Elijah’s First Christmas

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We had a wonderful Christmas.  Elijah was the best present ever, and a close second was having Mom here helping with Elijah, feeding us, and organizing the house. We were sad to see her go, but I promised Dad that I would send her home.

The Santa Suit that Elijah wore was a pleasant surprise. I have no idea where it came from. It just magically appeared when Mom and I were organizing the Nursery just before Christmas.  Everyone ooed and awed when he wore it.

I also had a nice surprise when I opened my present and found a Kindle inside.  My jaw dropped.  I have used it quite a bit since.

Elijah

Growling like a lion. He was not happy that I woke him to change and then had the audacity to take his picture.

 

 

 

Frostbite is having Sibling Rivalry.  She has been keeping her distance most of the time. There is occasional hissing, but things are gradually getting better. Frostbite is quite territorial.

 

 

This is one of his favorite places to be. The swing was a heaven sent gift from a generous ward member. I love this bib ‘cause it is so true.

 

 

 

Grandma gave Elijah a nickname,  “Mister Grunt”  He always grunts when is falling asleep or waking up and sometimes when he is eating.  It is quite hilarious.  I guess he wants to make sure everyone is paying attention to him.

Ready for the Snow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I loved this suit. It was so soft and furry.

Preparing for Baby Dufresne

The time is coming closer. We have so much to do before we are ready. My co-worker has generously given us a crib that converts to a toddler bed. We need to assemble it and paint it a chocolate brown. Rich and I went to Babies ‘R Us and registered. I was so overwhelmed and excited about all the things babies need.  It was fun to dream and plan for the near future. I still need to go back and add more. It was more tiring than I envisioned it would be.  This little one is going to be spoiled by everyone around him.

Also need to set up a place for Mom to stay. I am so excited to at least see her this year. It was heartbreaking to cancel our Dec trip home to see the family, but what took its place is well worth it.  We are hoping to be moving to Utah by the end of next year God willing.

Sneak Peak!

Just 6 months ago on General Conference weekend, we were blessed with the news that our family was expanding. Wow! Time has quickly flown by. Rich and I are filled with nervous and excited anticipation for this sweet spirit to bless our lives. When I hear “Just Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Buble on the radio, I have tears of joy come to my eyes and start singing along to the baby.

In spite of the aches and pains, the pregnancy has gone well. Our little boy is frequently on the go now.  Hope it is not telling of a future of constantly chasing him around.  I have had the joy of listening to his little heartbeat through my stethoscope at home. This has added to our bonding experience.  It is still quite unbelievable that there is a living being inside me and watching him move/bounce in my belly is awesome.  He loves to be on the right side of my belly most of the time.

Here are some previews of what’s to come!!! (20 week Ultrasound)

Our Little One was very stubborn and insisted on moving away from the technician or covering up with arms and legs.  I did not mind since it meant the technician and to look a bit longer.  I was enjoying every second see this wonderful baby that was part of me. Waving to the world. Looks like he’s wearing shades. So excited to get this beautiful profile shot. Rich is certain that he will have my nose. Guess we will have to wait and see. Wonder if his toes will be short or long. He is growing so fast already!His heart is barely visible in this pic, but it is working hard at beating 150 times a minute.  The human body is so intricate and amazing. Officially, It’s a Boy! Rich’s heart skipped a beat when the word “boy” reached his ears. He has dreamed of having a boy to carry on the Dufresne genes.  I think that I was in shock. Happy to have a healthy boy, but also realizing that I wanted a girl a little more that I knew. No matter what, I will love this little one with all my heart. I have prayed and worked hard for so long to bring him into my life.  He is truly a miracle from God.

Baby Dufresne

Baby’s first Ultrasound at 8weeks. The fetus is upside-down. You can see the arm and leg buds. Measuring in at 8.2 mm and the size of a Lima Bean. The squiggles on the the bottom of the image represents the heartbeat. Even at this stage, the little one had brought us so much joy.

Nearly halfway through and I am finally starting to feel pregnant. I can feel the firmness in my abdomen. Soon I will be able to feel the baby move. Rich and I are so excited for our next Ultrasound in which we may be able to know the sex of the baby.  Can’t wait to see the fingers and toes.

Brad Paisley - Little Moments

This is Our Song. When I heard it for the first time, I knew that it fit us perfectly.

Research Study

Rich and I are participating in a Research Study for patient diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility.  PCOS affects the ovulation process causing the eggs not to mature and be released from the ovary.  It is often called a “pearled effect” as shown below because the cross-section looks like a string of pearls.  This ultrasound image is similar to the last one I had last month. Tests showed that the Uterus and Fallopian tubes are functioning.  Dr Casson feels very hopeful that this drug study will be successful.

 

The Drug Study is a double-blind study and at no cost to me. It will last 5 Cycles.  I will have blood work and ultrasounds each month to monitor my progress. I will take one of the two meds, which are Clomid (Current treatment) and Letrozole (Currently used to treat Breast Cancer patients). Both Dr Casson and I will not know which med I am taking, but Dr Casson feels confident that he can figure it out by the side effects of the med and it is different for each one.  Don’t worry, the side effects are mild.  These medications are supposed to regulated the Estrogen level resulting in Ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary).  If this is unsuccessful, then we will have to try more invasive alteratives, but I am trying not to get ahead of myself.

Rich and I are trying to stay positive. We know that having children is a righteous desire of our heart and that we need to put our trust in the Lord.  At times, this is easier said than done.  Even if we have to adopt the Lord with bless us.