Wordless Wednesday - My Gym

CrockPot Fried Rice

I am so tired.

My mind and my body are drained from the emotional and physical toll IVF takes. Even though I'm exhausted, I can't sleep well because my mind won't quit and my swollen ovaries make it hard to get comfortable. This is almost over; my egg retrieval is scheduled for 10:30 am on Thursday. Hopefully I'll just be complaining of morning sickness soon...

I've also been fortunate enough to be chasing a two-year-old around the park. Around and around and around. And following her up and down the block on her scooter. Up and down and up and down and up and down.

I am so tired.

I don't have much energy (or care for that matter) to prepare dinner. Last night I just made one of those pre-marinated pork loins. Tonight I used the leftovers to make fried rice in the CrockPot. As much as "fried rice" and "CrockPot" don't seem to go together, let me assure you they do - and well. Evie, as uber-picky as they come, had seconds. 'Nuff said.

CrockPot Fried Rice
2 c leftover brown rice
3 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 c diced onion
1 c frozen or fresh vegetables
leftover meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 egg

Throw everything into the CrockPot and mix it gently. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 3-4 hours.

Enjoy!

I should mention this is a fabulous and easy recipe from A Year of CrockPotting. If you've never visited this blog, you are missing out! Lisa hosts Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays over at Blessed with Grace. Visit her for more yummy recipes!

Eight is Enough

My next baby will be conceived this Thursday.

As I was driving home from my doctor's visit today, I had that thought. My ultrasound went well - I have eight "good" eggs. My doctors will retrieve them Thursday. Then we'll say lots of prayers and hope they fertilize and grow!

Can this really happen? Can I really be blessed twice? As I was carrying my sleeping miracle baby to her bed tonight, I thought this just might work out. I just might be able to carry another baby. Please God, let me have another baby.

I feel good. I feel hopeful. And Heather pointed out that my embryo transfer will be this weekend - Valentine's Day. A day that is a symbol of love. That's just what I'm hoping for.

Scooter

Oh, the weather has been beautiful the past few days. The neighborhood is spilling from inside our homes, happy just to be out again.

Evie woke up from her nap Friday and we headed next door to see if the girls could play. Never shy, my daughter helped herself to the toys in their garage. I watched as she clumsily dragged a scooter around. But here's the amazing thing - 30 minutes later, she was riding that scooter!

Evie is a persistent little thing. Once I helped her take the scooter to the sidewalk, she could not be deterred. It's so incredible to watch a child learning. I could see the wheels in her brain turning, trying to figure out how she was going to ride the scooter. She started by standing on it with both feet and lunging forward. That got her nowhere. And that's when she figured out to put one foot on and push with the other foot. The scooter moved! Practice does make perfect, and soon Evie was speeding down the sidewalk.

I watched her with wonder and with sadness. I simply could not believe my tiny baby girl was actually riding a scooter. I was so proud of her new skills! I also had a lump in my throat. I still believe sometimes that Evie is a baby. But each day brings another realization that she is moving on and growing up. She's talking and running and singing and even riding scooters down the sidewalk.

I'm happy Evie is thriving. I'm happy she's moving on and growing up. But the best part was when she finally turned around to get a glimpse of me, and called out "Mommy!" I ran to catch up to her and helped her make her way back home.

Pavlov's Dog

I started my Follistim injections on Monday. I used to have a terrible fear of needles, but that's one phobia I've conquered. They're really not bad, and Chris bought me a big bag of Jelly Bellys to have as a reward each night after my shots. Mmm, mmm, mmm!

Evie's asleep in the morning when I get my shots, but she's awake for my nighttime shot. Because I don't want her to be afraid of needles, I allow Evie to watch as Chris gives me the "medicine in my arm." She sees that it's quick and easy, although she sometimes says "Don't worry, Mommy." I always smile down at her and tell her I'm not worried at all.

My plan is working a little too well, though. Last night, I said "It's time for Daddy to give me the medicine in my arm." Evie's little face lit up and she yelled "Oh, jelly beans!"

She has to get two shots at her next doctor's visit. I'll be sure to pack jelly beans.

Wordless Wednesday - Birthday Party Pics!

Next She'll Want the Car Keys

If you've spent any time with my daughter, you know of her love for lip gloss. I don't know what it is, but once she gets it in her head, she can't move on until she has her fix. If you try to ignore her, you hear "Lipilee! Lipilee! Lipilee!"

Seriously, it is never ending. She has more stamina than should be allowed in a two-year-old.

This weekend, Evie was doing her typical lip gloss begging in the car. Suddenly we heard "Lip gloss, Daddy!" We both did a double-take - she said "Lip gloss," not "Lipilee!" After months of "Lipilee," we were so surprised to hear her use the real words. Her baby word has been replaced by the real thing. Another bittersweet parenting moment.

But Chris has another worry - how to get his daughter to quit calling his manly Chap-Stik "lip gloss." That's a lesson for another day.