Here we are again. Another try on day 16 of my current cycle. The last one broke the day before mothers day and I'll admit there were some sensitive moments over that weekend. The last couple weeks have been pretty tense on account of one of my rare anxiety attacks - triggered by work stuff I wont go into here. The long and the short of it is that I'll be staying where I am for the foreseeable future. This is why I haven't posted for a while. That and that we've obviously had a lot of talking to do.
After long discussion (and much ice-cream) we've decided that we're ready for a change of scenery; and with that in mind, we've expanded on our plans for 'the Grand Venture.' The land in Peru is well and truly ours now and features a smart new security fence thanks to A's father and her younger brother. We're currently putting together plans for the first floor and getting estimates for building work which hopefully should begin towards the end of the year (late spring in Peru) but it will be a while before we have finished all we need to do in Europe and are ready to move on.
In the interim period, we have decided that we would like to get onto the property market in Spain - most likely the southern coast - whilst there are still bargain prices to be found. We want to do this for a number of reasons, the main ones being for the change in lifestyle and as an investment opportunity (maybe for funding or as a source of income) when we do eventually move to Peru. We estimate it will take us a year to build up the cash for our deposit and the various necessities of purchasing (taking into account the other ventures money is being set aside for) and in the mean time we are researching locations, with Almeria being our current favourite.
We haven't come up with an appropriate project name for this try yet (just something we've taken to entertaining ourselves with) but the summary so far is that we discovered it was time last night, when we were out celebrating my birthday. I turned 29 on Friday but between shift changes and wanting to spend more time with A, Saturday night was the only time this week we could do it. We went to a local restaurant with a couple of close friends and then on to a local gay bar that A and I favour (although that might change now that it no longer serves cocktails) During a stop to freshen up, I spotted ewcm and as soon as I got back to the table, signalled in code to R that he would be needed ASAP. It was a little amusing trying to get the message across without alerting anyone else at the table (Though one significant glance at A and she figured out what I was trying to say. Eventually she pulled R away on a pretence to fill him in) Thankfully, R and I are both working this evening and had time to do what we needed to this morning.
Showing posts with label insem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insem. Show all posts
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
A Single Step
As expected, the cramps I was experiencing before my interviews did presage the end of that attempt; but we picked ourselves up and kept running because we had a number of projects in progress that have been doing an excellent job of keeping us distracted.
The interviews went well and we both secured offers conditional on background checks, references, etc. It would mean stepping down from a position of responsibility for me and a cut in my hourly rate (although since I am only contracted for the weekend, with the applicable increases I will have a satisfactory wage even before overtime.) A has accepted an offer to stay working in her ward after she negotiated hours better suited to her study (and more conductive to a social life.) This puts us in a very strong position from this summer, when I will have completed my period of training. In the mean time, between visits from the new op's manager and promotion changes, there is enough going on at work to keep me busy.
And as to this months attempt: we started a little later than expected. My cm and basal temperature were not showing the slightest indication of anything resembling interesting and we were beginning to think this month wasn't going to happen. On day 19 (Monday), I noticed some wet cm whilst I was at work and figured we should at least get in a try this month - if we want to fit in as many tries as mother nature will give us a shot at before our step-up deadline of August (the anniversary of our first attempt.) After a quick call to A, we arranged an insem for the next day, which R and I conveniently both had off.
Day 20; and low and behold, fertile cm, agreeable temps and R at our door - the planets must have aligned yesterday, because everything went according to plan. I'm inclined to believe Goddess arranged the situation for us after we were starting to get frustrated with the delay between ewcm and insem, and how often we were having to do these things on days when either R or I (or both of us) had to work. As it is, we're looking at another magic cycle and we're channeling every available resource into directing positive energy in the right direction. I'm using a rose quartz bracelet as a fertility totem for this cycle and We've asked a friend whose circle specialises in fertility spells to help. There are baby pictures and magazines dotted all around the flat to emphasize our objective (including one in the snack draw as a deterrent for me, lolz) and we're trying to keep to fresh, in season foods to draw health and vitality into ourselves.
Try number 6 - the second magic cycle - is here.
The interviews went well and we both secured offers conditional on background checks, references, etc. It would mean stepping down from a position of responsibility for me and a cut in my hourly rate (although since I am only contracted for the weekend, with the applicable increases I will have a satisfactory wage even before overtime.) A has accepted an offer to stay working in her ward after she negotiated hours better suited to her study (and more conductive to a social life.) This puts us in a very strong position from this summer, when I will have completed my period of training. In the mean time, between visits from the new op's manager and promotion changes, there is enough going on at work to keep me busy.
And as to this months attempt: we started a little later than expected. My cm and basal temperature were not showing the slightest indication of anything resembling interesting and we were beginning to think this month wasn't going to happen. On day 19 (Monday), I noticed some wet cm whilst I was at work and figured we should at least get in a try this month - if we want to fit in as many tries as mother nature will give us a shot at before our step-up deadline of August (the anniversary of our first attempt.) After a quick call to A, we arranged an insem for the next day, which R and I conveniently both had off.
Day 20; and low and behold, fertile cm, agreeable temps and R at our door - the planets must have aligned yesterday, because everything went according to plan. I'm inclined to believe Goddess arranged the situation for us after we were starting to get frustrated with the delay between ewcm and insem, and how often we were having to do these things on days when either R or I (or both of us) had to work. As it is, we're looking at another magic cycle and we're channeling every available resource into directing positive energy in the right direction. I'm using a rose quartz bracelet as a fertility totem for this cycle and We've asked a friend whose circle specialises in fertility spells to help. There are baby pictures and magazines dotted all around the flat to emphasize our objective (including one in the snack draw as a deterrent for me, lolz) and we're trying to keep to fresh, in season foods to draw health and vitality into ourselves.
Try number 6 - the second magic cycle - is here.
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Quick update
So it's been relatively calm this go-round. We insem'd on Thursday and again on Friday, no schedule clashes but we did cut it pretty fine on Thursday, when we both had the evening shift. I had spotting and cramps on Friday, which felt an awful lot like an early period (two week cycles are not unheard-of for me) and R started getting a little overprotective at work. He basically told the guys I was working with that I was still weak from a bad cold (only half an untruth, as I had had a cold and was feeling pretty crappy) and he indicated that I should spend the evening with my feet up whilst they took care of the physical stuff like bringing in the delivery. Being good lads, they all put their shoulders to the grindstone and kept me away from the heavy lifting, watching me like hawks for anything that needed doing and even topping up the tea on my desk each time one of them passed by. Whilst I guiltily stayed away from the heavy lifting, I was touched by how dedicated my boys were and I'm proud of all of them. I left a box of choccy on the desk for them all and made sure everyone had some. Thankfully, there's been no further bleeding and I suspect it may have been caused by the mechanics of the insem - something we'll have to look into should there be need for further tries.
In other news, we're still waiting to hear back from the jobs we've applied for. The closing date for applications was Thursday just gone, with prospective employees being contacted this week for basic numeracy and literacy tests. After that, should we be successful we will need to apply for up-to-date CRB checks and then paid training, hopefully starting work in June. The fixed schedules would be very good for A especially, now that she has classes four days a week and it would allow me time to pursue my Spanish academically. I think just applying for these jobs is doing wonders for reducing my stress levels at work - like I can relax a little now that I'm taking steps to get out of there.
And on the land front, we're still waiting to hear confirmation from A's father that new ownership has been registered with the municipality. Apparently, this can take up to several weeks. In the mean-time, a security fence has been constructed around the perimeter of our new property. Things are beginning to happen and it's providing us with plenty to keep ourselves occupied during this cycle's long wait.
In other news, we're still waiting to hear back from the jobs we've applied for. The closing date for applications was Thursday just gone, with prospective employees being contacted this week for basic numeracy and literacy tests. After that, should we be successful we will need to apply for up-to-date CRB checks and then paid training, hopefully starting work in June. The fixed schedules would be very good for A especially, now that she has classes four days a week and it would allow me time to pursue my Spanish academically. I think just applying for these jobs is doing wonders for reducing my stress levels at work - like I can relax a little now that I'm taking steps to get out of there.
And on the land front, we're still waiting to hear confirmation from A's father that new ownership has been registered with the municipality. Apparently, this can take up to several weeks. In the mean-time, a security fence has been constructed around the perimeter of our new property. Things are beginning to happen and it's providing us with plenty to keep ourselves occupied during this cycle's long wait.
Thursday, 6 February 2014
And We're off!
Ewcm sighted last night and again this morning. R is on his way after breakfast and we should have insem by lunch. Then R and I are working tonight :-\
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
In which there is a day, an insemination and absolutely no reference to Henry Fielding
8:30 am, 11 November
Signs it's going to be a good day
* The radio greets us with Bon Jovi and the playlist just gets better from there
* More ewcm than I've had on any given morning in the last six months.
* The new lodgers are on their way out for work
- Sorry, if this is graphic btw but it seems to be the case that whilst you're ttc, you're so focused on the many amazing things your body is doing to prepare for baby that you sometimes forget that not everybody has the same endless fascination for mucus and follicles and linings.
14:00
A flurry of cleaning, a warm shower and then a cup of tea whilst waiting for A to get home from work. Nothing left to do this evening but pop in a movie and pour out the (non-alcoholic) mojitos. R confirms he has finished class and is en-route.
-the new lodgers (vecino & vecina) return from work
22:30
After talking all evening and enjoying a fabulous dinner cooked by my very talented partner, R does his manly duty and heads home, leaving us to get down to business with the goods. I should mention at this point that the bed we're currently using (whilst waiting for a new one to arrive) is a large bunk with a 'study' underneath. Every movement makes the bed sway and creak. The lodgers are in the next room. There were rounds of creaking, shushing and intermittent giggles but we got the job done. We even discovered that the bed is the perfect distance from the ceiling for me to prop my legs up and check out the pretty colours A had painted my nails for the occasion (she'd made me put my socks on as soon as they were dry and made me swear not to look)
So that's it. Our only insem attempt for this cycle. The Hail Mary Pass.
Signs it's going to be a good day
* The radio greets us with Bon Jovi and the playlist just gets better from there
* More ewcm than I've had on any given morning in the last six months.
* The new lodgers are on their way out for work
- Sorry, if this is graphic btw but it seems to be the case that whilst you're ttc, you're so focused on the many amazing things your body is doing to prepare for baby that you sometimes forget that not everybody has the same endless fascination for mucus and follicles and linings.
14:00
A flurry of cleaning, a warm shower and then a cup of tea whilst waiting for A to get home from work. Nothing left to do this evening but pop in a movie and pour out the (non-alcoholic) mojitos. R confirms he has finished class and is en-route.
-the new lodgers (vecino & vecina) return from work
22:30
After talking all evening and enjoying a fabulous dinner cooked by my very talented partner, R does his manly duty and heads home, leaving us to get down to business with the goods. I should mention at this point that the bed we're currently using (whilst waiting for a new one to arrive) is a large bunk with a 'study' underneath. Every movement makes the bed sway and creak. The lodgers are in the next room. There were rounds of creaking, shushing and intermittent giggles but we got the job done. We even discovered that the bed is the perfect distance from the ceiling for me to prop my legs up and check out the pretty colours A had painted my nails for the occasion (she'd made me put my socks on as soon as they were dry and made me swear not to look)
So that's it. Our only insem attempt for this cycle. The Hail Mary Pass.
Monday, 5 August 2013
All Systems are Go!
Well, here we are. Attempt one, insem one down. Go team!
Yesterday, was a bit of an adventure, I'll tell you that.
I took the test just after lunch - remind me to never again try that at work. I had to dodge a team manager with the ovulation stick in hand. I then left the stick behind the toilets cistern whilst I waited it out, figuring I was the only woman on premises. I hadn't counted on someone forgetting to write on the handover note that we had an extra member of staff. My heart almost stopped when I saw her heading into the toilets (only two toilet stalls and I stupidly left it in the one everyone uses) Nothing was said though. I think we got away with it. cm was wet and slippery - just right for what we had in mind (Needless to say, we were very happy with the timing of this when I found evidence this morning of spinnbarkeit, highly fertile cm)
As I headed home, I expected to feel some last minute jitters but as I thought about it, I realised that I had no doubts. I felt so sure that this was right. A was waiting for me in high spirits when I got home with a big smile and a dish of arroz con pollo, in honour of the occasion. We always celebrate with food from my partner's native Peru.
R came over after dinner and we hung out for a while before getting down to business. We had decided beforehand that he would leave his deposit with us just before he started home so that A and I could have some privacy. It matters a great deal to us that this process of creating our child be as intimate as it can be - regardless of the tools and trappings required.
It went quite well. We took it in turns to hold the container and keep it at a decent temperature whilst we waited for it to liquefy. Then, after insemination, I lay with my butt propped up on a pillow for twenty minutes whilst A tidied up the dinner plates and kept an eye on the time.
R has plans for tomorrow so we decided not to go down the three day insem route we had planned. Instead, we are going to do an insem today, after breakfast and one after dinner tonight.
keep your fingers crossed for us.
Yesterday, was a bit of an adventure, I'll tell you that.
I took the test just after lunch - remind me to never again try that at work. I had to dodge a team manager with the ovulation stick in hand. I then left the stick behind the toilets cistern whilst I waited it out, figuring I was the only woman on premises. I hadn't counted on someone forgetting to write on the handover note that we had an extra member of staff. My heart almost stopped when I saw her heading into the toilets (only two toilet stalls and I stupidly left it in the one everyone uses) Nothing was said though. I think we got away with it. cm was wet and slippery - just right for what we had in mind (Needless to say, we were very happy with the timing of this when I found evidence this morning of spinnbarkeit, highly fertile cm)
As I headed home, I expected to feel some last minute jitters but as I thought about it, I realised that I had no doubts. I felt so sure that this was right. A was waiting for me in high spirits when I got home with a big smile and a dish of arroz con pollo, in honour of the occasion. We always celebrate with food from my partner's native Peru.
R came over after dinner and we hung out for a while before getting down to business. We had decided beforehand that he would leave his deposit with us just before he started home so that A and I could have some privacy. It matters a great deal to us that this process of creating our child be as intimate as it can be - regardless of the tools and trappings required.
It went quite well. We took it in turns to hold the container and keep it at a decent temperature whilst we waited for it to liquefy. Then, after insemination, I lay with my butt propped up on a pillow for twenty minutes whilst A tidied up the dinner plates and kept an eye on the time.
R has plans for tomorrow so we decided not to go down the three day insem route we had planned. Instead, we are going to do an insem today, after breakfast and one after dinner tonight.
keep your fingers crossed for us.
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