Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Is Third Time the Charm?

I am writing this two hours after getting a positive pregnancy test.  This will be our third pregnancy in less than a year.  We've experienced two miscarriages. 

Yep, we got the double pink line.

I'm thrilled.  Thrilled!  It's like I've got on rose colored glasses.  Finally, I don't have to secretly want to punch every pregnant girl I see.  I don't have to find excuses to not attend baby showers.  I don't have to wake up every single day thinking about the last two pregnancies.  I AM PREGNANT!

On the flip side, I'm nervous as all get out.  I'm scared that in four weeks we'll be finding out we lost the baby.  I'm angry that I don't get to make one of those cute videos where we show us telling our parents, then watching it over and over again to see their excited faces.  (We've got one of those from the first pregnancy.  I can't even watch it without tearing up.)  I'm jealous that I can't be one of those girls who naively gets to enjoy every second of her pregnancy without a serious worry.

As you can see, I've got a mix of emotions.

I couldn't decide how to tell Michael about the pregnancy.  The first time, I framed a fortune cookie phrase we had gotten a few months prior.  It said, "A special gift is on the way to you."  The second time, I tearfully told him after he got home from work.  This time, I thought I'd communicate with the help of technology.  I texted him a picture of the pregnancy test.  I was standing right next to him when he got it.  His reaction was pretty funny.  He threw his phone up in the air and smiled.

I think we are both so confused about how to feel.  Once you've experienced two pregnancy losses, it's really hard to get excited about another one.  If we get too excited, and something terrible happens, we'll have such a hard time recovering.  We are both pretty matter-of-fact about it.

If we make it to 12 weeks, I think you'll see a change in our attitude.

I cannot wait to talk to Hopeful Hearts about this.  I know I'll be surrounded by ladies who know exactly how I feel.  It's so comforting to be around women who understand.

Please keep us in your prayers during this hopeful time!

Off to start my progesterone suppositories.  Yep, those sound about as much fun as they are!

Love,

Corrie

Sunday, February 24, 2013

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: Sharon's

My latest place to eat on the 100 Things to Eat in Memphis blog is Sharon's Chocolates and Bread Cafe.  

One word:  Overrated.  




    

The list says to get bagels.  I decided to go for the poppyseed.  It was good, don't get me wrong.  It just didn't have anything special about it like other things on this list.

When you walk in, the place is pretty dull on the inside.  There's not many decorations at all.  It's open really strange hours, so maybe the owners don't really think of themselves as a restaurant.  I get that, but with it being that bland on the inside, I was expecting for the food to make up for it.  

The bagel was like any other bagel I've ever had.  Panera's bagels are just as good, if not better!  

Poppyseed Bagel
I will give the cream cheese some praise.  It was really good, but there were only two flavors, plain and vegetable.  

Cream Cheese
I guess I was just expecting more.  

I will say that the chocolate case looked phenomenal, but chocolates aren't on the list.  Maybe they should be.  

I'm sure this place has a great story and I'm sure the owners are great, I just wasn't impressed.  

The Chocolate Case and Bread Rack

Thursday, February 21, 2013

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: Tao Too

As I write this, I should tell you that my tongue has still not completely recovered from the culinary adventure Michael and I just experienced.

We headed over to Tao Too Asian Eatery in Germantown.



It's the latest stop on our tour of the 100 Things to Eat in Memphis Before You Die Blog.

The item on the list:  Devil's Nest Soup

Yes, this is going to be spicy.  In fact, it's the spiciest thing on the menu, as the three fires indicate.


Michael and I decided to split the soup, because it was huge.  

Here's a look at my bowl.


The soup is delicious.  At first, I told Michael that I didn't understand the fuss.  It didn't seem that spicy. Of course, that was after one bite.  After about three bites, your mouth is ON FIRE!  My eyes started watering, Michael started sweating, I had to ask for a water in addition to my Diet Coke.  It's a great dish, but it does get to be incredibly spicy.  

This is what was left of the big bowl after Michael and I had filled our two smaller bowls. 

If you look carefully, I think you can see the devil.  This soup certainly was hot enough for Satan!
I asked the waitress how anyone is ever able to eat an entire bowl alone, and she told us that yesterday a man had ordered the soup and asked for EXTRA spices.  Say WHAT?!?!  I would have had call the fire department if I had eaten anymore of that soup.  

Anyway, we loved our experience at Tao Too.  The service is excellent, which is a breath of fresh air.  We had terrible service at the last restaurant we visited.  That restaurant has also been featured in my blog.  We were incredibly disappointed with our treatment at THAT place.

I'll be back to Tao Too, and if it's a cold enough night, I might order Devil's Nest again!

Happy eating!

Sesame Chicken - Thankfully, there were no fires on the menu next to this item!

The hottest dinner partner a girl could ask for!

The MANY waters and sodas we had to order. 




Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Where should I eat next?

 100 Places to Eat in Memphis blog.

Where should we go next???  I'm marking through the places where we've already eaten.



1: Greek burger at Alex's Tavern, 1445 Jackson, (901) 278-9086.

2: Cheeseburger at Tops Bar-B-Q locations, including 1286 Union, (901) 725-7527.

3: Soul burger at Earnestine and Hazel's, 531 South Main, (901) 523-9754.

4: Burger at Dyer's Burgers, including 205 Beale, (901) 527-3937.

5: Colossus burger at 3 Angels Diner, 2617 Broad, (901) 452-1111.

6: Joyce roll at Sakura Japanese Restaurant, 2060 West, Germantown, (901) 758-8181.

7: Guacamole and chips at Las Delicias Mexican Bar and Grill locations, including 4002 Park, (901) 458-9264.

8: Sweet potato pancakes at The Arcade Restaurant, 540 S. Main, (901) 526-5757.

9: Barbecue spaghetti at Bar-B-Q Shop, 1782 Madison, (901) 272-1277.

10: Barbecue bologna sandwich with slaw and hot sauce at Payne's Bar-B-Que, 1762 Lamar, (901) 272-1523.

11: Popovers with strawberry butter at Paulette's Restaurant, 50 Harbor Town Square, (901) 260-3300.

12: Coconut cream pie at Germantown Commissary, 2290 Germantown Road S., Germantown, (901) 754-5540.

13: Sausage and cheese plate at Charles Vergos' Rendezvous, 52 S. Second, (901) 523-2746 .

14: Acquisto sandwich at Fino's, 1859 Madison, (901) 272-3466

15: Fried chicken at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken locations, including 310 S. Front, (901) 527-4877.

16: Fried chicken at Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken, 3633 Millbranch Road, (901) 332-2367.

17: Mr. Bruce's Nachos at Molly's La Casita, 2006 Madison, (901) 726-1873.

18: Barbecue nachos (on homemade chips) at Central BBQ locations, including 2249 Central, (901) 272-9377.

19: Chilean sandwich at Pop's Deli, 6755 E. Shelby Drive, (901) 366-3463.

20: Milkshake at Wiles-Smith Drug Store, 1635 Union, (901) 278-6416.

21: Sno cream sno-cone at Jerry's Sno-Cones, 1657 Wells Station Road, (901) 767-2659.

22: Tamales at South Memphis Grocery, 9 W. Mallory, (901) 775-2135.

23: Tamales three ways at Dino's, 654 N. McLean, (901) 278-9127.

24: A M breakfast appetizer at Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, 712 W. Brookhaven Circle, (901) 347-3569.

25: Devil's Nest Soup at Tao Too Asian Eatery, 2072 West St., Germantown, (901) 737-3988.

26: New Orleans doughnuts at Gibson's Donuts, 760 Mt. Moriah, (901) 682-8200.

27: Sausage po' boy at DeJaVu Restaurant, 936 Florida, (901) 942-1400.

28: Prozac cupcake at Muddy's Bake Shop, 5101 Sanderlin, suite 114, (901) 683-8844.

29: Mojo cookies at River Oaks Restaurant, 5871 Poplar, (901) 683-9305.

30: Bibimbap at Kwik-Chek Food Store, 2013 Madison, (901) 274-9293.

31: Duck confit grilled cheese at Automatic Slim's, 83 S. Second, (901) 525-7948.

32: Jalapeño chips at Flying Fish, 105 S. Second; (901) 522-8228.

33: Onion loaf at Corky's Ribs & BBQ locations, including 5259 Poplar, (901) 685-9744.

34: Banana cream pie at McEwen's on Monroe, 120 Monroe, (901) 527-7085.

35: Sticky toffee date cake at Acre Restaurant, 690 S. Perkins, (901) 818-2273.

36: Chilaquiles with fried eggs at Taqueria la Guadalupana, 4818 Summer, (901) 685-

6857.

37: Fried catfish at Soul Fish Cafe locations, including 862 S. Cooper, (901) 725-0722.

38: Desayuno (a savory breakfast pastry) at Caminos de Michoacan, 3896 Macon, (901) 458-5550.

39: Paletas, any flavor, at La Michoacana, 4091 Summer, (901) 555-1234.

40: Bourbon Street chicken at Buckley's Fine Filet Grill, 5355 Poplar, (901) 683-4538.

41: Coconut cake at Café Palladio, 2169 Central, (901) 278-0129

42: Pancho's cheese and hot dips at Pancho's, 717 N. White Station, (901) 685-5404.

43: Stuffed jalapeño peppers at Fuji Cafe, 875 West Poplar, (901) 854-7758

44: Potato chips with blue cheese dip at The Majestic Grille, 145 S. Main, (901) 522-8555.

45: Shrimp and grits at Sweet Grass, 937 S. Cooper, (901) 278-0278.

46: Gyros at Jr's Fish and Chicken (formerly Castle Restaurant), 3992 Park, (901) 320-1020.

47: Meatloaf at Peggy's Heavenly Home Cooking, 326 S. Cleveland, (901) 474-4938.

48: Cinnamon toast at Otherlands, 641 S. Cooper, (901) 278-4994.

49: Original steak sandwich at Jack Pirtle's Chicken locations, including 1370 Poplar, (901) 726-6086.

50: Sampler breakfast at Bryant's Breakfast, 3965 Summer, (901) 324-7494.

51: Onion rings at the Belmont Grill, including 4970 Poplar, (901) 624-6001.

52: Amazing Island club sandwich at Bardog Tavern, 73 Monroe, (901) 275-8752.

53: Chicken and waffles (Friday lunch) at Felicia Suzanne's, 80 Monroe, (901) 523-0877

54: Banh xeo, or Vietnamese pancake, at Shang Hai, 1400 Poplar, (901) 722-8692

55: Roasted sea bass on black Thai rice with soy beurre blanc at Tsunami, 928 S. Cooper, (901) 274-2556

56: South Side Italian sausage sandwich at Wiseguys Chicago Pizza and Sandwiches, 5441 U.S. 51 N., Horn Lake, (662) 342-5334

57: Southern eggs Benedict with blackened catfish and Creole hollandaise at Rizzo's Diner, 106 G.E. Patterson, (901) 523-2033

58: Spanikopita omelet at Brother Juniper's, 3519 Walker, (901) 324-0144.

59: Pizza, your choice, at Trolley Stop Market, 704 Madison, (901) 526-1361.

60: Barbecue pizza at Coletta's Restaurant locations, including 1063 South Parkway E., (901) 948-7652.

61: Around the World pizza at Pete & Sam's Restaurant, 3886 Park, (901) 458-0694.

62: Irish breakfast at The Brass Door, 152 Madison, (901) 572-1813.

63: French fries trio at Fuel Café, 1761 Madison, (901) 725-9025.

64: Yellowjack with Gulf shrimp, heirloom tomatoes and harissa cafe au lait at Restaurant Iris, 2146 Monroe, (901) 590-2828.

65: Gator Bites at Brothers Grill & Seafood, 2204 Whitten, (901) 590-4637.

66: Brie and fresh pear sandwich at Café Eclectic, 603 N. McLean, (901) 725-1718.

67: Moussaka at Casablanca, including 1890 Germantown Pkwy., (901) 433-9712.

68: Louisiana-style calamari at Jim's Place, 518 S. Perkins Ext. (901) 766-2030.

69: Ahi tuna tacos at Boscos, 2120 Madison, (901) 432-2222.

70: Bananas Foster at Frank Grisanti's Restaurant, 1022 S. Shady Grove Road, (901) 761-9462.

71: Mul-naengmyun at DWJ Eastern Grill & Sushi Bar, 3750 Hacks Cross Road, (901) 746-8057.

72: Crème brûlée at Café Society, 212 N. Evergreen, (901) 726-9212.

73: Fried green tomatoes at Miss Polly's Soul City Café, 154 Beale St., (901) 527-9060.

74: Macaroni and cheese at Interim, 5040 Sanderlin, (901) 818-0821.

75: Macaroni and cheese at Mollie Fontaine Lounge, 679 Adams, (901) 524-1886.

76: Banh-you, banh-mi sandwich at The Elegant Farmer, 262 S. Highland, (901) 324-2221.

77: Sock it to Me cake at Neely's Bar-B-Que, 670 Jefferson, (901) 521-9798.

78: Baklava (served warm) at Petra Café, including 1560 Union, (901) 722-4040.

79: Flan at VGM Foods & Deli, 6195 Macon Road (901) 937-7798.

80: Elote con cotija y mayonesa at Los Tortugas Deli Mexicana, 1215 South Germantown Road, Germantown (901) 751-1200.

81: Hot wings at Ching's Hot Wings, 1264 Getwell, (901) 743-5545.

82: Fresh vegetable plate at The Grove Grill, 4550 Poplar, (901) 818-9951.

83: BBQ shrimp appetizer at Memphis Barbecue Co., 709 DeSoto Cove, Horn Lake, (662) 536-3763.

84: Bagels at Sharon's Chocolates & Bread Cafe (Saturday only) at 2881 Poplar, (901) 324-4422.

85: Salad plate at Calvary Waffle Shop (during Lent only); 102 N. Second, (901) 525-6602.

86: Chicken salad at La Baguette French Bread & Pastry Shop, 3088 Poplar, (901) 459-0900.

87: Hot fudge pie at Westy's, 346 N. Main, (901) 543-3278.

88: Deep-fried ribs at 10 Bones BBQ, 5960 Getwell, Suite 126, (662) 890-4472.

89: Ribs at Cozy Corner, 745 N. Parkway, (901) 527-9158.

90: Rib tips at Tom's Bar-B-Q, 4087 New Getwell; (901) 365-6690.

91: Hummus with ground meat at Mango Restaurant, 2733 Getwell, (901) 369-4334.

92: Hummus at Sean's Café, 1651 Union; (901) 274-3917.

93: Love Boat at Edo Japanese Restaurant, 4792 Summer, (901) 767-7096.

94: Banana pudding cheesecake at Stone Soup Cafe, 993 S. Cooper, (901) 308-2349.

95: Papa's Pimiento cheese (with jalapeño is good, too) at Holiday Deli & Ham, including 2087 Union, (901) 881-6433.

96: Firecracker corn dip at Patrick's Steaks & Spirits, 4972 Park, (901) 682-2853.

97: Lacy Special at Little Tea Shop, 69 Monroe, (901) 525-6000.

98: Mexican shrimp cocktail at El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant, 402 N. Perkins Road, Memphis; (901) 761-7710.

99: Gelato cake at YoLo Bakes at 6 S. Cooper; (901) 343-0438.

100: Cheese fritters at Amerigo Italian Restaurant, 1239 Ridgeway, (901) 761-4000

Move it Memphis 10K

Hey!

This blog has "runner" in the title!  Why haven't there been running posts in a while?

Good question.

I don't know.  I started off the year with a resolution to run a 10K a day 5 days a week.  I did really well for the first month, then I got off track after getting that awful stomach virus that's going around.  Then, I got sick again with flu like symptoms.  Then, I just got really really busy.  I'm still trying to get a few in a week, but it's definitely not happening daily.

Almost finished!!  (Thanks for the photo Davis!)
I did participate in the Move it Memphis 10K last Saturday.  It was VERY cold, but it was a lot of fun.

I have done 5k (3.1 miles) races and a half-marathon (13.1 miles), but I've never actually done a 10k (6.2 miles) race.  My only goal was to finish with a pace that was below 10 minutes per mile.

Was I excited to cross the line at 52 minutes!  That's an 8:23 mile pace!!!  I was ecstatic.  I ended up being 5th in my gender/age bracket.

My friend Patty crossed the finish line around 46 minutes and got first place in our age group.  My cousin Becca beat her goal of running in less than 65 minutes!  I'm so proud of both of these ladies.  My uncle did the 5k and finished in 33 minutes.

It was a fun day with a lot of smiles.  Stella and Michael even came out to cheer me on!


Tossing my jacket before I even hit mile 1!

Stella is an awesome cheerleader!

Words I Regret

"Why do I have to be pregnant?"

I cannot believe those words ever came out of my mouth. 

But they did...a few weeks into my first pregnancy.  I actually said them to my mom.  I quickly said that I was joking, but it was too late.  The words had been spoken.  

The reason I said it was Michael had gotten tickets to Zoo Brew at the Memphis Zoo.  This is one of my favorite events in Memphis.  It's all about trying different craft beers.  I was disappointed, because I wouldn't be able to drink.

Since the worst day, those words have haunted me.  

As soon as we found out about the first miscarriage, my thoughts went to those words.  Was this God's punishment?  

When the second miscarriage happened, I thought about the words again.  Would God really punish me for loving craft beer and wanting a moment of freedom from the pregnancy to enjoy them?  (I'm trying to be funny here, but it's probably not translating.)  :)

To think that I ever took a pregnancy for granted hurts my heart.  I'm ashamed.  Truly, I believe that maybe God should have punished me.  There are days when I dwell on what I said for far too long. 

Tonight at Hopeful Hearts, I was put at peace about it.

We are reading a book called Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow.  In it, Nancy Guthrie writes the following about why God doesn't have to punish:


I wanted to speak up and talk about my lightbulb moment at our meeting, but I was afraid I would turn into a blubbering idiot.  (Though, tears are very welcome at our meetings.)  

And when it comes to what I said, I know this...

I didn't mean them.  I really didn't.  

I don't think me questioning my pregnancy was about an enjoyment for beer.  I think it was more about me being afraid of the pregnancy.  When we found out we were pregnant the first time, I was FREAKED out.  I was so excited, but I was overwhelmed.  Anxiety was high, and I truly was unsure if I was ready.  

When I said what I said, I think I really was wanting to vent my fears.  

And, now, I would give up beer, sushi, caffeine, and Sweet n Low forever if I meant I could I have a healthy pregnancy.  

And now, I feel ready.  I would still be scared, but I wouldn't let that stop my excitement.  

My period either will or won't be here in 6 days.  Prayers appreciated.  

Thanks for reading!

-Corrie

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Updates: More Testing and Stella

Time for some updates!

The road to pregnancy after two miscarriages is filled with lots of questions, lots of testing, and very few answers.  

Exhibit A

I have become very familiar with this little tool over the last few months.  I really shouldn't call it little.  It's an ultrasound wand.  As you can tell, it's not for rubbing on the tummy.  I laughed out loud at another blogger who compared it to being the world's worst joystick.  I think today was my fourth or fifth time to experience the wand.  

It was not fun, as always, and today I felt more exposed than ever.  I had what's called a sonohystogram.  Basically, the doctor squirts some water up my lady parts.  It somehow inflates my lady parts and makes any irregularities obvious.  

As quickly as the water is squirted into you, it starts coming out.  So, it almost feels like your peeing and can't control it.  There is some cramping involved, but it just hurt REALLY bad for a second.  After it was over, I had a little bit of pain.. but not too much.  The worst part was how exposed I felt.  Over the past few months, my doctor has seen me at about every possible unflattering angle.  Today, it was the worst.  I was in his face as much as I possibly could be, THEN he turned a lamp on.  He's had a lamp on before, but never have I felt like I was in his face this much.  So, if there was any part of me the doctor had not seen, he could now.  

My "Just Beautiful" Lady Parts

Fortunately, (or unfortunately) I have "beautiful ovaries and a beautiful uterus."  Those are the words of the lady who performed my ultrasound with the doctor.  I say unfortunately, because once again I am left with no answers.  No explanation why my life has been upside down since June.  I am so grateful that there is nothing wrong, but I want to know WHY WHY WHY a baby can't thrive in my body.  

After the sonohystogram was over, Michael and I made another trip into the doctor's actual office.  Before June, I had been in a doctor's actual office, with his actual desk, only once in my life.  Now, Michael and I have our own couch in there.  He said we now have several options.  We can try again without any changes, we can try again with progesterone suppositories, or we can go with chromosomal testing.  

We aren't quite to the point of wanting to do chromosomal testing.  It's pretty expensive, and it would be very rare for there to be something wrong there.  If we have another miscarriage, I think we will definitely want to do that.  

We have decided to start using progesterone suppositories.  After I ovulate, I'll start taking them.  I'm prayerful this will help.

We've also decided to make an appointment with a doctor who specializes in infertility and recurrent miscarriage.  I'll keep you updated.

***

I am so thankful for the Hopeful Hearts group I have started going to every other Wednesday.  A group of girls all struggling with infertility, miscarriage, or adoption meet to discuss life.  I am able to discuss things with these ladies that no one else in my life understands.  We cry, laugh, and pray together.  We also share a lot of information.  I can't believe how much I've learned from these ladies in just a few short weeks!

***

Stella is growing like a weed.  


We had our three month check-up with Stella today.  She's happy and healthy!  I can't even remember what life was like without her!  :)


Here she is one month ago.  (8 lbs)

Here she is now!  She doubled her weight in month.  (17.5 lbs)

This is her morning hair.


Thanks for reading!!