National Endometriosis Awareness Month

Endometriosis has cost me my fertility, caused me pain since I was very young, and required me to have several major surgeries. There is still a lot that is unknown about this disease. For more information please visit the National Endometriosis Association.

Pay It Forward - ICLW

I was completely blessed when my friends threw a fundraiser for my husband and I this fall to help us fund our IVF. There are a lot of good people that deserve to become parents and it's SO unfortunate when such wonderful people are faced with the HUGE financial burden that comes with Infertility. My husband and I had MANY discussions about how we would finance our journey, if it was worth the financial burden to become parents, and the fact that we did not want to be in debt as we began our journey as parents.

My friend Mel and her husband are in the same boat that we were in this fall. They are saving for IVF. I wish I had a million dollars that I could give to deserving couples. She deserves to become a mother just like so many other wonderful women in my life.

You can follow her journey at her blog "Our Journey to be a Mommy and Daddy." On her site she has a link to a fund for her IVF and readers can donate. I have made a donation and only wish I could do more. If any readers would like to check it out I am sure she would appreciate it!

For those of you new to my blog you can get a good recap with this post. I appreciate you visiting and wish you nothing but the best in your own IF journeys. It's an unfortunate club that we are in but surround yourself with wonderful people and believe that your path eventual has an end that you will be at peace with.

Midwest Resolve Conference

I have had the pleasure of doing some volunteer work for RESOLVE. If you are not yet familiar with their services it can be a very valuable resource. This year I am attending the conference as a potential adoptive parent, next year hopefully I will be volunteering at the event and be a mom! If you have any questions please let me know. If you do not live in the Midwest check out the RESOLVE website for information about resources in your area. Here is kind of some "form" information if you are interested.

Do you know anyone going through infertility and/or considering adoption? If so, please let them know about RESOLVE's upcoming Infertility and Adoption Family Building Conference on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Early bird pricing ends February 25th.

Exploring Paths of Hope: The Midwest Region of RESOLVE's
 27th Annual Infertility and Adoption Family Building Conference March 12, 2011 * 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. * Golden Valley, MN

•FREE expert advice from Reproductive Endocrinologists, Adoption Agencies, Alternative Therapy Practitioners, Attorneys, Psychologists and other fertility and adoption specialists •FREE giveaway -- over $35,000 of prizes to be given away •19 infertility and adoption workshops •Largest conference of its type in the Midwest

The Midwest Region of RESOLVE is proud to present its annual Family Building Conference on Saturday, March 12, 2011. This conference is designed to address the medical and emotional issues associated with infertility and adoption. Attendees will learn about new treatments, be able to talk directly to doctors and specialists, explore parenting options and network with others experiencing infertility. Medical experts, attorneys, counseling professionals, adoption agencies and those who have experienced infertility firsthand will provide information regarding all aspects of your family building journey. Over $35,000 worth of infertility and adoption services and merchandise to be given away. You must be present to enter and to win. For more information and to register, visit their website.

Home Visit Nerves

It's not even scheduled yet but I am anxious about our home visit even though everyone tells me it's not that big of a deal. I'm not back to 100% to be able to clean yet (I vacuumed the other day and that was a big mistake - amazing how many muscles that uses!) We have things to do like put a few light switches on, closet doors, clean out the junk room (soon to be nursery). So we have some projects bigger than just "regular" cleaning. A few other requirements we have to work on; we need a home phone, battery operated radio, fire extinguishers, and have a disaster plan.

I am also nervous about our dog. He is two and still a little puppyish; we're going to have to wear him down the day before. I am sure things will be fine but I think I just have too much time to sit around and think about it. The exciting part? It means our home study is almost DONE!!!!!

Adoption update: We have our two day parenting class Thursday and Friday of this week. We are scheduled for our car seat class on Saturday the 26th and we need to schedule our home visit.

Surgery update: I'm recovering really well. I'm able to run short errands or go for short visits which is helping me keep sane. My husband and I had a wonderful Valentine's weekend with a couple wonderful little dates. I'm having hot flashes which is a good thing; they are annoying more than anything! I go back to work next Wednesday for just 4 hours a day. We'll see how that goes!

GO PACK GO!!!!!

Normal blogging aside, I am a HUGE Packer fan (and so is the pooch)! Big day today!

Adoption IS okay!

I really thought the whole process of my hysterectomy was going to be more emotional for me. It is so final! It means I will never be pregnant, never give birth, never feel a baby kick inside of me. I will not have a "normal" 9 month waiting period where I can announce on FB that I am pregnant, my aunts can plan me a traditional baby shower, I can go to an ultrasound and see the baby growing inside of me. I will never look at a child and say "Aw, she has my eyes, she has my husbands nose." BUT THAT IS OKAY!

Sure there was a little while in November that I had to be sad about it but my feelings have come full circle and I am very excited about our adoption. I know in my heart that there is a baby out there for us and we will be united at some point. I finally feel like the uncertainty of our infertility has ended! God planned it this way. We were meant to adopt and I can't wait to welcome a baby into our family!