Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of the most important person.  Being pregnant this Christmas, I have been humbled thinking that the God of the universe became a developing baby in the womb of one of His very own creations.  Amazing! 

Have fun loving on all your family members.  I know I will...hopefully the snow they are calling for on Christmas day here will be minimal so as to not prevent us from visiting everyone.  This will be the last year we will be doing our house jumping...8 years is long enough...I will not do that to our new little one next year...everyone will have to convene to one house on Christmas and Christmas Eve. =)

And Happy New Year!... I hope you focus on God and seek His path for your life this coming year.  Nothing is more important.

Snow Day!

Well, it is the second official snow of the season but the first to actually amount to anything.  Someone told me last week when it snowed, "just think your little snowflake will be watching the snow next year."  Such a neat thought. =)

Well, I have developed an interesting second trimester "issue".  Nothing major, just annoying. =)  I have been feeling great and can pretty much eat what I want now and craving salty items.  But if I get too hungry I will begin to dry heave pretty quickly with not much warning.  It will immediately stop as soon as I eat something.  Which is interesting because I am one of those who will be hungry, but will get something I am working on done first, then go eat.  Well, my body won't let me do that!  It hasn't happened very often, and doesn't have a certain time of day attached.  It has happened in the morning, lunch, and night.  I have noticed that it occurs the following day more so, if the previous day I did not eat a whole lot...just a normal amount for me. It gets pretty interesting when I am working as a hygienist and start to feel hungry...so far it has only hit me during the dentist check portion, and I had plenty of time to grab a snack before the dry heaves arrived. =)  Well, I am just grateful that baby is letting me know when he is hungry. LOL!

A week or two ago, we had forworded our new ultrasound results on to our mediator to be passed on to our donors like I have been doing for a while now.  Well, she contacted us a few days later saying that the donors would like to open up communication directly with us through email.  This was the plan all along, but we were not sure when it would start.  Well, come to find out from the donor's email they sent us, they had just received all the updates.  They had contacted the mediator to find out if there was any news on the embryos that they donated to us.  Since the mediator had been traveling the last 8 weeks, she had let forwarding the news on to them slide.  They had just received the news that we had gotten pregnant and were 12 weeks along!!  They were very excited to hear and congratulated us.  It is neat to communicate directly...I am glad too, because I thought they were finding out all along the way as I was being good to send the required updates.  I am just so curious about them, but am trying to hold back on being too inquisitive and invasive.  They are so good at giving us our space. But who knows, they may be wanting more too.  I am just trying to find the fine line of balance.

Well, I better go make me some lunch before I get too hungry. ; )

12 week u/s

Everything looked great! Hematoma has resolved, 158 BPM heart rate, measuring ahead of schedule, moved around a little for us. We are amazed at the small life God has blessed us with. We are in love aleady. =)

Med-free and loving it!

Well, it has been pretty busy lately in my life!  We went to the OBX for my hubby's marathon.  He did great!  He finished it in 5 hours and 25 mins, so he is no speedy, but he finished looking good and not dying like he was so convinced he would be.  I am so proud of him and accomplishing one of his goals!  It was fun meeting him along the way being his "race crew". =)

I also have been working more lately with the holidays around and hygienists wanting to take days off.  So yay for some Christmas money!  But it is rather weird now to have a slight belly in the way when I work pushed up against the patient chair.  I have to keep stopping myself from leaning on my belly now.  I don't think that I will be able to work much in the 3rd trimester...my arms aren't that long. LOL!

Well, I have been "taking it easy" due to my hematoma.  It was super hard to not help carry suitcases, etc. when we were traveling.  I felt so lazy, but hey everyone understood and encouraged it.  So I just played with my nephews instead to keep them out of the way. =)  My hubby has been so great at helping with the housework, too.  I stopped carrying the vacuum up and down the 2 flights of stairs.  So he had to vacuum the other day after 3 weeks of not doing it!  Can we just say, ewww!  With our large 110 pound German Shepherd--we have a constant coating of dog hair everywhere.  I thought I had lots of animal hair to vacuum with our small 8 pound cat years ago.  I don't even see her hair anymore.  Ha ha.  He has also been great at helping carry around the laundry baskets up and down the steps, etc.  Although I can do that one by one, no prob.  But I don't want to discourage the helpfulness. =)  I am hoping this continues on when I get big and then when I am tired from caring for a newborn.  He is such a sweetie!  (Like high fructose corn syrup, he says...I love his silliness).

At 10 weeks pregnant, I had my bloodwork drawn for the hormone levels check again.  I had to do it one day early (Thursday) due to leaving for the beach.  I got the call Friday morning that we could cut my doses in half of both.  So only had to endure 1/2 cc of PIO 2x a day and 1/2 pill of Estrace 2x a day at the beach.  (That was fun keeping up with when we were eating out with family and traveling around, etc.  Lots of shots in the car. =))  It is amazing what difference a half dose makes with soreness.  It was nice.  So around Wednesday (10 weeks 5 days) I started to feel sick and yucky again throughout the day.  I thought at first it was because we had just returned from the beach the day before, and I was recovering.  Then Thursday, in the middle of dinner with only a 30 second warning I had to run to the bathroom and empty my stomach.  So weird since that was the first time I had even come close to wanting to throw up!  I usually just felt yucky and blah.  Well, I then was hungry again and continued eating dinner. =)  So my theory was I had too many hormones in my system...since it was just 30 minutes after my last PIO shot.  I then went Friday to check my hormone levels again for the 11 week check.  Well, for some reason I never got a call that afternoon like I usually did.  I was so bummed!  I had to continue the meds all weekend since I hadn't heard.  I felt horrible and off and on nauseous.  I then worked on Monday with a monster headache.  I then got called mid morning Monday that they got my bloodwork, and I was able to stop all meds!  Whew! I was so happy, but so miffed that I had to continue all weekend...but better safe than not.  The crazier part is when 6pm rolled around for the next shot, and we didn't do it, my headache magically went away!  I have felt so much better since.  My energy and appetite is coming back too since it is now 12 weeks. =)  Yay for the second trimester!  I have to test my hormone levels one more time just to make sure the placenta has fully taken over...that will be on Monday since my lab is closed on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

We are looking forward to our 12 week ultrasound on Tuesday.  I am hoping and praying that the hematoma is gone and everything looks great.  I have not had any bleeding at all, so I am not concerned.  Also my belly is started to grow daily...it is so surreal and exciting.  TMI warning:  Also my chest is getting so much bigger, that my husband's aunt commented on it at Thanksgiving!  I will be searching for some new bras soon, since I am getting a little tight now. =)

Also, last journal catch up... We have finally announced our pregnancy to the world (aka: Facebook).  We had a lot of close friends and definitely family that knew, but had requested that it be kept quiet until we entered the 2nd trimester in case we miscarried.  So now it is offically public knowledge, and I am preparing myself for the questions and comments (especially the ones that come when I start showing).  =)  Loving this journey we are on...we had even more to be grateful for this Thanksgiving...the blessing of growing life.

9 Week Ultrasound

Well, yesterday we had our 9 wk u/s.  The baby was looking great and measured right at 9 wks with a great heartbeat (I forgot to look at the number when she measured-she is not a very explanatory tech).  It was so neat to see it wiggle a little.  The only issue is there is a "blood pocket" underneath the baby's sac.  I looked it up later, and it is usually called a subchorionic hematoma.  They asked me if I had had any bleeding or spotting.  I have had none--nada, not one iffy spot.  She had us wait to see the doctor to talk to us about it even though I am technically still under the NED.C care, which is great.  (I have had so many confusion issues with that).  They told us that usually these hematomas are not a problem and just disappear on their own.  They usually result from the implantation stage and a blood area forms.  There is a small risk that it will continue to grow and pull the whole placenta away and miscarry.  The doctor was not concerned because he says they are common and usually not an issue.  He said it could have happened two weeks ago or yesterday...there is no way to know and it is not likely anything I did.  Although I am to not have sex or do any extra exercising like going for walks, I am to live life as normal but taking it easy, and they will check it again at 12 wks.  Unless, I have some serious bleeding show up.  I am wavering between total trust in God that everything is okay to waiting for the bad outcome any day now.  This baby was never ours and was a gift in the truest sense of the word.  I will continue to be grateful for each day we are blessed with.

The NED.C also called to say the labs came back "the same", so I am to continue my meds as usual and test again next week.  I counted everything up left, and I have the right number of syringes and pills and PIO to last until next Friday (10 wks).  I am guessing I am still going to need more until 12 weeks...so I will have to order before too late...but that would have been so cool to have just the right amount of everything and not have leftovers.  Have I mentioned I am a frugalista?  LOL.  I had another "bad couple days" recently with an extremely sore right cheek from the shots.  Not sure what causes a "good week" of limited pain and then a super sore couple days.

We will be leaving for the beach next week.  My husband and some other family and friends are running in the marathon there.  I am super proud of him sticking to his training despite the long days at work and overtime.  I can't wait to cheer him on and then nurse him back to health after. LOL!  He will have achieved one of his life long goals of running a marathon before he was 30.  (He turns 30 in January, so he squeaked by that one. =) )  He has run a number of half marathons, so I am so glad he will hopefully get to check this goal off his list. 

The Countdown!

I just want to document what is going on in my body at this point.  I sure hope it does not come across as complaining.  I would do this all over again in a heartbeat, because this too shall pass.

I am counting down the 2-4 weeks left of PIO shots.  After the placenta takes over making its own hormones, we won't need these shots and pills anymore.  This happens anywhere from 10-12 weeks of pregnancy.  I am so hoping to be in the 10 week category, but not likely.  The reason?  My rear end is sooo sore!  I have a hard time walking and sitting and sleeping and crossing my legs some days.  It is so weird that my body responds differently some days than others.  I will have some really good days that everything seems to be healing, and I just need to stretch the muscles out almost like physical therapy to give it the old range of motion.  Other days I can barely move or sit without wincing.  It is funny because my husband will tease me when I am wincing or ouching and say "I thought you weren't going to complain about being pregnant." ;-)  I reply, "I am not, I am only complaining about the shots.  Most pregnancies don't involve this aspect." =) 

I will have to say on the plus side, my 6 pm shot gets my husband home "earlier" from his major project going on at work.  He leaves at 6 am for work and is working overtime to get everything done (because he is supposed to be home by 4:30.)  He uses my shot as an excuse to wrap things up and get home by 6 pm.  I will be so glad when he should be back on a normal schedule next month.  I will be also thankful when we don't have to wake up at 6 am for a shot on Saturday when we could be sleeping in a little. =)

Well, I have also noticed that anything heavily seasoned with garlic does not agree with me being pregnant.  In the last couple weeks, I have correlated certain garlic meals with feeling very blah and sick to my stomach the whole next day.  Garlic is sooo yummy, but I guess I will be staying away for the next few years (breastfeeding too).  I have been very tired of course the last few weeks.  If I am not too busy, I will lay down for an afternoon nap and wake up 2 hours later!  And then sleep fine that night.  It still baffles me how much the growing life drains you.  Normally naps would just keep me up late at night (being a night person anyway).  I am having the slight waves of nausea, but just eat a little snack and it helps it subside.  The other weird symptom is the lack of foods that sound good. =)  I am usually the kind of person that eats whatever whenever.  My husband says food is fuel to me, and I don't "enjoy" it.  He is right for the most part.  But right now I am having to adjust to eating or making what sounds good, since that seems to satisfy and make me feel good.  If I ignore the feeling and eat whatever, I feel sick to my stomach later.  So weird!  Thankfully everything I crave is fairly healthy still.  My taco soup/stew hit the spot last night. =)  My love for sweets is still gone with this pregnancy.

Well, as far a belly growth, I have definitely been having to leave my jeans/pants unbuttoned more regularly.  I know it is mostly bloat, especially in the evenings, but it is starting more and more now in the mornings.  I will have to say most of my clothes are fitted without much give.  I love the hair tie idea my SIL gave me.  You loop the stretchy elastic hair tie through the button hole and then around the button.  It gives you some stretch with sitting and holds it together some when standing.  And most have no idea when your shirt covers it. =)  I have a bella band to use, but I don't think I need that yet.  My good friend was nice enough to lend me her maternity clothes.  Three bins full!  Thankfully we are somewhat the same size.  My SIL might have a few things for me too, but I am a little smaller size...but you never know, I might be one that gains a lot of pregnancy weight whether I want to or not.  I also have picked up a few things off the clearance racks.  Right now the season I will need the full blown pregnancy clothes in is the spring/summer and those are the ones on clearance right now.  I have gotten some nice things for dirt cheap!  Hopefully they will fit later...if not I will just sell them on e.b.ay NWT. =)

I think that updates everything going on with me pregnancy wise.  I have been babysitting a lot lately, and have a special appreciation to those moms out there that are pregnant and have the tiredness while dealing with their kids.  I usually enjoy every minute with my favorite little ones, but the exhaustion really does put a damper on the "fun". =)

We are looking foward to seeing our little one again next Friday.  At nine weeks, it should look like a dancing gummy bear. =)  So cute!  Thank you God for allowing us to be on this journey.

Precious Gift from God

I was waiting for the call from the NEDC today in order to post everything, but I guess they did not receive the lab work or ultrasound in time.
It was exciting to see everything today. I guess it was obvious because the u/s tech said to my husband, "She is so excited!" And then she asked me if I slept at all last night. =) Yep, I sure did, up until my 3 AM pee and then I tossed and turned the remaining 3 hours until my morning shot. =)

I was kind of frustrated that my OB/GYN office somehow lost the work order for treatment that was faxed to them just a week ago. So everyone was asking me what was needed. I wish that I had it to hand to them like the last few times. The lab had to request a new order be faxed to figure out what the blood draws were for. Everything worked out in the end. I was just glad that my husband was off work today to be there and keep me company during the waiting around.

Okay, onto the important information everyone really wants to know. =) Well, much to our disappointment we lost one snowflake. I guess were wanting them both to survive so badly that we didn't realize how much we would be let down when we only saw one. Don't get me wrong, we are SOOO grateful for the healthy baby growing. I guess we both didn't realize how attached we had gotten to both of them. But I am happy to say that despite the loss of "Mo", "Eski" is measuring at 6wks & 1d with a heart beat of 110 bpm. It was so cool to hear the heart beat and see it beating with the assistance of the computer highlighted red area.
I have been reading a "coffee table" picture library book on the daily growth and development of the baby. So it was neat to see the shape and parts of the baby on the ultrasound match the pictures in the book. (What "detail" you can see on a grainy u/s zoomed in that far.)

Highlighted circle in middle of baby is the heart beating.



Meet Eski!

As far as symptoms are concerned, I was a little worried the last few days because they seemed to be tapering off.  My main ones, besides the gassiness and frequent bathroom trips, were feeling tired (like in a fog) and hungry every two hours or so.  And I had to eat a snack, or I would get a little shaky.  (I lost two pounds since my transfer on top of eating more.)  The last few days I have still felt tired, but I think I am just getting used to the feeling.  Now, I don't have to snack as much, though I am still very thirsty a lot.  I am wondering if this is a transition to sickness or just my body acclimating to everything and I don't need as many calories now.  (Blood volume has increased, placenta is in place and forming, hormones are rising but not new to my body anymore.)  I have had a minute or two, once or twice with a wave of nausea and think oh yay a sign everything is good.  But then I am fine.  It is funny, I keep telling myself enjoy this time because you will wish you did when the sickness comes.  On a side note, my mother had no, I mean no nausea or morning sickness with all three of us.  She had easy pregnancies and fast labors!  I am sooo hoping I inherited that from her.  She is the pregnant mother of that 20% group with no nausea that the other 80% envy and hate.

We are so grateful to God and our donors for this precious gift of life. I can't wait to see what is to come.

Vivid Pregnancy Dreams

I have had some interesting dreams lately, which from what I understand is normal for pregnancy from the hormones.  Last night I had the most interesting one that I have to share.  I was dreaming about getting my ultrasound (that is coming in 3 days, yay!).  The tech was doing the looking around and was passing numerous little sacs.  He or she (don't remember) would pause on each one to see the heartbeat flicker, which was cool (granted I have never seen one in real life).  I was thinking that the tech kept going back to the previous ones and check because he did it a number of times.  Then he left without saying a word to go get Dr. Kee.nan. (Which by the way is interesting because he won't be present at any of my u/s checks being 6 hours away- that I know of anyway.)  The Dr. came in and proceeded to tell us that we are pregnant with 5 babies with heartbeats!  LOL!  I was like, how can that happen from 2 embryos?  And he said that one split to triplets and the other to twins.  My husband was almost passed out at this point. Ha ha!  But, the kicker is that he told us that he thought they all wouldn't survive because of vanishing twin syndrome, and we would likely end up with just triplets.  Wow!  This dream was so real, it was hilarious.  I was thinking in my dream that I was one short of Jo.n & K.ate + 8 and that I would become HUGE! 

My last part of the dream was, before I woke up for a 3 AM bladder emptying, I told the Dr. about my friend from church.  Now this part is real life...I have a middle-aged lady at church that is a big prayer warrior and has adopted 2 of her kids in the past (teenagers now).  When she heard about us doing EA she said she was going to pray for twins for us.  I was thinking cool.  Well, a couple weeks later she told me that she was praying in a grocery parking lot one day for us and the "twins" and heard a voice from God tell her that it was going to be triplets!  So for the last 6 months or so that has been the running joke.  I asked her if she wasn't sure that it meant that I would be carrying 3 embryos and then not all of them survive to pregnancy.  But she said no, it was the same experience she had when another couple in our church was adopting traditionally.  She heard from God they were going to adopt twins.  But the mother said that was impossible because the baby boy they were getting was only a single baby....but 3 months later they were chosen to adopt a little baby girl, too.  So the unrelated boy and girl are only 3 months apart, thus almost twins.

So, I am only thinking I am carrying two babies right now, possibly one.  But Tonie is adamant that it is three.  I will be grateful for whatever God decides to bless us with, just a little more scary when you get past two.  We shall see in a few days....

2nd Beta

849!! Our HCG number has more than doubled at almost exactly 48 hours. We are praising God from whom all blessings flow!  Ultrasound dates are going to be at 6 weeks or Oct. 15th and at 9 weeks or Nov. 5th.

May I be honest right now?  I am more than happy about our pregnancy, but my heart is still hurting for all those that have had negative betas or their period to arrive again.  I feel like I shouldn't be on this side of the fence or "cottage" as Lacie so eloquently puts it.  I have been infertile for 5 1/2 years of trying.  I thought I would never get to experience a pregnancy.  I am so grateful for the gift of life we have been given by God and by the donors.  I am going to do my best to enjoy every day of this pregnancy and not worry (extremely hard to not do).  I feel so humbled and inadequate.  I pray we will be used for God's glory.

Don't skip steps

I just wanted to post that on Monday morning when my hubby was giving me my PIO shot, he actually hit a blood vessel.  You are supposed to pull back on the syringe to make sure you are in muscle and haven't hit a vessel.  Well, after doing it a million times, you are tempted to skip or forget that step.  But like a good shot giver he always does it.  Well...we actually had it happen where he pulled blood back in to the syringe.  It freaked him out!  You hate that you have to waste that whole syringe full and needle, but best to do everything right.  I am so blessed to have such a committed "murse" as my husband calls himself (male nurse--if you haven't seen it on S.crubs).  I have, to date, only had to give myself 3 shots.  Here's to hoping for 8 more weeks of shots... (waiting patiently =) for the next beta call).

Update: Almost exactly a week later it has happened again!  I am guessing with the increased blood volume of pregnancy and on top of that I am a very "veiny" person (the phlebotomists love me to give blood. =)) that I am at a higher risk for these?  It kills my frugalista side that we have to throw everything out and start over. But hey, such is life.

Update again couple weeks later:  We have had numerous and I mean numerous shots hitting blood vessels.  We have gotten so good at keeping the needle pointing to the ground so that the blood doesn't mix with the oil and then you can change needles without losing much/any of the medicine.  I guess I am just one veiny girl...

And the verdict is....

330!!! 
Wow, words cannot express how elated I am!  I am crawling out of my skin and my stomach is doing gymnastics!  I am pregnant for the first time in my life.  At least now I have an excuse for being so tired and blah. =)
Thank You, God for an amazing blessing of carrying Your miracles, even if it is just for a short while.  I would be honored to be able to hold one in 9 months.  I continue to give You my life to use as You see fit.

Have Your Way!

We sang this song in church this morning, and it has always been one of my favorites.  But this morning, it had an all new meaning with my beta coming up tomorrow.  I just love how it expresses my hearts desire.

Also, another of my wall hangings that I love as a reminder.  No matter what answer we receive tomorrow from my beta, no matter what emotions I will be feeling, I will try to remember that God's answers are wiser than our prayers.

On a more optimistic note, I have been feeling a lot of symptoms that lead me to believe I am pregnant.  I have been more tired lately and very shaky and weak if I don't eat small snacks regularly.  I have never been pregnant, so I don't know what to feel, but....the following has left me optimistic...




9DP5DT

I had two $ store HPTs on hand and couldn't resist the urge to test.  Since some were getting BFPs online  at 6dp5dt, I tested on Tuesday.  It resulted in a BFN and I knew it was too early.  I also looked at it later that day and there was nothing there.  Well, then I decided to use the other one on 9dp5dt (Friday) being a full 14 dpo or the day a "period would be missed".  After the quick movement across, I didn't see anything so I was bummed and threw it way.  (Honestly, in my five years of infertility, I didn't test much knowing it was a waste of money since I RARELY went a day past the normal 28 day cycle.  So I don't have much experience with these things.)  Well, a couple hours later, before I headed off to work, I decided to pull it out of the trash to look at it one more time.  And I saw this...there was a light line at the T.  I was cautiously optimistic, although I had heard of evaporation lines.  So I decided to pick up some FRER tests while was I getting groceries that day. (By the way there is a $2 off coupon for them on their website.)

So on Saturday or 10dp5dt, when I woke up at the typical (as of lately) 5am bladder elimination, I tested again.  And this is what I got...


10DP5DT

 Little did I realize until I did some Goo.gling later that morning that a faint positive is a BFP.  So hubby and I are still cautiously optimistic, but looking forward to our beta tomorrow. God's answers are wiser than our prayers...

Lookee, what I got! =)

I am a little delayed posting this weekend due to being so busy!  I am not complaining because it has made my wait time fly by faster.  You can't beat a weekend spent with family.  Friday we spent a fun evening with my in laws and the two cutest nephews ever!  They are two years old and 3 months old.  Then Saturday we went to my cousin's wedding.  I feel so old because he is 7-8 years younger than me and always been a little cousin in my mind.  It was a beautiful wedding and the food was amazing!  Then we hung out with my brother and sis in law and got to see their professional wedding pics from their wedding at the end of July.  This weekend was a good reminder why we want to have children.  It was great experiencing the fun of family spending good times together.

Okay on to the reason for this post...Lookee what I got on Friday to peruse during my wait!  Ashley was so kind to send me the Baby Games book that has been chosen as a distraction with fun comments throughout by other fellow EA bloggers.  Check out Lacie's blog to find out more... http://funnylittlepollywogs.com/?p=911. 

It is actually a really cute book, I am looking forward to doing more than flipping through it quickly.  Can I say again how much I enjoy being a part of this EA group?

Finally, one last lookee here...=)  Thanks to Ashley, I received a "One Lovely Blog Award"!  I appreciate the honor. ;-).  I will have to say that I will not be nominating anyone because honestly I follow the same blogs as the other girls and don't want keep giving out a duplicate award.  But everyone that has been nominated has definitely deserved the lovely blog awards, but more than that they deserve the lovely person award.  I am amazed by the optimism and trust in God everyone has kept through the infertility world.  Not many outsiders understand the hurt and pain involved in struggling to start or add to their family.  The awesome part is that they don't allow bitterness to rule their lives but to give God the glory and control of their lives.  I love that!

Be still & Know that I am God

Reminder on my wall

I just thought I would log what I have been processing and feeling the last 5 days.  5 days? That is all it has been?  The day of and day after transfer went by pretty quickly since we were still out of town and in a different environment.  I will have to say that I have taken at least one nap a day since and still sleep at night, but I believe that is the PIO shots.  I don't plan to nap today, now that the weekend is over and life is back to normal.  Friday and Saturday were pretty full with watching my nephew and friend's little girl run in the kids' mile and then watching my husband, father in law, brother in law, and friend's husband run in the 10 mile race on Saturday.  They all finished and did well despite the unusually hot day at the end of September.  They will all now be training hard for their marathon in November.  I am so proud of them.


Okay so since I am guilty of googling symptoms for ET.  I will post a timeline I have found helpful.  I don't know how accurate it is since it is from a forum...but seems pretty realistic...although I think they have misnamed the burying baby "morula".  I know that is the stage before blastocyst.


This is what happens in a 3dt :
1dpt ..embryo is growing and developing


2dpt... Embryo is now a blastocyst


3dpt....Blastocyst hatches out of shell on this day


4dpt.. Blastocyst attaches to a site on the uterine lining


5dpt.. Implantation begins,as the blastocyst begins to bury in the lining


6dpt.. Implantation process continues and morula buries deeper in the lining


7dpt.. Morula is completely implanted in the lining and has placenta cells &


fetal cells


8dpt...Placenta cells begin to secret HCG in the blood


9dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops


10dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops


11dpt...HCG levels are now high enough to be immediately detected on HPT






This is what happens in a 5dt:



-1dpt ..embryo is growing and developing


0dpt... Embryo is now a blastocyst


1dpt....Blastocyst hatches out of shell on this day


2dpt.. Blastocyst attaches to a site on the uterine lining


3dpt.. Implantation begins,as the blastocyst begins to bury in the lining


4dpt.. Implantation process continues and morula buries deeper in the lining


5dpt.. Morula is completely implanted in the lining and has placenta cells & fetal cells


6dpt...Placenta cells begin to secret HCG in the blood


7dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops


8dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops


9dpt...HCG levels are now high enough to be immediately detected on HPT
 
My symptoms have been interesting and encouraging.  I have had on and off cramping just like mild menstrual cramps since the transfer.  On Friday morning, I felt very "weird".  I felt light headed and kind of yucky feeling.  On Sunday morning during church, I felt the same light headed and weakness.  But that one only lasted for about 10 minutes.  Other than that, I have felt normal.  I am wondering what is related to PIO and what is implantation.  Today, though I have only felt bloated.  No cramping anymore.  If I follow the above chart, I am 5dp5dt and the implantation should have been complete by now. =) 
 
My honest feelings during this time have been mixed.  Going into this transfer, I knew that God had led us there and had orchestrated everything (I still need to log my journey).  I felt a peace that this is going to work.  But then afterward, my doubt crept in and my need to control took over.  I have feared I was doing too much and not eating the right things.  I would constantly be prompted by God to trust Him, and I would try for the next 5 minutes. =)  I can honestly say now, that I am in a much better place.  I will be content with whatever the outcome.  I am doing much better at being still and knowing that God is God.  He can do anything.
 
I also had to order more PIO today.  We are about to start the 3rd vial, and it took a little over a week to go through two.  With one week to go, I am glad I was paying attention since I assumed we had enough from the beginning to at least make it to the beta.  7 more days until my beta on Monday, 10/4.  I guess with the 9-10 days falling the on the weekend, I will have a 12dp5dt beta.  Hoping for big numbers. =)  So, I am hoping that Eski & Mo are still with us, but know that they will be in better place if not.  ;-) 

PUPO x2

Well, we are currently pregnant with twins!  =)  First time I have been able to say with certainty that I am pregnant.  Everything went very well, I am grateful for all the prayers of everyone. 

I drank 55 oz of water not wanting my bladder to be under full.  (Thanks to the warning of others. =))  We had to wait a little bit because the embryos were still expanding.  The embryologist only had to thaw 2 of the 5 blastocysts we had.  She said that they all were frozen separately, which is definitely a plus!  They both survived!  She graded the expanding blasts as 3AB & 2AB.  She said that since they weren't completely done expanding, the ratings were not completely accurate.  But as we all know, they aren't always a good predictor of survival.

Our cuties!

I was super blessed that my bladder was perfectly full with no discomfort during the procedure.  The only discomfort was the alcohol disinfection swabs...okay it was painful...but only lasted for about 20 seconds, and the staff was good at distracting me from it.  Might I add...the staff and Dr. K are very friendly and know how to set you at ease.  Since I only felt like I had to pee with no discomfort, I decided to forgo the bedpan after the transfer was complete.  I am not too graceful and just knew I would cause a disaster.  Well, after the hour laying there, I was counting down the minutes until I was able to pee because by that time the full 55 ounces had reached my bladder.  The pain had definitley set in! 

We have just been hanging out at the hotel all day relaxing and will head home tomorrow.  My husband has a ten mile race to run on Saturday and my nephew is running in the kid's mile on Friday.  I am looking forward to a fun weekend, but hope to rest as much as possible.  I don't want to look back and regret anything.

As far as cramping, I have only felt a few twinges here and there.  Nothing major, but a constant feeling of having to pee.  I also have been battling a cold since Sunday that my husband gave me.  =(  I was worried that would be a problem, but Dr. K said just take some S.udafed or M.ucinex and everything should be fine.  I just can't help but think that every cough or sneeze will shake my babies loose. =)

Well, it is in God's hands now.  I am just relishing in the fact that I am pregnant right now.  I know God values these lives more than the sparrows.  Trusting in Him!

Awesome Hubby!

I just have to say I am so proud of my hubby!  He is has been such a trooper.  I knew he said that he would give me the PIO shots, but I wasn't sure how it would pan out.  I was thinking that he would start out giving them, and then get bored with it, leaving it up to me.  But since day 1 he has taken full responsibility and actually gets excited to do it.  I love it!  He has also been doing a great job being a detailed engineer like he is. =)  The first one was the most painful due to his inexperience, but after that he has gotten them down pat, with little to no pain.  During the injection that is...of course I am still walking around with the inevitable sore rear that feels like I have been over doing the gluteal exercises. =)  Well, yesterday he got caught up at work and didn't make it home in time for the evening shot.  So I had to get my gumption up and give it to myself.  I have to say that I did pretty well considering.  The cooler part is my husband was worried that he wouldn't have to give the shots anymore, now that I "know" that I can do it.  He admitted that he felt like he had a part in all this and was enjoying it.  Well, I informed him that I DEFINITELY prefer to have him do the shots for me.  I don't mind needles, but man, that one is a doozy.  But most of all, I do love having him join in the process. 

In an ideal world of course, I wish that he could contribute more than income and shots to result in a pregnancy and birth.  But we all have our difficulties in life, and of all the ones out there, I am thankful for this one.  It took me a while to get to this point, but I am thankful I have to depend on God for something.  I am thankful for infertility because I know that I will treasure my children more and be more vigilant at raising them well.  I am also thankful for options like EA and traditional adoption to give us hope.

Well, we will be leaving this afternoon for TN.  I am excited.  I also feel such a peace about this whole process.  I know we are doing what God chose us to do from the beginning.  These may not be our children this go around, but at least we will have had a part in releasing them to heaven.

Our appointment time was also changed to 8:45 (arrive at 8:15).  Our snowflakes will soon be melted and becoming the unique individuals that they are.  Oh I have to share...I mentioned a verse I am claiming this transfer in my previous post about how God knows when each sparrow falls, so how much more does He care for us and these babies.  My friend had sent me that verse to help alleviate my fear of the unknown....well, I have a flip calendar I use daily...guess what verse is on the Sept. 22 page?  The same verse about the sparrows!!!  God is amazing and keeps loving me in amazing ways!  Who knew my transfer date and that verse and that calendar would all coincide?  Goosebumps galore!

Well, suppose I should start getting the laundry done, the house vacuumed, clothes and meds packed, dishes away, dog exercised....since we leave in 4 hours. Eeek!

Officially Excited!

Well, today by noon, I hadn't heard from the NEDC so I thought I would call quickly when I had a minute at work.  And amazingly a nurse was free to answer the phone.  So I was told that everything was fine to continue on with the PIO shots and decrease the E.strace.  Yay!  She also knew my appointment time for Wednesday.  We are to be there at 9:00 for a 9:30 appt.  Yay!  I am glad it is early so that I don't get too anxious waiting. =)  One of my friends from our Wednesday morning church group pointed out that she doesn't think it is a coincidence that our appt. time is set for exactly when we meet every Wed. for prayer and preschool curriculum set up.  She said they will be having a prayer time especially for the snowflakes at that time.  I am so humbled and feel so inadequate for how God is moving in this process.

I also was able to contact our Be.thany mediator to see if our contract has been signed on both ends since we are 4 days away.  She said she received ours, but the donor family had theirs printed and notarized and ready to go and something was spilled on it.  So they had to get another one printed and notarized to send.  She requested them scan and email a copy of the contract and signatures to her so that she had a visual copy in case the original didn't arrive in time.  So she said that we are all set for transfer. Yay! We are officially parents to 5 frozen babies.

So I am getting very excited.  I decided that I am going to stay pretty busy this weekend so that it doesn't drag by, and I start allowing my brain to analyze everything too much.  Thus causing me some anxiety about the unknown outcome.  I am so looking forward to hearing everyone's stories of what God did and is doing in our lives...

A recent comment by a dear friend about a verse I am going to keep in mind: 
Not a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father's notice, and how much more He cares for you and for these little ones!
Matthew 10:29-30

Waiting Impaitiently

I had my ultrasound and labs this morning at 9:30.  I know it takes a few hours to get the blood draw results and then they have to fax it to TN.  But last time I received a call by 3 pm.  Today I did not receive a call yet...I left a message at 5:30 pm for the IVF coordinator just in case, so that they will remember about me tomorrow.  I am worried my "local" (1 1/2 hours away) clinic forgot to fax the results.  They have messed up the work orders in the past, so that NEDC had to send it to them multiple times...so I am wondering...but I also know that the NEDC is having a lot of transfers right now, both fresh and frozen.  (I emailed a couple days ago wondering if I should know what time my appointment was for next week.  I was told that they will call us a couple days before because the appointment time depends on the status of their fresh transfers around then.)  I just can't help but be impatient right now, I hate to admit.  On the bright side, my lining was 12 mm thick...definitely thicker than the necessary 8 mm.  (My trial lining check was 11 mm.)  The RE said no cysts were seen on my ovaries and the right ovary had 5 follicles and left had 9 follicles all 5mm or less.  I am assuming this is all good?  He of course doesn't say yay or nay because I am not his official patient.

I did have a nice time shopping around the larger city.  Didn't get anything other than the patio furniture cover I intended to get with my coupon to Pl.ow and He.arth.  Our crazy snow storms this past winter ripped the old one.  I will admit my husband warned me that the middle pole (intended to prevent puddling) would not hold 10 to 12 inches of snow piled on top of it.  But we were too lazy and cold to go out and remove it...lesson learned.

Well, I shall message everyone on Fac.ebook praying for my check today, so they are not wondering how everything went...though I am still wondering...=)

Few updates

I wanted to thank everyone for their kind comments. It is so nice to join the EA community after following lots of you guys for months now. I am praying for all our fall transfers (there are so many going on this fall!), and that God's Will will be done. That is all I want for mine.  These lives are in His hands from the beginning and He has a plan for each one.  It may be to join Him in heaven, but I wouldn't want them here if they are not supposed to be.  Hopefully, we will get to love some of those snowflakes here on earth though.

Just a few updates to catch up on.  I have been working all last week after Labor day.  So I was super busy and tired, but very grateful for the days of income to go towards the adoption costs.  I love how being a dental hygienist is super flexible so that I can just fill in whenever needed and have random days scheduled.  I have three offices that call when they need a back-up hygienist, as well as regular Fridays scheduled at one.  When we started this adoption process, I was wondering where the extra money would come from.  I knew that God would provide and that we are super blessed beyond measure any way.  But I also knew that the tax return and husband's yearly bonus would not cover all the expenses, but would get us started.  I really did not want to drain our savings, but knew it was there when we needed it.  From February to end of September I was given 48 days to work!  That was all from God, because rarely do I get called to work so much.  The summers are always busiest for me, but not that many days!  We were also blessed to receive a really nice check from my husband's parents.  They felt led to contribute even though we were not asking anyone for donations!  It is really cool to receive such a gift from them.  Not because of the money, but because to me it means they are supporting us in our adoption endeavors.  You always worry in the back of your mind that your adopted children will be treated differently from the other genetic children in the family.

We also received our fees associated with our embryos last week or so.  I was really nervous to open the envelope because I knew what it was.  My husband said to just do it, and we were pleasantly surprised.  Our embryos only had $40 and change attached for shipping fees!  Such a blessing from an amazing God!

We also received our final draft of the open agreement contract last week to print out and take to the notary to sign.  We were able to finally print it out and get to the bank on Friday afternoon to sign it.  The contract went into the mail yesterday (Saturday).  I meant to take a picture of it in the mailbox and post it, but I forgot.  Oops! =)  Now we wait to hear it is official after the donors send in their signed copy.  I am looking forward to communicating with them, because they seem like such a nice couple.

My last Lupron shot is tomorrow and I up the E.strace to three times a day.  I think I am going to miss those little needles...so easy... and I was so blessed to not get any side effects (except for the two days after my period and before I started the estrogen pills.  I had hot flashes and a little sweaty on the coolest days of the summer. =) )  I think to me I feel like I am doing something when I get those shots...so I am looking forward to experiencing those large needles now. =)  I probably won't be thinking that in a week.  Hee hee.  It has been neat also to have my husband excited about sometimes giving me the little shots...I think that way he feels more included in the process.

I have my ultrasound check on Thurday, the 16th.  I hope that goes well.  It should because I had a really good trial run building my lining with the E.strace.

It is really odd to think that my transfer will be in 10 days!  Something that you look forward to and work for for so long finally arrives...it is kind of unnerving.  That is my fear of the unknown creeping in again with my lack of control...God I surrender everything to You...again.

Double Yay!

Well, today I traveled a total of 3 hours round trip to the closest fertility specialist for my ultrasound and estradiol test.  Thankfully my best friend was able to make the trip with me so it didn't seem that long or far. =)  (Next time I will have to make the trip alone due everyone's schedules.)  I also had my first visit to Wh.ole Food.s on the way home.  It was a very neat store.  It would be nice to have one close by so that you don't have to study labels as hard for those unnecessarily added ingredients.

Okay so back the u/s visit...So, being medically minded, I love going to these things and seeing my insides. =D  The uterus did look neat seeing it without the lining--definitely completely empty!  I saw him looking at my ovaries, but there wasn't much to see there--which of course is a good thing for now.  Had a blood draw to check for estrogen done, and I was out of there in 15 minutes.  So crazy that I had to drive so long for such a short visit, but that is the way it goes. =)  TMI warning for following info: I started bleeding exactly like having a period on Tuesday night through to today.  I was really concerned because I was not warned about this.  I thought the shots were not working.  But consulting Dr. Google, I found out this was a good sign that the shots were working.  There is a surge of hormones and then everything is shut down causing the negative hormones resulting in a period.  The RE today actually said it typically arrives 10 days after starting the shots, but the 7 days like me was great.  Since I never came across this info in my research and blog reading, I thought I would add it on, in case anyone else was wondering.

I got the call about 3 hours later that everything looked great, and I can start the Estrace on Saturday.  YAY!  I also received the NON-generic Estrace in the mail today after the crazy run-around with the pharmacy and insurance with sending me the generic estrogen, estradiol.  I am out the extra co-pay and have medicine now that I can't take.  Oh well.

We heard from our open agreement mediator, and she said that the donor family has approved the contract version we approved.  YAY!  It took a week to hear from them, and I was getting nervous.  But with a quick email yesterday I checked with her, and she told me that they were unable to open the first attachment.  So she had to rework it into a .pdf, so they had only been viewing the contract for 3 days.  So now onto receiving the official copy to notarize, then the 5 babies with be officially ours. =)

Motor Mouth

Well, I have been "shooting up" as I like to jokingly say to my husband every night. =)  It has been going very well.  The very first jab was a little unnerving at first.  I am not scared of needles at all, but I have also never stuck myself.  I had to count down and say, "1,2,3, go...".  But to my surprise it didn't hurt at all!  Easy peasy...until the next night I had too much confidence and stuck it in too slow that I had to start again.  I am now sporting a bruise in that injection site where, I had mutiple jabs.  The third night was the charm.  I didn't even have a drop of blood after pulling out the needle, and I couldn't even tell where I injected.  LOL!  I plan on having my husband give me the PIO shots just to include him, but I was watching y.ou t.ube videos of those last night and am pretty sure I can give them to myself if I had to.  Good to know in case he is not around at the time they are needed.

As far as side effects, I thought I was experiencing the common headache (known for Lupron) 24 hours after my first dose.  But I haven't had one since.  I have been having a sore throat and fighting a slight cold before I started the meds, so that must have been the headache's source.  Every now and then I feel some hot flashes and bit sweaty, but it is no different from the last few days before my normal period arrives.  I know this is only the beginning, but I am counting my blessings up to now.  (I hated the constant headache Clomid gave me for the whole month, even though you only take the pill for 5 days!)  The only side effect I have noticed, which is hilarious and not in the paperwork (LOL) is I talk alot!  I am typically a quiet and reserved girl (who will talk when needed) especially if I am in a public situation.  But I cannot control my mouth wanting to talk non-stop!  I had the same effect on the Estrace lining trial.  I wonder if it is the meds or the excitement of it all?  My best friend told me the other day that she has not heard me talk this much...ever.  So funny, but mentally disturbing to me because I am not used to voicing my thoughts all the time or putting myself out there.  I have been joking that this must be what it is like to be a "real girl" who likes to talk. =)  So I will stop talking/typing now....

Willing Pin Cushion

Today marks the next step in a journey that God has led us on. Can't wait to see what He has in store for us. Tonight is my first Lupron shot.  I hope that I will get to avoid the side effects of everthing...Ha ha...wishful thinking. I hated being on the Clomid those four times...but I am willing to be drugged up to rescue some babies. =)


The Lupron package came yesterday as planned.  So no worries, I become a pin cushion tonight...=)

One month! (& Meeting call #3)

Well, it is strange to think that one month from now (9/22) I will hopefully be having our adopted snowflakes transferred into my uterus.  I am excited to see what will come.  Although I find myself with mixed emotions...I am started to get guarded when I talk to others about the upcoming transfer.  I don't want to think of it as a sure thing and then be really hurt when the time comes.  I like to keep things in a reality check.

On another exciting note we had our third phone meeting with our mediator.  She had talked to our donor family to see what they wanted in the open agreement contract.  She had also had gotten some history from them and what their family is like now.  I am excited to say that they want the exact same thing that we do and the vibes we get from them are great!  They don't want to be too involved and welcome any updates we would like to send.  I think we will start with 1-2x a year minimum and then go from there and see how our relationship evolves.  They have a 6 yr old natural miracle boy and 2 year old twin boys from the 1st IVF cycle leaving 5 of the 7 blastocysts formed.  Knowing their family was complete, they donated the embryos 1 1/2 years ago.  Their RE told them all the embryos were very viable and healthy.  Hopefully, the majority will survive the thawing process.  It is so nice to have another unknown removed from the equation.  We should receive our contract for review tomorrow or Wed.

On the down side, I noticed that the pharmacy sent me Estradiol instead of the name brand Estrace that Dr. K requires.  So I called the clinic and they forwarded a new Rx.  I called the pharmacy and they told me that the first Rx did not specify name brand only.  I asked if I had to pay for the new one also or if they credit me for a med that I don't need.  The girl had to check with her manager, so I am waiting for a call back.  But I am not worried since I don't need it for a while and I still have 27 pills left from the trial lining check.

The countdown begins...=)

Exciting Box

We had a special box on the doorstep today!  Most of my meds came today, everything but the Luprolide...the story follows...which is what I need next Wed!  I ordered my meds from the recommended mail order pharmacy as soon as I received the medication protocol. 

(I didn't order them sooner, because I wasn't sure if we were in this round of transfers or not.  We almost were going to be in July if our homestudy came through soon enough.  But it didn't...that is another whole story I need to recap eventually before I forget.  In short, we had a our mock transfer in April and didn't want to order the meds until everything was a go.) 

So they checked with my Rx insurance for coverage, etc. and called me back the following Monday.  Everything was covered except the Lupron.  They suggested trying through the mail order pharmacy that my insurance is through.  I called and had everything forwarded to them.  They got back to me Tuesday to say that they needed prior authorization for the Lupron from the Dr.  As if a rx is not enough?  But hey if it covers then great...but they said that the Progesterone is not covered through them...So I called pharmacy #1 and said to ship everything to me but the Lupron.  Thus the exciting package received today.  I then proceeded to call and leave messages at pharmacy #2 on Wed. and Thurs. to check on the authorization status.  Finally, today at work I received the awesome call that we now have authorization and coverage for the Luprolide kit.  So now only a $12 copay vs. $99 retail.  Yay!  I think the savings was totally worth the extra hassel.  So they will be shipping it out to arrive on Tuesday!  Talk about cutting it close!  Even if it does come even one day later we have until 9 pm Wed. night until it is needed. =) 

Being in the medical field (though dental), I can't wait to get started...I am not the least bit scared of needles.  I think the meds just signal that we are that much closer to our transfer date!

"Meeting" call #2

Well, we had our second conference call with our B.ethany negotiator.  She is so nice and very good at her job.  She went over the normal feelings and relationship issues with the donor families that she has seen over the years.  It was very informative.  She got our feelings on what we are comfortable with and any questions we have for the donor family.  She will be talking to them on Thurs. evening to get a feel for what they are thinking in this open process.  I am just so curious and have so many questions for them.  She is going to find out their life story and how many resulting children they have and how old, etc.  We will be meeting with her again next Sunday to start narrowing down the criteria.  I am so nervous about this part, I think because it is so unknown.  I am excited to think we may have a great relationship in the future with the donors.  It is such an amazing blessing that they value life enough to donate their children to a couple like us!

My Medication Protocol & My Dog's Allergy Protocol Received Today

I received our medication protocol today!  I am so excited that this adoption is finally starting to come true.  I thought this day would never get here. =)  I am to start the Lupron shot on 8/25.  I called the mail order pharmacy today to order my meds, and they are going to check with my insurance to see if they cover any of the medications.  I sure hope they do despite the fact that they don't cover fertility treatments being the Rx insurance is separate from the medical.  They have been covering most of the cost of the pills that have been filled at my regular pharmacy.  They will be calling me back on Monday to give me the cost...yikes, I hope it is not a lot!  I will also have to travel 1 1/2 hours away to the nearest fertility doctor twice to get an ultrasound to check my lining and whether the meds are working properly.  That is a crucial part to whether this cycle will continue on.  God is in control!

I also picked up the allergy test results on our dog today.  She is always so itchy and scratching and shedding, it drives me nuts...well her too...but she had 25 positives and 5 borderlines of just the environmental and food allergies common for dogs in our area.  No wonder she is uncomfortable!  So now I am off to find a food she can eat since 7 of them are food allergies...at least the results suggested foods without those ingredients: beef, corn, eggs, lamb, oat, barley, and alfalfa.  That is like what is in all dog foods and treats!  Well, at least we figured it out now when she is only two years old, and we can remove at least the food triggers.  The environmental ones she will just have to tolerate...she can't live in a bubble and stay inside all the time.  She is a 110 pound G.erman Sh.epherd that needs to run. =)  I think she will be alot better with the food ones removed and hopefully we won't have to do allergy shots, because she stays inside majority of her day.  She is the best dog ever, but there is always something to deal with...I will take allergies over disease or not house broken or defiance any day.

God's timing

I love how God knows the timing and what is best, so I keep trusting that for things that I may not forsee. (Change that to things I will definitely forsee.)  I was really hoping for our homestudy to be done in time for a July transfer.  Looking back that would have been really difficult time since my brother got married the week after the transfer date.  We had to travel 11 hours one way to the wedding and spend a few days there and then travel back.  From what I understand from the side effects of the shots, etc., I don't think that I would have been comfortable traveling as well as the difficulty of keeping on schedule with my meds on top of trying to help out at the wedding.  If the pregnancy failed, I would have wondered if the whole trip had an effect on it. 
I am still waiting to see if the contract with our donor couple will go through in time since I am supposed to start medication soon, and have yet to order my medications.  I guess I am also waiting for the medication protocol from the nurses.  I guess everyone is waiting on these negotiations to see if it happens next month.  The mediator went on vacation this week, so we are patiently waiting for our next phone call on Sunday.  That is one thing about going through this process in the summer, everyone that is crucial to the timing of things has vacations to take in the middle of everything.  I am too excited to wait another 2 months, but if that is God's timing, I will have to trust Him because He does know best.

Transfer Date!!!

I emailed the pt. coordinator today in order to get a better idea of when our September transfer will be.  She emailed back saying that we are scheduled for Sept. 22 until furthur notice.  So barr any mishaps, (donor contract not signed, lining/cycle doesn't cooperate, snowflakes don't survive, etc.) we will be PUPO for the first time ever. =)  I am so excited and can't wait until the time comes.  That Wed. is a good day too, so that my husband can be home in time for the Saturday ten miler which he runs every year.  I ran it with him last year, but I know that I won't be able to do that this year. =)  I will be carrying our adopted children.  Can't wait!

"Meeting" call #1

We had our first meeting with the Be.thany mediator yesterday.  It went really well despite our nevousness waiting for the phone to ring.  After 30 mins. past the time she was supposed to call, I decided to call her in case she lost our number or we were supposed to call her.  She had just got done with the previous call and was getting ready to call us.  She just went over all the medical procedures and scenarios in order to educate us, then the legal aspects of em.bryo adoption.  We really liked her and are looking forward to working with her some more.  After her time on vacation, she will be calling us back on Sunday, August 15 for some work on the actual open agreement.

Semi-open agreement negotiations begin

Just wanted to thank all of you for your encouragement and prayers for our upcoming adoption/snowflakes. Per request of everyone, here is the most recent update. I got a call today to set up a meeting/conference call with the adoption social worker who handles the open agreement contract negotiations. She will be calling us at 5pm on Friday for an hour or two to figure out what we would like in our semi-open adoption compared to the couple who donated the embryos. Hopefully we are similar (which is the point of matching donors and recipients). Please pray that this important meeting will go well and that we will be able know what we want in this relationship with the genetic parents. This sets the ground work for rest of the child(ren)'s lives should any result in a live birth. Honestly, this is the most scary part for us, but we know this is what God wants at this stage of the adoption. I am open to any suggestions or opinions that I may have not considered.


I should be ordering medications soon, and in a couple of weeks starting my protocol for prepping my body for the embryo transfer in September. It will be here before I know it. Thank you for all your prayers and support!! I don't think I could have kept my sanity this long without God's grace and peace. He is a faithful God no matter what, and I trust Him with my life. =)

Joining the Blogging World

I have thoroughly enjoyed following the blogs of fellow embryo adopters.  It has been a great infertility support group through the virtual world. =) I was told by a friend to write down the adoption process and how God has worked in our lives through this process so that I could share it with our future children and tell them how much God wanted them here.  I have finally decided that it may benefit someone else, like all the others have me, if I put it in a blog.  That way too, if anyone wants to be updated on my process, they can follow along and I don't have to repeat myself or keep track of who I have told, etc.  We will see how this goes, because I am a very quiet, private person. I will try to back track and write down everything that I can remember over the last few months that God has orchestrated in our lives.