Visit to Grandma's

Trust your instinct

About two years ago I went to the dermatologist to get a couple of moles removed -one on my hip, and one on my nose. The one on my hip I wasn't worried about because it had been there for decades. It was along my pant line, therefore sometimes got irritated, and it seemed like with each pregnancy, it got bigger. The doctor removed that one without question. When I asked about the one on my nose, it was a different story. She hemmed and hawed, and said it was fine (even though it magically appeared), and that, "The scar would look worse than the bump." I listened to her and left it.

After looking at that stupid mole for two years though, I decided to go to a new dermatologist to get it removed once and for all. He looked at it, said it was probably fine, but he would shave the top off and examine. I got the results today -Basal Cell Carcinoma.

It sounds scary, but it really isn't too bad (especially in terms of getting a cancer). It is the most common type of skin cancer, doesn't metastasize, and is the easiest to treat. On the 29th they're going to go in and remove the rest of it, put in 1-2 stitches, and that'll be the end.

Thank goodness for my current doctor who removed it without questioning me. I regret that I didn't get this taken care of the first time around because I was embarrassed and didn't want to question the other doctor. I should've trusted my instinct!

Rihanna's "Disturbia"

Is it just me, or is this the best new song EVER?! I absolutely love it. Must have listened to it a million times today. Even the girls are trying to sing the "Bam, bam, be dum" part. I put it in the number one slot of my playlist. To my friend Fotini, I think I like it even more because I swear Rihanna looks like you!

Grandpa, Aunties and Favorite Friend Come to Visit

My dad, Aunties Natasha and Bianca and the girls' favorite friend Kevin all came up to visit for the day. We had a great time with fat-free pizza and cupcakes. ;-D I can't say it enough how thankful I am to be near my family. They are the only people who truly make me happy.

Ava is Three!

Three years and nine months ago something incredible happened; I became pregnant with Ava. Many of you know the story, however I never get tired of telling it because it is a testament that miracles really do come true.

Soon after Conrad and I got married we began trying to get pregnant. I thought it would be an easy process (how hard could it be, especially after trying to prevent for so long!). Long story short, one year went by, then began the visits to the fertility doctor, then began several rounds of less-invasive treatments, when finally after two years we graduated to invitro-fertilization. At that point the doctor told us we had a less than 1% chance of conceiving naturally. Fortunately for us, invitro worked the first try, and we had our first beautiful little girl, Bronwen.

After Bronwen was born I had such a sense of peace in my heart. Conrad and I were so happy with our little family, and naturally we talked about expanding it. We discussed the possibility of trying another round of invitro. I didn't rule it out, but I honestly wasn't sure if it was going to work again because the previous attempt (albeit we did get pregnant) didn't go very well. At the time, it didn't matter too much to me because Bronwen was still a newborn.

I went to my six week post-partum check-up and talked about contraceptives with my OBGYN. We actually laughed, LAUGHED, at the idea of me needing birth control after all I just went through. I went back to work, and simply fell into a routine. At the six month mark I weened Bronwen, and began going back to school for my Master's. Then came The Saturday. Conrad was on a motorcycle ride, and I was at home with Bronwen. I started thinking about my cycle, or my lack of one. "Nah," I thought. "It's gotta be my body getting back to normal from the pregnancy and nursing. Hmm...but still." I happened to have an extra pregnancy test from a two-pack I bought while trying for Bronwen, so I thought, "What the heck? I'll take it for fun." As the reaction took place, I couldn't believe my eyes; I was pregnant!

Against the odds, Conrad and I had Ava Marina Douglas on October 14, 2005, and technically got pregnant "on the first try". I am a true believer in miracles, and hope you all are too. I told a friend of mine that during my infertility ordeal I thought there had to be something special about people who good things happen to. Like they had some sort of special quality that would allow them to get what they wanted. After having Bronwen, my whole outlook changed. Instead of looking for what qualities they had that I lacked, I started thinking if good things can happen to them, then why not me? I'm not sure if that is what allowed me to become pregnant with Ava, but it certainly has made me happy in life. There are no sure bet qualities or circumstances that can make something happen for you, but there is a steadfast belief that can see you through.

Happy birthday Ava, and thank you for reminding me.

You got a friend in me, ta da da

Conrad and I pretty much have Toy Story 2 memorized because the girls were watching it so often in Albuquerque (not that we minded because it is a pretty cute movie). In all of the excitement of the move though, they must have forgotten about it, and then switched to 101 Dalmatians and Beauty and the Beast. Well last week they rediscovered their beloved treasure.

After watching the movie, Ava came up to me and said, "Maybe I can get a Woody costume and Bronwen can wear her Buzz, and we can be same-same (they match the movie)." Now this melted my heart and I'll tell you why. Ava never asks for anything. She is very easy going, and more than anything else just enjoys having a good time. She's the type who always shares everything, kisses mommy and daddy's owies, and loves to cuddle. So, of course I had to get her the costume. Bronwen and Ava had a great time reenacting their favorite scenes for the rest of the afternoon.