Thanks ladies :) i knew you would understand. Dotz, we have been trying for awhile now, even before we were married. I temped & charted for a looong time. The Billings Method is an extension of that--it's paying attention to, and charting things like cervial mucus, temps, etc. Unfortunately, my/our issues are my tubes. So even with us perfectly timing intercourse, my right tube is totally out of commission. I CANNOT get pregnant if I ovulate on my right side. I have a better chance on my left side, but there is some minimal scarring there, as well. It's about 75% open according to my RE. So technically--I CAN get pregnant on that side and probably WILL at some point. But considering the fact that a woman only has a 25% chance each cycle, even with well-time intercourse, AND considering the fact that I can only get pregnant roughly 50% of the time when I ovulate (since it has to be from my left ovary)---the odds are stacked against us. Not to say it can't and WON'T happen naturally...but it could take years. :( It is very disheartening, especially since my DD was a snap, oops pregnancy! :) One thing that just floors me is when people say "oh, give it time, you are so YOUNG." Well---I get what they are saying but it annoys me nonetheless. First of all, I am not THAT young. I'm 28. Secondly, my DD will be 7 in a few weeks and SS is already 7. If I got pregnant TODAY, they would be almost 8 by the time the baby is born. With every month that passes by, the age gap gets wider and wider. I never wanted to raise my children separately. THAT makes me sad. And that's why it annoys me when people, albeit well-meaning ones, say "oh, you're so young...why rush?" SIGH.

Well, you make me feel a whole lot better. I linked your post again on the conversation side in kitchens then again here. So you now have 4 posts going. I was in too big of a hurry trying to get to an appt.

Since you owe no money on your existing home, you'll get a much better rate and terms by doing a construction loan, then rolling it into a normal mortgage when the job is finished. I would HIGHLY suggest you apply for $100k. The work you're doing needs to include cost over run figures (and in one year...tell us what it cost...I bet it is at LEAST $100K). I'm doing a similar project...I'm pushing three times that figure. Yes I'm using some expensive products, but the basic GC fee was over $80K, and the plumbing and electric will total over $30K together. When your home is finished you'll have a final inspection and they'll wrap the deal into a full mortgage. They can use tax assessed value most likely (if the $100K is less than 80% of that figure) so costs will be quite low. I'm not sure which states still allow pre payment penalties (I thought most of those were gone by now) but do make sure there isn't one. Also, don't use an internet loan service. Go down to your local "big bank" (ie BofA) and a credit union if you must (I don't like them because they don't have to follow CRA) and then a local bank (state or community wide only). Compare apples to apples (same terms for the final loan, and ask what they can do with the construction portion) and compare the APR to the other APR's (not just the rate..which does not include the fees and other hidden or not hidden costs) and you'll know who has the best deal. DO NOT borrow more than 80% of the value of your home please. If you do, you'll be dealing with predatory lenders most likely. Please don't! (20 year banker begging you here).

Sorry Caroline I am sitting here laughing my fool head off. Of course I am also glad it happened to you and not to me. If anyone could pull this off it is you. Your bathroom woes brings back memories of my own remodeling problems with my so called contractor. Just think in a few weeks (if your lucky) you will have a beautiful bathroom to relax in. Just be careful climbing into that tub in the meantime. lol