17 week Appointment

So I had my 17 week appointment yesterday and I was really hoping they would do a sonogram, alas, no such luck! But, they were able to find baby's heart beat almost immediately on the doppler and it sounded very strong with good fetal movement. So that puts my mind at ease!

I did however lose another 3 pounds since my last appointment! Last time I had actually lost 6 pounds, so I have lost 9 total since my first weigh in at 6 weeks. I have had nausea and have been congested so eating doesn't sounds all that fun at times! I was a little worried, but Dr. Cobbs assured me that she isn't worried and that people really don't start showing/gaining weight with their first until about 20 weeks along.

I asked her about taking a babymoon to the Bahamas or Mexico and she gave me the green light as long as I followed the usual food/water safety rules while traveling abroad. If anyone has been to fun places in Mexico/Carribean/Bahamas, let me know! We are trying to do it on the cheap, but it is always good to have peoples recommendations.

ALSO, Dr. Cobbs helped me move my 2nd trimister screening up with the specialist to TUESDAY, so if baby is in the right position, we will be able to determine the sex. Can NOT wait!!

We so appreciate all of your prayers and support for this little one. We are so thankful!

Calling All Mamas!

Hey there Moms, I need some help!

Starting to get questions about what I want/should register for and its a little overwhelming with all the options out there. I would love your feedback on your favorite brands, or must haves for new moms!

thanks!!!

From the Hips

I am loving this book right now. My sister in law, Katy game it to me for Christmas and I love their non-nonsense explanations and no-judgment description of options (all those many options and choices you have to make when pregnant and with new baby!). I was really overwhelmed with all the information. But they break it down (give pros and cons) for each option in non technical terms and help you walk through what the right choice for you! Highly recommend it!

What's In A Name....

Not that Whit and I are thinking about naming our baby anything Shakespearean :), but we have been considering several boy and girl options that we love.

I have an appointment next Thursday the 29th, I will be about 17.5 weeks. I am not sure if they will do a sono yet, but if they do I guess we could know what our baby is! But, if they don't we have our 20 week appt. on February 17th with the specialist....in addition to checking the sex, I guess they also look into other abnormalities, etc. So, either way we will know in about 3.5 weeks! Yeah!!

So, here are out top two boy names and top two girl names. Let me know what you think, don't say anything negative in case we choose it, but would love to know what you prefer or think sounds cute!

Girl:
1. Madeleine Reece Copley
Madeleine we just love and Reece is a family name on Whit's side

2. Harper (note sure middle name) Copley
We love Harper, but I just can't settle on a middle name that I like with it, options are:
Blair (my middle name), Reed (my mom's maiden name), Elizabeth (a favorite of Whit's), Marie (a family name on both sides), Anderson (family on Whit's side)

Boy:
1. Claiborne Whitmire Copley, Jr. call him "Clay"
This is Whit's full name, can you tell he is from the south :) And we love the idea of a jr. and like Clay...

2. William Bennett Copley call him "Bennett"
William is a family name on my side and Bennett we just really like!

Other girl name considered: Samantha
Other boy name considered: Jacob and Hayes

Grateful

*Disclaimer: This is a really long post, feel free to read in little slices at a time :)

Whit and I are so grateful for this little precious baby growing in my tummy. We feel so blessed with this gift from the Lord and trust that His timing is perfect in every moment. The more I study scripture and read books about pregnancy and being a mommy, the more convinced I am how important this role (being parents!) is to the Lord. I just pray that Whit and I would continue to be able to trust the Lord, His perfect plan for our lives and the life of this baby.

This has not been the easiest season in life :) As I mentioned before in a post, Whit and I had some trouble getting pregnant. And I have a new and lasting empathy for any family that has to struggle with infertility. There are so many doubts and frustrations and I really believe Satan can use these fears to make you doubt God's love for you and your trust in Him. I truly had to be on my knees about that everyday. I remember after one particularly hard week, I was talking with my friend Erin (in my bible study here in DC!), and I told her, "Its just so HARD for me to trust the Lord with this, it seems so personal and acute." Her words to me were so true, and they have stuck with me ever since. She said, "Oh Meredith, that doesn't change once you get pregnant, then its just, 'What if I have a miscarriage', 'What if there is something wrong medically with the baby', 'What if I can't get pregnant again.'" It doesn't stop with getting pregnant! You just move on to the next worry or fear! Holy Cow has that been true for me!

Literally I have come home from the doctor and looked at Whit (pointing to my tummy) and said, "do you really think there is a baby in there"? And he will gently point out that I have already have three sonograms, heard a heart beat and have just been to the doctors where they were able to pick up the heart beat with the doppler! So, yes he says, I think there is a baby in there. :) Right now, I am 16 weeks and my current "freak out" is that I don't think I am showing at all and I can still wear normal clothes! I have read this can be normal and that some women don't really start showing until the middle or end of their 2nd trimesters in 1st pregnancies, but I am still having to come to the Lord with this fear everyday!

Anyways, back to the original intention of this post. Whit and I are both really open people. Many of you walked through every step of this journey with us, others didn't! We are happy to share our story, in hopes that it brings God glory and encouragement to others.

Back in March of 08 Whit and I started "trying", i.e. I went off the pill in February and we started to try in March. In the meantime, I had been reading this book called "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. I was really interested in learning more about my cycle and understanding the natural signs of fertility, etc. It is a thorough lesson on basal body temperature and charting as well as tracking cervical fluid and cervical position (Sorry if that is too much information!!!). For the first three months, I started charting my temperature each morning, for those of you unaware with this method, you take your temp each morning at the exact same time and record it on this graph. Right after you ovulate you will see a "spike" in your temperature. This helps you see a pattern in your ovulation cycles. I was also charting cervical fluid and while this was very easy...i was having a really hard time reading my basal body temperatures. Based on my charts, I really couldn't tell when I was ovulating.

About this time, I went into my OB for a "pre-conception visit" I told her that I had been trying about three months. She said Great, here is a prescription for prenatals, take these and lets set up another appointment in another three months, if you are not pregnant then, we will talk about next steps, but I expect that you will be back before then and pregnant! That was encouraging and we kept trying. Some of you know what it feels like to be at the end of the month every month wondering if you are pregnant, and then BAM your friendly mestrual cycle appears :) It stiiiiiiiiiiinkkkkks.

So, during the next three months we kept trying, and it kept not happening. I was reading more about fertility and signs of infertility online and in my Taking Charge book. I knew that the normal cycle length was anywhere from 22-36 days. Mine were not REALLY long, around 38-41 days....so a little longer than normal. I also had read that longer cycles could mean that I might be having trouble ovulating. So, at the recommendation of a friend and after reading this info, I decided to invest in ovulation predictor kits (OPKs). These can be purchased at any drug store or target they are usually about $40-$50 for a pack of 7, but since I had NO IDEA when I was ovulating, I had to buy enough for the whole cycle. The ones that I got were daily pregnancy test looking things, you peed on them every day and if the window came up with two lines then you were about to ovulate. OPKs measure the luetenizing hormone that is released about 12-36 hours before ovulation, so the idea is if you have a positive you would "try" the next 1-3 days and hope to get preggers. I did these for two months and according to the OPKs I never ovulated.

So, I came to the next meeting with my OB with some more information. Whit came too, and we explained that over the last three months since I had seen her I had also took OPKs and they all came up negative (basically meaning that I wasn't ovulating). After listening to our story, she was wonderful and encouraging and very proactive. She said that she thinks that I have something called Polycyctic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is a disease where a couple of the hormones in a women can be out of whack, and as a result the correct hormones are never sent to the brain to tell the ovaries to release an egg....therefore you don't ovulate. It can present itself in a few ways....none of which I had really, except for the anovulation part: skin tags, acne, excess hair, anovulation. Dr. Cobbs (my OB) wanted to run some blood tests and send me to a specialist for a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm that I had PCOS. She was very encouraging and told me many women have this and there are several ways of treating it and evetually getting my body to ovulate. I remember her exact words at the end of the meeting, I was crying of course, she said " I feel very confident that you can get pregnant, Meredith." And Whit immediately told her "You don't know how much those words mean to us!"

I did the blood test which confirmed my hormone levels were out of whack and then went to the specialist for him to do the ultrasounds to look at my ovaries. One of them looked very PCOS, it was enlarged with many bump/cysts on the outside and the other ovary was borderline, not too large, not many cysts.

Dr. Cobbs plan of action was to start me out on 50mg of Clomid which is a drug that helps level out the hormones and signal to your brain to release an egg, in combination with HGC hormone shots to really get the egg to "pop" out as Dr. Cobbs said :) This was the begining of the marathon of doctors appointments and here is how it went:
-On day 5-9 of my cycle I would take a Clomid pill at the same time each day
-On day 12 I would come into the office, Dr. Cobbs would do a sonogram to look at my ovaries to see if there were any follicles forming (the egg pops out of the follicle that grows out of the ovary)
-If follicle (s) were present, she would give me 10K injections of the HCG hormone into my rear to "really get the egg to pop out" as she said :)
-Then I would come back in a week later she would do another sonogram to look and make sure that the follicles had burst or ruptured (i.e. egg popped through)
-Then I would come back into the office on day 25 to get my blood drawn to check my progestrone level (they can tell from your progestrone level if you have ovulated).

The first round of clomid/hgc shots did not work. Dr. Cobbs still had lots of hope for us, but wanted us to meet with Dr. Gordon from Domion Fertility (he is an edocrinologist and fertility doctor and his practice does all kinds of things for families struggling with infertility) to get some other opinons and have him run some tests.

Dr. Gordon, confimed that I probably had PCOS and as a first step had Whit and Me do several other tests to rule out any other problems that we had. I had to go get a hysterosalpingogram, where they push this liquid through your fallopian tubes to make sure that they aren't blocked. Yes, it was painful, but thankfully no problem for me. I also had to go get a Glucose tolerance test (this is also the same test they make you do around 28 weeks preggers to make sure you don't have gestational diabetes), Dr. Gordon said there was a link for some people to have diabetes and PCOS. Thankfully, I passed with flying colors and we didn't have to worry about it. Whit had to go to Dominion to get a semenalysis (can't imagine anything worse for a guy!), and while his number were off the charts, they did have some minor concerns about the speed at which they could travel. (I guess they measure amount, shape and motility in semenalysis).

*Side Note: yes, I do feel like I could teach a course on reproductive health after all the books and doctors we have met with :)

Dr. Gordon thought a good first step for Whit and me would be to have the same Clomid/HCG injection procudure run out of his office in combination with Intrauterine Insemination. Basically it would be the same thing I had done at Dr. Cobbs office, but they would inseminate me when they knew I was ovulating. Of course this wasn't yet invitro, but it stil costs thousands of dollars. I immediately thought we couldn't do this, due to the cost. Whit was great, he said right away, if that is what they want us to do, we will do it! So, he went ahead and set up an appointment with the finance office and we got the first appointment/procedure scheduled.

In the meantime, we had told Dr. Cobbs we would do one more round of clomid/injections with her, but since we were told by Dr. Gordon that this really wouldn't work for us, we didnt have a lot of hope, and had our mind set on the first procedure at Dominion.

I will never forget the last appointment I had with Dr. Cobbs, I had had my second ultrasound and she was able to see that the follicle had popped. When she left and I was waiting for the nurse to come back in to give me the injections. I was so emotional, I got down on my knees face down on the office floor (gross, I know!) and just started praying to the Lord. I was asking God, that if this is what he wanted us to do (the expensive procedure at Dominion) we would do it, but if he could help me get pregnant with this cycle, I would be so grateful! As I was praying the nurse walked in, and just stopped and laid her hand on my shoulder and said "we are just all hoping and praying that this works for you Meredith." Ahhh, it was amazing and so sweet to hear those words from my nurse.

Well weeks came and went, and on day 35 i just couldn't bring myself to go into the Dr. office to do a blood test, I still hadn't started my period, but I was so nervous that they would tell me I am not pregnant. Finally on the next day, day 36, Whit convinced me to go. I went up to Dr. Cobbs (this was a Monday) they did a quick blood test and told me I would find out on Wednesday. Wednesday, WHAT!?!?! I wanted to know today! SOOOO, I called after work about 5pm, and they looked up my results (panicked, racing heart while I waited) and when she came back she said, Oh, I am so sorry ma'am, we ran the wrong test on you, instead of running the Beta blood test for pregnancy, we ran a progestrone test. I was so dissapointed! They said that they would try to re-run it and call me back later. But before I got off, she said, but your progestrone looks really high, have you taken a home pregnanct test? No, I said. She told me maybe I should. Since I had a stockpile of those upstairs, and with Whit's encouragement we went upstairs and took a clear blue test :)

After those long three minutes we couldn't have been happier to know I was pregnant, lots of tears. Whit went to read it first and after what seemed like forever I ran in there and he said, "we're pregnant!!!!" And the funny thing is the doctor's office called us back right after that and said, "you're pregnant" I said we know! The Lord's timing is so perfect, we found out on a Monday and we have our first appointment at Dominion scheduled for that Friday, so glad we didn't have to go through that other procedure!

At our 8 week sono, Dr. Cobbs was so happy for us, as we looked at the little "blob" in the middle of the screen with a heartbeat, Whit and I were overcome with this miracle in me. In fact, we were both saying out loud, "Its a miracle", Dr. Cobbs, who is on Washingtonian's list of 100 best doctors in DC, and who had delivered three babies that very day, was able to look at us, and say "Yes, it is such a miracle". Right after that, we were just chatting with Dr. Cobbs and learned that she has three boys, two clomid babies and one supirse 5 years later, no wonder she was so pro-active with us! Also, she shared that she was on the board of this ministry at our church called "Birth Mothers", which helps women who have decided to keep their babies, either put them up for adoption or provide them resources and training to help raise and care for their new little ones. Dr. Cobbs doesn't acutally go to our church (but goes to another great one in the area) but this particular ministry is located and run out of our church....we thought that was such a cool thing, and are so thankful she is a believer!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future"

Such a sweet and honest open letter to Sasha and Malia Obama from Jenna and Barbara Bush:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123239885943895155.html?mod=rss_Today%27s_Most_Popular

• JANUARY 22, 2009, 9:22 A.M. ET

Playing House in the White House

By JENNA and BARBARA BUSH

Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn't quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by -- the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.

We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and "Smiley", greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:

Getty Images

Jenna (left) and Barbara arrived on the South Lawn of the White House Sunday after spending the weekend at Camp David for the last time with their parents.

-- Surround yourself with loyal friends. They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.

-- If you're traveling with your parents over Halloween, don't let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.

-- If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for "Smiley."

-- And, a note on White House puppies--our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there's Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.

-- Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.

-- When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.

-- In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!

For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room's massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.

In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.

When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren't sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.

As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.

Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.

This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.

And finally, although it's an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn't always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.

Jenna Bush is a writer and educator, the author of the book 'Ana's Story' and the co-author, with her mother Laura Bush, of the picture book 'Read All About It.'

Barbara Bush works for a public health-focused non-profit, Global Health Corps, and previously worked for The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

July 7th, 2009...

Is going to be a big day in the Copley Home :) more deets coming soon. 15 weeks now, find out the sex in a few weeks!