Living Debt Free

Living debt free has always been something I wanted to do; however, when we bought our house, we were not prepared for the initial expenses. This lack of preparedness has put some stress on us, our marriage and our relationship with our daughter. So, in an effort to turn this around, I listened to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University series. The principles are easy and simple. I'm excited to get thru the process and live debt-free.

Here is a ticker to show our progress on eliminating credit cards and our vehicle payments:



Once these items are paid off, we will work on establishing a better emergency fund, then pay off our student loans...The baby steps are easy and listed below:

1. $1000 emergency fund
2. Debt snowball (pay off everything except for your house)
3. Three - six months of living expenses
4. Invest 15% of household income into ROTH IRAs or pre-tax retirement
5. College funding for children
6. Pay off your home early
7. Build wealth and give! Invest in mutual funds and real estate

Countdown begins...

I haven't been on here in awhile to provide an update. While I am going to school and working, I would still love to have another baby (and a sibling for Lillian). My biological clock is ticking louder and louder, and it doesn't seem to want to quiet down. In talking to my wonderful husband, we decided to start trying again, so I made an appointment with a new RE's office. The appointment is on November 10th at 1 pm. I have been mum to the women at work, and I don't want to say anything for a little while. You bet your butt that I WILL tell them when I am pregnant!!!!

Anyhow, here is the ticker for my appointment:

Two Weeks

Usually when I talk about two weeks, it is waiting to take a pregnancy test. Well, this time, it is that AF found me only two weeks after my last period. I'm frustrated to say the least. I do not know what is going on with my body. I cannot really do anything because my (in my opinion) stupid RE won't do anything for me! I'm okay with waiting because of going back to school, but does my body really have to be this obnoxious??!?!? I take Human Anatomy/Physiology I in August, so I hope that this class will shed some light on what is going on...

End of the Road...For Now

Welp, I have been on injectables, Bravelle (225 iu) and Menopur (150 iu), for 7 days. I had my baseline on CD3 and my u/s showed no cysts and my estradiol was 23. I started injectables that night and did them until last night. I went in this morning for a follow-up - bloodwork and ultrasound. My estradiol has not changed since my follow-up on Tuesday, less than 20, and there is no growth of any of my follies. I cannot believe it!

The doc said to stop taking the injectables and to come in for a consult. I declined the consult for now. I am going to focus on school and my wonderful, bright daughter and my amazing husband. I believe that I will have a son! We are like Sarah and Abraham...

Cinco de Mayo

If I were a drinker, I could definitely party tonight! AF showed today. I have my baseline u/s and b/w on Friday at 8 am EST. I will have my results in the afternoon to know whether or not I get to start the injectables. Kenny and I decided that whatever happens happens. We will leave it in God's hands to give us a baby in His time. I'm okay with this decision as I start school next Monday - College Algebra, followed by Intro to Religion. During the fall 2009, I will take Anatomy/Physiology I and Microbiology. In the spring, I take my last class - Anatomy/Physiology II, and then I can apply for nursing school in the fall 2010! I'm excited!!!

Easing Up

We may be easing up on the gas a little for TTC. While I would love another baby or two, I am going to start taking a class per semester at the local community college. I'm at peace with whatever happens regarding TTC, as I know God has a plan for our lives...Kenny and I have not really talked about this directly, but I think we both agree that taking a break is going to be necessary.

Unmedicated...

lol...I have been unmedicated in all senses of the word for a couple of weeks. I had been spotting for awhile and went in on what I thought was CD2, only to find out that it wasn't. My estrogen (estradiol or E2) was 90. It needs to be under 60 to start injectables... I also had two cysts on my ovaries at that time. Then on Monday, April 6, I went back again for b/w and u/s...found out that I had a 17mm cyst. My estrogen was 237!!! Needless to say, I am taking this cycle unmedicated...The nurse did say that when I get a positive OPK to call and an IUI would be done the following morning...I haven't started the OPK's yet...I should probably start them tomorrow, 4/9.