Introducing.....

Baby A

















Baby B


















We feel so blessed and are thrilled! I'm still in shock. I feel like I'm having an out of body experience. Your prayers and good thoughts/vibes worked and for that I'm eternally grateful! You are the best!

Us tomorrow

Tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. we will find out how many bambinos are in there. We'll be able to see the sacs. We may be able to see the heartbeat(s). I'm nervous because I want everything to be okay. I had some spotting on Easter. I called the re on call and they said it was the placenta attaching/growing. I did not and do not want to see any more spotting. It scared me. Keep good thoughts and prayers for us tomorrow. I will post after we get home from school.

What a week

Thank you all so much for your well wishes and good thoughts and prayers. I appreciate them so much. It was comforting to me to read your words.
After the er visit on Monday, which they thought I had some GI bug, the pain and bloating continued. I had shortness of breath, couldn't eat--even though I was starving, diarrhea and couldn't walk right (I was hunched over). I also gained over 7 lbs in two days. Dr. G called me Tuesday morning and told me that the pregnancy test was the real deal and not a false positive like she had thought. She told me they pulled her out of surgery and she was trying to remember when my trigger shot was. After review of my chart she realized that the o.vidrel was out of my system.
I ended up in the er Tuesday night because I couldn't stand the pain. I had one bad of iv fluids. An us showed I did have urine in my bladder but the out put was still very low.
Relief came from my office visit Wednesday morning when they drained the fluid out of my abdomen. Hold on to your hats--3 liter bottles of fluid!!!! I set the office record. I was shocked and amazed that it all came out of me. I do wish Dr. G would have realized how serious my ohss was. I was critically sick. I was put on bed rest for the rest of the week. I am drinking fruit punch gatorade like it's going out of style.
I had an office visit Friday. The us showed a little fluid but she didn't want to drain me. I still feel very full and have a sore belly. The ohss feeds off of the hcg so this condition could be around for the whole first trimester. I am taking things day by day.
The good news is my beta has been doubling nicely.
1 - 91.4
2 - 186.8
3 - 388.1

April 7 we have an us to see how many sacs we have.

So many things

I got sick Saturday morning and it continued through the weekend. Nausea, diarrhea, stomach aches/pains and distended belly. Monday morning, around 6 am, I was taken by an ambulance to the hospital. I had 3 bags of saline fluids and 3 shots of z.ofran. I also had blood work drawn and a pregnancy test was done. My beta was 91.4. I am pregnant! The bad news is I have ohss. I'm in a lot of pain and discomfort. I see Dr. G tomorrow and will have more blood work and an ultrasound done. Please keep me and the baby/babies in your prayers. I am so thankful that I have you for support during this time.
Of course I will update you on what's happening.

Transfer

Yesterday we transferred two blastocycts. We got to see them before the transfer. I'm working on getting pictures. We could even see the embryos on the us screen. It was amazing.
I will update more later.
Thank you for all your kind words and support ;-)

My retrieval

We had to be at the clinic by 7:30 a.m. Which meant we had to leave our house by 6 ( so early!). We get checked in and the nurse takes me in to get me started with my iv, changed into my gown, hooked up to heart monitors, etc. M was brought back after all that. He helped me put on my special socks from Carolyne. My nurse commented on how nice they were and I told her about the sock exchange and how they came all the way from England. I told her what a great source of support I get from the girls in the if community.
I asked my nurse how exactly the eggs were retrieved. I knew they were aspirated but I wasn't sure how they got the tool there. They go through the vaginal wall. I also thought I would be asleep for the procedure. Nope. I would be awake.
After some waiting I was taken back to the room and put in much nice stirrups then in the gynie's office. I was given some twilight meds and they began on my right ovary. Oh my word did it hurt! I couldn't believe the pain I was feeling. I started to cry and the nurse asked if I wanted more meds. I nodded my head yes. Like I wrote before I felt like a claw was scraping my insides. The left ovary went better but that was because I had more meds in me.
I was wheeled back to my room to recover. I got up to go the bathroom ok. But after that I was very nauseous and light headed. They told me I could go after I felt better. We hung out there until a little after noon. The procedure was over probably after 9 a.m. With my past surgeries (gall bladder and lap) I was fine with the anesthesia. This twilight stuff not so much.
I came home and took a nap. I rested for the remainder of the day. I took t.ylenol. The next day I went back to work but I did leave early. Usually I go to E's classroom and help out. I just wanted to sleep. By Friday I felt a little sore and tired. Today is better.
I went for my progesterone teaching visit with Nurse Grace. Big needles. M gave me my shot at 8 p.m. and he did such a great job! I was only a little sore. I thanked him for doing such a good job--because I was expecting such a big pick--and he said we have two weeks left and not to thank him so soon.
I asked Grace about getting daily reports on how our embryos were growing and she said they don't like to disturb them. I asked if no news was good news and she said yes. So on Monday we are looking to transfer our embryos which have probably grown to the blatocyst stage. That is what we want because the chances for pregnancy are higher.
I thank you all so much for your love and support! I greatly appreciate your kind words. Wearing my socks during my procedure I wasn't as nervous because I had felt like I had each of you with me ;-)

Retrieval

Yesterday went well number wise. 20 eggs! The surgery was hard. I felt like someone took a claw and scraped my insides. I was very nauseous and light headed from the anesthesia. I'm still very sore and very tired.
Nurse Grace called today and we have 10 embryos!!!!! I'm super excited! I hope they continue to grow and flourish. The transfer is scheduled for Monday at 2:15 p.m.
I'm beat. I promise to write more and post pictures when I'm a bit more refreshed.

Retrieval tomorrrow!

7:30 a. m. is our check in time. 8:30 a.m. is the surgery. I'm getting butterflies!
I keep thinking of this journey as jumping through a series of hoops. After the egg retrieval it will be: are the eggs good? After they fertilize via icsi it will be: will they grow into healthy embryos? Next it will be transfer time (my re will transfer 2-3 embryos based on their quality) and the question is: will they get all nice and cozy and implant? Finally it will be: will the embryo(s) grow into a baby and stay in my uterus for 9 months so we can have a real live baby or babies? I hope and pray that after 4 1/2 years of trying for one more baby that our dreams come true.

Trigger shot tonight

Tonight at 10:30 p.m. I will do my trigger shot of O.vidrel. My us today showed 15, 16, 17, 17, 18, 20, 20, 20 and 21 on the right ovary and 14, 15, 16, 16, 16, 16, 18, 19, 19, 19, 19, 21 and 22 mm on the left ovary. My lining is good. My estradiol (An estradiol test measures the amount of a hormone called estradiol in the blood. Estradiol is the most important form of estrogen found in the body. Most of it is made in and released from the ovaries, adrenal cortex, and the placenta, which forms during pregnancy to feed a developing baby) level is 2, 686. I am off the L.upron and F.ollistim. Wahoo! Wednesday will be the retrieval at 8:30 a.m. I hope they get lots of mature eggs.
I couldn't sleep last night. I don't think this week will be good for me sleep wise. I'm hopeful, excited and nervous. My stomach is a flutter with butterflies. I'm ready for the ride!

Friday's us, blood work and other stuff

My us showed 12 total follicles measuring over 10 mm. On the right there were follicles measuring 13, 14, 15 and 16. On the left I had 11,12,15 and 16. I have to ask tomorrow what they are all measuring. My F.ollistim was decreased from 225 units to 150. My estrogen is right on track. My lining is nice and thick. Tomorrow morning I go for another wanding and blood work. When nurse Grace calls I should know when my retrieval will be. Then of course it's a waiting game for the transfer because it depends on how the embryos are growing.
Saturday I had a baby shower to go to. It was for my good friend J. I'm the babies godmother. It's my first time and I'm very excited ;-) There were about 25 people at her mom's house. It was a beautiful shower with amazing food. My Mom made her ricotta cookies and sugar cookies--they rocked! I made fudgy brownies--delicious also! J and her family are from the Czech Republic and speak Russian. Her mom had friends there that spoke Russian. A girl we worked with at the big OG that J stayed in touch with was there also named A. A brought her mom and they speak Spanish. It was very cool to hear them conversing in their natural languages. My Poppy spoke Lithuanian with his mom, but lost the language when she passed away. I do wish I spoke another language. I would like to be fluent in ASL (American Sign Language). I live near a deaf school and they offer classes. One day I will.
It was a very full weekend. Today was church, CCD classes for E, shopping at Weggie's and laundry. I am pooped. It was very nice though to have Saturday night off. I felt like a regular person.
How was your weekend?

Us and blood work

This morning I went in for my ultrasound and blood work. The us showed 4 follicles on my right ovary and 3 on my left. I'm disappointed in these numbers. I was hoping for more. Some of these follicles may not have any eggs. Some may have immature eggs. The nurse called me around 11 am and told me to keep my doses the same (5 L.upron, 225 F.ollistim). My Mom and M asked if there was a "right" number for how many follicles I should have. I don't. I'm guessing it depends on the age of the woman, the meds and the doses. Right? Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
I got stressed out this morning because the phlebotomist came in late. The nurse schedules blood work for as early as 7:45 a.m but the phlebotomist comes in around 8:20 a.m. - 8:25 a.m. I go in Friday for another us and blood work. I had the nurse schedule my blood work at the hospital (they start at 7 am and I can go when I want to) and my us at 8:30 a.m. I will be going in to work late on Friday which I don't like but I can't help it.
I can't believe my egg retrieval is one week away! Holy moly--I've waited years for this and here we are right in the middle of the cycle. I hope and pray that this works.

Day 14

I went in for blood work yesterday and my levels are good. I'm staying at 5 units of L.upron and 225 units of F.ollistim. I go in for more blood work tomorrow and an ultrasound. Yesterday was rough with a severe headache and nausea. I put on my pj's after dinner and camped out on the couch. Today it's just a headache.
I'm thinking positive thoughts through this whole process.

Good to go

I had my baseline ultrasound and blood work yesterday morning. My appointment was moved because of the snow that came today. Nurse Grace said my lining looked good and she later called with the results of the blood work-my estrogen was 30- and that meant I could proceed with the F.ollistim tonight. M and I are going to watch a video on their website on how to administer the medicine with the pen.
We've had off the last two days from school because we got over a foot of snow. The neighborhood kids are loving it. We went sledding yesterday down behind our house where there are coal banks and we flew down the hill! I haven't been sledding in years and it was such a good time.
I finished painting our bedroom. The blue is a very pale and soothing color. I really like it. It goes well with our s.habby chic sheets and blankets.






E, a neighbor and myself built this snowwoman yesterday.









This is what she looked like today.









This is my Psyanky egg I made the weekend my Dad showed us how to do it. He had an old book that showed what different symbols and their meanings. I made an egg with chickens and hens because they symbolize fertility. I also drew wheat because it symbolizes good health.



Other eggs.









Eggs that my friend J and her mom and brother made. They chose more difficult patterns. J is a very talented artist. She can draw, paint and photograph extremely well. Their eggs were gorgeous!






My best friend Maggie. He's my buddy :-)

Day #3

I started Lupron on Wednesday, February 17. I had to do my first shot myself because M was at a fire. I am so glad I payed attention to the nurse. I admit it went well even though I was very nervous ;-) M did my shots yesterday and today. I have had some slight headaches, insomnia and my right arm feels tingly. I have stopped my ibuprofen. I'm doing okay so far but I am a little scared that my back pain will come back. Following Dr. G's instructions I've also given up caffeine. Not too hard with tea but chocolate has caffeine and I so love chocolate!
I'm waiting for the mail order pharmacy to call me back so my med delivery can be scheduled. I think I have to clean out a shelf in the fridge with all the meds coming.
We painted our bedroom a pale blue-polar ice. A second coat has to be done on the walls with the windows and closet. I have work tomorrow at the big OG and Sunday is packed with a hose company breakfast fundraiser, church, CCD class for E and E's basketball game.
I will take pictures of my bedroom and post later. Enjoy your weekend ;-)

Visit today

Our visit today went well. My uterus looked great! Dr. G took lots of pictures of my uterus and ovaries. She was very happy with my blood work. She is going to up my thyroid meds from 75 mcg to 100 mcg. This is good because I think it will help me feel less sluggish and I will be in the lower range of numbers. Next we had our teaching visit with nurse Grace. She went over ivf, why people do it, the statistics of it. Then we received our protocol. I start Lupron on Feb 17 in the am for ten days. On day ten I go in for blood work and an ultrasound at 8 am. I will then start Follistim (it's pen form that comes in a pretty case) in the pm. I wrote down everything in a calendar. Egg retrieval is slated for March 10 and embryo transfer is March 13. I know I will have questions. Nurse Grace said to call her or Dr. G anytime. They are both very nice and I know I would not hesitate to call if I had any questions or concerns. It is so much information that I'm a bit overwhelmed.
I'm glad M was there for the visit. He's a nurse (how handy--I know!) and he's very good at taking in information. I know I will be in good hands with him ;-) We're both very excited to be at this point--to begin the process of trying to have a baby together. I still am having a hard time believing that after all these years of trying that we are beginning our first cycle of i.vf. It completely blows my mind. I am thinking positive thoughts and I will try to do so throughout our cycle.
I am a bit crampy from the saline solution from the sonohystegram and I did not sleep well at all last night so I'm going to finish watching the movie 21. .
We came with most of our meds. We are going to use a mail order for the rest. I just kind of threw them in the fridge on top of the eggs. I'll have to make a special spot for them.

This is unheard of...

another day off from school!! Yahoooo! We've never had two days off in a row before. The snow isn't that bad in our area. I know other areas got hammered.
Our appointment is tomorrow at 9:45 a.m. I hope we hear good news. I'll post about the appointment later in the day.

Snow

School is canceled for tomorrow! Hurray!! I had to reschedule my appointment with Dr. G for Thursday--boo! Eh what are you going to do?
Still no sign of snow. I just took the puppies out for the last time before bed and it's not that cold out. Everyone, including universities, are canceling.
If the snow is the right kind we are going to make a snowman. I'll post pictures if we do.

Cheers for Friday

Not too much going on here this week. I'm excited for next Wednesday which is our teaching/mock transfer/sonohystergram. I am very curious to see my uterine lining. Hopefully there aren't any fibroid tumors growing. My results for my blood work are normal. I have to look up some of the tests because I don't know what they are. There is only one nurse, Grace, that is in the office. She is very nice from my dealings with her so far. I've read horror stories about mean nurses in ivf clinics and I so don't want to go down that road.
Today was an ok day. The other teachers were getting ready for parent teacher conferences next week. I helped out where I could. I look forward to the day when I have my own class room and am getting ready for conferences.
We went out to dinner because it's M's birthday on Sunday. Dinner was a at the sister restaurant of the big OG where they have lobsters in a tank. I felt kind of queasy and mostly drank lemon lime soda. I have no idea where it came from. I did feel better to have a turtle sundae at dq. Now I'm ready to put on some pj's and get ready for Project Runway. I do love Tim Gunn.

Cd 3 and heroes

Yesterday M and I finally did something that we've been meaning to do for years-have our wills made. A lawyer named K brought Wills for Heroes to our area. It was created shortly after Sept. 11 when it was discovered that many firefighters and police officers did not have wills. They had an excellent turn out. Our appointment was at 10 a.m. We brought our questionnaire with us and were seated shortly with a lawyer. I had to have blood work drawn as yesterday was cd 3. The lab was open from 7 am to 2 pm. We decided to go after having our wills made. Our lawyer was very nice but not very familiar with the computer nor the Will computer program. K saw us still there at almost 1 pm and notarized it for us and had witnesses sign it for us also. We made it to the lab with 15 mins to spare. We should have been out of there around noon (they told us to allow 1 hour per person, in addition to the will it included power of attorney and a living will). We are very thankful to the lawyers who volunteered their time and for the program. M sent K an email thanking her and volunteering his computer expertise for next year, she does Wills for Heroes again.
Last night we went out for dinner. We had pizza, crab and lobster bisque soup, appetizers and amaretto sours. Cannolis ended our meal. Yum! This restaurant was written about in "I Heard You Paint Houses". Very interesting stuff--I couldn't put the book down! It is also being made into a movie.
I have work at the big OG tonight. I switched with my friend. At least tonight we close at 10, which is one hour earlier than my Sat night.
It is bitter, bitter cold here. Off to make my french press coffee and have something warm for breakfast.

Let's get this party started

Aunt Flo arrived today. One day late, of course. I called Nurse Grace for further instructions. This Saturday M and I will be getting blood work done and Feb 10 is my sonohystegram and our teaching session. Also, we will be getting our protocol and med list on that day. I hope all our blood work comes back ok. I'm wondering what my thyroid level will be.
Today it snowed. Not heavy enough for a delay but enough to make the roads slick. I wondered aloud if it was going to keep (I was thinking early dismissal) but M said that it would soon stop. Now it's so windy. We don't have any trees around our house and it just wreaks havoc on stuff. My flags have blown away, our 200 lb grill took a beating the other day and we've lost covers to our concrete blocks (the foundation to our future four season room).
Now to figure out what to have for dinner. Sometimes when I was little my Dad would say we're having Skip. Joking that we would have nothing for dinner--skip dinner.