PMS from HELL!

Updates on my cycle. Last cycle that started in May lasted 21 days! Not quite in the healthy range, but getting there!  My last two cycles I seem to have ovulation symptoms, but no clear temporal shift. I believe the May 2013 cycle was due to inconsistent temping.  This cycle, I had ONE missed temp, but it appeared to be right when I think I ovulated. I appear to have a bi-phasic pattern, but it doesn't show ovulation on FF. I think it is because the increase in my temps is barely one to two-tenths above my "pre-O" pattern.  They seem to hover right in that range, with a few that spike higher.

The problem is that where I think I may have ovulated, my last BD was so far away...If on CD17, it is -3 ovulation, but with that one temp missing it is hard to say. Plus, if it is actually on CD18, we're a -4 and that's stretching it.

BUT, I'm already at CD26, with no AF! I did have some very slight spotting on CD 24/25--I though for sure AF was coming, especially with that temp dip, but then she didn't and my temp is up today.  I can't help but be a bit manic in my hope that this is a positive sign. I'm obsessing like I did in the good ol' TTC days. I wonder if that could have been implantation? I've had funny twinges in my pelvis, but I can never trust those as with my IBS it is more likely gas/constipation than anything related to reproduction.

My nipples have been very hard lately. Although often they will take turns, one nipple hard as rock, the other flat as a deflated balloon. And sore to the touch. Today I just felt some burning in my left nipple.  And I've had darker veins on my breasts/chest and shoulders, but that happens often.

Well, fingerscrossed this is a positive, because I've been in the darkest mood of my life the last two days and I don't think I can take it anymore!

Guest Review: Baby Needs: Wants vs. Needs

 

 Hello all! I've been de-anting my computer and focusing on work, so I'm very behind in updates. Today I have a guest post from a fellow blogger, Katie Moore, who writes on her blog
Moore From Katie.  Katie wanted to offer my readers who may be first-time moms (or mommys-in-waiting) some tips about where you can scrimp on things for baby and what's worth it to splurge on.  Reading some of her posts, I think she has an ability to expand on what most people may expect or know for mommyhood, and has several useful tips.

I definitely know many of you going through various ART treatments and with increased expenses to achieve pregnancy may appreciate a tip on how to save once your long-awaited little one arrives.

So, if you are the type of TTCer who loves to build your nursery and layette in anticipation of your little miracle, read on! If you're more like me, and like to hedge your bets, this could be a very informative article on what to splurge on when you do achieve live birth.  So, fair warning, if you've just gotten a negative HPT or AF has arrived for the millionth time, maybe save this article for another day!

Baby Needs: Wants vs. Needs

When it comes to having a baby, outfitting a nursery is only the first step in providing your child everything he or she needs. Figuring out what you need in preparation for your little one can be a struggle, especially on your wallet!  Everyone has different priorities, but by following a few tips it's possible to make sure you have what you need and where you can save a few dollars!

Save: Baby Designed Laundry Detergent

There are definitely some items that a mother may initially think she needs because of advertisements and advice from other parents that are not worth the money spent.  Baby specific laundry detergent is one of these items.  Many companies are trying to promote expensive detergent and claim it is gentler on a baby's skin.  As long as you buy fragrance free detergents, or sensitive skin detergents, your baby's clothes should be fit for them to wear.  Many of my friends even decided to go the DIY route and make their own laundry detergent.  You can find many recipes online that are effective, and keep money in your wallet!

Save: Baby Clothes

Another item not to break the bank on is baby clothes.  While we all want our babies to look adorable and be dressed following the latest baby trends, babies grow rapidly and clothing tends to only fit for a few weeks to a few months!  Because of this rapid turnover, there are always baby clothes to be found from friends who also recently had babies. Drop in at area garage sales to try and find clothes for your little one. Shopping full-priced retail outlets can get expensive, so think cheap and score deals where you can!

Splurge: Cord Blood Banking

One of the most important things you can give your child is access to their own cord blood stem cells later in life.  Banking cord blood involves collecting the blood remaining in your baby’s umbilical cord after birth and storing it in a private cord blood bank.  Stem cells from cord blood are used today in certain treatments and as research continues to advance, these cells could hold the key to treating other certain illnesses.  Make sure to do your research and ask your doctor about the cord blood banking.

Splurge: High Quality Camera

Another priceless gift that you can give your child is purchasing a high quality camera.  Babies grow up amazingly fast and having a camera to document the growth will preserve the memories for you and allow your child to see photos of their childhood after they have grown.  Buy a lightweight camera that you can carry with you anywhere so you are sure not to miss a single memorable moment with your child.  Make sure that it can fit in your diaper bag and don't be shy about using it.

Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26