought for you three.
SciFi Dads last blog post..Neglectimommy Volume 2
By Mommy Daisy on 05.18.09 9:55 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @mommydaisy
I had ever told you that I love you? Well, I’m in the same boat right now. To the point that I was supposed to start my period today! And I had sex when/after/before I ovulated this cycle. I’ve been trying for a while, and no baby. Hoping I’m either pregnant or my period will start tomorrow. Otherwise it’s just a cruel joke.
Good luck to you!!
Mommy Daisys last blog post..Catch Up
By Michelle Smiles on 05.18.09 11:16 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @MichelleSmiles
Gah. I so get all of that. I spent years living that way – 2 weeks of every month I struggled with whether or not I should order that beer with dinner, or buy that baby item that was on clearance, etc, etc, etc. Sorry you are struggling with it and I’m sending you good thoughts!
(P.S. I am one of those miracle stories – I got knocked up 5 months after my adopted daughter came home. But I still HATE when anyone nods knowingly and says it always happens. I even had doctors try and feed me that crap. It doesn’t always happen – if it did, it wouldn’t be worth talking about.)
Michelle Smiless last blog post..My Inner Martha Isn’t Happy
By Lindsay on 05.18.09 11:36 pm | Permalink
Every month, I wait and hope. I had made a pact to not buy anymore pregnancy tests until I was at least a week late, but it doesn’t happen. I’ve spent a lot of money on those stupid sticks. Waiting those two long weeks every month almost kills me. Well, here’s to hoping…for us both!
Lindsays last blog post..Surprising Effects of Not Being Allowed to Buy Beer
By anon for this on 05.19.09 9:58 am | Permalink
I can so feel your pain. While I’m not quite as deep in the trenches as you I am feeling the same thing. For #1 we got prego on the very first try. Then right when our “perfect timing” for #2 hit I was waiting for gallbladder surgery so we stopped trying…I got prego anyway but that ended in a miscarriage. Now, 7 months later we are tracking and trying and I’m peeing on sticks at random because my boobs hurt!!! I must be with child! only to have the big fat NO/FAIL appear in the window. Then my period gets all sneeky and is 2 days late and I go through to more pee-sticks only to have it finally show up today. Ugh.
By Cupcake on 05.19.09 10:08 am | Permalink
I totally needed to hear this.. i just found out my sister is preggo and I’m waiting to ovulate
Thanks for making me feel like I belong somewhere
By Don Mills Diva on 05.19.09 11:12 am | Permalink
Twitter: @DonMillsDiva
I soooo feel this post Casey.
I was an exception once and I fear I am now destined to be a rule.
So stinking hard.
Don Mills Divas last blog post..How Martha and Quentin messed up the world
By Kimmie on 05.19.09 12:33 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @kimsueellen
Love you, and waiting with baited breath and prayers that you are knocked up!
Kimmies last blog post..Opposition
By WM on 05.19.09 1:36 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @twinmomoftwinz
Dear God,
Please make Casey pregnant.
That is all.
Thank you.
Love,
me
WMs last blog post..With a little bit of salt, this foot might taste a right bit of good
By natalie on 05.19.09 4:47 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @nagdalie
i think it’s ok to deal with it however you need to. i have friends who have been dealing with infertility for years, friends who dealt with it for years then got pregnant, and friends who think about getting pregnant and do. i think we need to all be aware that there are all types of people out there. treating others with grace and respect no matter how they handle their frustrations is the only way to do it.
big hope for you. for all good things.
natalies last blog post..sustenance
By Joe @ Irrational Dad on 05.19.09 4:56 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @joegearhart
I don’t know if it will happen or not, but I’ll surely keep my fingers crossed for you. And that’s a big deal! You OBVIOUSLY don’t know the power that my crossed fingers possess. Rueben Studdard won American Idol because I crossed my fingers. My baby was born with all his fingers because I crossed mine. He is currently taking a quiet nap because I crossed my fingers.
I’ll cross my fingers for you in the hopes that I can say “YOU’RE WELCOME” soon.
Joe @ Irrational Dads last blog post..Wordless Wednesday v. Bubbles
By susie on 05.19.09 10:23 pm | Permalink
I’ve erased and rewritten this comment 8 times because I know there’s no “right” thing to say. I’m sorry for the pain that comes with waiting and hopeful for good news.
susies last blog post..Room for Argument
By Sara on 05.19.09 11:37 pm | Permalink
If you look at my STATS, I am a rabbit, but honestly, I have been in your shoes, just not as long. After our first, I wanted a second right away. We started trying after she was 3 months old. Month after month we didn’t get pregnant. I had seen a doctor who told me all looked good but if I didn’t get pregnant in the next couple months he would write me a script for Clomid. I ended up with the script and held it close. It felt like I got a ticket to the carnival. I was antsy to start. My husband asked that I wait. He was not sure about the possibility of multiples.
I held off and waited. I decided that I would wait a few more months because I didn’t want to get pregnant in a certain month for fear of having kids with the same birthday. Guess what happened. Yes, I got pregnant that one month I didn’t want to. Yes, my kids have very close birthdays and yes, 3 months after I had him I got pregnant with my 3rd. She was a total surprise. We were not trying.
I liked what you wrote. I felt it. I hate when people call me a rabbit. It was very difficult in the months before I got pregnant with my second. I will never forget how difficult it was. It makes me want to smack those people upside the head. The ones who call me fertile myrtle.
I hope you get your BFP soon. You deserve it. Who would have thought you would want to be sick for 35 weeks? The things us moms go through for the joys kids bring.
Keeping you and your journey in my prayers.
Saras last blog post..Las Vegas
By Amber Warren on 05.19.09 11:43 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @whiterabbitadvertising
Your posts hit the nail on the head for so many people. This one’s a huge issue. Whenever we’re trying I interpret EVERYTHING to mean I’m pregnant too. It’s impossible not to, right?
Amber Warrens last blog post..Making a Box Garden
By Assertagirl on 05.20.09 10:44 am | Permalink
Twitter: @Assertagirl
I fell two days ago on the same two steps outside my kitchen door that I fall down every single summer. It’s tradition.
May the barfing begin any day now, Casey. xo
Assertagirls last blog post..13 weeks.
By Becky on 05.20.09 5:02 pm | Permalink
Moosh,
Our bloggy is privatey so only my friends and family can read it. If you send me your email I will add you on. I wanted to include your post about faith on my blog since no one can seem to understand what my sis and I have been going thru for the last ten years. We were lucky and out of the both of us – SHE – had a baby after paying up the wazoo for fertility treatments. I paid for them too, but nothing… Anyway would it be OK if I put it on my blog? I would credit it to you of course. Let me know!
By Becky on 05.20.09 5:05 pm | Permalink
I meant the i am the pregnancy rule post.. sorry!
By Duchess on 05.20.09 6:45 pm | Permalink
Well said. Not snarky at all. 33 months and thousands to conceive my daughter. 22w 3days of nonstop puking (not nearly as bad as your HG)and the most popular line I hear now is,”when are you going to have another baby?” uhhh gee let me see when I win the lottery for the second time or maybe when pigs fly out my arse. I would love to have another child but infertility almost killed me and my marriage. The two week wait still gets to me even though we are not “trying”. Not sure where I was going with this other than to say, let it out sister, we are here for you.
Duchesss last blog post..Behaving like a hussy can lead to property loss.
By melissa on 05.20.09 10:31 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @rockdrool
i’m sorry that this is so hard for you. from the bottom of my heart.
melissas last blog post..Shed Part Two: Moving On
By Annie on 05.21.09 9:29 am | Permalink
I’m going through the same thing right now. Its sucks. I hope it works out for you soon!
By Krista on 05.21.09 4:22 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @marriedlife
Yeah, we have two of those “I’m a big brother” shirts. One bought in November, the other in February (that one with good reason) and now he’s going to outgrow them both before we make it happen. Sucks.
Kristas last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Bath Crayons
By mrs. r on 05.21.09 7:25 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @therhouse
hoping you get your miracle. praying for you.
literally.
mrs. rs last blog post..guest blogger: michelle
By becky on 05.23.09 1:17 am | Permalink
Twitter: @lolagoetz
Oh, yes, the waiting and hoping and interpreting? Been going on in my head for several months now. It is making me CRAZY.
beckys last blog post..Behind blue eyes
By Janell on 06.10.09 4:17 pm | Permalink
Unfortunately I know exactly how you feel. I’ve gotten all of those well meant questions and advice. I think the one I hate the most is when they ask “Why?” or “have you tried this doctor?”. Yes I’ve tried all those doctors and finding out why costs thousands of dollars. The doctors just try to guess and each test can cost hundreds of dollars. Then they say “well that’s not it, let’s try this test”(for $700). No thanks to insurance companies for refusing to cover infertility. Anyway, sorry to go off on a rant but best of luck to you.