Hormone Replacement Therapy: What You Need to Know
Dr. Haley discusses the difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical HRT.
How Sherene Became an Ovarian Cancer Survivor
Sherene is an ovarian cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in 2014 after getting a second opinion for her PCOS. She felt the doctor she was seeing at the time didn’t take her concerns about her symptoms seriously. When she saw a new doctor she mentioned her symptoms again. This time the doctor recommended an ultrasound. During the ultrasound they identified a mass. Sherene had just graduated from college and didn’t fit the demographics of the women who usually develop ovarian cancer, so her doctor wanted to keep an eye on the mass. It would have been easy for her to sweep it under the rug, but her doctor followed up, and Sherene kept all of her appointments. Sherene lost one of her ovaries, but they caught the cancer early. After completing her treatment, including chemotherapy, Sherene is cancer-free. Sherene sticks to her follow-up appointments to make sure she remains healthy. Sherene’s Take Home Message Sherene’s biggest message? Listen to your body! If you think something isn’t right, talk to your doctor. It’s okay to get a second opinion, especially if you think you aren’t being heard. Now Sherene is dedicated to spreading the message about ovarian cancer. Every year she participates in the Teal Trot 5k in Atlanta. She raises money and awareness and has fun in the park with her friends and family. Learn more or help Sherene on her mission to spread awareness by visiting the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance site.
Lesser Known Menopause Symptoms
You always knew menopause would happen. You may have even looked forward to getting rid of those bulky pads, contraceptive devices, and tampons you’ve been using. You expected some hot flashes and maybe a few cranky days, but assumed those probably wouldn’t be much worse than getting through a long summer heat wave and then it would be all over. What you possibly didn’t know is that there are countless other symptoms that science is constantly learning about regarding the menopausal process. If you’re between the ages of 40 and 65 — and in some cases even a bit younger — you may be suffering with those very symptoms right now. Your body begins to change several years before menopause actually takes place, during the period known as perimenopause. This is the time when periods start to become irregular, along with some other unwelcome physical and emotional developments that you never anticipated. Lesser Known Menopause Symptoms Menopause comes with many minor and major changes. Some women manage to get through the process with only a little discomfort. Others may be slammed with multiple symptoms, many of which occur gradually over time so that they may not even notice that they’re happening, or that one may be linked to the other. Most menopausal changes are caused by the decline of three hormones; estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Progesterone and estrogen, produced by the ovaries, not only prepare a woman for reproduction during her childbearing years, but they impact the rest of her body’s health, both physically and emotionally. During menopause, the adrenal glands continue to produce testosterone, but those levels also decrease with age. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause are: The following menopausal symptoms are not as common, but are also usually caused by the same hormonal shifts: Serious conditions due to hormonal changes during menopause include: How Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Help? Many menopausal symptoms are of little concern and often correct themselves given time. Others can be easily remedied through diet, exercise, hormone therapy and/or other medications. However, all unusual symptoms that arise should always be assessed by a physician to rule out other causes. Our broad-based practice consists of three board-certified, doubly-accredited urogynecologists who hold certification in OB/GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). Our staff also includes obstetricians, gynecologists and experts in holistic medicine and diet, and other specialists who, combined, have decades of accumulated expertise in the unique field of women’s health care. Call 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online today. Help is available.
Get to Know Dr. Haley
Dr. James Haley explains why he chose to become an OB/GYN and surgeon. Read Dr. Haley’s accompanying article. Watch more GYN and Annual Exams videos below.
Hysteroscopy
What is a Hysteroscopy? A hysteroscopy is used to diagnose and treat problems of the uterus. A hysteroscopy is performed by inserting a speculum to open the walls of the vagina. The hysteroscope is gently placed into the uterus through the cervix and sterile salt water is used to dilate the uterus so the surgeon can visualize your anatomy. Small instruments are used to take biopsies when indicated. Why is it Used? A hysteroscopy is used to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, changes in bleeding or an abnormal ultrasound finding. A hysteroscopy is performed to determine the best treatment plan.Hysteroscopy are also used to: remove scarring in the uterus diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriages locate an intrauterine device (IUD) perform a method of permanent birth control How and Why is a Hysteroscopy Done? Dr. Litrel uses the Operation game to show the camera and microscope used in a hysteroscopy. What Can I Expect? Hysteroscopy is performed in our Canton office under IV sedation. You will not experience discomfort during the procedure, but you will need someone to drive you from our office. You will go home shortly after the procedure. It is normal to have some mild cramping or a little bloody discharge for a few days. You can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol for any discomfort. If you have a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, call your healthcare provider right away. If you have any additional questions, please contact Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists at 770.720.7733.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus, the womb. After hysterectomy, you will not be able to have children. Your hormones are generally not affected unless your ovaries are also removed. Who Should Have a Hysterectomy? A woman may have a hysterectomy to treat common conditions, such as: pelvic pain, bleeding, prolapse, endometriosis, fibroids, painful periods, and pain with sex. How is a Hysterectomy Performed? A hysterectomy can be performed in different ways depending on the reason for the hysterectomy and other factors. You and your doctor can discuss the different ways of performing a hysterectomy to decide which route is safest and most appropriate for your specific situation. The three main hysterectomy procedures are laparoscopic, vaginal, and abdominal. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – A thin, lighted tube attached to a camera is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. Additional small incisions are made to insert surgical instruments. A laparoscopic hysterectomy results in shorter hospital stays, an easier recovery and a decreased risk for infection than an abdominal hysterectomy. Vaginal Hysterectomy – The uterus is removed through the vagina. The only incision is inside the vagina. However, your internal anatomy cannot be visualized by the surgeon. Abdominal Hysterectomy – A larger incision is made on the abdomen to remove the uterus. An abdominal hysterectomy may be suggested if a patient has a large uterus, adhesions or other anatomical challenges. This kind of hysterectomy requires a longer hospital stay and healing time. What are the Risks? A hysterectomy is a commonly performed surgery. However, there are always some risks associated with having a surgical procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits so you can be informed to make the best decision. What to expect after the surgery. If you have any additional questions, please contact Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.
Menopause and Depression
It’s estimated that 20% of women suffer from depression during the time leading up to menopause (perimenopause) and throughout menopause itself. That means for every five women aged approximately 40 to 65, one may be suffering from menopausal depression. What are the Signs of Menopausal Depression? Everyone goes through extended periods of stress, which can often lead to temporary mild depression. When those emotions continue past a reasonable time frame, however, intervention may be necessary. If you find some of the following signs have remained for prolonged periods during menopause, they may indicate depression. These are: Sometimes I Feel Like I’m Going Insane! Why is This Happening? Rest assured that you’re not alone. Menopausal depression is only partially, but not completely linked to hormonal changes within the body. As your ovaries age, they get tired and stop producing estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for enabling fertility, menstruation and good reproductive health. Other parts of the body go into overdrive to try and make up for the loss. Fat cells, adrenal glands, and the hypothalamus struggle to make up the difference, but aren’t very efficient, causing internal balance disruptions. The situation is similar to a substitute teacher taking over a class for a week while the regular one is off sick. She does her best but lacks familiarity with both the students and their curriculum. Though the class survives the temporary disruption, it does not function at an optimal level. The Scientific Whys of Depression In your body’s case, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands produce more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) than normal to nudge additional estrogen production, but can’t quite pump out enough to maintain normal levels. Thus, serotonin and norepinephrine, which affect mood don’t get their regular dose of estrogen. Additionally, plummeting progesterone can cause sleep disturbances and erratic mood swings. Most women can get through menopause with minimal discomfort, but for others whose side effects are much more dramatic, menopausal depression can have a psychological ripple effect when combined with the following occurrences: Who is More Likely to Suffer From Menopausal Depression Any woman can experience depression during menopause, but some are more predisposed. Extreme menopausal depression can lead to social isolation, relationship breakdowns, and even thoughts or attempts of suicide, especially for women who: What Can I Do to Feel Better? There are many lifestyle changes you can make to find relief. Some are: Are There Any Natural Remedies That Can Help? Eastern cultures rely heavily on diet and herbal and holistic medicine for many ailments, including menopausal depression. In China, for instance, only 10% of women suffer from different menopausal discomforts compared to 85% of American women. Western medicine recognizes the value of many of these time-honored and effective remedies. Today, many doctors work in tandem with these ideas, incorporating them into their modern day treatments, and recommending different formula combinations which may contain the following: A healthy diet rich in protein, vegetables, fiber, and whole carbohydrates is also essential in warding off depression during menopause. Other Natural Herbs and Supplements Include: Depression is Treatable Depression is treatable. It is also encouraging to note that, though many women suffer from depression before and during menopause, once the transition is complete, with proper care, the depressive symptoms decrease and often disappear. Your depression could be menopause-related, but there can also be other reasons for your symptom. As stated earlier, menopause itself does not cause depression, but it can contribute to it hormonally. You should always discuss your issues with your doctor to rule out any other physical or psychiatric disorders. What if Nothing I Do Helps? If your depression continues despite all your attempts, you may need medical intervention in the form of short or long-term antidepressants, estrogen replacement therapy, or the additional help of a therapist to discuss your problems. How Can Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Help Me? Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is a broad-based OB practice consisting first and foremost of three doubly accredited urogynecologists holding certification in OB/GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS), a highly coveted credential approved only under the most stringent criteria set forth by the American Board of Medicine (ABM). Along with these specialists, additional gynecologists, urogynecologists, obstetricians, nutritionists, and experts in holistic medicine and diet, are available for any and all female health-related disorders, concerns, and problems, providing you with the best possible care. For a consult with one of our gynecologists to discuss depression during menopause, call 770-720-7733.
Christy’s Energy Soared In This Medical Program For Women Only
“I can keep up with my kids!” These were Christy’s words for the life-changing results from this Medical Program for Women Only at Cherokee Women’s Health. “My energy has soared! I sleep better, have less inflammation, I can keep up with my young kids and my confidence has increased. Learning portion control and that sugar doesn’t work for me made a huge difference. So did learning that it’s okay to get medical support to achieve your goals!” Designed by MDs Who Specialize in Women’s Health Christy is just one of the hundreds of patients who have experienced a transformation through this unique medical weight loss program for women. We base your weight loss on YOUR needs, so you will have a weight loss program tailored just for you. Our program is designed specifically for women by our OB/GYN MDs who specialize in women’s health. Because of our medical expertise in treating health and hormone issues unique to women, we can identify and treat hormone imbalances that may make losing weight more difficult for women. The Medical Weight Loss Program at Cherokee Women’s Health Offers: Weekly fat-fighting injections Natural appetite suppressants or FDA-approved appetite suppressant Pharmaceutical-grade dietary supplements Body fat analysis Dietary and exercise support and counseling “This program gives you the tools you need to succeed through an amazing, medically trained staff that supports you 100% of the way.” Hundreds of Women Are Enjoying A New Life We are proud that now hundreds of our patients have found a whole new life through this program. Like Christy, you can re-discover new energy, soaring self-confidence, and re-invent your life in a way you may not have dreamed possible! Let us show you how… Call today to schedule your free weight loss consultation at 770-720-7733.
Vaginal Dryness — Which Lubricant is Right for You?
Vaginal dryness is a common problem that affects millions of women. Thankfully, lubricants are available to help provide relief from painful sex and irritation. To help you make an informed decision on which lubricant is right for you, it’s first important to learn why you’re experiencing vaginal dryness. What Causes Vaginal Dryness? The most common reason for vaginal dryness is perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and testosterone begin to plummet with age and can result in dryness. Several other causes include: What Other Conditions Can Accompany Vaginal Dryness? Lack of vaginal lubrication can affect you in many different ways, resulting in: Choosing the Right Lubricant for You Now let’s look at how to select the correct lubricant. There are many types and they range from pleasure-enhancing, non-staining, odorless, perfumed, and even flavored options. And many contain a myriad of unpronounceable ingredients so choosing the right one can be a challenge. Before deciding on the best one for you, you should consider the following: Once you have established all safety factors and your personal needs, deciding if you actually need a lubricant, moisturizer, or more aggressive therapies is your next step. Knowing their function and the results they provide will enable you to make the right selection. What is a Lubricant and What Does it Do? Most lubricants are designed for mild to moderate dryness and immediate use. They alleviate uncomfortable friction during intercourse and provide short-term relief. They come in gel or liquid form and the following types are available: Symptoms That May Not be Helped by Lubricants Store-bought lubricants or other dryness aids may not help some of your symptoms. In that case, you may need to talk to your gynecologist about trying something more effective, such as: We’re Here to Help You Dr. Michael Litrel addresses menopause in this informative video as he explains the effects of hormones in various areas of a woman’s life. If you have any questions about vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, or related therapies, our experts at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists are here to help you. Their skill and training in the most up-to-date technology enable them to diagnose and treat all of your unique feminine issues. Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 770.720.7733.
A Patient’s Liposuction Story
Recently, one of our patients made the decision to have the liposuction procedure here at our office. She has chronicled her journey, and we had the pleasure of sitting down with her and learning more about why she made the decision, what reservations she may have had, and what life is like 3 weeks post-op. Q: Why did you want liposuction? A: “I’ve always had fat in unwelcome places…” “I should preface my entire story by saying that I’m not overweight, I’ve never been overweight, but I have always had fat in very unwelcome places. A common misconception is that liposuction is for weight loss—it isn’t! It’s more for when you’re at your ideal weight, but you need to sculpt out the shape you want to be. My trouble area has always been the “love handle” region. To add insult to injury, I have really high hip bones, so I’ve always felt like next to my long skinny legs and my long slender arms, my stomach had always looked like a tire. When I heard that my trusted providers of Cherokee Women’s Health were going to start offering this procedure, I was very excited. Dr. Michael Litrel had been my physician for years. I had seen him for both my annual exams and during my pregnancy, so I knew him to be very particular about who he surrounds himself with and the employees he hires. I felt comfortable putting my full trust in him regarding my body sculpting goals.” Q: Were you scared about going through the procedure? What were your reservations? A: “Having my stomach visible for someone to see…” “Truth be told, the pre-op appointment was, for me, slightly embarrassing. I planned for this though. I haven’t worn a bikini since the birth of my son, who is now two years old. Even before pregnancy, I was never fully confident wearing one, so having my stomach visible for someone to see, judge, and doodle on had me a little uneasy. All of that aside, Dr. Litrel and his medical assistant Kami put me to ease quickly, even though to me, it looked like he was looking at my stomach as though he was solving the world’s most difficult puzzle. I watched him as he drew out a map and game plan on my stomach as though he could see clearly what my issues were and exactly how to solve them. During the same appointment, Dr. Litrel explained everything that would happen step by step during the procedure and what to expect for recovery. He also carefully laid out that, due to some of the more difficult to reach pockets of fat that I have on my body, I will likely need a follow-up procedure in about 12 weeks. When you have a physician that is completely honest like that, there’s truly nothing like it. I wasn’t expecting perfection from this procedure, more just improvement. I was even more impressed that Dr. Litrel seemed confident that after a second procedure, we could create the silhouette and curves that I both desired and deserved.” Q: Can you describe the procedure for us? What was it like? A: “I always get asked, ‘Did it hurt?’” “Since my procedure, the most common question that I get asked by family and friends is, “Did it hurt?” There are plenty of liposuction resources online, and I believe that many resources can be overwhelming for people to think about in terms of pain and how the procedure is done. For me, the step was to inject a numbing solution into my stomach so that I wouldn’t feel any pain. The doctors waited about thirty minutes for the solution to fully kick in, and while I felt a little pressure, I didn’t feel pain. I was awake for the procedure, but the medicine that was moving through my IV made me loopy, and I was in and out for most of it. One moment that I do recall quite vividly, is having an itch on my nose and not being able to scratch it. I also remember trying to see what was going on throughout the procedure, and each time, the staff in the room would say, “close your eyes and go back to sleep”, in perfect unison. After my nap, the next thing I knew, the nurses were assisting me in getting my new accessories for the first time. These girdles are necessary for me to wear during my recovery for the next few weeks, and they were explaining the steps of taking them on and off. One full body girdle sits just under my breasts down to just above my knee. It has a convenient hole in the bottom to make bathroom breaks easier. The other girdle is a binder similar to the one you receive after getting a C-section.” Q: What was it like immediately after the procedure? A: “I was told I kept giggling…” “From the procedure room, the staff escorted me into a separate room to help me “wake up” from the anesthesia. I was able to have my first few sips of water (something I’d been looking forward to since 7:00am!), and shortly after, my fiancé and son came back to check on me and then take me home. Dr. Litrel came in to talk to me while I was waiting for my anesthesia to wear off, but I was told I kept giggling at him and then falling asleep, so he updated my fiancé on my after care and medication. The waiting for recovery felt like less than 10 minutes, but I was told it was closer to 45 minutes to an hour. The light anesthesia administered during the procedure makes the procedure an outpatient procedure, however, I was having a little bit of difficulty staying awake in the recovery room. Knowing that I am very sensitive to medication and anesthesia, I was given Phenergan in my IV during the procedure to settle my stomach (and also knock
Medical Weight Loss Success Stories
We are privileged to help women reach their goals by providing the motivation and resources needed with our Medical Weight Loss here at Cherokee Women’s Health, a program designed specifically for women. Our Medical Weight Loss Program Has Over 350 Participants Our physicians saw a need for a female-only Medical Weight Loss Program. It became obvious to them as obstetricians and gynecologists that a woman’s body gains and loses weight differently than a man’s. Women have specific challenges that range from hormones and child birth to elevated stress levels, so we created a program that incorporates: Weekly fat-fighting injections Natural appetite suppressants or FDA-approved appetite suppressant Pharmaceutical-grade dietary supplements Body fat analysis Dietary and exercise support and counseling Thanks to these methods, many women have successfully met their weight loss goals! Here are a few of our Medical Weight Loss Program success stories: Erica D. “I have lost 27 pounds since April 24, 2017 on the Medical Weight Loss Program!! I have so much more energy and have started working out again. I’ve learned that tracking calories is very important and that when you do, you will make healthier food choices. This has been one of the easiest programs I have ever done!” Christy “I’ve lost 41 pounds and only have 9 pounds to go before I reach my goal weight! My energy has soared, I sleep better and have less inflammation. I’m better able to care for my kids and my self-confidence has increased. On the Cherokee Women’s Health Weight Loss Program, I’ve learned portion control, how to believe in myself again, that sugar is not my friend and to not be afraid to use doctor-approved medication to help achieve my goals. This program gives you the tools you need to succeed through an amazing, medically-trained staff that supports you 100% of the way. To anyone who’s struggled to lose the weight, I would say to them, ‘One Day or Day One? You decide!’” –Wendy has lost 38 pounds!“The program gave me a huge boost in my weight loss journey.” “When I started the program at Cherokee Women’s Health I had already lost 16 pounds but it had taken me over 5 months to lose it and then I plateaued in my weight loss journey. In the last 4 ½ months I have lost an additional 38 pounds with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. When I began the program, I was shopping for and being fitted for a dress for my sister’s wedding and initially I was going to be in a size 18-20 dress. By the time the wedding came around I had a size 14-16 and still had to have the dress taken in some before the wedding. The program gave me a huge boost in my weight loss journey. I now have more confidence, I’m happier, I feel better, and best of all I have more energy to run around and play with my kids without feeling so tired. One big thing that I learned from the program is the relation of calories in food to how many calories my body actually burns and that every calorie counts. I used to let food control me but now I control the food. It really puts calories into perspective and this program has given me the tools I need to not only lose the weight but to keep it off!” Angie Has Lost 27 Pounds!“I have been able to go buy a smaller size!” “I have been able to go buy a smaller size than I was wearing and have a ton more energy! The medical weight loss program at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists has helped me to learn to make better choices in the foods I eat. The beginning of my weight loss journey was not easy to start but it has been so worth it and has gotten so much easier as I have learned the relation to foods and how my body uses food for fuel. I would recommend this program to anyone wanting to make a lifestyle change and learning how to lose weight for good!” Call today to schedule your FREE Medical Weight Loss Program consultation at 770.720.7733
Life Lessons: A Veteran Mom of 3 Starts Over
An interview with Air Force veteran Dianna Hornes, third-time mom and our OB “Cover model” for this spring’s AroundAbout magazines. “I joined the Air Force after high school to get as far away from home as possible,” Dianna opens her story. “And they sent me from Phoenix to Las Vegas!” She laughs. “My friend and I joined at the same time. She wanted to be as close to home as possible – and they sent her to Guam! Go figure.” Dianna’s new baby Matthew is the first child of her second marriage to Dennis, a Woodstock policeman. As she already had two daughters from her first, we suspect that her journey from military through family life may not have been smooth. Q: So, first off, you’re married to a Woodstock policeman and fellow veteran, you have two little girls from your first marriage and now a newborn, Matthew. Would you mind just telling us a little bit about your story? I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I am the oldest and have 4 sisters and 2 brothers. As I said, I joined the Air Force after high school to get as far away from home as possible… But the military experience was wonderful, in fact, one of the best experiences ever! I got to travel the world and see everything. I experienced life on a different level, and it made me more appreciative. From my first marriage I have Madison and Kayla … and now with Dennis I have little Matthew, as you know. Q: How did you meet Dennis? We are one of those Match.com success stories. It’s funny too, because I reached out to him first. After I divorced, I waited a year before I considered dating again. I had two daughters, Kayla and Madison, from my first marriage. At around a year, I created a Match.com profile. One day I was scrolling through all the profiles, specifically looking for matches who were interested in someone with kids. I came to Dennis’ profile, and his just happened to say “no”. But I was looking at pictures and I thought, “’He’s a good-looking dude, you know what, screw it. I’m just going to send the message.’” I’m very straightforward, and I believe you don’t need to sugar coat things or hide things from folks. So, I sent him a message saying, “Hey, you seem like a good-looking, nice guy. I have two daughters, I know you said you’re not interested in someone with kids, but if you change your mind, message me. If not, have a nice life.” And it took a couple of weeks, but he responded, and we went on our first date to Starbucks. Starbucks seemed like a safe bet in case things didn’t work out. Surprisingly, our first date was nine hours long. We met for coffee and stayed there for a few hours. Then we went to a restaurant, and we closed the restaurant down. After that, we drove home and continued to talk on the phone for like, 2 hours. We had a lot in common—he was in the Army, I was in the Air Force, and we connected and teased each other about which branch was better. The Air Force, of course! Q: What made you decide to marry Dennis? He makes me want to be a better person for me and for everybody else. I couldn’t believe people when they said they met their true love or that they were in love with their best friend. It just didn’t seem real to me. I suppose I was a bit jaded from my divorce. Then I met Dennis. He makes me laugh, he’s someone who appreciates me, loves me and makes me feel good, and I realized, this is how it’s supposed to feel. I’m very much in love with him. He’s my best friend. “I couldn’t believe people when they said they met their true love… It just didn’t seem real to me.” Q: Did you have any concerns about starting over or creating a blended family? Yes, I was very much against starting over and starting another family. My husband was also married before, but he didn’t have children with his ex. It took me dating him for 4 months before I introduced him to the girls. I didn’t want them to meet this random person, and I didn’t know how dating would be for me. When we first started dating, and the first few months after being married, I wasn’t sure if I wanted more children. He was okay with that. He loves them very much, and he is very much their parent. People find it hard to believe that they aren’t his biological girls. He’s a natural with them. Though, I could see how happy he was with being a father to the girls I knew he wanted to have a baby of his own. And that’s when I realized that when you love someone, their wants and needs become your wants and needs. I wrapped my head around that and am very much in love with him. I realized I wanted to have that connection with him forever, so that’s when we started trying to have a baby. I had a Mirena and decided, “it’s time we took this bad boy out.” When I told him that I was ready to start a family with him, the look on his face was just love and excitement and joy. And then when we were pregnant the first time it was, oh my gosh, it was the most amazing feeling in the world to have created a life with him. But the last two pregnancies (and miscarriages) were just horrible to go through. But they made us stronger as a couple, and we also appreciate every moment that we have with Matthew. I want my husband to experience every little moment with his son and have all the input he wants on what we do day-to-day.
