16 Weeks Check Up

May 1st we went to our routine 16 weeks check up at the high risk doctor. We were definitely hoping that the ultrasound tech would be able to determine the genders or our sweet little twins. When we told our ultrasound tech that we'd love to know the genders, she said that she wasn't that experienced in genders at our early gestational age. But, that she would get a more experience tech in there to help after she had taken all the measurements that she needed. She began her scan with baby A and started taking measurements. Then, all of the sudden we saw our definite answer to baby a's gender. HE was not shy at all showing his neither region! Lol. Our tech then scanned baby B and HE was just as proud to show us what he had! TWO BOYS! We could not be happier. Both babies are growing at the same rate (which is great). Baby A is 6 ounces and B is 5 ounces. The boys were already punching and kicking each other. Of course, they are already crowded in there. They were positioned in what the doctor called a transverse position....which just means they were laying east to west position instead of north to south. They had their little heads laying together. They were so sweet and it's just amazing to see these little babies growing so fast. The ultrasound tech finished the baby scan and went on the scan and measure my cervix. For sure not the most pleasant part of the visit. But all measured great. There was just a slight problem that baby a's placenta was low-lying. It normally doesn't cause a problem and they will just keep an eye on it at each visit. When the tech was scanning my cervix Baby A keep coming into the view of the screen...waving his little hand. It almost looked like he was saying "look at me, look at me!". Haha! We met with doctor after the ultrasound. He said that everything looked fine and that we needed to return in 3 weeks for what will be the official anatomy scan. We also met with our nurse practitioner. She is so nice and takes so much time with us. I had just a couple of pregnancy symptoms that we went over (achy belly, numb hands mostly at night and major forgetfulness). She told me that all of those things are normal and that I am right on track with my weight gain. I gained a little over 4 pounds since my last visit 4 weeks ago. I am suppose to gain another 8 pounds before 20 weeks (4 weeks away). We are so thankful for all of our friends, family, doctors (both here and in Wisconsin) and most of all INCIID. Without all of you, the dream that we are living right now would have never come true. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! We love you all very much. Please keep our little family in your prayers and help us welcome our precious baby boys!

12 Weeks Doctor Visit

Last Tuesday we had our 12 week check up.  I had a fasting glucose test.  They took blood, made me drink this super sweet sugar drink, then they took blood one hour later, then two hours later.  While this process was taking place, we had an ultrasound and I had the dreaded physical. 
The ultrasound was so fun.  It was great to see both babies.  This time Baby A was standing on his/her head and Baby B was bobbing around.  I am guessing they liked the sugar drink...note to self:  DO NOT let babies drink sugary drinks.   Haha!  They were wired!  They both had grown so much.  Baby A measured 12.3cm and B was 11.2cm.  The doctor said that it was completely normal for the babies to be growing at different speeds.  The ultrasound tech measured their neuro tube and their nasal bones.  I suppose both of these measurements are a pre-indicators of downs syndrome.  Both babies were perfect and had no abnormal measurements.  The ultrasound tech used the ultrasound probe to push on my abdomen to make the babies change positions so that she could get the measurements that she needed.  Both babies reacted...one even looked like it was shaking a fist at her.  lol  Baby B was opening and closing his/her mouth.  It is amazing to me how much they had changed and grown in three short weeks.  Plus, seeing them react to outside stimuli was just breathtaking.  It all seems surreal.  I can't believe these little precious gifts from God are actually here with us.  I can't wait to feel them move.  We should find out if they are boys or girls at either our next visit in 4 weeks or the following in 8 weeks. 

The physical was the normal "lady" physical...not fun but not horrible.  Chad has been to every appointment and has endured MAJOR lady talk.  Kudos for him.  The doctor would like us to get to at least mid-September to the first of October.  Please pray a prayer that we have no complications and the babies are born right on time (and not a minute before).  :-)

After our appointment and Chad went back to work, my wonderful mother came and picked me up and took me clothes shopping.  I am growing at the speed of light and clothes seem to be an issue when you grow so fast....But, thank Heavens that we don't have to go naked....yikes!!  Anyway, my mom took me shopping and turned a day that would have been miserable (looking at your inflated body in a dressing room mirror is NOT fun) to a day full of smiles and laughter.  She purchased so many things that were not only stylish (my style) but functional.  The next day when I went to my closet to put on clothes, I felt so good that I actually looked nice....Kind of like my old self but with a baby bump.  I can not tell mom how much it means to me.  Thank you mom!  I love you!   Its so strange.  I used to wonder why more women didn't post photos of their baby bumps.  I always thought that if I could ever become pregnant that I would be proud to share with the world.  Now, I completely understand.  Its not that you are sad that you are pregnant...its more that everything that you have come to know about your body changes....QUICK!  I've had the same (almost same) body for 38 years and when it changes overnight, its a bit of a shock.   I think it will be a bit better when I look more pregnant than chunky.  lol 

My lab work all came back normal.  No problems with my blood sugar and whatever else reason they took the 5 gallons of blood.  The doctor also reported that my weight gain was right on schedule.  They want me to gain 25 pounds before 20 weeks.  Double Yikes!  The doctor says that with multiples that the most important weight gain is at the beginning. 

I have been feeling great this week with the exception of daily headaches off and on.  I suppose that this is very common in pregnancy.  Still sooooo happy to be carrying these babies!  Everything that we have been through is completely worth the ending result.  We can't wait to meet you Babies A and B!  We love you!

 BTW...Chad and I can't agree on any names.  Maybe, we will come to agree by the time they are born.  lol

Week 10

We are closing in on the end of week 10 of the pregnancy.  Apparently, the babies are the size of limes and growing bigger everyday.  Its amazing how fast the time goes by.   I am feeling better.  The nausea seems to have subsided for the most part and the one Zantac at night keeps the heartburn at bay.  I am less hungry....or it seems.  I suppose that its because I'm not feeling nauseated every time my stomach gets empty.  Its nice not to have to stuff my face all the time.  I am still soooooooooo exhausted all the time and my feet have began to swell.  I am going to try to increase my water intake.  Hopefully, this will help and I won't have to watch my salt (which I probably will if not now, later)  lol.  It probably didn't help that I ate half a jar of salsa for dinner last night.  And for those of you that know me...its totally not me to eat that kind of food.  lol  Oh, I also had creamy chicken soup that I drank with the chips and salsa.  On second thought, maybe I should go ahead and watch my salt intake.  Haha!

I received my extra calcium and fish oil supplements in the mail this week.  (I had to order online because I couldn't find them in local stores.)  Whoa!!  Talk about horse pills!!  Now, in the mornings after I eat breakfast, I have to take the prenatal vitamin, folic acid, 4 HUGE fish oil capsules, and 1 HUGE calcium tablet.   Nothing like four lemon flavored fish oil capsules to make your breakfast super yummy.  Haha!  NOT! 

I had some wonderful friends last week, loan me some maternity clothes!  They have been lifesavers!!  I am so thankful to have things in my closet that not only fit me but are stylish.  Thanks Ladies!! 

Overall, things are going wonderfully.  Even though I'm listing all my ailments, they are so manageable.  I am thankful to have such a smooth pregnancy so far.  Our next doctor visit is just a couple of weeks away.  I'm looking forward to seeing the babies again. 

A side note:   I found out last weekend that my cousin's wife is also pregnant.  She is due just a day or two ahead of me on October 13th!  How exciting to get to share this experience with family even though they are miles away.  Congratulations Andrew and Sarah!  You will be wonderful parents! 

First OB Appointment with the High Risk Doctor

Today was our first visit to the high risk doctor.  We will be seeing them exclusively through out the rest of the pregnancy.  We arrived at the UT office at 8 this morning and didn't leave until 12:30pm!!!  There was a long wait and we covered a lot of information.  First, we met with the genetic councelor and she explained all the genetic issues that they test for and how the tests are performed.  She also said our pregnancy was a lower-high risk pregnancy compared to others.  For that, we are so thankful!

Then, we went to ultrasound.  The babies both measured 9 weeks and 1 day....which is perfect!!!  Their heart rates were 175 and 171.  Baby A was dancing and waving his/her little arms and legs.  The ultrasound tech had a hard time getting a reading of the heart rate because of all of its activity.   It was sooooo cool to see those little arms and legs!!   Completely amazing!!  Baby B slept the whole visit.  But, the ultrasound tech didn't have any trouble getting a good reading on the heart rhythm and measurements.  I said the dancing baby was little Chad and the calm baby was little Linda.  The ultrasound tech said that both babies look great and the placenta and all the other stuff and junk look great  too.  We are right on schedule.  Bonus....graduated to the regular ultrasound probe!  For all those ladies out there....you know what I mean.     Haha!

After a hugely long wait, the nurse practitioner came and took us to another exam room.  LET THE INFORMATION BEGIN!!  Holy Schmoly!!!  That was a lot of information to absorb.  She asked lists and lists of questions and answered my lists and lists of questions.  She was so patient with us and took all the time we needed.  The wait to see her was well worth it.  Apparently, the most important weight gain for carrying multiples in the first half of the pregnancy.  Who would have thought?  Not me!  So, I have to begin drinking two ensure shakes a day with strict instructions that they cannot replace a meal.  Also, I have to begin taking more folic acid and add fish oil supplement and a calcium citrate tablet twice daily. (She said at the next visit she will add in a prescription for iron)  She also said that I could take Zantac at night for the heartburn (Hallelujah!!!!!!) and gave me a long list of symptom relievers for pregnancy!!  Its pretty cool that the NP and I are the same age and she has a 9 month old baby (and its her first).   So, she's up on how it feels to be pg and the relief from symptoms.   I feel like this is the right place for us to be.   It all just fell in line with this appointment.  After meeting the doctor for two brief seconds, he was off to do a c-section!  At the end of the appointment they sent us to the lab where they took about 50 vials of my blood.  The nurse was an excellent sticker!!  Thankful for steady hands especially when they have a needle stuck in my arm.

Our next appointment is in three weeks, when I will have a fasting 2 hours glucose test, ultrasound, bloodwork and a physical.  I am really looking forward to this next trimester coming up.  Hopefully, I'll have more energy, not be nauseous, and feel better.   I'm still not complaining....pregnancy symptoms are wonderful!  I am so thankful to have those little signs of our babies growing inside me.

First OB Appointment

We had our first OB appointment Wednesday (yesterday).  We were pleasantly surprised to have another ultrasound!  The ultrasound tech spent a lot of time with us and we got to hear the babies heartbeat for the first time.  It was amazing.  There is nothing in this world like hearing your babies' heart beat for the first time.  We are in awe of the whole thing.  Baby A's heart rate was 154 and Baby B's heart rate was 158.  Both babies measured 7 weeks and 3 days...exactly what they should.  They are both doing very well.

Off to see the doctor:  We began our visit with the doctor  by her asking lots of questions.  Then, she announced that because of my age (38 years old) that I was considered a high risk pregnancy.  When I mentioned that we were also having twins she said high risk times two.  lol  The more we discussed our options, the more Chad and I decided that it would be in our (and the babies) best interest to go to the high risk doctor.  The hospital where my regular OB/GYN delivers does not have a NICU.  So, our appointment had an abrupt ending and we were referred to the high risk doctor.  Our appointment is in a couple of weeks on March 13th.  We will be delivering at University of Tennessee Medical Center.

All is still well with us.  I'm still crabby with Chad for no apparent reason.  Poor guy!  He's being such a trooper.  I love him so much for being so understanding.  Nausea comes in waves most of the day and heartburn lurks around several times a day.  But, absolutely no complaints here.  We are so happy and humbled to experience these two new lives growing inside me.  We are blessed beyond belief.  We couldn't have asked for more.  Our friends and families have been so supportive with kind words and well wishes.  We couldn't have gotten this far without your prayers, love and support.  We are forever grateful.

Early Ultrasound

Monday, February 27th was early OB ultrasound.  Our appointment was at 10am.  Chad and I were super nervous!  We got out of bed that morning and began getting ready.  Chad flipped on the TV on the way to the shower.  When I came through our bedroom and saw what show was playing, I laughed and asked Chad if he was purposely watching the movie "Twins".    He laughed and said no. 

When we arrived at our appointment, the nurse took us back.  She took a little blood for a progesterone level and all my vitals...including my weight....ugh!  lol  Poor Chad was pacing around the room.  Dr. Harris did our ultrasound and discovered two healthy babies!! 

We are having twins!!!

Dr. Harris did all the appropriate measurements.  Baby A measured 7 weeks and 1 day, and Baby B measured 6 weeks and 6 days.  The yolk sack was the appropriate size (apparently too big is an issue).  Their heart rates are 150 and strong.  The Doctor reported that since the heart rates were so strong that there's a 95% chance resulting in the birth of 2 healthy babies.  They gave us a due date of October 14th...but said that the babies would most likely come in September.  She explained that multiples reach a point where they stop developing.  That is why they are usually born 4-6 weeks early.  She also explained how the next 9 months will be...March will be pretty miserable, April and May would be great and would go down hill from there.  Haha!  Also, she told me to have everything done that I needed to get done by July.

Our nurse from Wisconsin called us later that day with the progesterone level results.  They are 554!  They said that they had never seen a level so high.  The good news....I get to reduce the injections that I have been getting every night at 8pm to every third day.  Woot! Woot!  My behind thanks them so much for that news!  lol

I have been feeling pretty good.  Waves of nausea (but no vomiting), headaches, heartburn, frequent urination are all the symptoms that I have been having... oh yeah....irritability (per Chad).  Haha!  Poor Guy!  I stopped craving salad when I couldn't eat the vinegar type dressings because of the heartburn it caused.  Now, I'm to the point that I really don't want anything to eat.  Usually, I eat just because I think it will help me to feel not so nauseated.  Sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn't.  Don't get me wrong!!  I am definitely NOT complaining.  I enjoy that I am having symptoms.  It lets me know that those little babies are growing inside me.  I just thought you all might want to know....since I feel like each and every one of you have been on this incredible journey with Chad and me.  We love you all and thank you for your incredible out reach of love and support.  *hugs*

Last Hcg bloodwork prior to ultrasound

Hey all!  Today was the last of the beta hcg testing.  The do this again to make sure its doubling at an appropriate rate.  So, today's value is 11,221.  Whoa!  It went from 720 to 11, 221 in 7 days.  So, I suppose this is saying that we have a viable pregnancy.  We are looking forward to going to our ultrasound appointment on the 27th.  We really hope to get to see a heartbeat...or two.  lol  We also are set up for our first ob appointment on the 29th.  Its all so exciting. 

I am feeling fine...other than nausea off and on all day.  Its not terrible and I am definitely not complaining.  Most of the time, I am thankful that I have this little sign of actually carry a child.  There are some funny little side effects.  I have to eat salad every day and I do not want any sweets.  Those of you that know me well, know this is a huge change for me.  I love sweets.  Also, the potty calls my name so frequently that I feel like I'm in there a good portion of the day.  Haha!  Last (but not least), Chad reports some...well...alot of moodiness/crankiness.  I don't notice at all.  lol 

Hopefully, these next two weeks will fly by and we'll see a perfect little baby on our ultrasound.  The books say that this weeks the baby is a size of a sweet pea.  :-)

Test Day!

Here we are....test day!  Today, was a nail biting day!  I had blood drawn Monday and today for the Beta hcg tests and progesterone level.  The Beta hcg test is a pregnancy test that measures the amount of HCG (hormone made by the embryo) is in your blood.  Its not a negative or positive rather a number score.  According to our wonderful doctors, a good level is over 100.  That means that there is a pregnancy and they check it again 2 days later to make sure it doubles...which means its a healthy pregnancy. (This is all to my understanding...getting deep in medical mumbo-jumbo is somewhat confusing)  Our level on Monday was 358 and today was 720.  So that mean....guess what folks.....

We are pregnant!!!!!

We go back for the same bloodwork next Wednesday to ensure that the values are still increasing at an appropriate level.   Then, our first ultrasound is February 27th!

I have been feeling great!   I have been having a little bit of nausea, but really nothing to complain about.  Chad reports that I may be more testy/emotional than normal.  Haha!  Oh well!  

We are so thankful for all of your support and prayers.  We could not have made this journey with out you!  Much love!!

In Waiting

Hello all!  We are back home and settled in for our wait for testing.  We are now eight days post embryo transfer.  We will be testing on Monday and Wednesday of next week.  The tests aren't a negative or positive, but a number comparison.  Supposedly the number will double if we are pregnant.  Chad is still giving the nightly injection of progesterone to me in my booty.  That is going well and Chad does a very good job.  We figured out a couple of days ago that it doesn't hurt as much if you pinch in injection site.  That's a helpful hint for all my cycle sisters out there!  I've been feeling normal other than some nausea that started today and hyper emotional. (So, keep me away from the Hallmark commercials lol)  I have been informed that its most likely a side effect from the progesterone.  We are both anxious and excited to find out next week.  Prayers please! 

Embryo Transfer

Today was the big implant day!!  Our appointment was at 8:30 this morning.  We met with the nurse and Joy (the embryologist) when we arrived.  Then, it was time to move to the ultrasound room.  Chad got to stay with me the whole time today which is awesome!!  The ultrasound room was dimly lit and they had soft music playing in the background.  If it weren't for my required incredibly full bladder (for a better ultrasound), it would have been very relaxing.  lol  The whole procedure took less than fifteen minutes.  I had to lay flat on my back for one hour.  Chad and I had an hour to talk about, think about, and dream.  We had a few more forms to complete.  Then, we were on our way.  I have strict instructions to lounge today and be a "lady of leisure" and to take it easy for at least the next 48 hours.

It was kind of sad to hug our main nurse, Diane, goodbye.  Everyone at the hospital has been incredibly nice.  They really went above and beyond to put us at ease and to discuss any issues that we had or topics that we didn't quite understand.  We were so blessed to be matched with this clinic.  We couldn't have asked for a better group of people to go through this journey.

We are anxious to head home.  We miss our family, puppies, friends...and the warmer weather.  Hopefully, we will be home by the weekend.  Hopefully, Chad and I won't kill each other being cooped up in this hotel another couple of days.  lol  We haven't ventured out much since we've been here.  The weather is so harsh and there's not much in this town to tour.  And just so you know.... you can't get biscuits and gravy or sweet tea here!!!!  But, the people are super nice.

I suppose our next entry will be in a couple of weeks when we have our blood pregnancy test (Beta HCG).  We are so blessed to have this opportunity and can't thank all our friends and family enough for their support and prayers through this whole process.   We love you all.

Embryo Count

Boy!  We didn't sleep much last night.  We knew the embryologist was to call today with the embryo count and the plan for the day of the embryo transfer.  She finally called around 10am (CST) with the news.  Out of the nine eggs retrieved yesterday, six were mature enough for fertilization and five were successfully fertilized.  Since there are 6 or fewer, their protocol is to transfer on day three (which is Wednesday).  The embryologist said the nurse would call to set up time and give us all the important information.  We will not now how many embryos will be transfered until Wednesday.  Joy, the embryologist, will give us her recommendations and will discuss with us all the options.

So, until Wednesday, we will be hanging out.  I began getting progesterone injections last night.  Its a daily muscle injection.  Chad does great at giving me these shots.  I will be getting these injections to either a negative pregnancy test or through the first trimester.  

Our plans are to travel back to Tennessee Saturday morning.  We can't thank everyone enough who helped us here get here.  There are so many people and we are soooooo thankful.  We love you all!

Egg Retrieval

We woke this morning to a blaring alarm one and a quarter hours before our appointment at 8:30am.  We did our morning routine without much discussion.  Both of us had full minds and worries.  We arrived at the hospital and our nurse met us at the door.  We had more consent forms to sign and more information to go over.  The nurse (Ruth) placed an IV catheter and started fluids.  Poor Chad was so nervous.  Its normally him that is under medical care and not me.  Then, it was time.  Chad gave me a kiss and we were on our way to ultrasound/procedure room.  Chad wasn't allowed to stay during the retrieval.

Ruth was so nice.  She attached all the monitoring equipment.  There was all kinds of medical stuff and junk all around the room.  For those of you that know me....I was a little overwhelmed.   Everyone and their sister came in the room and everyone got to work.  As I watched all the ladies do all the prep duties that seemed like a ballet.  Then, all the sudden the world seemed soft.  I looked at Ruth, giggled and said, "You gave me something, didn't you?"  Haha!  The procedure went very quickly and was practically painless.  I had a few tears...more fear and anxiety than pain.   We walked back to the exam room where Chad was waiting.  He seemed very relieved.  The nurses monitored my blood pressure and stats for a hour or so.  Joy, the embryologist, came in and let us know that they retrieved 9 eggs!  The 9th egg is a surprise.  We were only expecting eight.  Joy said that she would fertilize the eggs this evening and would call us tomorrow with an update.  She should be able to tell us tomorrow if they are doing the embryo transfer Wednesday or Friday.

We are back at the hotel resting.  I don't even know the time.  But, I believe I've been sleeping most of the afternoon.

Our Visit with Cindy and T-bone

Saturday we traveled to Mequon (close to Milwaukee) to visit our friends.  For those of you who don't know, Cindy "adopted" Chad while he was is Iraq.  She was a constant friend to both Chad and me.  We have stayed in contact and finally got to meet in person last summer when we came to Wisconsin for our consultation appointment.

When we arrived, Cindy had made some fabulous chili and super yummy banana bread.  Terry was out with a snow blowing contraption and was clearing the driveway.  Chad and I were thankful that we do not need that in Tennessee.  Cindy and Terry took us for a drive down by Lake Michigan and then to downtown.  We visited Usinger's, Wisconsin Cheese Mart and a bakery to get Kringles.  We bought a huge assortment of Cheese (including some fresh curds), sausages, and Kringles.  What is so cool is that we don't have to put them in the fridge.  They stay cold enough in the car!  That wouldn't happen in Tennessee either.  lol

We went to dinner at a historic home that is a restaurant.  It was so wonderful!  We got to visit with friends and eat some yummy food.  It doesn't get much better than that!!  Thank you Cindy and Terry for a wonderful day and dinner.  Also, it was great to meet Lambeau.   He is such a smart little yorkie puppy.

We traveled back to our hotel and arrived just before midnight.

Last Belly Shot

This evening at 11pm (exactly) we gave my last belly shot.  It was the HCG injection that triggers ovulation.  Apparently, timing is everything with this injection.  I suppose we will know Sunday morning when we go for the egg retrieval appointment.

We watched the snow for a while and decided that we NEEDED to get out of this hotel room a while.  We thought, "Hey, we should just hop on the interstate and visit our friends Cindy and T-bone".  Unfortunately, the lack of control at an intersection made the decision for us to head back towards the hotel.  Its funny (not haha funny) how the car doesn't like to stop when on snow/ice.  Anyway, the man's look that we just about hit said it all.  "Well, they are going to hit me."  It was like slow motion.   Thank God that we stopped just inches from his driver's side door.  So, we went through a drive through and stopped by the grocery store (woodman's) and headed back to the hotel.   We did venture out for dinner at Outback.      It was yummy!

Now, for a restless night.  Excited that we might get to visit our friends tomorrow and anxious for the upcoming egg retrieval.  We are trying to be calm and hopeful.  Its difficult with all the "what ifs".  

2nd Monitoring Ultrasound

This morning was our 2nd scheduled ultrasound and estradiol level.  Our appointment was at 8:45 for bloodwork and 9am ultrasound.  Let me begin in saying that it is COLD here!!  I giggled at Chad for putting his long underware on under his clothes.  But, I wish I had worn mine!!  The car read -4 on the temperature.  That doesn't include wind chill factor! Brrrrrrr!  Luckily, our dear friend, Cindy lent me a coat.  It definitely helped keep the cold out.  


At our ultrasound, they measured 8 follicles.  Our doctor scheduled the egg retrieval for Sunday.  Which is wonderful!  Chad will be able to stay until the egg transfer which will be either Wednesday or Friday.  Another bonus is that I only have 3 more SQ (belly) injections.  


We also met with the embryologist today, Joy.  She is the one who will be caring for our little eggos from the retrieval to transfer.  Our nurse even told us that we would get a photo of all eggos that they are going to transfer.  WOW!  They must have some super microscope camera.  This technology amazes us.  We are trying to stay calm and do some relaxing until Sunday.  I don't know about Chad but I am super anxious.  All the what ifs and it depends... 

Whoa!! Its Cold!! "Where are you from?"

Today, We sat in the warmth of our room most of the day and watched it snow.  We also watched the back of our eyelids a bunch!  The snow coming down was beautiful.  Its funny how life goes on here.  The roads are clear and salted.  In Tennessee every thing would have been shut down.  


We finally got our butts in gear around 5 tonight and went to dinner at Olive Garden.  Our waiter asked us, "Where are you from?".  Seriously? He was from New York and in the Army.  He said he was stationed in North Carolina and that people there talked just like us.  This isn't the first time we've been asked that question.  Actually, at every place we've been someone has asked the accent question.  I suppose it would be funny to bring out the Geico pothole commercial accent...."Oh shoot!  Let me get my cellular!"  Its too funny.  


This evening Chad declared that he wasn't going out any more because its just too cold.  lol  I don't think that will last long.    Anyway, we got back to the hotel just in time for my 2 nightly injections.  I'm on 3 a day injections until our appointment on Thursday.  My tummy is beginning to look a pin cushion.   The injections aren't bad.  Definitely worth the end result.  

First Monitoring Ultrasound

Our first full day in Wisconsin has been exciting...Well, maybe I shouldn't jump right to exciting.  Eventful would be a better word.

Chad barely made it into the room last night because of gout pain in his right ankle.  We didn't know that it was gout until this morning.  We thought maybe some kind of trauma.  He couldn't walk.  Poor thing.  We couldn't find crutches this morning.  So, transportation of Chad was...hmmmmm....interesting.  Haha!   To top it off, I fell on the ice.  Not bad but fairly humorous (I'm pretty sure I was flailing my arms and legs  lol).  It is now anyway.

We made to our appointments on time.  I had blood drawn.  My nurse was great and got my blood on the first stick!!  Wahoo!  Then, we went up to the top floor of the hospital to the women's center.  Our wait was very short.  I have to tell you that this hospital system is top notch.  They were great!  '

After being called back to the exam room, we went through the normal weight/height check (nope I didn't even peek at how much I weigh), blood pressure, temperature, etc.  Then, we went to ultrasound and the ultrasound tech measured 6 of the follicles (eggs) and the lining of the uterus.  Everything is going as planned.  The doctor also did a measurement for the embryo transfer.  THAT WAS NOT FUN!  It was a quick procedure and was bearable.

We got an edited schedule of drugs.  Our next appointment is Thursday morning for another ultrasound and bloodwork.  We had to order 2 more doses of Menopur to get us through until Thursday.  They will deliver it to our hotel.

After the fertility visits, we headed downstairs to the urgent care doctor.  Chad got a prescription and crutches.  Now, we are back at the hotel relaxing.  All we have to do now is chill until Thursday.  Its so weird not having some where to go or something to do.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  Love you all!  Today is my mothers birthday!  Happy Birthday mom!! Love you more!

From Here to There

We began our day comfortable at home with my morning injection and steroid tablet at 6:15am.  We packed and loaded the car FULL of stuff and junk...just short of the kitchen sink.  We were on the road by 8am (EST).  Our trip was uneventful.  I drove the first portion and Chad drove the rest of the way.  He drove much more than I did.  I am very thankful that I didn't have to drive through Chicago.   I hate driving through all that traffic and toll booths.  Illinois collected $7.90 for a tour of their wonderful state.  I kind of feel like we got ripped off.  Lol!  Anyway, we made it through and arrived at our hotel about 9pm (CST).  


Tomorrow is our first monitoring ultrasound.  Hopefully, it will give us a more detailed time frame of how long we'll be here.  Thanks for all the support today.  Both of us appreciate you all very much.

Packing and Planning

Today is packing and cleaning day at our house.  My dear friend Traci is meeting me today and letting me borrow her laptop for our trip.  She said that I didn't want to use the hotel computer because someone is always waiting to use it.  :-)  Besties are amazing and I love mine. 

I am trying to figure how to pack all my "stuff" (including the kitchen sink) into my suitcase.  I have a tendency to over pack.  I guess going to Wisconsin it would be better to over pack rather than under pack.

My mother and father have agreed to take care of our four legged kids.  Mom came to my work and picked them up last night.  Maybe its the hormones, but I was a little weepy.  I know that our puppies love to visit their mimi and papaw...they are super spoiled while they are visiting.  I can't thank my parents enough for taking care of our babies. 

Also, a BIG  thank you to all our friends and family who helped us to have this opportunity.    You all are the best and we love you all.

Adding Another Injection

We added another injection Wednesday night.  It went great.  Let the follicle stimulating begin.  Haha!  We add one more injection to the routine on Saturday night.  Then, the ultrasounds begin on Monday!  Say a prayer for us! 

Baseline Ultrasound and bloodwork

Today, was the baseline ultrasound and estrogen level.  We had that done at our reproductive endocrinologist here in town.  As instructed by our fertility calendar, we decreased the lupron to only 5 units and I began taking Dexamethasone.   My appointment was at 9 this morning.

When I arrived at the RE's office, there's a man in there waiting with his young boy...who is running around the office wild.  The man doesn't say a word to the boy!!  Seriously?  For those of you that don't know, Its not cool to bring your children to the RE's office.  The people who are in the office are having fertility issues.   Its sort of like rubbing their noses in the fact that they don't have children.  Especially, those women who are hormone treatments who are having trouble controlling their emotions anyway.   Okay...vented....sorry all!  lol

When they called me back to have my blood drawn, a shaky nurse introduces herself as the new nurse and says she'll be taking my blood today!  Ahhhh!  Keeping a calm face and trying to not make her more nervous, I sit down in the blood letting chair.  The nurse gets her gear ready and pokes my arm....and misses.   Luckily, she got it without having to dig too much. 

Then, back to the exam room we go for the uber pleasant ultrasound.  The doctor counted no cysts and 8 tiny baby eggs.  Excellent report and I'll know the bloodwork in a few days. 

Let the injections begin....

The week after Christmas, we received two HUGE boxes of medications....injectable medications!  If you want to talk about overwhelming, I can explain it all to you!  For you all that know me well....I am so totally freaked out with human medicine.   Freaked=Faint!  Chad is so good (aka calm) about giving shots to me or himself.  My brain was going overtime about what if, what if, what if and OH MY OH MY....can you see a pattern?  LoL..but really! 

Anyway, I had a good couple of weeks to get adjusted to the idea of injecting myself with a needle.  Still not happy about it, but it had to be done.  Our injection beginning date was January 2, 2012.  I would have to give myself 10u (yes, I know....insulin syringe....what can I say...I'm a wimp) of Lupron once a day in the morning.  This medication (to my understanding) is to make my body shut down to prevent early egg maturation and early ovulation.  The drug insert said to expect menopausal type side effects.  Wahoo! 

On New Years day, Chad and I planned and schemed about when to do the injections.  We decided on 6:15am every morning.  Poor Chad has had a cold the last week and that night was particularly rough for him.  I think he had just dosed off when my alarm went off.  I didn't wake him.  I read the instructions again and followed them to the "t".  I wiped the top of the bottle with alcohol, drew back the insulin syringe to 10 units, inserted the needle into the vial, pushed the air into the vial, and drew up the 10 units of Lupron.  Then, I set it on the bathroom counter and LOOKED at it for the next 10 minutes.  When 6:15 rolled around, I took the syringe and sat down on the bed (in case I passed out).  I stuck the needle slowly through my skin..but only half way.  I am supposed to go all the way in to the needle hub.  I injected the medication and it immediately looked like a bee sting.  Yup folks....the needle must go all the way into your skin.  Lesson learned.  

The rest of the week has been much better.  Chad has gotten up every morning and drawn up the shot for me.  He has been so supportive.  I am doing better with going all the way in with the needle.  But, I still go through the skin slowly.  Chad thinks I should just jab it in there...I just can't get myself to do that.  Oh well, its working for me.  

Later this week, we will add the stimulation medications (2 more injections) to the mix.  These has PMS side effects noted on its drug information forms.  Feeling bad for Chad.  Although, I have to say that I haven't had any real symptoms so far.  Maybe, a little more "huggy" with Chad.  Poor Chad!!  Hopefully, he will survive my neediness! 

The beginning

Hi all!  As most of you know, Chad and I were chosen as scholarship recipients from INCIID (The International Council on Infertility Informations Dissemination, Inc.) for a donated cycle of invitro fertilization.  For those of you who aren't aware, I will begin from the start.

Shortly after Chad returned home from an overseas deployment to Iraq in 2010, we found out that to have biological children that IVF (invitro fertilization) would be necessary.  This was heart breaking news because of the price tag associated with the process.  Its usually costs between $8,000 to $12,000 depending on what medications you are prescribed and which doctor you choose.  

A friend from high school who I reconnected with on facebook had posted some information about the scholarship that she had received from INCIID.  I emailed her and asked for more information.  She directed me to their website (www.inciid.com) and to the "from INCIID the Heart" Scholarship application.  We decided to apply for the scholarship with the July 31, 2010 deadline.  The paperwork was tedious and I had help from so many people.  One in particular is Mimi Wilson.  She was so helpful with our letter to INCIID.  Also, Liz & Lydia Zeller's mother notarized it at a moments notice so that we could get it in the mail before the deadline.  What a life saver!!!!

Months went by with no word from INCIID.  We had also decided to become foster parents in the hopes of adoption.  So, August through September we attended our parenting classes.  We completed our classes and were in the line up for a home study.  At the end of October, we received an email late Sunday night that we had received the scholarship!!  We were/are so excited to be blessed with this privilege.  We knew that, if selected, we had a fund raising commitment of $3500 to INCIID.  This money goes to the everyday operation of INCIID.  They have physicians who donate the cycles to couples like us and there is a drug company who donates some of the medication.

Anyway, we had some fund raising to do!!!  We wrote letters and sent them to everyone that we know.  My cousin Tracy Silver organized a very successful spaghetti dinner where we raffled off a quilt made by mother.  All of our family and friends were so generous!!   We can not thank you all enough for your support through all of this.  We received notification that our fund raising was officially completed February 1, 1011.  Now, we were in a holding pattern waiting to be matched with a donating clinic.  There are none in Tennessee.  So, we knew that this would be an adventure!!!  Oh, if we only knew!!  LOL

We were still trying to become foster parents while waiting.  Due to a paperwork technicality, we were in a stalemate with DCS.    In late July 2011, we were matched with a donating clinic in Wisconsin!  Yup, Wisconsin!  We were excited and nervous all at the same time!!  They scheduled us for our initial consultation visit in August.  Here we go!!!

We began our journey to Wisconsin in the evening after Chad had gotten off work.  We drove twelve or thirteen hours to a rest stop near our destination and slept for a couple of hours.  Then, we finished the drive to the hospital for our consultation.  We cleaned up the the hospital lobby bathroom.  I can only imagine what people thought of us coming out of the bathroom with all our bags.  What a sight!! We had our eight hour consultation appointment.  We went over questions and schedules.  It was a little overwhelming but exciting at the same time.  We scheduled our cycle for January 2012.  Now, I believe we are all up to date.  Haha!