"Every Drunken Cheerleader...Why Not Me?" by Kristine Ireland Waits

Two copies of Every Drunken Cheerleader...Why Not Me? has been graciously donated by the author herself, Kristine Ireland Waits. When I read the title of this book, I immediately laughed out loud so when I emailed Kristine about donating the book, she wrote back: "The title of the book has been a lot of fun - and such a real feeling for so many of us! The phrase actually came from an exhausted/aggressive conversation I had with our ObGyn. I knew he was the doctor for me when I could be that honest. In fact, he wrote me a Rx for a cheerleading uniform!!!"

Book description: "If you're eager to have a baby, doesn't the title say enough? Laugh, cry, share, relate - LOVE this book and all it offers to your soul. It's wit, wisdom and warmth from an author you'll quickly see as your sincere fertility-challenged friend. This information-packed, inspiring story is for women who are struggling with infertility and for those trying to support them. Enjoy an easy-reading journey you'll remember throughout life. Overwhelmed at the idea of dealing with friends' baby showers, insurance, husbands, needles, tears, heartbreak and surprises? This book captures it all in a delightful way that's packed full of truths and challenges to keep you moving forward. Indulge in a journey - reading this book - that will have you throwing your head back in laughter, curling up in the comfort of feeling understood, having raw honesty give you permission to be exactly who you are. Indulge. You deserve this! Get one for your best friend and your mom too."

Thank you Kristine for your donations!

The r House Couture

 A big thank you to The R House Couture who is providing each participant at the conference with a 20% off coupon to their fabulous Etsy store.

the r house couture is a group of three dear friends all brought together through "r" passion for adoption.

We first met several years ago while promoting adoption in r community and we have been creating, brainstorming and advocating ever since. Our mission is to create beautiful gifts that offer hope and give a stronger voice to our common passion, adoption.

Lindsey Redfern is a wife, mommy and adoption blogger at therhouse.blogspot.com where she writes as

mrs. r. A wild-spirited idea thrower-outer, mrs. r dreamed of creating a shop especially for those touched by

adoption. She brought the dream to her friends Kim Orlandini and Leisha Kelsey during a late night craft

get-together and it snowballed from there. Lindsey is hilarious, quirky and enjoys french fries more than

she should. She is an avid writer and loves to create messy art. She has a soft spot for her blog readers--the

greatest group of internet friends a girl could ask for.

Kim Orlandini of simply me (kimsueellen.com), also known as "sensei" on Lindsey's blog, is a wife,

mommy, former nail tech (aka resident silver filer) and professional photographer. She has taught

photography lessons for years to students who thrive in her hands-on teaching style--including Lindsey

and Leisha. That's why we call her "sensei." Her love of simplicity and her endless photography talents and

knowledge give life to the r house couture. Kim is the nicest person you will ever meet while still being

irreverent. She loves a good cupcake and has a special gift for being able to find anything for us on the

internet. Anything.

Leisha Kelsey (http://www.leishakelseydesign.blogspot.com/), also known as "muse" on Lindsey's blog, is a wife, mommy, photographer and graphic designer. She can often be found rolling her eyes at Kim and Lindsey's antics. Known for her missing sketch book and extensive list making, Leisha keeps the r house couture on task. She is our resident perfectionist and does all of our design work in that energizer bunny-like mind of hers. Being around Leisha is a treat especially if you get her laughing around 1:47 am. She brings out the creative best in all of us. That's why we call her "muse." Leisha is classic and can always be found with makeup and jewelry on. She is a wonderful cook and a lover of Diet Dr. Pepper.

the r house couture Ladies

Facts About the r house couture:

• the r house couture sold it’s first item in August 2009
• Our most popular bead combination is distressed red glass and genuine turquoise although recently pearls our selling like hot cakes
• Custom orders and wholesale pricing are available upon request! Send us a message!
• 80% of our orders are custom orders personalized for our clients
• Our creative customers are often the inspiration for some of our personal favorites
• All of our necklaces, earrings and bracelets are hand-cut, hand-filed, hand-stamped and created using sterling silver and genuine beads and jewels

Cherish a Lost Loved One Necklace  



Eventually Bracelet

Thanks ladies, I know the attendees will love browsing your shop. We appreciate your support. 

The Chiropractic Wellness Connection

Another giveaway has been confirmed! The Chiropractic Wellness Connection in O'Fallon, MO has donated a Chiropractic & Acupuncture Wellness Package valued at over $150. This package includes:

• Acugraph Scan
• Gravitational Stress Assessment
• Computerized Muscle Imbalance Test
• Computerized Nerve Scan Analysis
• Physical Exam
• 15 Minute Human Touch Technology Chair Massage
• One-on-One Consultation with Wellness Experts

Thank you Chiropractic Wellness Connection!

"Night Light: A Devotional for Couples" by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

We have received another giveaway for the 2011 Inaugural MIA Conference . Family Talk has donated two (2) copies Night Light: A Devotional for Couples by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson.

"Whether you're just married or are celebrating your golden anniversary, you need regular, quiet moments with your mate—times to renew love and intimacy with each other and with the Lord. Night Light, by Dr. James Dobson and his wife, Shirley, will help you do just that. This daily devotional offers the personal, practical, and biblical insights that have sustained the Dobsons' marriage for forty years and encouraged couples and families around the world. Let Night Light enrich your marriage too—tonight and every night."

Thank you Family Talk and Dr. Dobson for your donation!

First Giveway for the 2011 Conference!

We have received our first giveaway for the 2011 conference. One participant will win 2 (Two) Advising Sessions with Fertility Advisors.


The initial session will consist of a review of your infertility history and the most challenging issues you are facing along with identifying your immediate needs, appropriate resources and offering emotional support.


The second sessions will be individualized based upon the initial consult. Fertility Advisors offers educational and emotional support to you during your challenges with infertility. Please note that the advisors with Fertility Advisors are not licensed counselors.

Please see the website www.fertilityadvisors.com for information about the advising services. 

We want to hear from you!

We are working hard on confirming sponsors and speakers for the Inaugural MIA Conference on November 12, 2011 in Des Peres, MO. We want your input to ensure that you get the most out of this conference. Please leave us a comment with what topics you'd like to see covered, any ideas for giveaways or any other input you have. You can also email us at MidwestIF at gmail dot com, tweet us or leave us a message on Facebook. We look forward to hearing from you!

"Invisible Loss" by Deb Grissett

I spoke with Deb Grissett this morning about donating her CD for the 2011 MIA Conference. It was an uplifting conversation and I always smile at how easily it is to talk to another woman dealing with infertility, although we've never met you would have never guessed by how easily our conversation flowed.

Here is a YouTube clip of the song she wrote about infertility, enjoy!

Inaugural Midwest Infertility Awareness Conference Date Set

The Inaugural Midwest Infertility Awareness Conference will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Lodge in Des Peres, MO from 2-6pm. Put it on your calendars and check back often for registration information.

Be sure to "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (MidwestIF).

Excited about this new organization!

Welcome to the Midwest Infertility Awareness website!  We are a group of women struggling with infertility.  Some of us have just begun our journey, some are right smack in the middle, and some of us have completed the journey.  We started this organization because we feel strongly that there is minimal awareness about infertility in our area.  We believe it is the reason we have been chosen to go through infertility--to help others.  We hope you'll find the information posted here helpful.

Currently, we are in the process of setting up our first ever Midwest Infertility Awareness conference.  We are shooting for a date of October 23 from 1-5 p.m. but will definitely keep you updated.  Please check back for further information.