Care Package

I received a little care package from IM today.  I think she's anticipating that I will test before our BETA. These 14 should get us off to a good start. LOL

Transfer Day!!

We have transferred two 3-day embryos in hopes that at least one of them sticks around until what would be a very late fall due date.  The little "maybe-babies" both survived the thaw and were given a thumbs up rating by the RE and embryologist. 

Jason and I joined my IPs for breakfast prior to arriving at the clinic.  I'm always so grateful for these opportunities. I often explain to people - that question my connection to the baby - that my connection to my IPs is far stronger than any I develop with the child I carry for them.  It's time spent getting to know them and their dreams of a family that I hold most dear during the process.  Of course we all have the same goal in mind which makes it easy to connect but I've been so very lucky to work with some absolutely wonderful couples that I can now call friends.  I feel no differently this time around.  I'm glad we fit this visit in because the transfer that followed was over in the blink of an eye!

The expression "time stood still" most certainly did not apply to our transfer.  Draped in a hospital gown I was hastily scooted into a dim room where my IPs were seated in a tiny corner by the head of the bed.  I plopped my backside down, then had my knees guided into stirrups as a cold ultrasound wand placed on my abdomen offered us a view to the transfer that was about to take place.  We got a quick glimpse of the embryos blown up in size on the overhead screen as they were readied by the embryologist and then -seconds later we got confirmation on the ultrasound screen that the embryos reached their destination by a visible small white "starburst" in my uterus.  The catheter was checked to be sure both embryos were cleared and then off I went to relieve my very full bladder.  All this happened in a matter of maybe 10 minutes.  

This was my 7th IVF transfer so I was accustomed to the procedure but for my IPs it was all so very surreal. They were filled with anxiety and excitement and hopeful that this brief moment in time could change their lives forever.  It all happened so quickly there wasn't really much time to experience the emotions we were all feeling, but it all went perfectly and that's what matters.  

  

So now we patiently wait!  IM and I will likely be in touch daily until bloodwork is drawn 12 days post transfer.  I always start off this wait cautiously optimistic but as we get closer and closer to the testing window I become a ball full of excitement and nerves.  I know my IPs are beyond anxious and these next few days can't go fast enough! 

Here's to a "sticky uterus"!

A yummy pre-transfer surprise from my IPs ~ 2 more days!!

Transferring Soon!

We are almost there, just a few short days until we transfer.

Things are going really well with this cycle.  I've had three visits to the fertility clinic over the last few weeks as they monitor my response to medications.  More than two weeks out from transfer my lining was measuring 9.2 mm already (9.0 or above is ideal for transfer) and at my final check last Friday it was a fluffy 13.3 mm.  On Saturday I began the progesterone protocol which means daily inter-muscular injections in the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks area.  I honestly have no problem with these as I have plenty of cushion there, but they do leave your backside a little sore and sleeping on your side a bit uncomfortable.  If we have a positive result I'll remain on these, as well as additional estrogen, until we are 10-12 weeks pregnant at which time the placenta is producing enough hormones to stop the synthetic ones.

As transfer day approaches the anticipation increases.  We are hopeful that both of the embryos thaw nicely and praying for the best uterine conditions possible.  This is my seventh IVF cycle and I've followed countless surro-friends through the process and one thing I've learned is that it is all kind of a crap shoot.  The most beautiful embryos sometimes won't take and the questionable ones will.  It's always a good approach to keep expectations in check,  maintain a positive attitude, and remember - it only takes ONE!

I'm anxiously awaiting the opportunity to introduce you all to the wonderful couple that is the other half of this journey so successfully becoming pregnant can't come soon enough!  Keep us in your thoughts!