When I had my most recent miscarriage I searched for every single thing I could do to prevent it from happening again.  There is research that suggests that taking a DHA supplement may reduce your chance of miscarriage.  I plan on starting these vitamins too!  Care to join me?

To enter use the raffle copter below!

Just like documenting your pregnancy, it is just as fun to document your baby's growth outside of the womb!  Use these adorable onsie stickers to show how fast your baby grows and changes in their first year!

It is amazing to see their features change, their hair grow in, their smiles turn into belly laughs.  Don't let those amazing moments slip past you! 

Last set of Wondfo HPTs are being given away! If you listen really closely these tests talk to you.  Shhh.  Do you hear them?

Pee on me. 

Pee on me.

Pee on me.  

Pee on me!

Enter Now!

Here is another opportunity to win Welcome Womb.  If you have a history of miscarriages and have been diagnosed with "bad luck" this might be your answer.  Welcome Womb is used to prevent miscarriages by toning the uterus.  I used it after 6 losses and carried that pregnancy to term.

It will not "save" a pregnancy when the baby is not compatible with life.  It doesn't taste very good but if you are willing to try an herbal approach this could be your answer!  If you have any questions, most of you know that I am always willing to share my experiences.  Good luck!

All you need to do it be a member of TTC community!  Isn't that Easy? 

The other day Doug was measuring and pouring the Lemon and Lavender Oil for our essential oil winner and the entire upstairs still smells of Lavender.  It is dreamy! 


With this Aroma Therapy kit you will get a glass jar, reed diffusers, carrier oil, and 1/3 ounce of essential oil.  You may choose from Lavender (relaxing), Ylang Ylang (aphrodisiac), or Lemon (clean and fresh) oils. 

Entry is easy! All you have to do is be awesome!

When I was pregnant with Gavin, I was a proud mama and alng for the otmost always remembered to have Doug take a picture of me with my growing belly each week. Since it was long before I had a blog even before I had joined facebook, I had no where to share those pictures.

When I was pregnant with Joey I always had that dreadful "waiting for the other shoe to drop" feeling.  I wish I would have documented my pregnancy better. 

If I get pregnant again, I will be sure to document what might be my last pregnancy.    I have seen these belly stickers and I will have to get some of these if I am blessed with a sticky baby.

So get some for now or get some for later!  These stickers are sure to help make your pregnancy memorable!  The stickers are 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks, 24 weeks, 28 weeks, 30 weeks, 32 weeks, 34 weeks, 36 weeks 38 weeks and 40 weeks.  So cute right? 

All you need to do to win is create a poll on TTC community.  You will need to be a member to do so, but creating a poll is easy!  It can be about anything you want!  Baby names maybe?  Child birth techniques?  Pizza toppings?  Whatever!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a good one for everyone!  This sensual massage oil is great for spicing things up in the bedroom, relaxing him or her after a long day, or when your baby bump us causing your back to ache.  This oil is mixed up by yours truly and can help to ease your mind, body, and soul.

It is made of sweet almond oil, ylang ylang, and sandalwood.  The scent is pleasing to both men and women so your man won't object (too passionately) about giving you a soothing and romantic experience.

All you need to do to win this dreamy massage oil is stop in to ttc community and share a quote.  It can be about absolutely anything!  It can make you laugh or smile, stop and think, or make you want to take one more lap.    It doesn't have to be about TTC, pregnancy, childbirth, or kids!  It can be, but if you would rather, feel free share a quote about marriage, work, life, or dancing the cha cha! 

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is all of the miraculous changes our bodies go through each cycle.  Due to those changes there are so many ways to help women who are trying to conceive determine when they are ovulating. 

Most women who have been trying for a while are familiar with charting and noting when and if they have fertile CM but did you know that your saliva can show you when you are going to ovulate?  Really!  You can use a Saliva Ferning Microscope, like the Fertile-Focus Personal Ovulation Microscope, and it can help determine when you will ovulate up to 72 hours in advance!  All you need to so is put some saliva on the microscope, allow it to dry, then play scientist and see if it indicates impending ovulation.  That even sounds like more fun that looking at a couple of lines on an ovulation test!  With this little gadget, a one time purchase of $27.95, you can replace those test strips that might tell us when ovulation is coming but can get very pricey when long irregular cycles cause us to test multiple times a day for a week or more!
Luckily, the wonderful people at Village Fertility Pharmacy are giving you an opportunity to win a Fertile Focus Microscope!   Even better is that they are happy to share this prize worldwide!  All you have to do to enter this giveaway is be a member at TTC Community. 

I can't count the number of times I have blogged about Welcome Womb.  I still credit it as one of the amazing things God gave us to help Joey become a living part of our family.  The awful taste that still reminds me of morning sickness and what ruined most every beverage I used to enjoy, is worth every contagious giggle and head butt that is supposed to be a kiss.  If you want to know more about Welcome Womb you can read the testimonials at the top of the page including mine.

If you have a history of miscarriage or know someone that does, I can't recommend this stuff enough.


To enter to win this 2 ounce bottle of Welcome Womb, all you need to do is share a little bit about your miscarriage in our forum so that others may be better able to prepare for what they might expect.  If you aren't comfortable sharing that, you can share you go-to recipe here. 

The cycle that Doug and I conceived, he was taking FertilAid for men.  He seemed to like it because anytime I happened to ask if he had taken it he had.  This is coming from a guy who routinely forgets to take his prescription medications!  Again, do we know if this was what "did the trick?"  Nope!  Will we use it again in hopes of the same results?  You betcha!
To win this one month supply of FertilAid for Men, you will need to complete this easy crossword puzzle!  Have fun and good luck! Remember that you have to be signed in in order to complete the puzzle! 

When I was pregnant with Gavin, I have this very vivid memory of laying down on the exam table, lifting my shirt proudly for the doctor to do her routine palpitations and measurements.  The words that came out of her mouth will forever ring in my ears.  She said, "Looks like you gained too much weight."

I smiled awkwardly as I explained, "I thought a pound a week was pretty standard at this stage."

"Oh.  Yes.  But I'm talking about all of these stretch marks."

My mind raced.  I smiled at her and said, "Oh."

I had no idea I had stretch marks.  Doug was apparently smart enough to not tell me.  When I looked down, all I could see was a bump and two sets of toes poking out from underneath.  When I got home, with the help of a hand mirror and some contortion, I was able to see that underneath my big beautiful baby bump was road map of fault lines from my pelvic bone region stretching up toward my belly button.  It wasn't pretty.  There was not much I could do at that point.

I wish that I had thought to use a cream that could prevent them.  I realize that gaining too much weight didn't help, but I can't help but think that I could have been more proactive in preventing the long purplish reminders of every extra helping of desert I had throughout my pregnancy.

Dream Belly Butter combines natural, plant-derived butters and oils for deep moisturizing along with antioxidants from grapefruit and rosehip oil to heal, soothe, and revitalize strained skin. I can't think of a better, more natural, and pleasant way to prevent the most unattractive parts of pregnancy.  Also, I can't thin kof any reason why you couldn't use it on your breasts as many women have some real expansion in that department too!  Plus, if you are being extra cautious about what chemicals you are putting on your skin, Dream Belly Butter contains no petroleum products, parabens, artificial colors or artificial preservatives.  That is awesome! This is certainly something I want to have on hand for when I start growing a big belly! 


FairHaven Health is offering 5 Dream Belly Butters to 5 lucky winners in US and Canada!  To enter, all you have to do is submit a quote HERE on ttccommunity.  It can be a quote about TTC, pregnancy, parenting, or life in general. 

I am an addict.  There is no meeting for my addiction (unless you count my trying to conceive groups) but I can't seem to resist the urge to pee on things.  Unfortunately peeing on things can become an expensive habit so I am always sure to have some cheep but sensitive test strips on hand.   And, you can pee on them two at a time if you want when you have 20 of them!

The tests did not expire in 07.  This image is from Amazon.com

  All you need to do to enter to win these tests is to answer this poll.  It takes about 3 seconds!  Ironically the same amount of time it takes to dip one of these tests!  Good luck!

I have posted before about how much I liked using Fertile CM.  In fact, the cycle I started it was the first time I was able to get pregnant in 20 cycles!  Could it have been the supplement?  Only God knows, but I bet you wouldn't mind seeing it it works for you!

To enter this giveaway you will need to go HERE and complete this fun and easy quiz about TTC.  I had fun making it and I think you will have fun taking it!  Have fun and good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ready?  Set.  Go!  Today is the first of the 30 Days of Giveaways!  Since most of us are either trying to conceive or pregnant, how about something for both!

Image from Amazon.com

This Boppy Pregnancy Wedge is perfect for those who have a growing belly as it is designed to be tucked under your growing bump for a bit of support.  No bump yet?  Is it just me or does it look like it is perfect for placing under your hips for after a bit of baby dancing?

 So... have at it ladies!

If you didn't get a chance to see the video I posted last night, take a couple of minutes to watch it now.  Then, go HERE and tell me what your words of wisdom are.  If you already shared advice that didn't fit into the video, you can use the same words of wisdom.  It can be funny, serious, thoughtful, silly... whatever as long as it is honest.   

The Good: I am so happy to announce that Joni was selected by rafflecopter to win the Ovacue Fertility Monitor with Vaginal Sensor! And, just because Laura told her about it, Laura is getting one too! I am so happy for them and hope that it helps them conceive soon!  A huge high five goes to Fairhaven Health for hooking Jayme and I up with these awesome monitors! 

Also, within the next few days there will be another awesome giveaway!  I am working out the details, but I promise you, there will be a prize package for you no matter where you are in your journey with starting, growing, or loving your family the way it is!

The Bad: I was really feeling some convincing ghost symptoms the last few days, but when I woke I was feeling less sure.  That didn't keep me from testing.  I think my period will be here in the next couple of days. 


The Ugly: I can't believe I am actually going to post this picture.  I am never in pictures mostly because I am always behind the camera, but also because I hate pictures of me.  Today Gavin and Joey were both curled up in my lap watching Blue's Clues.  They have been fascinated with the daffodils so as they clung to their flowers and sleepily watched the show Doug grabbed the camera.  After Doug took about 8 pictures  I decided to make a silly face to see if he even noticed.  He didn't.  This is just scary. 

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As many of you know, I was given the opportunity to review an OvaCue fertility monitor with vaginal sensor!  So many of you expressed an interest in a giveaway that I had to figure out how to make that happen.  Not only did I get you a giveaway, I did one better!  I managed to turn this into an even cooler giveaway event by inviting my dear friend Jayme at The Tater Twins to join me!  What does this mean?  This means TWO monitors are going to be sent out to TWO lucky winners!! 

There is a tiny twist that could make this really exciting!  If you share this giveaway with your friends, blog readers, or trying to conceive buddy groups and they use your email address* as who referred them, if they win, you do too!!  So not only do all of your entries count as a possibility to win, every single entry of each person that you send, also means an entry for you as well!  So spread the word!

In the event the winner was not referred by anyone, a second winner will be selected for the second monitor!

*The email address must match the one you use to enter via rafflecopter!!  

I enjoy hosting a good giveaway!  It feels like it has been a while since I did a basic, simple, easy to enter giveaway so here we go!!

Chapter One Herbs is already ready to get romantic. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it is time to start thinking about what you and your sweetie might do for each other.  This Romantic Date Night package will help spark some romance all while keeping it green!

This package includes 1/3 ounce of Ylang Ylang that is sure to set the mood in any room of the house.  Its scent is lightly floral, fresh, and fragrant but not overpowering for the men!  It can help reduce stress and anxiety while helping to put both of you in the mood for some love!  Mix the Ylang Ylang with the sweet almond carrier oil in your stunning glass diffuser.  Put some reeds in and place it in any room of the house to lightly suggest that tonight will be a good night!

After a good meal (after all, they do say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach) you can each take some time to yourself and climb into a luxurious tub.  But this bath doesn't have to be the same boring bath you always take.  This tub is going to sizzle with anticipation.  Toss in one of these delicate bath bombs and watch it bubble as it transforms your regular bathwater into a calming lavender retreat.  After soaking up all of its luxuriousness you can offer your husband an opportunity to try it for himself while you set the stage in the bedroom!

Light one or both of these 2 ounce Ylang Ylang candles and put on something special.  When he is perfectly calm and relaxed from his bath you can tell him about the best part.  Using the sensual massage oil made with Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood, you can take turns rubbing and massaging away any lingering muscle aches while letting the anticipation continue to build for what you still have in store.  The massage oil can be used liberally and you will still have plenty for next time!  Chapter One Herbs will let you take it from there!

Want to order your Romantic Date Night package for only $49.50 today?  Shop Now!

Want to see if you can get lucky!  Enter to Win below!   

Today, I am supposed to write to Aunt Flo so how's this?


Dear Aunt Flo,


Cantankerously Yours,


Me




But enough about her.  You know who I don't hate?  I don't hate you!  I think you all are the greatest ever.  I love how supportive, helpful, and kind you all have been.  I adore that I have been able to connect and get to know so many people from this agonizingly long journey to baby #3.  So, since I am completely unable to purchase and ship Christmas gifts to all the corners of the map, I decided that for Christmas I would like to give a gift to one of my fantastic readers.  Just a little something to tell you how much I appreciate you.  No hoops to jump through.  Just comment below and tell me what your Christmas wish is this year and then tell the rafflecopter that you did it!  That is it! Please enter because this is for YOU!  I don't care if we are family, friends, or complete strangers.  You are a reader and I appreciate you! This is only open until the end of Christmas Day EST so don't wait! 
I hope you have the merriest of Christmases.  May God bless you this year and may your relationship with Him flourish to lengths you never knew possible.

 

The wait is actually over but I made 14 days worth of activities to do during my wait.  Today's activity is to watch a TV show or movie about birth or pregnancy.   I am going to be watching the movie The Business of Being Born.  I have heard so much about it and have always wanted to see it so what a great excuse to finally see it!

The past few weeks we have been working with Gavin on sharing, since Joey is now reaching the age of wanting to be involved in real play.  So in honor of Gavin learning to take tuns and share his things, I'm going to share a DVD of this movie with one of you!   A great item for any couple who is expecting to have a baby in a few months or a few years! 

Also to sweeten the pot just a little, I am also going to be giving away 1/3 ounce of essential oil, a jar with diffuser reeds, and the carrier oil from Chapter One Herbs!  A complete set for some aromatherapy!  Not only do essential oils help to freshen a room, it does so in a natural, chemical free, and healthy way.  Why spray toxins into the air when you can do without and see a real benefit from the wonderful aromas?  The winner will be able to choose either Lavender or Ylang Ylang.
Most people know that Lavender can help stress and anxiety, but did you know that it can help with easing menstrual cramps?  What about helping the respiratory tract when you are congested from the cold or flu?  It is even toted as being an antidepressant!  So, if another cycle of trying to conceive has you in the dumps or if merely the stress and anxiety of the holidays leaves you feeling frazzled, this would be a wonderful choice for you!

Ylang Ylang essential oil is a perfect addition to your bedroom.  If you are trying to conceive, or just looking to keep things lively in the bedroom, Ylang Ylang is a all natural aphrodisiac!  Put this oil in a reed diffuser on a night stand, add some lingerie and maybe some soft music... and let it work it's magic!  This is a great thing to keep in mind for Valentines Day as it is not a traditional gift but a great gift for lovers! 

Enter today and share with your friends!