When Was The Date...?

I've often wondered about the mythical connection between any doctor, any type of doctor visit and the question, "when was your last period?" I mean, sure the ob/gyn can ask, but the dermatologist? The internist? I'm here for a concussion, not an intimate moment with you and my parts!

For years, I didn't really know, didn't need to know. But last time I rolled in with my chart (since I'd worked so hard on it) and stunned them with a date, then got their puzzled looks when they asked about birth control.

Finally, I pulled the trump card: I've been with my female partner for 9 years. We've been having unprotected sex this WHOLE TIME and I'm still not pregnant. What's wrong with me?

If I was a better actress I would've busted out crying then. But I'm not, so I just waited for her to laugh.

(I stole this from myself, who first posted it at Fertility Now!)

Gun Shy

We're supposed to start trying in just 2 months. 2 months until I have to stop playing as much hockey as I do, 2 months until our lives start to change completely. 2 months until we embark on a journey that will make it clear to the world, not just to other dog parents, that we are parents to more than just 4 wonderful dogs, but to a human person as well.

It's also 2 months until I cna't play hockey as much as I do now, eventually I won't be able to play at all (yes, I plan to play as much as I feel up to, in the more 'friendly' leagues where I play. Yes, I've discussed this with my doctor, yes, comments from the Internet peanut gallery on this topic will be filed under Assvice). And that's the thing. As much as I love the idea of being a mom, I'm not quite sure I'm ready to give up my hockey-focused life just yet.

But as Ellen, mom of a lovely 8 year old boy, says, there's never a good time. But it's always the right time. I just need to remind myself of that.

Our friends delivered their baby on April 4. They're not unlike us -- together for about 9 years, adamant in planning their baby's conception and arrival, obviously very in love with each other and their baby. All well and good except that baby Delilah was born with a subdural hematoma and a malformed brain. She's not expected to survive, this well-planned baby born to moms who did everything right along the way.

I think more than not being ready to give up our life as we know it, my sudden hesitation comes from thinking if it could happen to our friends, it could happen to us.