Hello all! Yesterday was my birthday and I figured this could be a good time to finally do some catching up!
So, I am now officially 30. Yes....30! Depending on when you ask me, I am either totally fine w/being 30 or feel like I didn't take advantage of my 20's as much as I should have. Either way, my birthday itself was really fantastic. I had a rollerskating party and was actually a bit surprised when many RSVPed w/a yes! I was only surprised because I know that everyone has their own lives (what? I'm shocked!) and I guess I was just a little flattered that they would all take the time out of their Saturday nights to celebrate my birthday. I mean, listen, this place was out of EVERYONE'S way. When I made the plans I thought the location was much closer...long story short, the location was about 25 minutes South from my place *EEK* Most everyone that was coming live 20 minutes North of me! So of course after realizing where we were really going I was even MORE thankful that so many decided to join me. Maybe I should also mention that the roller rink ended up being outside and only had porta potties (Ok, so they were super fancy but,yeah, they were porta potties). Anyhow, we all ended up having lots of fun and it was great to see a few of the kids roller skate for their first time ever! Damien would like to announce that he did not fall 1 time. Yes, I was a very proud mama. He even shaved his facial hair into some kind of scary looking shape that simply should never be seen again. I don't know what was more funny, the facial hair or the fact that not many people said anything at first, ahahahahaha! OH and besides getting to see everyone I also received some really great cards and gifts (Damien got me a Wii Fit, woo hoo!) :))
I THANK EVERYONE WHO WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT!
Let's see....Damien is doing well and is still completely in love w/his job. It seems every day he remains shocked that he is being paid for doing the art that he truly loves. And yesterday I got 1 birthday present that was most definitely needed, I got a job! It's at a really nice pilates studio. I will start out being trained just for the front desk but will eventually also do the marketing and basically all the paper work. The pay is way less than I'm wanting, however, they promise to give me some decent raises early on. I really wanted this specific job so I am super happy!
Oh 2008, how action packed you were! Me and Damien got married, Damien graduated and got a fantastic job and I got pregnant twice. I do know that most of you know about the first pregnancy/miscarriage but very few were told about the second one (the ones who knew probably only knew because I had to explain why I was sick). I have been struggling to remain positive. It was so hard for me to be proud of something that I was creating to have to turn around and tell people that I’ve let them down, my husband down….as well as let myself down. Of course I know this is not logical but I believe it’s a natural feeling, especially when the shock of the second miscarriage occurred. The feeling of “why me?” was quickly changed to, “Of course, you! Are you worthy of what you’re wanting?” and that has slowly changed to, “…..life was not meant to be easy….” Of course I’ve thrown myself a handful of pity parties but mostly I now feel numb, anxious and many times I feel alone. One second I am wanting to move on so bad that I am joking and the next second I am reminded of everything that I have lost…it’s not okay. It’s not okay that they both are gone. Yes, it has been tough, but yes, we will be fine. Damien is actually doing very well and is just looking towards the future.
I do know that I find a good amount of comfort in reading stories from those who have gone through something similar, so hear is our story from my point of view, for those who have in interest. This will not be graphic but will not be full of butterflies and candy. The first miscarriage. I was at work and just noticed some light brown spotting. I was nervous but remembered reading that this was very normal for the first trimester. Later in that day it turned to dark red/red spotting. Of course I was more nervous but after chatting w/one of my friends online, who had a period (I can’t believe I’m sort of getting more comfortable w/that word-sorta) through out her first trimester, I thought I was probably fine. The next morning I felt nauseous and sadly, this caused me to get excited since it was my first feeling of morning sickness! Awesome! I’m so pregnant! No, this was the beginning of me miscarrying. I went to the bathroom and it was bright red and their was more than I knew was ok. God, that was a difficult morning. I called in sick to work, cried my eyes out to Damien and called to get a blood test the second I could. I was pretty sure that this was the end but not 100% sure since it was not as strong as a period and I had no extra cramping. While I was waiting for my results the end came, more of what was not good and then the added cramping. Then I finally got the call (after calling and harassing the office to give me my results) and the young girl said, “Hello, Kara? Yeah, I got your results for your blood test. You have no sign of pregnancy, so don’t worry!…Yup, no sign, you’re clear!” Wow, thanks lots. Glad she assumed this pregnancy was not wanted….really, thanks. It was awful and I won’t even attempt to explain how I felt and feel today, about that day.
The second miscarriage. Christmas morning I knew that I was pregnant even though a test showed that I was not. What these 2 pregnancies have taught me is that my body definitely knows when it’s renting space to a little one. I thought I was pregnant the day after I ovulated w/both pregnancies, even though I kept this to myself w/the second pregnancy. Christmas day I got very sick and it peaked on the plane ride home w/me being nauseous w/a fever. No fun! 2 days later I took another test and it was positive….not a shock. I was very happy but pushed any emotional attachment to the side…it was early, however, I still didn’t think I would miscarry again. The next day I went and bought a couple of boxes of pregnancy tests. I did not feel any different but I wanted to reassure myself after the month before. The first 2 tests were negative….my god. Really? Panic. I wait a few more hours and took another test and it was positive. Yes! This almost completely put my mind at ease. The next morning I realized I still had another test and thought I may as well look at 1 more positive to clear my mind from the 2 negatives I saw the night before…..but it turned out to be negative. Oh…this can’t be happening. I made an appointment for a blood test and basically from that day to the next the same exact thing happened that happened w/the first miscarriage. The only difference is that my blood test did say I was pregnant but my hcg levels (sorry if this is foreign language to you) were 20. This is extremely low and about the amount you should have the first week you’re pregnant….basically, I was miscarrying. I go in for another blood test on Monday just to make sure but, like I said, it has already happened….
So what’s the next plan? I have a doctor’s appointment in a few weeks that will hopefully answer some of our questions about why these miscarriages have happened. I’m actually very lucky that my doctor has agreed to do some testing since they generally do not test unless you’ve had 3+ miscarriages in a row. I have done lots of research and one problem that causes a number of miscarriages is low progesterone. What?! Well, I was not aware of low progesterone being a problem w/carrying children. I wish I would have know this since I am fully aware that I have very low progesterone and use to be on progesterone cream, which I will be seeing another doctor about soon. So that could be the problem, or something else or….their could be no problem. All I know is that I feel very comfortable being proactive in my future and that doing my homework can only help this issue.
As I have told a tiny handful of you, we do not plan on sharing any future pregnancy details until the risk is greatly reduced. I do not have a problem sharing that I have miscarried but I do have a problem putting any of you through any future rollercoaster rides; this is not fair to any of you, or us.
Well, that’s life guys. Nothing is promised to us and we all should be very thankful for everything that we have. We both thank you for your love and support.
What a difference a year can make, view a year in 40 seconds:
As promised a number of our wedding pictures have now been uploaded to a site. You now can order whatever pics you want and the prices are cheap. Cheap is good! Most of the images were taking from our photographer and her assistants but there are some that Ning took, too. I do have more snap shots that were taken w/the disposable cameras, as well as some from the night before the wedding, however, it took SUCH long time getting all of these images online (the files are huge!) that I really am done for now!
You can view the wedding pics at Snap Fish where your prints are only $0.09/each! Unfortunately, in order to view the pics I do believe you have to open a Snap Fish account.
So, pictures. I apologize that they are not in an order that makes complete sense. I took the time to put them all in order (all rose petal pics together, etc.), however, when I uploaded them the order did not stay.
Damien has now been with his new job for about a month and he is really feeling comfortable. Last week I drove to Huntington during my lunch break and we went for a walk and ate right near the pier. Pretty awesome! For those of you who don’t know, he’s doing what he went to school for, environment 3D art for games. Currently, I am actually working as an assistant to an accountant for a marketing agency. Huh? Wha? Yup! I was basically looking for any kind of stable work when our friend Ning put in a good word for me where he worked. Am I liking what I am doing? Actually, I am! I work with really great people, I am liking working with numbers and we have an office dog :)
Last week was the election and me and Big D are more than pleased with the president elect!!! Actually, their really aren't words to describe the excitement, hope and awe in being a part of such an important part of history. Sadly, that night was bitter sweet when Prop 8 was past. For those of you who aren't Californians, Prop 8 was for changing the California constitution to make sure that same sex marriages could never happen. Now keep in mind that many gay couples were already able to get married this year and now their right is being ripped away. The "good" news is, before the actual constitution changes it will fight a hard battle in court.
On the baby front. I’ve been going crazy with reading up on my pre-motherly duties. I already ordered 2 books (wait, where the hell is my other book? It should be here by now, damn it!) and will be buying another one that Isa’s friend recommended, real soon. I’m actually pretty surprised that I am sharing the whole process w/friends and family. I remember when Isa was trying to conceiving her second nugget and was constantly being asked if she had a bun in the oven. I vowed that I would keep my mouth shut when it came to my baby planning. Yup, that didn’t happen. Come on, now how am I suppose to hide my excitement?! EEEEEEK!
Since you all do not have Myspace, and not everyone on my Myspace gives a huge hoot about our family plans, I figured it was a good time for us to start an Evans family blog. W/this blog I will try to keep you all updated on at least the most interesting parts of what me and Damien are up to. So, speaking of interesting, as you can see we had some interesting costumes for Halloween! We were Care Bears...yeah, don't be concerned if you don't see too much "care" or "bear" in our costumes. Roca went more for a casual look w/her pumpkin t-shirt and our friend, Chris, was a rock climber. For a few more details about our Halloween you can view my video blog.
So yes, we are now trying to make an awesome baby to add to our awesome household! Being the organizer that I am, as well as just wanting a great outcome NOW, I went and purchased some ovulation tests. From what I have researched I am pretty sure as to when it is baby making season but I want to make sure that we do not miss this boat! Toot toot! Baby on the way!
And for all of you who have either never gotten the chance to view/order some of our wedding pics, we will be getting all of the proofs soon. Once we receive the proofs we will upload all of the pics that turned out well onto a site where you can order them for a decent price. I will post the link in a blog when I get it all set up.
Thanks for reading and for the continued support from you all!
Kara
p.s. I believe if you subscribe or "follow" this blog then you will be informed as to when I update it.
