Okaaaay

This is sweet lil Giovanni's favorite word right now. His momma A says he passed through the NO phase and in a mostly agreeable "Okaaay" phase now. It's too cute.

We had a wonderful visit with them this past weekend. My FIF T prepared a delicious seven course meal for us all - dinner began at 7 o'clock and we were wrapping up the final dessert course around 2 AM! It was great visiting with them, sharing several bottles of wine and spending time with Mr. G. He's getting so big and has the sweetest personality. He again didn't hesitate for a second when I put my arms out to him and he even nuzzled in for a snuggle - LOVE IT! He's busy as ever and full of smiles. FIM kept apologizing that he was "out of sorts", he was just getting over being sick earlier in the week but he didn't act any differently than any other 18 month old I know. ;) He keeps busy getting into things he shouldn't, loves to look at books and play with his truck(s) and show off his dancing skills.

It was a full evening of catching up, we got to hear all about the lil guys first trip to the ER and he proudly showed off his "Boo" in the middle of his forehead and the Mater truck the doctor gave him. Mom admitted it wasn't her best parenting moment - small child. blood. FREAK OUT!

Like all of us, they are gearing up for a busy Christmas season and getting in some travel time after the New Year. Since we all have a lot going on we likely won't see one another again until after holidays. Next time the girls will be included and I promise I'll get some pics.

I am feeling so very thankful today for my extended surro family and all the joy they've brought to our lives. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Livin' on a Prayer

This weekend Jason and I had the pleasure of helping K&S celebrate IFs 40th birthday. We had a great time surrounded by their friends - what a fun evening. It started out with the ladies at K&S's place while the guys enjoyed some scotch at a cigar bar. We then all caught up for dinner at Mexican restaurant in Bucktown, wonderful food and a great atmosphere. From there we proceeded down the street to a karaoke bar. Our party took control of the mic and the girls and guys all showed off their rockstar abilities. It was a blast. K and I shared a moment when Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" began to play. We sang the chorus together while sitting side by side arms around one another - I think it's our new anthem for this journey we are on together. My IPs have been on the road to parenthood for 3 years now, the last year of that we've all be working together with one goal in mind - to bring them a child but in the process a friendship has blossomed. It's been a long road but we remain confident that together we will see their dream of a family become a reality.

We gotta hold on to what we've got
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
We got each other and that's a lot
For love we'll give it a shot!

Oh, we're half way there
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer

Speaking of giving it a "shot" - tentative date to start Lupron is December 29th! Only about 6 weeks away.

And just for fun ... a pic of the divas.

Forever Changed

Four years ago today I met some amazing people who would forever change me. I'm proud to say I had a small part in changing their lives too. Happy Match Anniversary A&T. Still amazed at what we accomplished together. ♥

Lucky #3

Warning - Rambling Post Ahead.

So I wanted to share my lucky #3 story. My "lucky" number has been 3 since I was in the fifth grade - long story but it stuck and I've considered it my lucky numbers since.

One day, many years later I realized that the #3 was in all of my expected due dates - Brie was due June 23rd, Chloe February 13th, Lauren October 13th and Isabelle March 13th ... then my surrobabe Giovanni followed suit with an EDD of May 3rd.

When we found out earlier this year we would be doing an FET and got to pick the transfer date I immediately started planning, hoping we could make it work out to an EDD with a 3 in it. Unfortunately it didn't fall within the RE's transfer dates that month. Bummer. Then the second time around it was a fresh cycle and out of our control but, had that transfer stuck we would have been so close with a 3/12 due date ... but it didn't really follow the previous pattern. Oh well, moving on.

So this time around we are again planning an FET. I got the RE's transfer window for January and nowhere within it was a date that would result in a #3 due date. Poo. Then yesterday I heard from our IVF coord that we would have to push things back by a week, the RE changed the dates and I now had to choose between Jan. 24th - 29th. You'd think I'd be bummed we were pushing things back but really I was excited - if we were to do a 5dt on January 26th the resulting EDD would be October 13th. :)

Not only is it a date with 3 in it, there's more. It's the same EDD I had with DD Lauren - my favorite pregnancy since it fell during my favorite seasons. Well basically all that means is it didn't include winter - my LEAST favorite time of year to be pregnant. LOL! Also over the past couple of years, I've shared this exact EDD with two of my close friends, most recently my BFF Daisy who delivered her surrotwins this fall. I know I'm totally over analyzing things but if you ask me, I say it's a good sign.

My surrobabe Giovanni was a result of try #3 ... hoping the "Third Times a Charm" this go around too and this #3 thing works in our favor. :)