Post Turkey Day Update

Today's update is that there's no update. Disappointing, I know.  Though I've felt the telltale PMS-like cramping, nothin' is happening down there.  Back when we weren't trying to conceive, this would have been fantastic! Not so much now. So, we'll get started when my body is good and damn ready.

Thanksgiving was a smashing success.  I gotta say, HB and I knocked it outta the park with the vittles. The food didn't really work with my get-healthy regimen, but I said screw it! It's the holidays!! Here's the menu:

Sage and Butter Rubbed Turkey with Cider Gravy

Sourdough Stuffing with Apples and Golden Raisins

Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Dressing (sounds weird but is yummy)

Candied Yams

Kale with Smoked Paprika

Bourbon Creamed Corn

Chipotle Cranberry Sauce

Sweet Potato Pie

I did the pie and the cranberry sauce the night before.  Homemade cranberry sauce is so easy, I don't understand why anyone would want that crap outta the can. Guess some like it in slices? I hadn't made a pie crust in a loooooong time and was determined to do it from scratch this time.  Found a great recipe on Epicurious for the food processor.  Totally easy except I became somewhat of a tard trying to roll it out.  I let HB complete that task and get it into the pie pan, then I made the edges all pretty.  HB actually videotaped me making the pie.  We are doofuses that way.

I prepped like crazy the night before as well. Chopped everything that needed to be chopped. Toasted the bread for the stuffing.  Made everything move much more smoothly the next day. Very important in a tiny ass, one-butt kitchen. The gravy (which HB rocked) required applejack brandy.  HB decided to make other stuff boozy and put it in the turkey brine, the candied yams, the corn (instead of bourbon) and the pie.  De-lish. I busted hump non-stop all day and jumped into the showow just as my mom, brother and sis-in-law arrived.  I was ready, hair combed, make up on and sporting the apron with my name on it (my parents gave the aprons to me and HB for Xmas years ago) in 20 minutes flat.  Impressive, huh?

Sidenote: Maybe I should make this a combo babymaking/food blog.  How does The Infertile Gourmet sound?  This is catchy, no?

Though we had a great Thanksgiving, we were so missing my Dad and Goose (my granny).  Last Thanksgiving we had Goose.  This year, neither. My Dad would've been so proud to see me doing something so grown up like cooking Thanksgiving dinner.  We had candles lit in front of photos of them in their honor.  HB made the incredibly sweet gesture of printing some photos from a previous holiday dinner that had Pop and Goose in them. 

Some days I will laugh my ass off thinking of some nutty thing Pop said or did. Other days are tougher. Last week, I was on Caltrain headed to the city to see friends.  A song came on my iPod that made me think of him and I started crying on the friggin' train. I'll often think of some dirty old lady thing Goose would say and crack a smile.  She was one of the funniest people I've ever known and I truly enjoyed her company.  :::sigh:::: It just doesn't seem to get easier. Btw, I did break out Goose's china for the occasion which was so incredibly special to me.  I will cherish it forever.

I went to acupuncture on Monday and Saturday.  Since Beth was out of town, I saw the gal filling in for her.  Very nice.  She didn't know how to use the credit card machine though and the receptionist was out, so she told me to pay when I came back on Saturday.  On Saturday, she forgot to charge me for Monday's visit. When I mentioned this to her, she seemed confused, so I let it go. I will be sure to call the live receptionist on Monday to take care of this. Besides the threat of bad karma, it just doesn't seem wise to piss off someone that stabs needles in you twice a week.

I went off the deep end and went to yoga 3 days in a row, Friday-Sunday.  Friday's class was, uh, challenging.  There were a few poses that were not happening for me.  One was a handstand against the wall.  This was much easier when I was 7. A couple other poses made me feel like I was auditioning for friggin' Cirque du Soleil!!  The pre/post natal class on Saturday was great at my favorite spot, (www.peacebankyoga.com).  Though I was feeling pretty good at the start, not particularly sore or anything, on my first downward facing dog, I realized my shoulders were tired.  I thought, "Shit, this is going to be a loooooong class".  It went more quickly than I expected, probably because the clock wasn't in view. There were a couple poses where my arms were shaking so much, I almost ended up doing inadvertent head stands. Later, while driving, my arms felt like overcooked spaghetti. I've decided I can't do more than 2 classes back to back.  It appears I momentarily forgot I'm OLD!

The work schedule is tricky this week, so I'll be going to the 5:15 Hatha class on Friday. This is described on the website as a gentler practice.  I'm not sure that's what I'm after.  I like being challenged.  However, the Wednesday class I'm available to attend is called POWER Yoga. Somehow, this does NOT seem like something I'm quite ready for.  I'll be busy Saturday, so I'll miss my pre/post natal class. I'm pretty happy if I get 2 classes in each week. 

So, that's the latest and greatest.  I really don't think AF is going to arrive by the Wednesday deadline and I'm cool with that. It is what it is. I know you guys are TOTALLY excited and ready to move on to the stabbing/shots, weight gain and raging hormones! I sincerely hope to provide you with all those gory details SOON!

A Vomit Story

Don't get excited.  It's not me!  It's actually my cat, Domino. Last night, I chilled on the couch while HB was at the Stanford/Notre Dame game.  Domino was sitting on one of the extra dining room chairs we'd brought in for Thanksgiving. I hear her start to make that wretching sound that indicates a fur ball and whatever she recently ate is on its way up.  I attempt to dash over and push her onto the floor.  It's much easier cleaning cat vomit off hardwood floors than velvet chair cushions.  Everything seemed to move in slow mo. The stupid cushion isn't tied to the chair so it slides off the chair with the cat who is in mid-vomit.  In this wave of motion, vomit flies everywhere.  She managed to hit the cushion she was on, a nice splash on the cushion on the chair next door and a good amount on the floor.  In my efforts to keep the vomit contained to one nice area on the floor, I managed to get it splashed all over the damn place.  I'm sure my neighbors heard me scream, "FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCK!" In the future, I will make sure I just let my baby throw up wherever he/she wants. I will not push it on the floor.  Babies are not as agile as cats.

Period Watch 2009-Update 1

Based on my progesterone level, baby doc wants me to just wait it out.  He seems to think AF will arrive sometime in the next 3-10 days.  I'm cool with this.  While I'm ready to get this party started, maybe the delay is my body's way of telling me it's not quite ready. Also, I was thinking now is a more convenient time to get started since my work schedule is changing in January and I won't have the flexibility I have currently. However, I made my peace with this.  There is nothing more important to me/us than this ride we're about to take, so if I need to take time off work and it's inconvenient for others, oh well.  The timing is something I simply cannot control and I need to and have let it go. Besides, I work alot of overtime that keeps others from having to work when they don't want to, so if they can't return the favor, they can suck it. Work really interferes with one's life, doesn't it? Anyhoo, I found this peace after a mere day of contemplation so this yoga and acupuncture business really seems to be working for me!

On another matter completely unrelated to my girly parts, I got a new toothbrush. Now, I know this may not really be blog-worthy, but I just had to share.  I'd been thinking about getting a proper toothbrush for a while.  Had been using the Crest Spin-Pro and was sick of buying batteries for it.  Batteries that seem to go dead in like 10 seconds.  And their disposal is bad for the environment. So, the other day while Googling, I see the feed above has a link to a $15 rebate for an Oral B rechargeable toothbrush. I bookmarked the page and grinned knowing my teefs would soon be cared for by a luxury implement.  While at Costco (what a magical place, 2nd only to Beltramo's) on Sunday I saw the model 4750 with an INSTANT $20 manufacturer's rebate. A $20 rebate on top of the $15 rebate?? "Oh, SNAP!", I said to myself, "It's about to be ON up in my mouth!" I grabbed that puppy and practically skipped out, I was so excited.

When I got home, Steve could not believe a toothbrush inhabited the giant box I carried in. Seems my environmentally conscious choice was offset by the huge, tree killing box I brought home. But wait!  There were TWO in there!  One for each of us!  For some puzzling reason, he was not as I excited as I.  I ripped open the box and discovered it would be 10 hours to fully charge, so it was not going to be on up in my mouth just yet. After 6 hours, I just couldn't stand it.  I brushed. Man, that thing was so powerful, it felt like it was powered by a jet engine. After just one use, my teeth felt positively polished.  Like my teeth had been replaced by pearls.  I kept running my tongue over them in amazement. Still do. So, that's my little happy story. Really, we must delight in the simple things, right?

Period Watch 2009

Put in a call to my clinic yesterday since I was on cycle day 35 and AF had yet to make an appearance.  I don't get it!  That bitch is usually DYING to show herself. And usually at the most inopportune times! Anyhoo, I'm getting my progesterone level checked tomorrow to see if I'm close to starting.  If not, they may put me on something to get things going.  The stuff they usually give, Provera, is a nightmare, from what I've heard.  I'm told it makes you a huge, whiny, emotional, pissed off mess. Bearing this in mind, Steve is really, really hoping AF will show up on her own. Don't know if there's enough yoga in the world to counteract all that. Maybe alcohol combined with yoga would work, BUT...

I'm officially back on the wagon. We recently visited our friends Mark & Bobbi who took a bartending class. They were anxious to show off their skills. Had a couple very small cocktails, probably equal to 1 normal sized cocktail (normal by my boozy standards). Had 1 glass of wine with dinner. Man, I was NOT a happy camper the next morning.  I woke up at 6am with the worst headache and slightly nauseous feeling.  After the Advil wore off, I was feeling crappy again. See, this is why it's terrible to stop drinking.  You MUST keep up your tolerance.  So, back to O'Douls for me after a couple of fancy-free party nights.

It's been a nice, mellow weekend. I've been popping antibiotics for my sinus infection.  The gobs of green goop cleared up yesterday.  My friend, Bree, got me out of bed and into an 8:30 yoga class this morning.  It was my most challenging class yet and I felt like a million bucks afterwards. Steve made some divine pumpkin spice pancakes for lunch.  They were SO delicious! Now, we're chillin' on the couch, watching the 49ers suck and enjoying a nice, crackling fire. I love Sundays.

Fell off the Wagon

More like leapt off the wagon. Screaming with joy! Went to the annual Champagne Gala at Beltramo's last night.  Spent 150 bucks on the non-refundable tickets before our adventures in babymaking started. We got to hang out with 2 of our favorite people on the planet, so I really didn't want to miss it. I also lifted the ban on prohibited items, namely, CHEESE!! A freakin' delicious Italian goat cheese was being served (have I mentioned I'm a cheese whore??) and I am NOT ashamed to say I took more than my fair share. Also, scored a few extra crab cakes. Oh, and the prosciutto!!!! Dear God!  I was in heaven!!

The bubbly was great.  I didn't overindulge. Probably had the equivalent of 2-3 glasses.  I did taste and dump instead of being the lush I usually am, guzzling every last drop of that sweet nectar.  Since I'm a bit of a lightweight, having been off the sauce for several weeks, that sort of behavior might've led to me being carried out and banned for life from Beltramo's. It's one of my happy places, so that would make me really sad.  Seriously, it just smells good in there, like used wine barrels. I was early, so I wandered the aisles gazing longingly at all the stuff I wanted to buy but didn't. I stopped to inhale the aroma. Ahhhhh.

My favorite bubbly of the night was the Dom Perignon, which believe it or not, was not the most expensive Champagne served. It had a lightness and softness about it while still having complexity. It's also a sentimental favorite as it makes me think of my Dad.  The day he retired, he picked up a bottle (he'd never had it before) and invited Steve and me over.  We toasted his 38 years at SFO. Then we used it to wash down our fried chicken.  From Safeway.  It was a great night and a memory I cherish. :::sigh::: I still miss his so so much.

The most expensive bubbly was this one:  http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1030627&cid=TPV-Googlebase .  Dig the gold bottle? I wasn't crazy about this stuff.  Though it had the lightness I like, it did not have the complexity of the Dom, IMHO. The rep said it's becoming the new "statement" Champagne and you will probably see old dudes surrounded by 25 year old bimbos partying with it.  I'm sure rappers won't be far behind.

I stayed home from work today and am writing this in bed while my cat, Domino, tries to climb on me. Good practice for having kids hanging off me while I'm trying to do stuff.  Anyhoo, I'm waiting for my doc to call to see if I need to be seen today, My sinuses are a veritable cornucopia of gross, green mucus.  It's super disgusting.  TMI, I know.  Wait, what am I saying?  If you're reading this, you're on Period Watch 2009, so TMI is probably not of concern to you :-P

Speaking of Period Watch 2009, after my acupuncture appointment yesterday, Beth gave me some Chinese herbs to lure AF out of the shadows. I know that heifer is lurking.  If she doesn't make an appearance by Dec 2nd, we'll be benched until January, so hopefully this stuff will work.  I have to dump 4 grams into hot water and drink once in the morning, once in the evening.  I had my first cocktail last night and Beth was accurate when she said it tastes like dirt *-( Joy. Back when I was severely anemic and developed pica (makes you want to eat things that aren't food like dirt and ice), this might've tasted better than a martini to me.  Not so much now. Back then I had to eat several big gulp cups of ice daily.  I HAD to have it.  It was like crack and I was completely jonesin' for it. Fortunately, my iron levels are good now, so my addict days are behind me.

Steve just left for work and he's already been replaced in bed by 2 warm kitties. I'm sucking down orange juice, cuddling with the fur babies and about to catch up on my soaps. Despite the gobs of green mucus, this may be a nice day.

Weekend Report

Aunt Flo, that bitch, has still not shown up. Fortunately, I'm feeling crampy this morning, so hopefully, she'll make an appearance soon. The pangs of pain I had, most likely due to the cysts, have subsided.  Hope that's a good sign!

Hunny Bunny (henceforth known as HB) is back from South America!  Yippieeee! Unfortunately, he's sick too :(  Despite that, we had a lovely weekend sleeping in (with the cats), lounging on the couch (with cats),and catching up on Tivo'd college football (also with cats). Yesterday, he told me he knows the shots and subsequent pregnancy (fingers crossed!) are going to make me all hormonal (read insane) and he's going to give me all the love and support I need. Awwwwwwww :)

So, I was hit with a pizza craving yesterday. Had to have it.  Made a pit stop at Round Table and ordered a King Arthur's Supreme, extra sauce, no cheese (cheese is on Beth's list of no no's).  The guy that took my order looked at me like I was slightly nuts.  I have to say, it was GOOD! All the yumminess with a billion less calories! I decided to allow myself 1 glass of wine per week, so combine that with my pizza and I was in heaven. It was a cheap, 5 buck bottle of Cotes du Rhone, but tasted magnificent. 3 weeks off the sauce makes you appreciate just about anything.

The threat of germs got me out of my dentist appointment this morning.  I didn't feel like going and they didn't want me infecting them. Everyone's happy.

HB is recuperating at home today. I'm still going to hit yoga at 1, then back home to continue this morning's activities, watching Tivo'd cooking shows.  Currently watching Hubert Keller make creamed corn and double-cut pork shops.  Mmmmmmm.
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Who Wants to be Stabbed?!

Cuz I'm an expert now! So, please form a single-file line and I'll get right to ya! The overwhelming intimidation I felt when first faced with giant ass box has POOF!  Disappeared! The measuring and mixing of some medications had me really nervous, but a little practice and it was a piece of cake.  I am so ready to do this, unlike the gal in my class that asked if she should keep her meds in the freezer. Another held the needle upside down and asked if a nurse would call her to remind her to take her meds. I guess for that much money, one might expect a conception concierge of sorts, but come on woman!

Since protein, rice and beans are on the Beth (the acupuncturist) recommended list of foods to eat, I got a burrito for the second day in a row.  No cheese, no sour cream.  Surprisingly, it was good! I'm a condiment whore, so I forget stuff can taste good without a bunch of junk piled on top of it.  Oh, also, I made Beth's banana smoothie this morning.  YUM!  All that protein really held me. I didn't start getting hungry again until about 3.

So now, we wait.  Wait for AF to show up. Still crampy off and on, but nuttin'.  I've never been so anxious to have a period in my life! I pray the next ultrasound is okay and we can get started here.
Many good things to look forward to tomorrow.  Yoga at 11.  Acupuncture at 12:30.  Best of all, hunny bunny is coming home!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss him so much, it's ridiculous.
Now excuse me while I wash down my prenatal vitamin with a non-alcoholic beer. Even though it's non-alcoholic, it still feels naughty somehow....