This takes "just go on vacation" to a new level!

I can understand the idea of a babymoon, a vacation taken right before a new baby is born. Enjoying one last (for a while anyway) trip before your life becomes a crazy blur of diapers and late-night feedings almost seems medically necessary. But taking a vacation with the sole purpose of getting knocked up - a procreation vacation - well, that sounds a little too "desperate marketing ploy" to me. Can't people just have sex at home? Or just go on a trip and say "We're gonna go on vacation, have a lot of sex, and see what happens" without making pregnancy the objective? Apparently, the Westin hopes not.

The Westin Resort on Aruba wants couples looking to take their own procreation vacation to book a stay this fall. The Resort is offering a $300 credit, to be used on on a future visit, to any couple that conceives while staying at the resort between September 1 and December 19. During that time, the Resort's "Classic Package" is $399 per night for two and includes all meals and drinks, including alcohol. Guests who book by September 30 will also receive a $100 Resort Credit.

It's an attention-getting promotion, but I doubt many couples will be able to collect. Getting pregnant seems like a crap shoot that requires the perfect storm of several factors. No matter how much sex a couple has over the course of their stay, the odds that the woman will happen to be ovulating and get pregnant within that time frame are slim. But if it does happen, the couple just needs to provide a doctor's note confirming that conception was on or around the dates of their stay, and they'll receive the $300 credit. For those who do receive a visit from the stork, I suppose it's a nice incentive to return to the Westin for the first post-baby vacation.

WOW!! Seriously this takes baby making to a new level, hell it's a lot less then IVF! Maybe we should try it, although if I had a quarter for every time someone told me to relax or go on vacation and I would get pregnant I would have enough money to buy the Westin!

We Won The $333 Million Mega Millions Jackpot!

We won the $333 million Mega Millions jackpot! Or at least I was hoping to be able to say that tonight. A few months ago I had discussed the sequence of numbers 333. Ironically, the most searched keyword on Bring Us a Baby is 333.

For a blog specifically about infertility and the inability to conceive having the meaning of 333 being the most searched topic is kind of unusual. Don't you think?

The numbers 333 have been following us consistently for months making us wonder what does it mean. During our last IVF transfer the egg transfer took place at exactly 3:33 pm. We had thought that this was it for sure. But it was not.

This morning while reading the business section of CNN.com it stood out to me like a sore thumb. Mega millions: Jackpot swells to $333 million. We went down to the state line of our home state of Nevada to the border of California and bought 10 tickets.

It wasn't really the thought of winning so much money to go on some sort of shopping spree. It was more the unlimited amounts, well almost the unlimited amounts, of IVF cycles that would be available. On second thought it was an unlimited amount of IVF cycles. Maybe not just for us, but for others too.

Shannon and I have really been thinking of ways to help and support others facing infertility. Tonight I wrote a check for $100,000 before we bought the lottery tickets. The check made payable to Nestie IVF's was going to be our first supporting effort for those who could use it.

Although, we didn't win the $333 million jackpot today, I so want to be able to write checks to be people who don't have the financial resources or insurance to help deal with infertility medically. One day I know in my heart we will be able to do such thing.

The original concept to find those in need would be based on stories submitted to us along with their current financial situation. That may have changed or tweaked in some way, but for now we would love to hear your stories. Write to us at bringusababy@gmail.com.

You stole my name, bitch!

Names- this can be a touchy subject when it comes to babies. Some women are very funny about "their" names and protecting "their" names from others stealing them. Honestly I never really thought about this, yes John and I have our children's names picked out and I really have not told many people what those names are, but it's not because I am afraid someone will steal them, its more of the I want the surprise factor when we announce the name.

I have heard horror stories about friendships being ruined over someone taking someone Else's baby name. This is actually such a big deal that it was a story line in Sex and the City. Charlotte (who did not have kids) was made when her friend took her baby name, Shayla.

I had a run in with this situation just the other day. My dear friend, who struggled with infertility for over 3 years is due to give birth any day to a baby girl. Now baby girl is still nameless, so I have been joking with my friend that she needs to come up with a name. Well, yesterday she told me that she had it narrowed down to Layla or Kennedy, and she wanted my opinion. Now, Kennedy is my #2 girl name, if I had twin girls one would be Kennedy. So I told my friend that I LOVE Kennedy, but that Layla was very different and with her last name I thought Layla fit better, then I added that Kennedy is my alternative girl name, and she immediately starting saying how sorry she was. Honestly, I was shocked I could not understand why she was sorry. So I asked her, and she said well I stole your name. I explained to her that first off there is more then one Kennedy in the world and her and I have never discussed names so she did not do it on purpose. I told her if she liked the name to use it- it will not change my decision to use it one day in the future.

She was so relieved when I explained all this to her, and I have to say that it was nice to see how concerned she was, even though she had no reason to be. I think it's silly that people get upset over names. Now if someone takes your name on purpose then you have a reason to be upset, but who actually does that? Think of all the Jennifer's there are that were born in the 80's, there are a ton!

So my suggestion is name your child what you want, love the name and go with your gut! Do not worry about what others think, if people get mad then screw them, they are your kids it's your decision!

40 Reasons to Have Kids

I found this list online, its by Danielle Crittenden: 40 Reasons to Have Kids:

One: They give you an excuse to eat ice cream for nine months, guiltlessly.

2 For all their ingratitude and cost, they are a constant source of cheap entertainment.

3 Don't fool yourself: That area was going to sag anyway.

4 They honestly let you know when an outfit makes you look fat.

5 How else would you stay in touch with the world of reality television?

6 You'll never again have to accept an invitation you don't want: They "get sick" suddenly and without warning. 7 You look silly going to a Pixar movie by yourself.

8 Compared to plastic surgery, they are a less expensive and more natural way to stay young.

9 One of them might actually turn out OK and take care of you in your old age.

10 Over the long term, they are less smelly and do less damage to the furniture than cats.

11 They sleep with the dog(s).

12 You'll never want for costume jewellery.

13 The flowers they pick you might not be fancy but they are the most sincere and beautiful you'll ever receive.

14 Leftover Kraft Dinner.

15 You get to board airplanes first.

16 You get faster service in restaurants --or else.

17 They are useful for fetching things from upstairs.

18 They allow you to feel like the smartest person in the world, at least until they reach grade 6.

19 They can fix your computer issues and show you how to work your cellphone and other electronic devices.

20 They will never, ever "friend" you on Facebook.

21 They know of every useful time and space-saving device ever advertised on television.

22 Once a year you get lumpy pancakes and watery coffee brought to you in bed.

23 You are never without hand sanitizer or a handy wipe.

24 You are not allowed to stay fixed in your ways -- or even get fixed in your ways.

25 They make swift work of phone solicitors.

26 Sometimes they will shovel the drive.

27 You'll never know what self-sacrifice is until you take a long car trip with kids.

28 You become an expert on which chains of gas stations provide cleaner bathrooms.

29 You find it easy to say no.

30 You will never fall for homeopathic remedies again.

31 It's hilarious to watch them annoy people without kids.

32 There are no greater teachers of humility.

33 They make you stronger than you ever believed you could be.

34 You get to read all your favourite childhood stories again. And again.

35 They will wash and detail your car for $5.

36 Cuddling.

37 Baby Gap and OMG, "those adorable shoes!"

38 They can always find spare change to pay the pizza man.

39 If we don't have them, cockroaches will inherit the Earth.

40 And finally: because there are too many aging, self-righteous, selfish and kid-phobic Baby Boomers in the world -- especially in France.

Prayers for Sweet Annaleigh

One of my fellow nesties and her husband lost her baby girl today. Sweet Annaleigh was with us such a sort time, but touched more hearts than she will ever know. These women, my nesties, are my second family- we are there for each other in times of joy and sorrow. They are truly the strongest women I have ever known. Here is a tribute that we all put together as our tribute for Annaleigh.

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.


Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.



When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.


He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.



He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.


This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:


"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."



The LORD replied:


"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

Are the Rancic's infertile?

I started watching the new reality how on the In Style network Giuliana and Bill- it follows the lives of Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Giuliana is the host of the E! news and Bill is the first winner of Donald Trump's The Apprentice. They have been married 2 years on September 1st. They are a super cute couple and their reality show is very real and funny. In the latest episode Giuliana is talking a young girl who is getting married and she tells her that Bills "thingings" don't swim and that's why they don't have kids yet. Now I know that that does not automatically mean that they are infertile, but to me it sure points to the fact that they are having problems conceiving. Giuliana just turned 35 and Bill is 38- so they are not getting any younger, they need to get cracking. Now it has been said that there is a big surprise that will be revealed during the finale, but if she was pregnant it would be all over the tabloids by now, that would be very hard to keep secret, considering the fact that the show was taped months ago.

I really wish celebrities would come out and be open about their battle with infertility. Brooke Shields, Sherri Shepard, Courtney Cox Arquette are just a few who have admitted to doing IVF to have their children. There there is the list of celebrities that we wonder about. Sarah Michelle Geller and her husband of 6 years Freddie Prinze Jr. are expecting their first child this fall- and it was been whispered that they have problems conceiving, same with Jennifer Lopez, but to date they are being hush hush.

In a way I understand not wanting to air your entire life to the public, but that is something that so many women suffer from, it would be nice to know that celebrities are going through it as well.

I am interested to see where the show with Giuliana and Bill goes, but for now we will just have to wonder!

No, I'm sorry you only get ONE shower!

Since moving to Las Vegas I have noticed that things are done a lot differently on this side of the country. I know it sounds stupid, but it's really true. One thing that I find totally strange out here is that number of baby showers that people have. Women that are pregnant with their 2nd or 3rd child have another baby registry and another baby shower. Now, I can tell you that where I am from this does not happen, and I find it totally strange. There was only one situation that I felt it was okay to have another shower. A friend of the family had a child back when she was 18 years old, well now 17 years later she is married and pregnant again- now that is okay in my book. I think that 17 years between children is long enough to need another shower, so this did not bother me. But the people who have a 3 year old and are pregnant again and have another shower for baby #2 that's just greedy in my book.

According to etiquette books the true purpose of a baby shower is to help new parents acquire the gear and supplies they'll need for the baby. But when you already have all the stuff from your first baby there is no need to have a second shower. Now I am not saying that you cannot celebrate a second or third baby- but there is a way to do it in good taste. Having a small get together with family and friends where everyone brings diapers and wipes (which are always needed) AKA a Diaper and Wipes Party is acceptable and a fun way to just get everyone together. Another option is to have a party once the baby is born so everyone can meet the new baby.

I am not saying that every child should not be celebrated, however there are ways to do it in a tasteful way so that guests do not feel as if they invited to a shower just so they bring a gift.

Facebook is evil!

I will admit I am hopelessly addicted to Facebook, it's great to see where everyone is at and what they are doing with their lives, especially since I live 3000 miles away from my hometown. I now understand why Facebook has lead to people not attending high school reunions, because all people really care about is what does everyone look like and what did they do with their life, and with Facebook we can see all that with the click of a button.

For me, and all other infertiles Facebook is like salt in the wound. Facebook is filled with pregnancy announcements, ultrasound photos, and family pictures, it's devastating. I have seen pretty much everyone I have gone to high school and college with get pregnant, have their perfect baby, and I have had to watch it all unfold online. Now I know that I don't have to look at it, but when it's right there in front of you what can you do? How do you not respond to someones "I'm pregnant!" status update! It's rude to not say congratulations. I think I should put my status update as "I'm not pregnant" and see what happens.

In the past 24 hours I have seen a "we are having a girl" announcement and "we are pregnant" on my Facebook wall, it really makes me feel physically ill! All day long on the infertility message boards girls are writing in how Facebook and Myspace makes them feel so bad about themselves, because it's so hard to be happy for others when you are so sad for yourself. There really is no quick fix to this, other then to completely take yourself of these social networking sites, which right now is seeming like a good idea to me.

I know that people are excited about their pregnancy, but does it have to be broad casted to the entire world via the Internet. I would hope that people are not using these sites as an excuse to tell good friends and family exciting news. I can tell you that if my mother found out I was pregnant from Facebook she would be pissed! I also feel that posting zillions of photos of your kids on the Internet can be dangerous, do you really want those floating around in cyberspace? No one knows who has access to photos of you and your child, there are some sick people out there!
It's like the people who post on Facebook that they are going on vacation, are you stupid!? You just broad casted that your home is empty- why not just put a sign on your front door that says "please rob us" it's not that hard to get people's address's.

So not only do us infertiles have to get over seeing pregnant women everywhere we go, seriously when the entire world start having kids! But we cannot even go online without having it thrust into our faces, nowhere is safe!

Hello God are you there, it's me Shannon?

That is how I have been feeling lately. I feel like all these prayers I have been praying have gone unanswered. I feel like I have been talking to a wall, because nothing is going right. I don't get it, John and I have such a wonderful life, we have great friends and family, a beautiful home, good jobs, a good marriage, and yet we cannot have a baby. I have never considered myself a "holy roller" by any means, but I was raised Catholic and John and I are practicing Christians, and I have never had my faith tested in such a way.

I keep trying to tell myself that everything happens for a reason, this is teaching you something, you will understand this journey one day. Well, for the life of me I don't get it. What type of God would put someone through this much pain and heartache? John and my hearts are completely broken- sometimes I wonder how either one of us manages to get out of bed each day. There are days where I really cannot do it anymore, I feel like I am faking it- my entire life right now is a lie. I have to hide my pain and suffering from everyone because no one understands what we are going through and I am so sick and tired of talking about it and explaining it to people.

I am feeling a bit more human today- I am going to try and get it together to go to a friends party tonight. Hopefully next week will be better. I am just dreading going back to work.

Met with doctor this morning.

We met with our fertility doctor this morning to discuss what the hell went wrong with our cycle. First and foremost he feels that I was indeed pregnant, but that something just didn't take and something just wasn't right with the embryo. He also feels that we should move forward with another IVF cycle and he would keep my protocol mostly the same, however maybe a bit more aggressive this time, but he does think that I had a good number of eggs. He also feels that we just could have just fallen on the wrong side of the fence and its partly bad luck. Great thanks!

Now as much as John and I would love to do another IVF cycle, we have used up all our insurance money and just don't have millions of dollars laying around for fertility treatments, I wish! Part of me feels really good with being done with IVF- at least for now- maybe in 6 months I would consider doing another cycle. We have done 2 cycles in 4 months, I am just exhausted. I need some sort of a life back.
We are thinking about doing some IUI's since those are still covered under my insurance- and it can't hurt- we could get lucky. We are also starting to research adoption. I think maybe we are in this situation because we are meant to help a child that is out there for adoption. We have such a great life, why not share that with a child.

Beta not so good this morning.

My beta went down- which means that things are not meant to be this time. I took it really hard. I spent the majority of the day in bed crying, yelling and not understanding why this is happening to us. My heart is broken into a million pieces, and I have no more tears to cry. I am just numb.

Where Did You Go Liitle One?

Where did you go little one?
We had a picture of your start. So, we knew you were there?
Where did you go?
Mommy figured out you would be here April 15 next year.
Where did you go?
The door was open to your very own room.
Where did did you?
There is a house full of love waiting for you.
Where did you go?
We wondered what you would be. Boy or girl? We didn't care which.
Where did you go?
Mommy and Daddy can't bare to be without.
Please stay. Please don't go.