First Outing

When we got home from the hospital, there was a receipt that I had received a certified letter.  Today was the first day that I felt well enough to skip pain medicine and hop in the car with Miss Ellie.  The post office is only about two miles away and we made it there and back with no hicuups! Whew!

The certified letter was regarding our four remaining frozen embryos at ART.  In the past I've been so hesitant to even let myself think that I would want more children.  I can handle the aches and pains of being pregnant, but the heartache of infertility is a whole other story.  You don't forget that.  After the past ten days with daughter there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we will try again.  I don't know when, because there is so much preparation and money involved.  Right now I am just enjoying loving on my precious daughter.

Here is a video of our little girl with the hicuups! We're so in love with her, but we're kinda partial.

I serve an amazing, mighty, and powerful God.

One Month Away and Thank You

We are one month away, or 30 days out from our estimated due date.  My mind can barely comprehend how quickly this pregnancy has flown by.  And when you're talking about a pregnancy achieved by Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), you're talking about ONE. LONG. PREGNANCY!

Our In Vitro Journey began on May 5 last year when my new cycle started.  From there I took BCP, added Lupron Injections, began another cycle, added stimulation drugs (Follistim and Menopur) and made it to our Egg Retrieval date on June 20.  When we arrived at the clinic on June 25 for our tentative transfer, it was evident that I had severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and needed to be admitted to drain the excess fluid from my abdomen.  Talk about disappointment, but I was in so much pain that I never cried over our cancelled embryo transfer.  I laid in a hospital bed for five days and looked to God for the answers.  He had never stopped seeking me and I finally allowed myself to rely on Him instead of taking the situation into my own hands.

We let my body heal over a rest cycle and began our first Frozen Embryo Transfer on August 12.  If you're keeping track of your pregnancy from your last menstrual period (LMP), our pregnancy with Elliana started on August 12.  That makes this one super duper long pregnancy!  We failed our first lining check, but took one extra week to  thicken the lining of my uterus and were able transfer two beautiful embryos on September 6, 2012.

On September 10, 2012 I took a HPT and it was positive.  All blood tests confirmed pregnancy and here we are today one month away from the estimated arrival of our daughter.

God answered our prayers to have a child and Brandon and I will forever be thankful.

We would not have endured our journey without some very special people in our lives.  God sent us some special people at different times throughout our journey to help us along the way.

• Sheri, my amazing sister-in-law.  She too endured her own battle with infertility and provided me with support from the first day that I threw out my birth control.  She told me everything that she knew and always helped me find answers when she didn't happen.  I called her first from leaving all of my appointments.  I couldn't have gotten through all of this without her.  She stood by my side through our infertility and pregnancy, and she will stand by my side as I deliver Elliana.
• Dad.  There's not enough space here to tell all that he did for Brandon and me.  I will be writing about my father's love and support in another blog post before Elliana arrives.  What he did for us must be shared.
• Joy, my daughter's (middle) namesake.  She covered us in prayer from the moment she met us.  She allowed me to love on her own miracle child when times were hard.  She went to appointments when Brandon could not and even accompanied both us us when we needed another set of ears to hear.  She showed up to the hospital with goodies when I was admitted.  During our embryo transfer she held Brandon's hand and prayed over me during the procedure.  She was always a positive voice to me and just knew that the transfer would work and give us a child.
• Tonisha, my long-distance friend from Oklahoma. Her love for us has been written in the blog more than once.  She donated much needed medication to us and sewed Elliana's first baby quilt.  She showed me God's love and how He can use anyone to catch your attention.  She and I share different views about religion, but she showed me what it is to love your neighbor better than anyone else could.
• Liz, my college friend turned best friend.  We never seemed to lose touch like most people do when they graduate.  She too had her fair share of trouble when it came to getting pregnant, and was always there to lend a supportive ear.  There were many dinner and drinks nights when we had received unsettling news.  She was here with dinner when I had surgeries and even showed up to the hospital with a baby to just sit with me once before they wheeled me back.  She brought me good food in the hospital, presents when we confirmed our pregnancy, pretty pink cupcakes to celebrate Elliana's gender, and is hosting my baby shower.  She's such the perfect Southern woman and I'm trying to take some tips from her.  She's not your traditional Proverbs 31 woman, but she's pretty dang close in her own way. 
• Jennifer, my former coworker and friend.  God bless her heart, she had to hear me cry and complain so much through our infertility and pregnancy,  BUT she never got upset by it and let me vent.  She always reminded me to find the positive and "silver lining" in every situation.  She researched stones for fertile properties and gave me a rose quartz to wear.  She somehow survived all of my crazy hormonal days and hot flashes and still likes me.  There's a special place in Heaven for her.
• Paul, my former boss.  Not many men understand the desire of a woman to have a child, but he did.  He knew upon hiring me that my greatest desire was to start a family.  He knew more about my follicles, endometrial lining, and hot flashes than any man other than my husband and fertility doctor ever wanted to know.  He always told me that my family came first and supported our journey.  Asking for time off for fertility procedures was never a problem, and I can remember him calling to check on me before surgeries and while I was in the hospital.  I was lucky to work in a loving environment that supported me.
• Tiffany.  My pregnancy would have felt different without her.  After we announced that we were expecting, so many other women in the church also said that they too were pregnant all around our due date.  Tiffany told me in person after her first test.  I think she knew that it would be easier for me to hear it from her.  Our due dates are two days apart and she has given me so much support.  Because it took us so much to achieve our pregnancy,  I still found myself jealous of other women who were expecting, but never her.  I completely ignored other pregnant women except for her.  I just know that our daughters are going to be best friends.
• Rachel, my former coworker and surrogate daughter.  How many 17 year old girls know how to administer fertility drugs?  I didn't keep up with how many injections Rach gave me, but it was a LOT.  She was nervous on the first few but then it just came as second nature.  She attended "mom functions" with me at church, gave me a mother's day gift, and spent the night with me when Brandon traveled.  She's well beyond her years already and has such a big heart for such a young girl.
• Nicole, a lost connection from college.  In her own infertility journey, Nicole found me and we started talking.  It's always nice to be able to talk to someone in person who is also battling infertility.  I'm so happy that she's 10 weeks behind me in her pregnancy with their son, Isaac.  
• Our family.  They were all so excited when we called saying that we were pregnant and even more excited when we found out her gender.  Elliana is the FIRST granddaughter (and great-granddaughter) on Brandon's side of the family and the FIRST grandchild (and great-grandchild) on my side.  
• Our faith family.  Calera First United Methodist Church has never stopped covering us in prayer. Terry and Carolyn prayed over us many times and annointed us with oil.  Terry made hospital appearances when I wasn't even sure he knew I was there!  I'm not sure how many women saw my hiney when I'd search people to help with progesterone injections, but they were all there to hold my hand and laugh at the joys of our pregnancy.  The previous church we attended never provided us with much support so I was astonished at the outpouring of love we received when we opened up about our infertility.  Elliana will have the biggest family because of the faith family that God gave us.

There are so many other people who influenced us along this journey.  It would take days for me to write about all of them.  Again, I am finding myself full of sentiment these days and I want it all recorded before I forget these feelings.  I'm looking to this blog post as the thank you card that can never fade away.

Tough Decisions

When dealing with infertility, some issues never truly go away. Brandon and I are pregnant and we are still faced with difficult decisions...

When I began writing about our fertility journey, I knew that I wanted to share EVERYTHING.  It's not often that you find a blogger as candid as myself who discloses their identity.  I hope that in the bearing of my soul on this space, someone else will find answers, comfort, and information to help them along their own pathway to parenthood.

Last week we received a letter in the mail from ART regarding our frozen sperm (11 vials).  The likelihood of us using them is slim to none.  Yes, we attempted one IUI in October 2011, but it did not end well for us.  Both the doctors at UAB and ART agreed that IVF is the best way for us to conceive.  In an IUI attempt, we would need to use both fresh and frozen samples (from Brandon) combined to get an adequate amount of swimmers for success.  All the while having four frozen embryos, neither of us want to go down the IUI road again.

Brandon and I had to think hard about this situation.  Obviously there is a cost to keep them preserved.  The cost for keeping our little swimmers on ice is $600 per year.  We also have to pay the same fee for our little frozen embies.  It's only money, but it felt like a wasted expense when we will most likely never need the frozen sperm.  In the likelihood that our attempts at another pregnancy fail with the remaining four embryos (through FET)... I can't even imagine.  The thought of another pregnancy and child is not so far out of our minds at the moment.  BUT we will cross that bridge when we get there.  In the event that two FETs fail, Brandon and I would then have to decide if we wanted to attempt IVF again.  In the event of pursuing the process again starting with IVF, I am positive that we would be able to retrieve enough sperm for ICSI.  That was truly the only worry that Brandon and I had.

Being pregnant with Elliana now and having to make these decisions brought up so many feelings that I've not experienced in quite some time.  Whether Brandon and I attempt to become pregnant again seems selfish at the moment.  I am forever thankful to God for the gift of Elliana.  At the moment I cannot wrap my head around the idea of fertility treatment again with a child.  I know that's because I don't need to worry about that yet.  Brandon and I will both know when it's time to get back on the infertility roller coaster again.

I delivered the paperwork to destroy and discard our frozen sperm on Friday while I was at Brookwood.  I highly doubt that anyone would benefit from using our little frozen guys or Brandon and I would have discussed donation.

Thank you for staying with me through this post.  I know that I've not talked as much about my fears and anxiety through this pregnancy because I haven't had any.  I'm not like most of the women who still have apprehension through their pregnancy after overcoming infertility.  I lost that feeling weeks ago and I pray that my other infertility sisters can feel the same peace.  BUT having to watch Brandon sign the paperwork and then deliver it brought me back to that dark place.

October 23rd Appointment

Let me begin by saying that today was one of our
best appointments yet.

Our nurse could not believe that we are 9 weeks pregnant with only one more appointment until graduation.  Once the ultrasound started, we immediately saw how much the baby's grown over the last week.  The head and limbs are much easier to see on the screen now.

After about two minutes had passed, we saw The Sneak move!  Brandon jumped and pointed at the screen asking if we just saw the baby move.  I was so excited that I had to hold my breath so the screen wouldn't jump.  Tammy let us watch Baby Sneakers move around for a minute, and we were shocked with amazement.  At that point, I could feel the tears rolling down my face.  It was the most amazing feeling.  Tammy then told us that our risk of miscarriage dropped to 5% because of the baby's movement.  PTL!

After we had watched the baby moving around, Tammy said that they had just received permission to start using the doppler feature on the ultrasound.  They typically don't use it, but I'm so glad they started.  She was  excited to let us hear our precious baby's heartbeat for the first time.  The Sneak's heart was beating strong at 178bpm.

Sweet Tammy sent us home with four beautiful pictures of our precious baby.
The Sneak has grown so much!

(Please excuse the image quality of the ultrasound pictures today.  I'm working today, and could not operate the scan feature on our copier/fax machine at the store.)

Our appointment today could not have been any better.  God is so good, and Brandon and I are amazed at His blessings.

October 9th Appointment

Today's appointment was awesome!  We got not one, not two, but SIX ultrasound photos of our precious "Sneak!"

As of today, "The Sneak" is measuring 7w1d!  That is a LOT of growth from last week where we were measuring about 6 days behind.

We met with Dr. Allemand today and he definitely wants to continue monitoring me and the baby throughout the end of the month.  He wants to continue my medications until I'm about 12 weeks due to this pregnancy resulting from a frozen transfer.

I've read blogs (and FB, etc.) where women complain about being pregnant, and I never want to do that here.  But I would be lying if I didn't tell you that the progesterone injections are really bothering me!  Dr. Allemand said that we could consider switching to Crinone suppositories, but I told him I was willing to wait it out another week.  My hiney is super tender and bruised from all of the injections, but I know that they are helping "The Sneak" so much.  I'm sure this is normal considering I've had 38 (and counting) injections in my rear end.

Other than the PIO injections, everything is easy.  I get hungry around the same time each day, and eat TUMS between meals to help with my acid reflux issues.  The fatigue is the only thing I cannot help, but I just try to sit down and take breaks at work as much as possible.  Eating seems to help that too.

Brandon and I are so excited to see how big "The Sneak" has grown over the past week.  We could have stared at the ultrasound all day.
Each time we see the baby, I mean, wow.  I cannot even explain what I feel.  God has blessed us.  He has answered our prayers.

-------------------------------------------
Next Appointments Scheduled:
October 16 Ultrasound #4
October 23 Ultrasound #5
October 31 Ultrasound #6 and Consult with Dr. Allemand

Updates from Today's Visit

Beta hCG
33,035
26dp6dt - 32dpo
6 weeks 3 days
.....
Progesterone
62.8
.....
Estrogen
273

I was super excited to hear my beta level today!  For the rest of my time at ART, they will track the baby's progress from my measurements and the heartbeat.  There will be no more obsessing over betas for me.

In other news, I am officially off  pelvic rest, and have been given the 'ok' for light exercise.  Also, our nurse thinks we will be released somewhere in the next two to three weeks (8-10 weeks pregnant).  We have chosen to use the doctors at OB-GYN South, which are located at Brookwood as well. We met Dr. McKenzie when he spoke with Joy at church earlier this year.  Joy introduced him to us, and explained our story- this was before we pursued IVF.  He has delivered many babies that we know!  Also, I have a special friend who is also pregnant right now and is using him.  Maybe we can double up and go to our appointments together!!

I am still in shock that we saw the heartbeat.  God has blessed us beyond measure.  It will be hard once we are released from ART, not getting an ultrasound each week...but we will be excited to have a normal, healthy, and boring pregnancy.

Beta #3 and Doctor's Appointment

Where should I start?

Yesterday was a long day.  Before I left work, I had noticed some dark brown spotting.  When I got home after praise band rehearsal, it was much more than spotting.  I had bright red blood.  On top of that, my back had started hurting while I was at church.  I was at home by myself because Brandon had traveled for work in Mississippi.  I immediately called Sheri (my SIL) and told her what was going on.  She suggested that I call ART's after hours number.  Once I explained everything, the nurse on call asked me to come in this morning.  Brandon drove home late last night so he could go to the appointment with me.

Once we arrived, they took us back for an ultrasound.  We were not expecting to see much since we're only 5w3(4?)d along (and our original appointment wasn't scheduled for two more days).  They were looking to see if anything was causing me to bleed.  Brandon and I immediately saw the sac that is holding the baby and felt relief.  They said that everything looked great.  We're still unsure of what caused the blood, but we feel much more at peace now than we did before.

Our baby is in there! 

Last night I prayed to God asking for peace, and the health of my sweet baby growing inside of me.  As we were driving to the doctor's office this morning, I was reminded of one of the quotes from the "Unglued" bible study we're completing.

I must focus on the good God is working out in me through this situation and leave the outcome with Him.

God has this.  There will be many more scares and bumps in the road, but I know that God is covering my sweet baby.  I had fully anticipated bad news this morning, but was reminded of the power of prayer.  God is always good, but we are especially thankful that our pregnancy continues to progress.
-----------------------------------------------
Here are our lab results from today:
Beta #3:  6537
(doubling time of 30 hours)
Estrogen:  159
Progesterone:  77

Our next appointment is now scheduled for Tuesday, October 2, unless we need to return sooner.

Ultrasound on Thursday

After waiting all day... we are scheduled for our ultrasound appointment on Thursday at 8:30am.  On Friday, they were supposed to call me with my results and schedule my appointment.  With us, things NEVER go as planned.  Instead of calling me, they called my patient voicemail, so I stressed for an hour when I could have had access to the results.  I will always check my patient voicemail from now on, even when I explicitly express to call me on my cell phone.

Moving on along, I was not able to schedule our appointment on Friday so I called at 8:30am today.  I did not hear back from ART until 10:30am.  They wanted me to come in on Thursday, but I asked them if they had cleared coming in a day early with Janet.  Of course, they had not.  It then took them until 3pm to return my call, letting me know that I could either come in on Thursday or wait until Monday.  Seriously?!?  On Thursday I will be 5w6d pregnant.  There is still a small possibility that it's too early to see anything via ultrasound, but I refuse to wait until Monday for any type of bloodwork.  So, with that being said, we will have beta #3 and ultrasound #1 this Thursday.  If nothing is visible on the monitor, we will return again on Monday.

Today, "the enemy" has tried to take each and every chance to bring me down and make me come "unglued."  To you, my waiting to hear from the doctor seems like nothing important, but we have went through so much to get here.  Sometimes I think the doctor's office fails to remember that about their patients when we're left wondering all day.  It doesn't occur to me that they have other patients in the office and other people on the phone just like me.  They are probably doing the best that they can.  I know that I've only been upset today because I'm nervous about our first ultrasound this week.  I trust God, but it's hard to rely on Him and not my own understanding.  I want nothing more than to have a normal and boring pregnancy, but I know that probably won't be the case until we're released to our OB.

So, I apologize for whining here.  There is much more that went on today, but I won't even begin to bore you or unload all of that here.

Beta #2 Today

We have our second blood test at 8:15am today.  I hope it doesn't take them all day to call us back again!  The plan is to have a high number and schedule our first ultrasound next week.

Even though Brandon and I have been over the moon excited the past 2 weeks, one of our dear friends is hurting.  Toni at Who Is This "Fertile Myrtle"? is having a terrible time.  With her second IVF attempt, she got pregnant and her numbers failed to rise.  The doctor told her to stop all supplements and wait for her beta to decrease.  Instead, her beta numbers continued to rise and the doctor confirmed an ectopic pregnancy.  As of last night, she was at the hospital getting the shot (which I assume is methotrexate).  She has went above and beyond for Brandon and I, and we both are so saddened at her situation.  Please send her your love and prayers!

I will be sure to update later this afternoon with my levels and see where we're going from here.

Pregnancy & Infertility

It was amazing to tell our faith family, and make our news official yesterday.  Brandon and I have thought about getting to tell our family and friends that we're pregnant for quite some time.

We are overfilled with joy, but still reminded that we are on a long road.  When we chose to make our journey public, we knew that we wanted to share everything.  Not many people would announce their pregnancy this early, but we are not most people.  We know that we need even more prayers now to keep this baby(ies) growing each day.

Right now, I am so happy to be pregnant, yet I am heartbroken for all of the mothers who are not.  It was always hard for me to see anyone get pregnant.  Jealousy would consume me.  I would question why it wasn't me.  

A friend of mine got pregnant with her second IVF cycle, only to have her levels drop and miscarry.  I know that she is devastated, yet I cannot even begin to imagine her grief.  She has been there for me, and we have never even met.  She lives across the country, but always found time to check in on me.  When we had no idea how we would afford the medicine for our IVF cycle, she donated over $1000 worth to us.  The past few days have been difficult, because I started testing positive as her levels dropped.  Do you know that she still wanted me to update her each day?  She has provided me with so much support.

I know that many of you who follow my blog are still battling infertility.  I completely understand if following my blog now that I am pregnant is too much.  I have been in your shoes.  I have had to stop reading other blogs because it was just too hard.  I will understand, I promise.   But know that you are in my continued prayers.

  

Each day that we are still pregnant is a blessing.  I will not take one day for granted, because I know how easily it can be taken away.  Brandon and I have never made it this far in a pregnancy, so we feel blessed already.  Every day will come with it's own challenges, but we are choosing to trust God with our pregnancy.

I will be writing a blog specifically for my baby at for Baby Sneakers

Early Beta Results

We went to the doctor on Friday (at 8dp6dt), and received our beta results.  I know, we went early! Surprise!!

My results:

Beta  67

Estrogen  153 

Progesterone  63

For those of you who don't understand infertility language, 

we are pregnant!

 I started testing positive on Monday, September 10.  

You have no idea how hard it was to keep our positive tests secret! 

In all honesty, I did a terrible job of keeping the positive tests secret.  Some of you pulled it out of me (cough cough Eleanna & Erica cough).  Some of you just knew that I was already pregnant-LaShawn, Stephanie, Joy!  I have walked around with the biggest grin since Monday.  

Brandon and I can honestly say that we knew we were pregnant from day one.  

We were both shocked to see the positive test show up so early on Monday morning.  It was barely a shadow of a line, but it was there.  The line grew darker each day!  

On Thursday, Sheri convinced me to call ART and ask if it was possible to come in for my beta a few days early.  Thankfully, they allowed it.  

On Friday morning, Brandon watched them draw blood from my arm, having no doubt that it would provide us with happy news.  It has been so difficult to keep this from you, my readers, but too many people who know us read my blog now.  We wanted our family and faith family to hear our news from us first.  

Our faith family has been our rock through this journey, especially with our IVF and FET cycles.  

We are so excited to now officially announce that we are expecting our blessing from God.  

This what I said at church this morning.  

It's an excerpt from my pregnancy journal to our baby(ies).  

I am thankful that God has blessed us with you.  

It's been a long road to get where we are today, but God has strengthened us and guided our path.  

My prayer is not for you to have an easy life, but for you to trust God when life is overwhelming.  

Your life has purpose and meaning.  

You were prayed into existence.  

Do not ever forget that.

Photo credit:  Shannon

Photo credit:  Shannon

Our next beta is scheduled for Friday, September 21.  

As of today, I am 4w2d (four weeks and two days) pregnant.

It will still be at least another week to two weeks before we get to see our little Baby Sneakers(plural?)

Really Pregnant

We really are pregnant.  The blood test confirmed it.  We spent hours telling everyone the happy news.

God is so good.  You are our miracle and we will thank God daily.  My heart is so full of joy, yet it aches for all the other mothers still waiting for their little ones.

I am thankful that God has blessed us with you.  It's been a long road to get where we are today, but God has strengthened us and guided our path.  My prayer is not for you to have an easy life, but for you to trust God when life is overwhelming.  Your life has purpose and meaning.  You were prayed into existence.  Do not ever forget that.

Official Test Day

Mommy went to the doctor for the official pregnancy test today.  This morning, Daddy and I saw another pretty second line on the home pregnancy test.  We didn't have to be too nervous on our way to the appointment.  =)

It seems like it's been an eternity already, just waiting on someone to call me back with the results.  We are certain that you are growing inside of Mommy, but we'd like some reassurance from the doctor.  

Sooner Appointment

Mommy called the doctor today and convinced them to let me come in sooner for a blood test.  The nurses were upset that I tested early, but understood the anticipation I must be feeling.

Mommy is so excited to have a real doctor's test confirm that you're in there tomorrow!

4 More Days

Is it Monday yet???  (Beta is scheduled for Monday, September 17!)

Believe me, I've had so much going on to keep me busy, but Monday still seems so far away.  Brandon and I have continued to believe in this cycle.

There's no room for negative thoughts on Team Baby Sneakers!  

Brandon has been out of town the past two days and returns today.  I went to an infertility support group Monday night, had praise band practice on Tuesday evening, and had bible study last night.  Tonight will be the first evening that I've been at home all week!  I have never been so thankful for such busy evenings.

*As far as symptoms are concerned...
*I'm having slight cramps whenever I stand for a period of time.
*I'm still tired after a full night's sleep.
*My chest stopped feeling so sensitive (PIO injections) and then began hurting WORSE and "they" are now growing (without me being too graphic)
*Certain foods seem awful!  Things that I would usually enjoy are making me gag.

These all have to be good signs, right?!?   

Blessing

Mommy told Grandad today that she has seen three positive pregnancy tests.  He was so happy.  I told Grandad that I was finding myself tired and cramping a lot during the day.  He told me to ask for an angel when I begin to feel that way.

So many people are praying for you.  Eleanna was asking when I would start testing and Mommy smiled.  I didn't even have to tell her anything more.  She just knew!  It's hard to keep secrets from all of those who have prayed for our little family to grow.

You are a blessing from God.  Remind me that when you break my favorite sunglasses, spill red juice on the carpet, keep me up all night, and come in late for curfew.  Remind Mommy how much she prayed for a child.

Tonight's Progesterone Injection

I must say that this will forever be one of my 

most memorable injections...  

I am so thankful to have sweet friends who give me my shots when Brandon's away.  

*Sorry for the pictures of my hiney, but it comes along with infertility territory!*

Kendra instructing Joy on how to give an intramuscular shot (in the hiney, obviously)

Kendra instructing Joy some more

Joy injecting me after saying, "Holy Crap" and not realizing that she had to plunge the entire needle in my hiney!

Thank you, Joy and Kendra!  
They say it takes a village to raise a child... our faith family has went above and beyond already.

Go Team Baby Sneakers!

Two Lines

Today I took a pregnancy test.  Maybe it was foolish, but I saw two lines.  The second line was faint, but it was there.

You (y'all) are growing in my belly now.  We have waited for this day for so long.  Your Dad is nervous.  For once I'm not; at least not yet.  Because I've been filled with so many hormones, it's hard to discern my symptoms.  Mommy has had coffee and Dr. Pepper and is still tired.  That must be because of you!  A little shopping trip on Saturday wore me out, and I took a long nap after church yesterday.  But it's ok, I would rather be tired any day because you're growing inside of me.

I look forward to next Monday.  I cannot wait to hear it from the doctor that I am truly pregnant with you.  Being able to see you on an ultrasound seems like an eternity away.

It's hard to keep you a secret.  Only a handful of people know that this worked.  My friend in Oklahoma, Toni, donated expensive medicine to me to help me grow eggs to make you.  Your Aunt Sheri guessed that I was pregnant by the text message I sent her this morning.  She actually thinks there are two of you growing in my belly!  Nicole texted Mommy this morning just knowing that I started testing today.  Mommy made her boss, Paul, promise not to say anything.  I just had to let him know why I was so happy at work today.

I can't wait to let everyone know about you.  So many people have prayed for you.  Mommy and Daddy love you so much.  We have wanted you for a long time!

One More Week

One of the advantages of an IVF or FET cycle is the abbreviated "two-week-wait."  Three to six days of this two week time span are spent waiting for your embryo transfer.  As of today, we only have to wait one more week until we see results with numerical value.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about...
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone secreted during pregnancy.  On September 17, they will look for this hormone in my blood.  Anything less than 5 is considered not pregnant.  Anything over 25 is considered pregnant.  From the initial blood test, my hCG levels should double every 48-72 hours to show a healthy, sustainable pregnancy.  In other words, we'll still be on pins and needles for another week or so.  I will go back every two to three days for more blood tests.  Once the levels are between 1000-2000, we will be able to have a vaginal ultrasound to see what's developing!  (for more information go HERE)

If only my clinic did pregnancy tests over the weekend.  I was so disappointed when I saw my beta scheduled for September 17.  In some ways, that seems like an eternity away.  I'm sure that I will blink my eyes and Monday will be here!

As far as symptoms are concerned, I'm feeling great other than side effects from the progesterone injections.  I'm now putting a heating pad on the injection site each evening to get rid of "the lumpy butt."  Since Saturday, I've been tired, but my body has gone through a lot.

Brandon and I continue to remain hopeful and positive.  We see no room for any negative thoughts.  Thank you to everyone who has continued to check on us the past few days.  I cannot wait for next Monday!!

Paperwork & Waiting

Today, I thought I would share some of the paperwork they gave us yesterday.  We signed consent to the embryo transfer, along with consent that we understood the high likelihood of conceiving twins/multiples.  We had to sign our discharge instructions and probably some other stuff I don't remember now!

We have shared so much with you already.  Many of you reading are going through fertility treatment yourself, and the rest of you are simply following our journey to provide support.

From now until September 17 will be one of "the longest waits" we'll ever endure.  My body already feels pregnant.  I've felt that way since I started taking my progesterone supplement.  Within the next few days I just hope and pray that the embryos implant and take root!  (When we completed our IUI cycle last October, I actually felt implantation.)

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  Brandon's going to the football game with JR tomorrow and I plan on crafting and going to sweet Nesia's 1st birthday party.  Brandon is leaving on Tuesday next week and coming home on Thursday.  Randal's birthday is the following Sunday so we'll have lots of celebrating/pranks at work.  I'm super positive that I'll keep myself occupied for the next week, but it's going to be one of the longest weeks ever!