It’s TTC (Trying To Conceive) Tuesday here at The Newlywed Lefebvres blog, where we will limit ourselves to one day per week of discussing our (trying) journey of infertility. For the purposes of future posts, maybe today I should tell you a little bit about our unique situation.
For the past year and 3 months, Craig and I have been trying to have a baby, and thus far, we have been unsuccessful. After complaining to my doctor the entire time of issues I was experiencing, after almost a year, he finally referred us to have some testing completed. Long story short, they found a polyp blocking my right fallopian tube. This was surgically removed in October.
Further testing (which is an entire novel of a story in itself) confirmed I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Click here to find out more.
We began treating this condition in the past month with Metformin and Letrazole, as well as vitamin and mineral based supplements. In addition, I am using a progesterone cream, as well, and (as I have for years) am following a extremely low-GI, gluten-free diet. Yay.
Last Wednesday, I went in for my first sonogram to monitor the medication’s effectiveness…If you have gotten a frustrated call or e-mail from me, you know we are struggling with the most inept medical practice in Northwest Georgia, and to put the cherry on top, they had no idea why I was there when I arrived at the doctor’s office last week…So, that being said, who KNOWS if they were able to obtain any worthwhile results from our first sonogram or not. This Friday, they will have another shot, so we will have to let you know next week if they redeemed themselves or not. Pray for us and my patience with these people. Seriously.
On a positive note, the Metformin has been wonderful at treating all sorts of things I have struggled with for years. Insulin-resistance can affect alot of things, and finally finding an answer and a treatment is priceless, albeit a little bit maddening that it took so long for the doctors to diagnose and to grab their attention. If you want that saga, send me an e-mail. It’s quite the tale…
The bottom line is that YOU know your body. If YOU think something is off, don’t stop until the doctor LISTENS and DOES something!
The anagram is PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens. I say: SPADS – Start Praying And Don’t Stop.
We’re back!!!!!!! …and hopefully, you’re still there; still willing to read what we have to share, and we thank you so much for your patience. Geez, I sound like a phone recording for a business who has you on hold. Sorry about that!
So…alot has happened while Craig and I have been non-blogging… Here’s a short and to the point synopsis:
We had a great road-trip to Missouri for Craig’s cousin, Cara’s, wedding. Afterwards, we hung around MO for a mini family reunion of sorts in Branson -talk about a vacation so great and jam-packed you need a vacation once you’re home!
We enjoyed a visit with my grandmother in New Jersey for several days. Craig got to meet a lot of family members he had never met (sort of a reversal from my meeting a lot of new family while we were in Missouri), and he really hit it off with my Uncle Vic (my grandmother’s sister, Angie’s, husband)! Talk about peas in a pod… If you think ladies talk when they get together…oh my. We had a ton of fun!
We celebrated our one year anniversary (and my birthday) with a trip to North Carolina – Wilmington, and the town I feel as if I ‘grew-up’ in, Fayetteville. I think one of the things I realized by this third trip of the summer (and one of many trips in our relationship, engagement, and marriage) is that the longer we are together, the closer we become. The closer we are, the better and more enjoyable our getaways become – no matter where it is we venture. I might even say that we had more fun as a couple in Wilmington, NC, after a year of marriage, than we did after four months of marriage in Rome, Italy. Marriage (ours anyway) is like a fine wine….It just keeps getting better, the longer and the MORE we are together. That is just one of many many many wonderful things I have discovered over this past year and almost 3 months of marriage to my amazing husband. 😉
The source – thus far – of our infertility was diagnosed two-fold: a polyp blocking my right fallopian tube and PCOS.
I had surgery to remove the polyp and all went well!
I was offered a wonderful job opportunity out-of-the-blue…and accepted the position! Sadly, I had to leave my nanny position, but fortunately, Craig and I were blessed with my new job and all of the possibilities it brings with it, i.e. tuition reimbursement!
Craig and I bought our first car together! We love it – so much fun to drive and unbelievable fuel efficiency!
Almost a year and three months later, we are still trying to conceive. I’m currently taking Metformin to aid with the insulin resistance brought about by good ol’ PCOS, and we are in the midst of my first round of Letrazole. As always, we are placing our hope in the Lord, and believing faithfully that He has a miraculous plan in store for our journey together. We pray constantly this plan includes the blessing of children from Him.
Whew! It’s been a busy past few months! As soon as I have a spare second, I will post the pictures of our adventures here. It won’t be too long either, because I’m anxious to show you our Christmas decorations!
We thank you again for keeping The Newlywedlefebvres on your blogroll, and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. Infertility and PCOS are uphill battles, and nothing less. We pray for His Will to be our will, and that His Will be done.
“My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than yours.” Isaiah 55:8-9
Good Evening Everyone (Or Early Morning, Depending On How You Look At It),
So during our Bible Study a week or so ago, the chapter we are studying in “Experiencing God” mentioned that the Bible, as a whole, isn’t an account of the people in the Bible – like John, Peter, Ruth, Noah or Abraham, but rather is a story of God working through the lives of these people. The Bible is then an autobiography of the Lord, and the other characters throughout were vehicles through whom He worked.
This got me to thinking. Suppose Noah hadn’t built the ark, as God instructed. Suppose Noah heard God’s instruction and thought, “Ugh. It’s too hot to build an ark. I don’t even know HOW anyway! I’m not a boat builder! Plus, I have plans! I don’t have time to do this.” Or what if Mary had not said YES to God’s invitation to carry His Son?
The Bible would be a very different book if those who accepted God’s instruction had lived according to THEIR will, rather than HIS will. So, what would a Bible story of YOUR life look like? Would the book be full of detail as you followed Christ and carried out His plans, or would it be a short account in which Jesus asked you to do something, and you told Him you were too busy and let YOUR plans get in the way?
In considering this, Craig and my ‘Mission Statement’ for our marriage had to be re-examined. And so, even though he was off work all last week, and I usually enjoy the luxury of not having to be at work until 11AM, we followed God’s call and rose early each morning to lead the music together for our church’s summer program for middle and high school students – who were less than thrilled to be at church at 8AM when on summer vacation. This week, even though I am working a 9-5 schedule with the sweet children I nanny, I am rushing off to help lead the music for VBS each evening after work from 6-8:30PM.
We certainly aren’t asking for medals or accolades here. Not in the least. BUT the whole idea of considering what your story in the Bible would resemble certainly made us realize that following God’s Will and putting Him first in our life was absolutely the MOST important thing. Even though 12-13 hour days are NOT fun, and getting up early on your day off is NOT typically anyone’s cup of tea, living life for Christ is our mission, and as we have learned, His ways are not always OUR ways.
I thank God He brought me my soulmate, who stands right by my side as we endeavor to lead our lives for Him. The Lord doesn’t always guide us down the newly paved road, but more often than not, the bumpy, gravelly, dirt path most people try to avoid.
We pray He will continue to guide us, and we ask for your prayers for our journey, as well. We would love to pray for you, too, and many of you we already do! If you have a special request you would like us to pray for you or with you, please e-mail Craig and I at newlywedlefebvres@gmail.com
Well, it’s now time for bed, as there is another full day of nannying and VBS and puppies…Yes, we have multiple doggies in the Lefebvre household now! Don’t worry, our next post will include more on recent events and if we are diligent, even some pictures!
Today is a very special day indeed! Two years ago, on this very day, at this very time, I must have been sitting at my desk at RB Management, poring over magazine pictures and talking with my friends at the office…Trying to decide what I was going to wear for a VERY special date I had that evening. A first date. A first date with the man who turned out to be my husband.
One year ago on this day, I had received a (what appeared at the time to be) very odd package delivered to me at the office…It contained a CD of special songs…a sweet letter…and another envelope I wasn’t allowed to open yet. I left work early for a doctor’s appointment, and afterwards watched a DVD of our past year together with Craig and then went to get ready for our Anniversary Date, only to be met with beautiful flowers and an AMAZING proposal.
Two years ago today my life changed forever, and one year ago today, it changed even MORE and for the absolute best! Happy two year anniversary of our first date, and one year anniversary of the day you asked me to be your wife, Craig! I love you!
One Year Ago Today!
It’s the first of these years we have not been able to be together, but such is the life of a pilot’s wife! I am, however, able to enjoy this Holy Thursday with the adorable Miss Daisy, and her sister Lucy – both babies are napping and so I finally had a chance to write this blog!
The Girls
In other recent news, the draperies are (halfway) completed! 1: We misplaced, and JUST found the return for the other window, and 2: Craig has to be here to thread the bobbin on my sewing machine… SO (or SEW ha ha ha), I did the first panel with stitchwitchery to try and surprise my hubby a few weeks ago with completed draperies… BUT it took almost 4 hours to finish one panel, and my sewing machine just would not allow me to thread it…When C got home, he threaded the bobbin and the second panel was completed while he washed the car with Lucy (fun for him! lol), but then we couldn’t find the return for the 2nd window in our bedroom…So, one window – two panels – are complete!
I’ll try another picture where you can better see the entire window treament soon. I’m not sure why, but the flash on my camera made everything look blue…Oh, well, at least my side of the room is darkened – which means Lucy doesn’t wake up with the roosters, as she did BEFORE the drapes…Whew! 🙂 I really love the wa the window turned out! Craig’s cornice board, made with shims and leftover finish from the refurbishment of our dresser, plus these draperies, against the deep blue accent wall, really do a lot for our bedroom!
We have ANOTHER new addition in our home, as well: “Alfred”.
The cow rug! :-)If you are in the design world, this rug is a Safavieh! Pricewise, we STOLE it! If you know my husband at all, you know two things: First, he is not likely to pay a lot of money for a rug…Especially one that is solely for decoration. But also, he has a thang for cows and all things farm. “Alfred” (along with the cow print I gave him for Christmas) really makes a statement in our den! Both we AND our girls just love it!
If you haven’t been over in awhile…ahem….please come and visit SOON! You must see all the changes that have turned this once-bachelor pad into our little family’s home!
Little Lucifer Lucy has been growing like a WEED – or maybe faster!
That was the day we brought her home. This is the other day:
She has discovered a new walking trail, which is DEFINITELY her favorite! The only downside is the 20 minute drive to reach it, along with the fact it is FIVE MILES LONG. You certainly have to carve out a large portion of your day to be able to indulge her!
There are plenty of opportunities for her to get into trouble, considering this is a true nature trail. Yesterday she dove right into a creek that runs alongside the trail, and desperately attempted to catch a fish – which was actually just a floating leaf, but I didn’t have the heart to tell her. Three hours and a 20 minute car ride home later:
This was MY reward! The 5 mile walk is MORE than worth it! 🙂
Craig and I celebrated 6 months of marriage a few weeks ago:
And these truly have been the best six months of mylife. Hands Down. Without Question! And so, on that note, let me say that we were overjoyed to celebrate the marriage of two more of our dear friends this past weekend: Ashley and JW (or John, or P. Diddy???? Not sure WHAT to call him after the speeches we heard at the rehearsal dinner…) 🙂 It is wonderful to be able to welcome another set of our friends into the bliss and journey that is marriage! Congratulations Ash & J! We wish you all the happiness!!
Well, I must go! Lucy needs a walk, I need to finish my Bible Study, and then I have to get ready for our parish’s Holy Thursday service! Being in the choir has been SUCH a blessing!
We wish you all the best, and send you all of our love.
Today is a wonderful day marking SIX MONTHS of Wedded Bliss for Craig and I! Such an absolute blessing these recent months have been, and there is no one to thank more than God above! Thank you; Thank you; Thank you – Infinite thanks! Never could we have found our jigsaw puzzle piece matches without His omnicience!
In other news, I apologize it has been several weeks since I last wrote – the tides, they are a-changing! 🙂 And with those changes, of course, come a lot of time consumption! 🙂 What all has happened since we last met? Well, due to an…interesting turn of events….I ended my employment as an Executive Assistant a few days earlier than planned…My, that’s a long story…As we noted in the last blog post, Craig and I had been planning for me to leave for several months, but when we KNEW the time was right, we acted…and within DAYS, we had not just one, but 4 different job opportunities staring us in the face – and I hadn’t applied for a single one of them. Please know, we aren’t pointing this out in order to boast, but simply because it was only further proof we were on the path God was leading us down! Jesus says in Luke 17:6, “If you had faith no bigger than a mustard seed, you could tell this mulberry tree to pull itself up, roots and all, and to plant itself in the ocean. And it would.” We listened to the Lord, put our trust in Him, and He provided. Nothing is impossible with God. (Thanks to our choir director, Dian, for reminding us of this again last week with a BEAUTIFUL song – “Nothing Is Impossible With God”, sung in four parts. Come hear us sing at St. Francis in Cartersville! Sundays at 10am!)
We prayerfully considered all of these 4 positions, and in the end, chose the one that, while on paper may not look the ‘best’, is certainly what we feel I am being called to do at this time. The new job begins in April – so more details to come!
Other than this new career path, it’s been a busy couple of weeks filled with catching up on cleaning and resting and COOKING! 🙂 We even had the pleasure of entertaining my brother for dinner one evening when he came to meet little Lucy! Stuffed pork chops. Delicious! If you’re interested in the recipe, send us an e-mail, and we’ll let you in on our EASY to prepare and gluten-free secret! 😉
Well, I must be off! Before my husband returns home, I promised him I’d finish sewing the draperies for our bedroom – a long overdue project I finally have the time to complete!
In honor of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season, I wanted to share a really awesome tool I found today: A Lent Calendar – much like an Advent Calendar. For each day of Lent, there is a mini “thought” or “challenge” and then a call to Fast, Pray and Give.
I like today’s prayer challenge: For the desires of our hearts to be put behind God’s will for our lives. I know I certainly struggle with praying for what I want for Craig and I, rather than His will for our lives. So that’s one of the things I am going to do in a faith-building regard for Lent. I am going to be diligent about praying for God’s will to be done, rather than for the things I want for us.
Also, in the box below, please let us know of any ideas you might have for a Bible Study for Craig and I to do together. It’s one of our focuses as a couple for Lent, and we would love your help!
Yesterday morning I was fortunate enough to enjoy my morning coffee on our back deck, looking out into the distant hills and enjoying the crisp Georgia breeze. While I sipped my coffee, I prayed the same prayer Craig and I have been diligently praying for what seems like forever…and then glanced down to notice that what had once looked like tree-esque weeds, now were almost actual mini pine trees…Which reminded me that God provides. Always. Matthew 6:25-34 comes to mind and is one of my favorite passages in the Bible.
And speaking of blessings in places you don’t expect, if you know THIS Newlywed Lefebvre, you know how much I despise dedicated exercise. I love to be outside hiking, playing ball, enjoying nature, swimming, but when it comes to saying, “Ok, time to exercise for 30 minutes,” typically, I would rather be told I would be denied food for a week. HOWEVER, Craig and I decided to start running together in the mornings during the week about a week ago and we have been pretty good about keeping it up, I’m even running on my own when he’s on the road. Why and how is this a blessing you might ask? Well, first, it’s more time we get to spend together. The extra hour in the mornings before I head off to the office have now become something we actually look forward to, and in ADDITION, we are doing something beneficial for ourselves! It also makes ME thankful for modern science…as we discovered one early morning last week, without my asthma inhaler and knee brace, running is…well…not a blessing! 😉
Craig called this morning to tell me he was heading out from Oklahoma City on the last leg of his trip right as I was using my inhaler and heading out the door for my run…he warned me about the rain…and about halfway into my run, it started POURING…and I was drenched! I considered picking up the pace and running straight back to the house, but then I looked up at the sky and I thought about those little pine trees in our backyard…and how God was providing for them everything they needed to grow and mature…and I thanked God for the rain and continued the final 15 minutes soaking wet! It helped to reiterate to me that GOD WILL PROVIDE for Craig and I, and we will keep praying and thanking Him for all we already have. We are so blessed.
On a side note, we have been promising a picture of the dresser we refinished… This dresser is Stickley and when I found it a few years ago at the antique store it was stenciled in horrid varying shades of green and red and yellow…Hideous barely begins to describe it. People would see it in my old condo and comment on its ugliness! I assured them of its potential! If you have never heard of Stickley furniture, read about it here. The antique store where I found it didn’t know what it was either, and allowed me to take it off of their hands for a mere $200!!
After removing the horrible paint and sanding down the surface, we stained it a bluish grey and replaced all the knobs with clear glass ones:
What do you think? 🙂
Well, y’all, Happy Christmas Eve! I need to finish laundry so when my better half is home in a few hours we will have something to wear to this evening’s soirée, and finish getting ready myself! We wish you all the Merriest of Christmases! May God rain down His blessings on you all!
Welcome Back!
The (Not-So) Newlywed Lefebvres 
You must be logged in to post a comment.