Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Greetings from my bed!

I would like to officially declare bed rest as the absolutely best part of IVF. When else in your life can you stay in bed and be a complete lazy bum without any judgment – AND you don’t even feel bad like you do when you’re sick! It’s been a nice few days, and I’m kind of sad that today is my last day, and I have to go back to the real world tomorrow…

I’ve been working – some. Yesterday, I think I did about three hours of work on a project, and I think I got more accomplished yesterday than I do in most days. Granted, a large part of my job is answering questions and guiding my staff, and I couldn’t do that yesterday, but I’m so much more productive on my back in my bed than in my office! I’ve also done all my Christmas cards, printed labels for the upcoming year’s files, and read about half of Mel’s new book.

Mel, of Stirrup Queens, wrote a post yesterday about her new book, Life from Scratch, and it’s fantastic! After hearing her new book was released, I had to download it immediately – I use the Kindle software on my laptop or iphone. I have read her non-fiction book about infertility, Navigating the Land of IF, which is a must-read for any infertile, but her new fiction book is so good too! It always amazes me how people can write fiction – needless to say, I always struggled at creative writing. And now to know (kind of – at least in bloggy land) someone who wrote such a fun story, I’m so impressed! It’s one of those books that sucks you in immediately, and keeps you going. I read the first half of it last night – you know it’s a good book when it keeps you up late at night. It’s just so fun, and charming, and so incredibly entertaining! I find myself smiling throughout the whole experience. I’m trying to hold off on reading it too much today – I actually have work to do! But go check it out – I highly recommend it!

Things are still going very well with the positive attitude mission of mine. I know a lot of people, especially those that have gone through pregnancy losses, don’t believe in looking too far ahead, not doing anything too permanent, but I’m taking a different approach. During my last pregnancy, my friend got me this book – it has a page for every day of your pregnancy. I had written – in pen – the dates on each page – up until the miscarriage. So some people would think that I wouldn’t use it again. And I thought about that too. But I love it, and I didn’t want to buy another one – I want to use the book my friend gave me. I didn’t start looking at it until about 7 weeks last pregnancy, as that is when she got it for me. But this time, I started looking at it on day 1. Each day, I cross out the old date (which makes me a little sad, but it’s also nice to remember my other baby), and put in the new date, and write a little note about my mood or a little note to the embryos. And I read to the hubs the status of the babies, or me, whatever it says for the day. I know this could be setting myself up for all kinds of heartache. But if I lose these guys, I will have heartache regardless. I can’t protect myself from that kind of grief, so instead, I’m going to enjoy every moment I can with these little embryos…

30 comments:

  1. Alex, this message was just what I needed right now! Thank you. I admire your positive outlook so much. Those babies are so loved, they are going to stick.

    I am jealous of your bedrest! I want an excuse to lie around, too!!! I totally agree with you that one gets SO much more done working from home. I am not allowed to work from home in my current job, which is stupid because I work independently in my own office on my own project, and often I don't see anyone all day anyways!!! It's frustrating when I know I am so much more motivated and creative when I get to work in my jammies with my kitchen and my pets at my disposal.

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  2. Hello! It sounds like you are not being much of a lazy bum. You have gotten lots done!
    I like that you have continued to use your book. I would have waffled about it and never used the book and it would have been a real waste. Good for you. :-)

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  3. Alex, I'm one of those that still can't believe we'll have a baby but I would give my right hand to have been able to enjoy it fully. So I admire you and I wish I were you and not this sorry person I've been at every number, scan, milestone etc. Your positivity will be rewarded!

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  4. Ooooh, bed rest sounds divine! I have yet to read her book but thanks for the review, I'm, going to have to pick it up now, lol. Attitude is priceless, keep the good vibes flowing!

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  5. I'm glad you're doing so well and feeling so positive, Alex. And super-productive -- I think I could often work better from home, too, but alas, my boss likes face time.
    Thinking many good thoughts for you!

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  6. Enjoy the bed rest! I love your positive attitude. It makes a big difference. Wishing you all the best!

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  7. I think it's great to be positive...it can only help! Enjoy the rest of your bed rest. That's definitely the part of IVF I am most looking forward to!

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  8. Enjoy this time and eat up all the rest and relaxation you can get! Sending you tons of positive vibes for the next few weeks!!

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  9. bed rest sounds great!!! much deserved by you too.

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  10. Enjoy the bed rest. Before you know it, you will not get the time you need in it!

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  11. What a lovely outlook! I actually have the same book (the pregnancy journal) that I've been using through my pregnancy. But I was not as optimistic as you in the beginning and only wrote in pencil. I'm still writing in pencil for some reason, but you've inspired me to switch to pen!

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  12. I love this post and your outlook.

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  13. that sounds fantabulous!

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  14. Love your positive outlook! I'm sorry this is your last day of bedrest, but at least your little embryos will be keeping you company when you head back to work! :)

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  15. Great attitude! Enjoy your bed rest. And keep up the positive thinking!

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  16. What a cool book! Glad to hear you are feeling well and rested - too bad you've got to get back to the real world tomorrow. :(

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  17. Yay for bed rest! Stay strongly stuck little embies.

    I love the journaling idea and the idea of staying positive here. I'm sending so many positive vibes your way.

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  18. Thank you for the words about my book.

    I love this attitude: "But if I lose these guys, I will have heartache regardless. I can’t protect myself from that kind of grief, so instead, I’m going to enjoy every moment I can with these little embryos… " Because it's true -- and I'm sending so many good thoughts.

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  19. Thinking of you over there! I bet it's hard to concentrate on work! Love the positive attitude! Hugs!

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  20. You are one amazing momma already:) I agree with you though and with this last Ivf I went though I kind of took a similar approach but I will admit I still had a wall that took a while to come down...But I was like you I wanted to record it all because this could be the one and if I didnt journal it and everyone worked out I would regret it but if it didnt well you would grieve regardless:) So I commend you for such a wonderful attitude during such a difficult unknown time:)

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  21. How exciting! Hope it all goes well this round. I have been following you for a while =) Bed rest sounds like a good choice these days.

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  22. You have a fantastic attitude this cycle! I can't wait to hear how well it pays off!! Hope you enjoyed your last day of bedrest....

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  23. enjoy that bedrest but make sure to take it easy when you go back to work. Hoping for the best for you!

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  24. Hey Alex darling,
    I am so sorry this comment is a bit belated. I just want you to know I am so excited for you, this cycle sounds like it has been going great and I can't wait to read the outcome! I know it's been said already but I'm so proud of you for being positive. Keep it up!!
    love,

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  25. I think it's important to follow your heart. There's no set way you should or shouldn't proceed, and it sounds like writing in the journal is a good thing for you.

    And, Alex, I'm so glad you've been enjoying these days of rest. I am going to follow your lead next month. Positivity is the way to go. And I am feeling very positive for you.

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