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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

My Very Own Cocktail

Updated at the bottom:

Let's see if I can write this without crying.

I don't write a lot about my siblings...actually, I don't write at all about my siblings because they've asked me not to blog about them. Therefore, you have no idea what sort of incredible, wonderful, brilliant siblings I have. I have been cleared to tell a single story that came up during Thanksgiving and in order to do so, need to create a blogging name for each. I was running through possibilities last night--plugging their names into the ever popular Get A Chinese Name? Professor Poopypant's Name Change-o-Chart? Randomly thumbing through the Best Scottish Baby Names book and pulling out Ealusaid and Cainneach?

Apparently what I believed to be the perfect names were my last thought before sleep and I found them scrawled across a post-it note next to my bed--Hansel and Gretel.

Things always seem more brilliant at 1 a.m. But since the story is more important than the name, they will henceforth be known as Hansel and Gretel even though neither is German, plump with candy from a gingerbread house, or itching to push a witch into the oven. Just know that these names made perfect sense in my head last night before drifting off.

At Thanksgiving, Hansel and Gretel sat down at the dessert table across from me. Gretel sort of stared up at the ceiling for a moment and addressed her comment towards the light fixture. "Hansel and I were thinking that a Virtual Lushary should have a very real drink--you know, for the bartender and all of the regulars. So we worked with a mixologist at Van Gogh Vodka to create two custom cocktails for the Lushary."

She passed two certificates across the table complete with recipe as well as several bottles of flavoured vodka. It took me a long time to process exactly what she meant (not just because I'm a bit dimmer than my siblings but because I was really overwhelmed), but what she meant was that Hansel and Gretel had been conversing back and forth via email with a mixologist at the vodka company to create two customized drinks that summed up the Virtual Lushary as well as myself. The first is the Cafe Conception and this is the only place where this recipe exists (and I know because I've been googling it):

Cafe Conception
the signature drink at the Virtual Lushary to ensure good luck in all treatment and adoption endeavours

1.5 oz Van Gogh Espresso Vodka
1 oz Chambord
1 oz Cream

Having a signature drink for the Lushary (I'll save the other recipe for next time--but I'll take guesses as to the key ingredient) makes it feel like a real place. Having my siblings (and the kind mixologist at the premium vodka company) create this drink for us touches me beyond belief. I, of course, responded to their gesture with immediate tears along with more sniffles once we were home and I repeated the story to others.

So, though you don't know what they look like or their real names, I have figuratively placed their portraits on the wall behind the bar and I am forging them two tankards with Hansel and Gretel embossed on the side and placing their cups on the shelf with the cups of other regulars. They will always have a seat at the Lushary.

As always, it has been a little more than a month since we met, bitched, cried, comforted, and caught up each other on our cycles and lives. Pull up a seat and I'll pour you a drink. Let everyone know what is happening in your life. The good, the bad, the ugly. How you made it through Thanksgiving dinner (all the non-Americans are saying, "what Thanksgiving dinner?") or how you're dreading Christmas morning. My only request is that if a story catches your eye, you follow it back to the person's blog and start reading their posts. Give some love, give some support, or laugh with someone until your drink comes out of your nose.

I have a ton of assvice in my back pocket and as a virtual bartender, I will give it to you unless you specifically tell me that this is simply a vent and you do not want to receive anything more than a hug.

So if you have been a lurker for a while, sit down and tell us about yourself. Remember to provide a link or a way for people to continue reading your story (or if you don't have a blog--gasp!--you can always leave an email address if you're looking for advice or support. If not, people can leave messages for that person here in the comments section too). If you're a regular at the bar, I'll get out your engraved martini glass while you make yourself comfortable. And anyone new, welcome. I'm glad you found this virtual bar.

For those who have no clue what I'm talking about when I say that the bar is open, click here to catch up and then jump into the conversation.

Happy Drinking. But don't get too drunk because I'm soon going to need you to read through your archives for the 2007 Creme de la Creme list...

Update:

I think being quoted in the Globe and Mail makes you an honourary Canadian...right? So I sing to you: 'O Canada. Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command.

P.S. Now we're equals, Noah. I think this entitles me to a vote.

69 comments:

HereWeGoAJen said...

What nice siblings! I am very impressed. I can't wait for the next drink!

Lori Lavender Luz said...

I spent the holiday with my middle sister (Sheri) and her family, drinking a mojito or two.

Last night we did turkey all over again with my youngest sister and her family (Tami). We got an early start on eggnog season.

I'm going to send both my sisters this post as a hint of what other lushy siblings do.

Also, I'm reading The Handmaid's Tale. I can hardly wait to see what other readers are experiencing.

Cheers to Hansel and Gretel!

Jess said...

Cheers to your siblings...I'll take one!

:)

Anonymous said...

What fabulous siblings you have! Anyone who not only gives you alcohol, but also has drinks created for you must be amazing. Cheers to them!

Ok, so miscarriage number 5 is over. I am feeling more human, but I have yet to cry. (Does that make me a bad person? Like I didn't love my baby enough?) I am so afraid that if I let myself fall apart I won't ever be able to pick up the pieces. It probably doesn't help that no one in my "real life" has even acknowledged our loss. When my mom told my sis her response was "oh, it's that time of year again." Like I plan my miscarriages to coincide with the holidays or something! On a happier note, my SIL (DH's sis) offered to be a surrogate for us if we should need one. Touched my heart she wants us to be parents so much.
So, the good, the bad, the ugly yet to come (always dread the holidays as much as I love them)...I'll try the new special of the house. It can't hurt, right?

Anonymous said...

Pomegranetes! That's my guess for the ingredient!

Anonymous said...

And I can't spell!

And I'm still bitter, nearly 24, and not knocked up. We've been trying for 2.5 years, but we don't get to move on yet. Not for another SIX YEARS. It hurts. Especially when people don't get it, or tell me I'm 'only young'. Yeah, I am, but tell me, after 2.5 years how frustrated were you? (not YOU personally, Mel. You know)

Watched a programme last night where two methadone dependent addicts had IVF, had twins, then wondered why their kids got taken away. On what planet is it okay for METHADONE DEPENDENT ADDICSTS who hadn't even quit heroin to have IVF, but not me? Hmm?

Bea said...

It's pretty cool having your own drink - congrats. I think this calls for a drink.

Bea

Caro said...

One of the new drinks please. Things are going well for me at the moment but I'm starting to get nervous about the big scan next week.

christina(apronstrings) said...

i'm going to pull up a comfortable chair. because i am going to be here forever. waiting. for adoption. to get our donor cycle started.
and the adoption social worker had the audacity to tell me that "adoption is a big decision that you shouldn't hurry." what part of it's been two years does she not understand? and how fvckin paternal is that? of course we haven't thought about it, we're just going to drop thousands of dollars and commit to a child for eternity based on a whim.

blech.

make it a double.

Samantha said...

Thanks to Hansel and Gretel for coming up with signature drink. I am definitely in for trying one of those. Given that I'm done cycling (forever?), I can even enjoy one in real life. I guess you could say the place where I am is a crossroads. I could pursue more treatment to induce ovulation, more IVF, donor eggs, adoptions, or nothing. Right now my plan is not to have a plan but to chew over my options. It's a really rough time for me emotionally. I'm prone to bursts of anger and bursts of tears. Glad to be kicking back at the virtual lushery where everyone understands.

loribeth said...

Well, how cool is that?? Cheers to Hansel & Gretel, not just for the drink but (especially) for the thoughtfulness behind it. I'd love to try one! And I will probably need a drink to get me through the next few weeks at work... we're 10 days away from releasing our year-end results & my office is a nuthouse, & will be right on through to our annual meeting in early March. So much for the Christmas spirit. :p

Erin said...

What an awesome pair of siblings you have there! We cracked a (real) bottle of champagne at our house after finally receiving our referral, almost exactly 3 years after starting TTC again! P had sparkling apple juice and we toasted our new son.

IdleMindOfBeth said...

I am most definitely in for one of them new fancy schmancy drinks! Maybe 2 (or 3, 4, or 5)!

Currently, I suppose I'm scared. Scared the Met isn't working, that maybe the *almost* diagnosis of PCOS is wrong, scared that the next step will have to be IVF, and scared that we'll never be able to afford it. And scared that maybe we'll never get there, that I'll have to completely rewrite my dream future to not include kids, and TERRIFIED that I'll never be happy without them...

Aren't I just a Ray O' Fuckin Sunshine? Pour me another, please.

Sherry said...

Wow - shake me up one of those conception cocktails! I'm all for anything with cream and coffee flavored booze!

What a great story about H&G. And to think, not even my husband knows about my blog, let alone my brother.

As for me - Thanksgiving was tough. Both my and DH's family excel at ignoring things - you know, if we pretend it doesn't exist, it doesn't? So we had to slog through yet another holiday pretending to be joyous when we're really just brokenhearted that there are no children of ours at the dinner table sticking their fingers in the mashed potatoes...

We're gearing up for another cycle in January, probably our last. Oh yeah - and now that I seem to post only once every 30 days, nobody comments on my blog anymore. boo hoo!

Pour me another!

Anonymous said...

Hansel and Gretel rock! I'll have a Cafe Conception please, and pray that it brings us luck--latest IUI was November 21st, beta is December 5th. Our clinic wants us to move on to IVF if we don't get a positive this time, but we aren't financially ready for that yet (insurance covers nothing IF-related). So we are really, really hoping this IUI gets us to those two pink lines next week, and to a actual baby to bring home next year.

Shelby said...

Your siblings are truly amazing! I can't wait to try one of these Cafe Conceptions. YUM! However I can tell you that the next time I buy vodka, it will be Van Gogh. What a great company to be willing to do that too!

Things with me are progressing very well. However my blood sugar is out of control. The doc upped my meds on wednesday, but it's hard to tell if it's helping yet. For now, I'll just have a cup of hot tea. Not exactly exciting, but it sure is yummy.

Cece said...

Shirley Temple for me (as in slap me silly and call me Shirley, I'm pregnant!).

I'm going in for my 3rd beta on Weds - but a had a great rise in numbers from the first to the 2nd. My frist beta was the day before Thanksgiving, and it was 37. Monday (5 days later) it was at 269. My nurse said she would have been happy with 130.

Somewhat Ordinary said...

Wow, your siblings are awesome for thinking of all of us!! I'm guessing pomegranete vodka is in the other drink. I can't wait to hear about that one.

Anonymous said...

Oh, please pour me one of those Cafe Conceptions! How cool is that? I second the guess that pomegranate is included in the other drink and I can't wait to try that one.

Scary surgery is behind me and I'm finally able to see why everyone kept talking about how much better the second trimester is. I've finally stopped tearfully wondering how I was ever going to make it through this if I had to feel that bad all the time. Now, if I could just convince my fabulous surgeon to switch to general practice so she could be my doctor forever...

Tigger said...

I'm dreading Christmas this year, more than usual. There is a new great-grandbaby in the family and my MIL is absolutely nutso over her. Watching her with the baby is like being a target dummy in a boxing ring. My mother is convinced she's not going to survive the cancer this time around, so I'm trying to deal with the idea that she's NOT going to be around for a long time. And finals are coming up in three weeks.

I've been really bad about reading blogs lately, and I haven't updated mine in the past few weeks either. Too stressed. I'll take the signature drink please!

Anonymous said...

Nice shout-out in the paper!

Mmm, I'll take one of those cocktails; thanks to your siblings for their libation creation!

Currently I'm juggling freelance work, a hunt for my missing wedding ring, plans for my 5th wedding anniversary (poor timing with ring loss), and holiday plans. IF is on the back burner, but IVF orientation is scheduled for Dec. 13, with injectables class at the end. This will be my first experience with injects. DH is almost as nervous as I am. I ordered two boxes of smelling salts.

Gil said...

Congrats on being featured in the article, alongside myself, Tertia, and a host of other good bloggers.

I love the signature drink! Hmm, wonder what it would taste like? Chambord is a staple in my liquor cabinet!

Hand me one of those drinks; I'll need it to steel myself for upcoming rounds of IVF, assuming we get that far!

SarahSews said...

I'd still be crying if my sibs did something that sweet. So incredible. Yeah for awesome siblings.

I'm currently 7w4d pg and just scared all the time. I've had pink spotting every day for over a week, which I would like to blame on a super fun yeast infection and the accompanying treatment but some part of my heart just doesn't believe it. We've never made it this far and I feel like I'm just not lucky enough to deserve this incredible stroke of luck.

JJ said...

Incredible to have such loving siblings, isnt it? I am lucky to have that same love and affection-there's nothing like it!

LOVELY drink! Cant wait for the next one!

Im definitely holding out my glass for the lovely signature drink.

We are anticipating our upcoming FET. VERY nervous...yet calm. Can there be such a mix? Cheers!

MrsSpock said...

That is so awesome! Salut!

Heather said...

I'm pulling up for a drink and thankful that it's a virtual drink - as in, it's Tuesday and I'm still recovering from the alcohol I consumed on Saturday while trying to drown out my sorrows.

We're coming up on the one-year mark of "trying" and I'm trying to swallow the fact that we will probably have to start making some decisions soon - about doctor visits and drugs and whatever else. I never thought I would have to make these kinds of decisions... Pour me another...

Leah said...

Way to go, being quoted as the IF blog queen that you are. I am damn proud to know you! :-)

I am impressed with the person who wrote that article. Not only did they include some of my favorites (you, Julie, Tertia), they didn't say anything mind-numbingly stupid or incorrect.

Anonymous said...

Aww, how sweet of Hansel and Gretel! As soon as I can drink I'll raise them a toast - slainte!

Maria said...

Wow, your siblings, Hansel & Gretel(love the names, sound so thoughtful and amazing. I have yet to get my sister to even read my blog...she's too busy.

The drink sounds so delish. I really want to try that. Can't wait till the next recipe.

Roy said...

How drunk do you have to get to not remember pulling a puppy from its amniotic sack and urging it into life? Because some of those details are way too gross to remember. Or I can just keep remembering, because my rubbing and warmth kept that tiny puppy in this world. Exhausting, but one of the best moments of my life. It was incredible.

I think I'll wait till next time and order the other signature drink, right now I'm absolutely craving a warm Kahlua and cream, steaming hot in a mug, please.

And if anybody from MI wants a puppy in 2-3 months, comment on my blog. I'll post pictures of them in a week or two so you can all see their adorableness. Even at birth they have that addicting puppy smell, so snuggleable.

Anonymous said...

wow. That drink is going down niiiiiiiiiiiiiiice. Your siblings are fabu!

I am actually planning on being a happy virtual drunk as I am getting ready for IVF 1.5!! I begin stims in one week.

So effing much has happened since my false positive Hep C test in October, and while I won't pretend to understand WHY it happened I do feel this bizarre sense of pride that I didn't throw myself down the stairs.

I'd like to buy a 2nd round for everyone at the Lushary to thank them for all of the support they gave me these past few weeks.

E. Phantzi said...

Things are good in my neck of the woods: 13w today. Cece got me thinking about how the goalposts keep moving... "I'll let myself get excited when..." or "I'll really believe this is happening when..."

All I want is a huge glass of deep red wine, dry, berry and vanilla notes - but the signature cocktail sounds *delish*. Yay Hansel and Gretel!

Yay you and the others for the article! Have a Cafe Conception on me, Mel :-)

deanna said...

What a beautiful gesture! That's just so thoughtful (and creative!)

And, I just happen to have an unopened bottle of chambord & vodka...just need a little cream. (Although, I also have some pom juice, too!)

Serenity said...

Genius drink. Cafe Conception. YUM. I'll take one. Ok, two. Maybe more, since it's virtual.

Things are going well for us at the moment, but I'm still in that weird space where I can't quite grasp the fact that in a little more than 4 months, there might be a baby in the house. One that's OURS.

But I'm going along with the registering, the ordering of the stuff, in the hopes that someday maybe it won't feel like I'm a pretending.

Mrs. Shoes said...

I will take one of each of the signature drinks (one for each hand, of course). What wonderful brother and sister to do something so thoughtful.

I feel like a complete moron today. I just realized that I am wearing two different boots! Both are black knee boots but different toe shapes and heels. I am just hoping no one notices and I can get by with it all day.

The upcoming Christmas season is hitting me hard. It was last Christmas when I became convinced that there was something wrong. I never thought we'd be in the exact same state as this time last year. And I don't really see how it's going to be any different this time next year.

Friday is our appt with the RE. Wondering if it's worth it to do any more IUIs. I am torn because they are (mostly) paid for, but pretty darn pointless with the current numbers. I just want to feel like we are making progress and it seems like things just keep backsliding further.

megan said...

i'm thrilled to see you in the globe. nice work, ms. honourary canadian! can we expect to see Canadian spelling on your blog from now on?? :)

i love that the lushary has it's very own signature cocktail now...and it sounds delicious! i'll take one, please...and a round for the house if you will.

Ellie said...

Thanks, I needed a reminder of how lucky I am for my siblings!

Well I read a lot but I don't comment much and although I've been considering starting my own blog about IF (I have one for my classroom), I haven't as of yet. I could spend hours just reading all of yours. You all are amazing...just so funny, witty, and easy to connect with. Thanks so much for putting it all out there.

Anyway, my hubby and I started TTC back in May of 2006. Done Clomid (all doses), Femara (all doses), hcg trigger...nothing gets me to ovulate. I am on Metformin and have seen bits and pieces of success there but nothing to brag about. Just had Lap w/ ovarian drilling and endo removed on 11/14. Trying Femara again in Feb (we're on a break), then starting Gonal-F/IUI in March if needed. Scared, excited, nervous, and mostly just nervous about getting too excited. Anyway, I'd love to actually get to know some of you guys, so feel free to email or comment! I promise to start lurking less and speaking out more!

Yoka said...

I just read the article about you in the Globe and Mail. Are you in the Washington D.C. area or in Washington State? I am in NoVa (but work in D.C.) and would love to connect. You can email me at: yokaadopts@gmail.com

Stacy said...

That is so sweet and thoughtful! I regularly pop over here, but I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get active. :) I've had 2 m/c and just had a chemical pg on Halloween. I started a blog when I got that positive test. There's not much to it yet, but it's a start.

Right now, we're toying with the idea of using Clomid next cycle, even though I don't have ovulation issues. I'm nervous about the side effects, though. We'll see...

BigP's Heather said...

You are right, your siblings rock.

I'm going for my fourth IUI on Thursday. I have no hope that this will work.

My friend just got back a non-doubling beta and I can use any all assivce/stories.

nancy said...

Wow. Just a big ~wow~ for Hansel and Gretel. (and by the way, I think they very well could push a witch into an oven. Wouldn't everyone?)

Me? ugh. Hard day. Hard week. Especially hard day. Just got the news I am forced on the sidelines yet again while I endure another uterine surgery (four, if you are keep track). I've read 3 BFP announcements today (and of course, I'm happy for them, but damn, I'm sad for me). I read something that really offended be about secondary IFers. You know the drill, when it rains, it pours.

I thought I was doing okay yesterday, but the tears started today. I am very close to leaving work to lay in a fetal position on my couch. I don't want to go through the motions anymore today.

KatieM said...

Hello, my name is Katie and I'm a notorious lurker, haha. This is the first time I have ever officially posted here, and today seemed like a good day to chime in ;-).

My long story short is I am 22, will be 23 in January, and have been trying for almost 2.5 years. As of right now I am unexplained and went through several failed IUI cycles this past year with my poophead of an RE. We finally got pregnant on our last IUI with him, but ended up having a miscarriage which I had to diagnose myself. Right now I am on my wait cycle (cd15) after said m/c, and am going to see a new (hopefully better RE in Jan).

I'm new to the blogger world, and am just getting my feet wet. =)

Stacie said...

Hansel and Gretel sound amazing. How wonderful that they support you so much that they would do this for you! Amazing is the only word I can come up with to describe how great that is.

While I have never been much of a drinker, I sure could use one now.

Things have been hard here on my end. After three years, 3 iuis, 2 miscarriages, and 3 ivfs, we finally got pregnant with twins that stuck. Then we added IC at 20 weeks, cerclage, bedrest, PROM at 26 weeks, hospital bedrest, and early delivery at 28 weeks. Now I am struggling with the NICU and all of the uncertainty that comes with that.

A drink or five would be lovely right about now...

Barb said...

Wow! What a great article Mel! Thanks for sharing the link!

And your siblings are dolls. Mine is younger and has no idea what to do with all this.

Barb said...

Oh.. and for the lushery confession..

I'm currently bummed that this cycle seems to be going to shit and I apparently no longer respond to oral O inducers. I'm concerned about the money we'll have to spend on injects and the yet MORE waiting.. always the waiting..

My personal life is good other than work and ttc.

Nessa said...

Boy do I need the lushary right now. Things are rough - all the way around. I could quite work, or be fired, today and not really care. I'm tired all the time, and I have thought about packing up and leaving my husband. That's only a thought though, I would never leave. It's just that rough. It makes me sad that we've gotten to this place. We're both to blame.

We are on the edge of deciding what to do: treatments, start the adoption process, or just put everything on hold. I'm sad and tired(I think I may have mentioned that already) and am tired of my own sadness on my blog.

Nobody gets it, nobody understands and everyone is getting pregnant. I got rediculously drunk this last weekend hoping it would help and it didn't - I just ended up with a bad headache. Anyway, at least here the hangovers won't be too bad.

I don't know what I need, so feel free to despense the assvice, unless of course you tell me to relax. Then I will hunt you down and rip all your lady bits to pieces.

Please pass the booze.

May said...

Big thunbs up from me to Hansel & Gretel. I'm looking forward to the second recipe.

Julia said...

Your sibs rock.
I will have a special or three. Ok, four. My vacation was exactly one fruity drink too short. I hope to remedy that tonight. Maybe will even try this thing for real.
And I second the guess about pomegranate vodka in the other drink.

Me? Waiting for the u/s next week. Hubby had some blood tests today and is seeing the urologist on Monday. We both see the RE next Wednesday. Big week. The damned surgery better get scheduled for shortly thereafter. I am seriously impatient now. Maybe, maybe we can get a cycle going for January. Or maybe not. Which would make me go through the anniversary sans a cycle. It will suck. Ok, I need a few more drinks.

Anonymous said...

A good glass of Cabernet is all I need, but the signature drink does sound delicious. Very sweet of your siblings!

I'm going nuts while I'm in my 2ww after my first IVF, and it's no fun. I'm going in for my first beta this Friday, so hopefully I get some good news. Although I'm trying to brace myself for whatever results I get.

Kami said...

Give me one of those signature drinks. Things are still going well with this pregnancy from DE, but since it is virtual I feel I must participate. What wonderful sibs you have.

Esperanza said...

Your siblings are seriously thoughtful! Go Hansel and Gretel! Please pass over a drinky poo....hope to try it soon in real life :).

All is well here. I'm actually starting to get into the Holiday spirit. This not trying thing - well it is really nice. No emotional turmoil and what not.

But, every so often I have a thought about seeking out a new RE when we are ready to move forward. That thought is followed by, get the heck out! My inner battle is still there. Because honestly, I still want that unattainable child.

Ugh....I feel great - but there is a 2% that is such a downer! Maybe it is the alcohol talking :).

Aurelia said...

You ARE an honourary Canadian sweetie!

I'm so proud of you, I don't know how you managed to say all those things and still not say your last name! Good on you.

And how wonderful of that company. I'm definitely buying some and serving these at Christmas. I can't have any until this pregnancy ends, hopefully with a live baby, instead of a dead one, but I can't wait to taste this drink.

I'm settling for a virtual one for now. Tomorrow I go for my nuchal test, and crap, who knows how it will turn out, but ohhh, I'm hoping for good news.

Meghan said...

What a great brother and sister you've got! I'm going to agree with the others and hope that the 2nd drink is pomegranate (yum).

You can pour me a nice big Cafe Conception. In the 2ww with my first IUI following a chemical pregnancy during our last natural cycle, trying to decide if we should be more aggressive with meds next cycle. Generally trying not to over analyze every single twinge and to NOT get my hopes up but we all know that's pretty much impossible. Hopefully that yummy vodka will make me forget all about it ;)

oh...and congrats on the article

Natalie said...

That is the coolest thing ever that they did that! And of course you're an honorary Canadian - getting infertility blogs in the paper, that's rockin!

Celeste said...

Oh good lord, i'm sitting here, eating my morning scottish oatmeal and catching up on blog posts, and Mel, i'm now in tears over this gesture!

i can imagine what such a gift would mean from my own siblings, but from yours, it's really a gift to our entire community.

more thanksgiving for Stirrup Queens, for you, and for Hansel & Gretel.

In my own journey, I'm faxing in my order for my very own spermicle today.

Celeste said...

woops, forgot to reference my personal blog, onelongyarn: http://light_of_unity.livejournal.com

Mindy said...

Wow Mel, what a wonderful story and what wonderful siblings you have. Serve me up a Cafe Conception please! My Thanksgiving was nice, actually better than I'd expected. But I'm still dealing with this latest miscarriage -- which seems to be dragging on fooooorrreeevvveeerrr -- the implications for what happens next. So, better make that a double if you can.

Anonymous said...

If I'm not pregnant, I'm totally having one of those on CD1. It sounds delicious, and what a sweet gesture.

Right now I'm 5 DPO, on actual IUI #2 (out of 4 medicated cycles), in round 2 of project baby. Round 1 was successful after 5 IUI cycles. And I'm a little bit freaking out because we only have 2 vials left of the UKD who helped us create Baby #1. And the UKD is no longer available -- we're #9 on the waiting list.

K said...

How sweet! I can't wait to see the second one!

Rian said...

Mel, that drink sounds great. I think I might try it IRL.

Thanksgiving was good, but dreading Christmas. It is gonna be so hard watching the new nephew and all the "ooing" and "ahhing" over him. And I'm not any closer to getting pg. So I might start the eggnog early that day!!

Gonna reassess everything in January. Thinking about just going back to my ob for a 6 month script for clomid and see what happens.

candy said...

a signature drink! toast to hansel and gretel. and of course, the lovely mel for deserving such a concoction.

i had my laproscopy and hysteroscopy yesterday to search for endometriosis and lo and behold, there it was. they zapped what they found while they were in there -- scar tissue around the outside of my uterus and on an ovary, a cyst on my fallopian tube and some weird scar tissue connecting my bowel to my uterus or abdomen wall. (my husband got the details and didn't write it down.) i have a follow up appt dec 13 so i guess i'll get the real scoop then. i don't think it will help my infertility, since i also have old eggs, but at least maybe it will stop the pain.

coming to terms that i will never be pregnant.

clearly, i'm already a little loopy, so pour me one of those signature drinks! i'm sure it mixes great with tyenol with codeine. :)

i hope this made sense.

www.candysland.wordpress.com

Grad3 said...

That's very sweet of them- I will gladly take a new Cafe Conception, thanks :)

I enjoyed my holiday and was surprised at how it was so different than the last. It was like my mom was with us and I just knew, so I wasn't sad. Does that make sense?

IF and RPL still are living strong inside me. I can't seem to quite shake it and am starting to accept that I never will.

I found out a friend's sister is going through the joys of IF treatments. I encouraged her to give her my email so that we could talk and offered any of my IF books that she wanted. It's just so isolating. I hate to think of someone out there not being able to find support from members of IF community- my friend indicated that she doesn't like to talk about with a lot of people.

I wish her and everyone clarity to their path. After all, I am "Clarity Girl" right? ;)

Bottoms up and three cheers for Hansel and Gretel!

Lyrehca said...

I'm not a drinker, so I can't comment on your drink, but indeed, very nice for H&G to make the recipe.

I'm more excited about the Canadian article--I thought it was great. And was *I* the one who told you how to take shots so they're less painful? If so, I'm honored for the anecdote!

ms. c said...

Ok, I'm totally sniffling from the wonderfulness of your sibs. (Though these days everything is making me cry.) How awesomely surprising and supportive.

Aside from being in the apparently weepy stage of pregnancy, not much is "happening" in my parts. I'm trying not to jinx anything and just lay low, and be here for support of all the wonderful folks who have been here for me for so long.

So if anyone needs any info on PCOS or clinics in the Montreal area, please contact me- leave me a message on my blog.

And I'll take my virtual drink, por favor.

astral said...

Congratulations on being in the news article. You have a gift and I'm glad you shared it with us. I'm very appreciate of all your time, effort and emotional support to those of us who need.

Anonymous said...

Hiiiiii! I don't think I have posted here, but I first read your blog a LONG time ago- probably last year.

I have endo (thus my blog name) and possibly adeno (which is scarier, as not as many ppl have it..). We are officially trying for our first in March next year...after ANOTHER freaken lap surgery for said endo.

Im in Australia btw, so yea, no "Thanksgiving Day" for us...

Tina / Anxious Changer said...

I am soooo impressed your siblings did this for you! I don't speak to one of mine at all - and the other (okay, actually, the entire family) doesn't even know about this blog!

Makes the lushery feel more real!

Sunny said...

I am so late for this but I couldn't ignore amazing people especially when drinking is involved. WOW!

K I need a drink. No treatments this month. Hoping for next month. My RE wants a consult first. Fine and dandy but this waiting is getting old. SHOTS for me!

PCOSMama said...

How cool is that?! Your very own custom-made drink! Now that's love!

Despite feeling pretty lousy, I have to admit to being in a very lucky place. We are scheduled for a c-section next Monday and I am so excited to meet our son! Other than a lot of swelling, the docs see no reason to be worried, so with any luck it will all go smoothly on Monday! I'm a little nervous about recovery, especially the first 24 hours after surgery when I'll be confined to bed and alone with a newborn in my hospital room (yeah, no nursery at the hospital!), but mostly I'm just excited! Monday can't come fast enough! ;)

A round of drinks for everyone please!