Blessings and update

Thought I would do a quick update here.  We are now on day 23 of charting with CrMS and all is going well so far.  We can tell there is definite low progesterone happening so far.  We meet with LaDean again on Thursday and will learn some more parts of the charting and evaluate everything so far.  I really look forward to our visit, she has blessed us in immeasurable ways already.

I am currently searching for a local care provider that would be willing to work via Dr. Yeung so that we don't have the expense of traveling to see him in NC.  I have some leads, but nothing definite yet.  Hoping to talk with a couple more possibilities tomorrow.  We will make the trip if we have to, but he has offered this as a way to reduce our costs and I am so very thankful.  Please pray that someone would be willing to work with us in this way!

Another unexpected blessing was a LadyComp given to us by our very good friends along with their prayers for our fertility.  I had lots of fun getting it set up this afternoon and can very easily temp my bbt each morning and the computer tracks and evaluates it.  Since my cycles are irregular, it will take a while for it to be able to predict ovulation and menses, but it should help to confirm my other charts and eventually as I stabilize my hormones it should be very helpful.

I have been feeling pretty well.  Thankful my cycle was not longer than 41 days this time.  I have been eating well for the vast majority of the past 6 weeks and have lost a few more pounds, but seem stalled.  Tom and I had decided to start running on the Couch to 5K program and really enjoyed it, but I ended up with a knee injury a couple days after our 2nd run.  :-(  I spent about 10 days in bed but am much improved now.  I was able to walk 1/4 mile this morning while Tom ran and will build up to longer distances eventually.  I am planning to get back to T-Tapp on the other 3 days a week.

So, that's about it for now.  I have some studying to do before our next class and many other pressing matters about the home here.  I will update again in the next week or two.  Thank you for your prayers and support.

Tropical smoothie recipe

A friend shared this recipe with me and Tom and I have enjoyed it, so wanted to share with you.

Tropical Smoothie
1 can frozen, unsweetened pineapple juice
1 can coconut milk
1/2 lime, squeezed
ice

Put cans in blender, add lime juice and fill with ice.  Blend well and enjoy!

Video talking about the Creighton Model that I am learning

My teacher, LaDean Barnes and her son put these videos together.  It includes couples and doctors that she works with.  Dr. Yeung is the doctor I will be seeing.

A Big Step

Yesterday Tom and I went and consulted with LaDean Barnes who is a certified teacher of the Creighton Model Fertility Care System.  We went through the initial informational meeting and will begin charting in a couple of days.  We found the training to be very helpful and are looking forward to working with LaDean.  

While I have charted my cycles before, this method is a bit more involved and working with a teacher who can help with knowing how to chart different situations and help interpret things will be very helpful I think.  We will chart for 60 days and then evaluate where to go from there.  At that point, most infertility clients are recommended to a doctor who is trained in NaPro Technology and the teacher works with you in accurately charting so that the doctor can see what is going on and help with diagnosis and treatment, she also acts as a liaison between you and the doctor.  The information regarding infertility success rates on this link was encouraging!

How far we go with treatment is still undetermined, we prefer natural treatments and there are some lines that we will not cross.  However, the doctors who are trained in this only use natural hormones, do not do IVF or sterilizations or abortions - so that is a plus!  A big consideration in this is that, being self-employed, we do not have health insurance and some of this could be very $$$.  The nearest trained doctor is in NC, so it would also be a drive.

Tom is very excited and hopeful and looking forward to helping me with the charting (though not looking forward to the 30-day abstinence required in the beginning - eek!).  The children are excited, it has been difficult for them as they pray daily for a brother or sister.  I am cautiously optimistic.  I was impressed with the teacher and look forward to working with her.  I was impressed with the research and information provided in the system.  I am hopeful that with my continued weight loss and healthy eating and exercise and the charting that we will see results.  I am very interested in getting some more tests and diagnostics done but a bit leery of what we will be able and willing to do medical-wise if we need it.  Please pray with us for wisdom!  We all want a baby very, very much but need to make sure we are in God's will for us above all.  :-)

We have a follow-up appt every 2 weeks for a while and then monthly.  Feel free to ask questions!

Diet stiflers - Vacation / Travel / Summer

I was away from home for 3 weeks and, well, that's not so good on the diet.  I gained 9# even though I went for several walks and climbed many stairs.  I did not do very well with my eating.  I tried, and I wanted to, but when everyone around you can eat treats and desserts and breads - and you're on vacation and want to have fun with others - it's just hard!!!  I am going to work on being much more careful the next 2 weeks and trying to exercise daily, would like to at least lose the bloating and pounds I gained before we go on another vacation and my brother's wedding.  I definitely don't feel as good and saw a few symptoms returning also.  So, back to it!  :-)

Peanut Butter Fudge

A yummy recipe that we all enjoyed!

Peanut Butter Fudge
1 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tbsp honey
dash of salt
1 tsp vanilla

Melt coconut oil gently in pan on low.  Pour into blender with remaining ingredients.  Blend well.  Pour into 8x8 pan and put in freezer for 15 min or so, until hardened.  Keep in fridge once solid.

GAPS Nut Bread

Nut Bread
1 1/2 cups blanched crispy almonds
1 1/2 cups crispy brazil nuts
4 eggs
1/4 cup ghee, slightly melted
2 Tbsp lard, slightly melted (I have used coconut or palm oil)
1 tsp natural sea salt

Preheat oven to 325.  Line loaf pan with wax paper cut to fit into the bottom of loaf pan.  Grease paper and sides of loaf pan with lard or melted ghee.  Pulse/blend almonds and brazil nuts in food processor until it turns into a thick nut butter.  Remove 1/2 cup of nut paste and set aside.  Add eggs, ghee, lard and salt.  Blend until well mixed.  Add back the nut paste that was set aside little by little until the mixture resembles very thick cake batter, blending with each addition.  Refrigerate an leftover nut paste to use in a future batch of nut bread.  Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.  Smooth out the top of batter with a wooden spoon or flexible spatula.  Bake in preheated oven for approximately an hour, or until knife comes out clean.  Cool for 5 to 10 minutes in pan, then run a knife around the edge of the bread and remove from pan.  Cool completely before slicing.