This is really happening!! After getting two pink lines on Friday, I had my blood draw and the beta number came back at 158. That's even stronger than Leah's beta was. I know I shouldn't compare pregnancies, but after our dragged out miscarriage a while back, I'm just happy to have such a high number. The second draw was yesterday and came back at 738!!! So, yeah - I'm pregnant. And my progesterone was around 40 both times, which is a relief too.
We told both of our parents yesterday, which was so much fun. I'm making a Shutterfly book of Leah's second year and I've been showing my MIL the book as I've worked on it. (We made a video of her 1st year, but now I want to go back and make a book for that year too. And a book of her embryo adoption story. I'm a bit behind.....) Anyway, I added a page that says that "Leah will become a big sister in June." She and my FIL were looking at the book and when they got to that page, they just stared at it for the longest time before asking "is this for real?" Yep - it's for real.
My mom came up to visit last night as well and we had a "big sister in training" T-shirt on Leah. She was equally as shocked. We told the siblings today - and that's it for a while. I'm not ready to tell the world yet. It's still so early - though I have to believe that God will complete this miracle and bless us with this baby. (or babies, we don't know yet.)
I have my first ultrasound scheduled next week, so I'm excited to see a nice dark blob on the grey screen! I might have to pee on a stick again between now and then, just to make sure I'm still pregnant. It seems so far away....
Thank you again for all of your prayers!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
So THIS is what that's like.....
You know, when you pee on a stick and see TWO PINK LINES!!!!!
In 4 1/2 years of trying to have children, this has never happened to us. Until today!!!!
(Well, we tested after the + beta with Leah but that doesn't count.)
Yes, ladies- I am pregnant. It didn't even take the full 3 min and I didn't have to squint to see the line. It is 9dp5dt after all. Today is my beta. I'm actually sitting in the hospital waiting room now- at 6am- for my blood draw. I'll go down to the Fertilty Clinic in Syracuse for beta #2 - mostly so I can celebrate with the staff.
We haven't told anybody in real life. We're dreaming up plans for that- were hoping to surprise our family since we didn't tell most of them about this cycle.
Today, the secret is between Micah and I (and now you.) I know that so much could still go wrong. But today, we rejoice in God's gift of life!!! Thank you all for your prayers.
In 4 1/2 years of trying to have children, this has never happened to us. Until today!!!!
(Well, we tested after the + beta with Leah but that doesn't count.)
Yes, ladies- I am pregnant. It didn't even take the full 3 min and I didn't have to squint to see the line. It is 9dp5dt after all. Today is my beta. I'm actually sitting in the hospital waiting room now- at 6am- for my blood draw. I'll go down to the Fertilty Clinic in Syracuse for beta #2 - mostly so I can celebrate with the staff.
We haven't told anybody in real life. We're dreaming up plans for that- were hoping to surprise our family since we didn't tell most of them about this cycle.
Today, the secret is between Micah and I (and now you.) I know that so much could still go wrong. But today, we rejoice in God's gift of life!!! Thank you all for your prayers.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
When to test.....
Waiting is hard. You've all been there! I recently read through my blog entries from our first transfer with Leah – and I have this same sentiment: as difficult as it is to wait, it’s easier than getting a BFN and having this all be over. We prayed so much for these embryos – like all the others, we believe they are a miraculous gift. If this cycle is negative, we have nothing: no more money, no more embryos. Of course, we’re praying that THIS is the time we get our BFP.
So, on the subject of BFPs… … … I’m not sure when to test. With Leah, we didn’t test until after the positive beta. With the others, we tested early and got all negatives. I’m not sure seeing a negative HPT is any better than just waiting it out. The difference is that this time, Micah and I won’t be together when the clinic calls with the results. We used to both take the day off and travel to Syracuse and then spend the day together waiting for the phone call. But we really don’t have the time for that. I’m going to do the blood test at our local hospital at 6am before I go to work. And then be working when they call. And then play phone tag. Sounds exciting, no?
The beta is this Friday (9dp5dt.) I’ll likely test that morning just so when know what to expect when they call. But… … today is 6dp5dt – I could potentially get a positive result today – or tomorrow. I just can’t decide if I want to do that to myself or not.
In an effort to think positively, I got my “pregnancy ring” out and started wearing it. When I was pregnant with Leah, my fingers swelled so much that I had to stop wearing my wedding rings so I bought a different ring to wear on my wedding finger instead. It’s a small silver band that says “everything is possible when you have faith.” I am wearing it on my right hand this time (for now at least.) I don’t know if I would swell this time since it’s winter, but I will wear the ring throughout my pregnancy. Let’s just pray that I don’t have to take it off on Friday!
If I decide to test early, I will certainly let you all know. Stay tuned…… ...
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Transfer: complete
I'm officially "pregnant until proven otherwise!" Now I can make jokes like "I'm eating for 4" (since we transferred 3 embies.) Meet our newest babies:
None of them look particularly amazing to me, but maybe that doesn't mean anything. (I studied embryology in college, but maybe I don't know as much as I think I do.) The doctor said they are beautiful. Of course, he always says that. The bottom line is that we don't know which little frozen lives God intends to live here on earth - hopefully 1 (or 2) of these little guys will join our family.
It's been a great day - if nothing else, it was nice to relax. We slept in a little, dropped Leah off at the sitters and had a nice drive to Syracuse. Some of our favorite nurses assisted with the transfer. Our RE is a little fruity - but we only see him on transfer day anyway. We stopped for a quick lunch and I've been on the couch ever since. Leah sat and cuddled with me while watching "Super Why" for a little while - that was a sweet moment.
Speaking of my "fruity" RE - I took some pics of the transfer room to show you all. This guy is *really* into Eastern philosophy and "zen" type stuff. He has acupuncturists on staff; they will even come into your transfer room before and after for treatment. (I tried that last time - didn't like it.) He built a spa attached to the clinic with a massage therapy, a yoga room, etc. As a result, the transfer procedure rooms look like a spa treatment room. It's an interesting juxtaposition of medical equipment and spa elegance.
The bureau where the set out the med supplies (and keep blankets, sheets, etc.) is nicer than my dressers at home. Even the wastebasket is a nice rattan matching basket. The door to the embryology lab is a gorgeous wood/frosted glass - it's really well thought out.
They don't use stirrups for the transfer, you just set you feet on the bed. The ultrasound machine looks funny in contrast to the decor. They even give you a warm blanket to cover up during the procedure.
I know we are fortunate to have such a relaxing, friendly clinic. However, the FET success rates are far below national average. I would prefer a sterile, clinical environment if it meant a better chance of success. Part of the reason that the success rate is low is that they freeze every embryo that doesn't die on it's own - regardless of quality. So, let's just hope that these little "embabies" are good quality and that they are snuggling in for a healthy 9 months........
None of them look particularly amazing to me, but maybe that doesn't mean anything. (I studied embryology in college, but maybe I don't know as much as I think I do.) The doctor said they are beautiful. Of course, he always says that. The bottom line is that we don't know which little frozen lives God intends to live here on earth - hopefully 1 (or 2) of these little guys will join our family.
It's been a great day - if nothing else, it was nice to relax. We slept in a little, dropped Leah off at the sitters and had a nice drive to Syracuse. Some of our favorite nurses assisted with the transfer. Our RE is a little fruity - but we only see him on transfer day anyway. We stopped for a quick lunch and I've been on the couch ever since. Leah sat and cuddled with me while watching "Super Why" for a little while - that was a sweet moment.
Speaking of my "fruity" RE - I took some pics of the transfer room to show you all. This guy is *really* into Eastern philosophy and "zen" type stuff. He has acupuncturists on staff; they will even come into your transfer room before and after for treatment. (I tried that last time - didn't like it.) He built a spa attached to the clinic with a massage therapy, a yoga room, etc. As a result, the transfer procedure rooms look like a spa treatment room. It's an interesting juxtaposition of medical equipment and spa elegance.
I know we are fortunate to have such a relaxing, friendly clinic. However, the FET success rates are far below national average. I would prefer a sterile, clinical environment if it meant a better chance of success. Part of the reason that the success rate is low is that they freeze every embryo that doesn't die on it's own - regardless of quality. So, let's just hope that these little "embabies" are good quality and that they are snuggling in for a healthy 9 months........
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
It's real now
I'm transferring tomorrow. It's become real. I can take Estrace 3x a day and not feel like this is really happening, but once you stick that PIO needle in your rear - reality hits! (In my exhausted stupor yesterday, I got the needles mixed up and injected with the 18 gauge... ...ouch!)
Plans are all set for tomorrow. I've scheduled for a substitute and left all the plans. (I swear it's more work to be absent than it is to show up and teach.) Micah is showing a video at youth group tomorrow night so that I can stay home and rest on the couch. I've got a brisket all ready to cook in the crockpot so I can have a yummy ready-made meal when I come home from the clinic. There is so much anticipation; I'm trying hard to get excited. But somehow, I'm still guarding my heart. I'm mustering up all the faith that I can manage to believe that God is going to do something good here. I have to trust that He sees the big picture where I only see a little dot.
We haven't told people about this cycle; except my brother and sister in law. They've been through infertility, so they "get" our emotional roller coaster. But we didn't tell anyone else in the family. I keep thinking that it'll be fun to 'surprise' them with a pregnancy announcement if all goes well. We just want to be able to find a creative way to announce our pregnancy just like the fertile people get to. Though the last few cycles haven't worked - and it's not any easier to tell the family "we tried again and failed." Hopefully this time we won't have to say that! Maybe THIS will be they cycle that our dream comes true...
Plans are all set for tomorrow. I've scheduled for a substitute and left all the plans. (I swear it's more work to be absent than it is to show up and teach.) Micah is showing a video at youth group tomorrow night so that I can stay home and rest on the couch. I've got a brisket all ready to cook in the crockpot so I can have a yummy ready-made meal when I come home from the clinic. There is so much anticipation; I'm trying hard to get excited. But somehow, I'm still guarding my heart. I'm mustering up all the faith that I can manage to believe that God is going to do something good here. I have to trust that He sees the big picture where I only see a little dot.
We haven't told people about this cycle; except my brother and sister in law. They've been through infertility, so they "get" our emotional roller coaster. But we didn't tell anyone else in the family. I keep thinking that it'll be fun to 'surprise' them with a pregnancy announcement if all goes well. We just want to be able to find a creative way to announce our pregnancy just like the fertile people get to. Though the last few cycles haven't worked - and it's not any easier to tell the family "we tried again and failed." Hopefully this time we won't have to say that! Maybe THIS will be they cycle that our dream comes true...
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Lining looks good - transfer set....
First of all - Congrats are in order for my Blogger friend Diane on the birth of her daughter Lucy! I'm sure she's busy these days loving on her baby girl - but stop over and say congrats anyway...
OK - on to me. I had my lining check today - 9mm and triple stripe. All looks good. I'll start my progesterone Friday night (both Crinone and PIO shots) and my transfer is next Wed - Oct 9th. The nice thing about an FET is the flexibility. That day worked best in terms of my lesson plans, so we were able to schedule it that day. With all of my other transfers, I dropped everything in my life to schedule the fertility appointments. This one, I'm just squeezing them in - the world is not coming to a stop. Usually I take 2 days off of work for a transfer (day of and day after) - but not this time. I'm just taking Wed off. (But I did plan a video lesson for Thursday, so while I'm going back to work - it will be very low key.)
The excitement is still kind of lacking. Maybe it's because I'm so busy right now. Maybe I'm jaded by the failures in the past year. Though I will say - all of the positive news from my blogger friends is rather encouraging. I'm sure if these babies stick, my excitement will go through the roof!
On completely different note, my daughter just ran downstairs to tell me she went poopy on the potty! She's getting pretty consistent about peeing on the potty (except when she's out and about and having too much fun to tell us...lol) But poop has been a different story - so this is such great news.
I've had so much fun watching all your kids grow up, that I realized that I could probably post a lot about my little Leah Rae. After all, some of you knew/followed me back when we were going through our initial embryo adoption journey and when I got my BFP. And now that BFP is 2. TWO!!! (Her birthday was last week - when did that happen??) She's a sweet, smart little girl - super helpful and has a great sense of humor. We are loving every day of being her parents! (DIane - you think you love Lucy now.. ...just wait - every single day gets better and better, as hard as that is to imagine right now.) Here are some recent pics:
OK - on to me. I had my lining check today - 9mm and triple stripe. All looks good. I'll start my progesterone Friday night (both Crinone and PIO shots) and my transfer is next Wed - Oct 9th. The nice thing about an FET is the flexibility. That day worked best in terms of my lesson plans, so we were able to schedule it that day. With all of my other transfers, I dropped everything in my life to schedule the fertility appointments. This one, I'm just squeezing them in - the world is not coming to a stop. Usually I take 2 days off of work for a transfer (day of and day after) - but not this time. I'm just taking Wed off. (But I did plan a video lesson for Thursday, so while I'm going back to work - it will be very low key.)
The excitement is still kind of lacking. Maybe it's because I'm so busy right now. Maybe I'm jaded by the failures in the past year. Though I will say - all of the positive news from my blogger friends is rather encouraging. I'm sure if these babies stick, my excitement will go through the roof!
On completely different note, my daughter just ran downstairs to tell me she went poopy on the potty! She's getting pretty consistent about peeing on the potty (except when she's out and about and having too much fun to tell us...lol) But poop has been a different story - so this is such great news.
I've had so much fun watching all your kids grow up, that I realized that I could probably post a lot about my little Leah Rae. After all, some of you knew/followed me back when we were going through our initial embryo adoption journey and when I got my BFP. And now that BFP is 2. TWO!!! (Her birthday was last week - when did that happen??) She's a sweet, smart little girl - super helpful and has a great sense of humor. We are loving every day of being her parents! (DIane - you think you love Lucy now.. ...just wait - every single day gets better and better, as hard as that is to imagine right now.) Here are some recent pics:
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