in case you wanted to know

Happy New Year! So for my first post of 2013, I have some random things I wanted to share. First is an amazing shake recipe. I'm trying eat like I'm already pregnant and get in all of the fruits/veggies and other nutrients that my body needs. But it is really hard. My saving grace is my vitamix to whip up quick, vitamin-packed shakes.
This recipe is one of my favorites. I call it the "green baby making shake".
3 cups of coconut water 1 cup frozen organic strawberries 1/2 cup organic pineapple, peaches and mango mix (from Costco) Large handful of fresh organic kale Two large handfuls of organic spinach Large handful of collard greens 1/4 organic lime (with the peel) 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds 1/2 gala apple

 Throw it all in the vitamix (or blender) for a few minutes and viola... a delicious supplemental shake. This is also great for pregnancy or just generally improving your health in the new year.

 Next is a prenatal vitamin tip. 

Not sure about you...but my clinic gave me a big list of supplements with specific values that I need to be taking. Folic acid, fish oil, calcium, etc. Take x amount but do not exceed x amount. It is difficult to find the right amount of each supplement in an over-the-counter prenatal vitamin. But my friend E told me about these New Chapter organic, probiotic vitamins made from whole vegetables and herbs. I just started taking them and love them! They are a little pricey but Whole Foods has them on sale right now.  If you buy a full trimester bottle, it includes a free subscription to Fit Pregnancy magazine. I've always wanted to get this magazine. Hopefully I'll be able to redeem my coupon later this month.

In addition to preparing my body for IVF and the pregnancy that will follow, I've been praying. Trying to talk to God about this and so many other things going through my mind. I was given a wonderful gift a while back - a prayer necklace. But I've never used it until now. I've never felt like I needed to write down my prayer and where it close to my heart at all times. 

But I'm putting this baby to work for me now.

And last but certainly not least. All of my fellow infertility bloggers already know more than they care to know about the IVF process. But it occured to me that other readers may not know what the process really entails. If you want to get a better understanding of how IVF works, watch this quick 3-minute video. It's the best one I've found to walk you through the cycle. Keep in mind, this video doesn't capture any of the emotions, side effects and otherwise troublesome things we go through but it is a good introduction and an interesting video.

Well, what did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Hope 2013 is off to a great start for you and your family.