One STRONG little heartbeat! 150 beats per minute...our little hummingbird!
Still a long road ahead but so grateful for this day! The Italian can't stop telling people...even shared the news with our gutter guys today...geez! Good thing I'm not trying to keep this quiet...there's no way he could have waited 5 more weeks!
Our estimated due date is July 11th...hot summer baby!
Lots of prayers that this little bugger stays nice and strong! Today's appointment made me forget all about how I had to sleep on the bathroom floor because I was so sick last night :)
What blessing in time for Thanksgiving! Thank you all for your prayers and best wishes for a blessed holiday with your families!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Morning(?) sickness?
Let me preface this post by saying that I am NOT complaining about anything. I'm so grateful for where we are in this process and this post is merely to give you an insider's glimpse of what we're experiencing right now. So here goes...
According to the calendar, I'm only 6 weeks pregnant (SO early!). I've had mild nausea and lack of appetite since beginning my stimulation meds in early October...well now that seems to have exploded into full blown "morning sickness" over the last 2 weeks. (Morning Sickness...thats a laughable term considering it lasts ALL DAY LONG and even wakes me up in the middle of the night. Morning sickness is obviously a term coined by men who saw their poor pregnant wives ill in the morning and then jotted off to work while the little Mrs. spent the rest of her day hunched over a toilet bowl!). Now I should also say that I have not yet gotten sick, but boy I almost wish I would...surely that might make me feel a little better! The sad and demented thing is that I've started to cling to this sick feeling as a security blanket...this past weekend I actually had a few hours where I hardly felt any nausea and was even able to (gasp) eat a full meal...so I immediately begin wondering if something is wrong. I was oddly reassured when the sickness returned and I was once again confined to my bed with my saltine's and ginger ale.
I am more than a little frustrated at my "diet" (if you can call it that) for now. Leading up to and going through IVF I was so conscientious about what I ate...nearly all organic, lots of lentils, spinach, kale, berries (all the "superfoods" you're supposed to eat) and now I can hardly stomach anything...I eat maybe one "meal" a day and that " meal" varies wildly...some days only a small bowl of plain oatmeal, today buttered noodles and on a good day an insatiable craving for crunhy tacos and Spanish rice with a half gallon of salsa or a healthy serving of buffalo chicken dip (gross...shouldn't that stuff make me feel WORSE??? Oh well, I'm not going to question it, if I'm hungry for tacos by gosh I'm going to eat them...I've dropped 12 lbs so far so am starting to get a little worried about my weight.) As long as there is a healthy baby (or babies) in there I'll live with this happily for the next 8 months!
I will say it is VERY difficult to work while feeling this way. It's hard to focus on anything other than the constant waves of nausea and silently trying to calculate how long it would take me to sprint to the nearest restroom in case of an emergency (2 1/2 minutes by the way...and that's too long so my alternate route is a 20 second sprint out our office doors where I'll discreetly yak into the bushes outside of our office...classy!). I share an office with 6 other coworkers so the trashcan is not an option...hello bushes here I come!
Also, the aforementioned "morning" sickness apparently has no sense of time...she strikes constantly at all hours of the day and night. For instance, is now 2:15 am here and she was kind enough to wake me at 12:30 am so here I sit typing to pass the time until it either eases up or I pass out from exhaustion and fall back asleep. 3-4 hours of sleep a night + fear of throwing up on a coworker, client or boss makes for fun work days!
Anyways, we have our ultrasound on Wednesday morning and we're both excited/nervous...just praying and praying that we receive good news! We'll officially be 7 weeks along on Wednesday so I'm not sure what we should hope to see. I also don't know if they'll run more bloodwork or not. I assume so as the nurse mentioned that Dr. K will probably take me off of my progesterone injections and estrogen patches if everything looks good (I'd assume that bloodwork would be required in order to make that decision). My booty is pretty tender so ut would appreciate a break from the nightly injections, but if there is any chane that the injections will help, I'll happily continue them throughout the next 8 months.
Lots and lots and lots of prayers for a great ultrasound so that we have great news to share with our families on Thanksgiving! We certainly have plenty to be thankful for...ickiness and all!
According to the calendar, I'm only 6 weeks pregnant (SO early!). I've had mild nausea and lack of appetite since beginning my stimulation meds in early October...well now that seems to have exploded into full blown "morning sickness" over the last 2 weeks. (Morning Sickness...thats a laughable term considering it lasts ALL DAY LONG and even wakes me up in the middle of the night. Morning sickness is obviously a term coined by men who saw their poor pregnant wives ill in the morning and then jotted off to work while the little Mrs. spent the rest of her day hunched over a toilet bowl!). Now I should also say that I have not yet gotten sick, but boy I almost wish I would...surely that might make me feel a little better! The sad and demented thing is that I've started to cling to this sick feeling as a security blanket...this past weekend I actually had a few hours where I hardly felt any nausea and was even able to (gasp) eat a full meal...so I immediately begin wondering if something is wrong. I was oddly reassured when the sickness returned and I was once again confined to my bed with my saltine's and ginger ale.
I am more than a little frustrated at my "diet" (if you can call it that) for now. Leading up to and going through IVF I was so conscientious about what I ate...nearly all organic, lots of lentils, spinach, kale, berries (all the "superfoods" you're supposed to eat) and now I can hardly stomach anything...I eat maybe one "meal" a day and that " meal" varies wildly...some days only a small bowl of plain oatmeal, today buttered noodles and on a good day an insatiable craving for crunhy tacos and Spanish rice with a half gallon of salsa or a healthy serving of buffalo chicken dip (gross...shouldn't that stuff make me feel WORSE??? Oh well, I'm not going to question it, if I'm hungry for tacos by gosh I'm going to eat them...I've dropped 12 lbs so far so am starting to get a little worried about my weight.) As long as there is a healthy baby (or babies) in there I'll live with this happily for the next 8 months!
I will say it is VERY difficult to work while feeling this way. It's hard to focus on anything other than the constant waves of nausea and silently trying to calculate how long it would take me to sprint to the nearest restroom in case of an emergency (2 1/2 minutes by the way...and that's too long so my alternate route is a 20 second sprint out our office doors where I'll discreetly yak into the bushes outside of our office...classy!). I share an office with 6 other coworkers so the trashcan is not an option...hello bushes here I come!
Also, the aforementioned "morning" sickness apparently has no sense of time...she strikes constantly at all hours of the day and night. For instance, is now 2:15 am here and she was kind enough to wake me at 12:30 am so here I sit typing to pass the time until it either eases up or I pass out from exhaustion and fall back asleep. 3-4 hours of sleep a night + fear of throwing up on a coworker, client or boss makes for fun work days!
Anyways, we have our ultrasound on Wednesday morning and we're both excited/nervous...just praying and praying that we receive good news! We'll officially be 7 weeks along on Wednesday so I'm not sure what we should hope to see. I also don't know if they'll run more bloodwork or not. I assume so as the nurse mentioned that Dr. K will probably take me off of my progesterone injections and estrogen patches if everything looks good (I'd assume that bloodwork would be required in order to make that decision). My booty is pretty tender so ut would appreciate a break from the nightly injections, but if there is any chane that the injections will help, I'll happily continue them throughout the next 8 months.
Lots and lots and lots of prayers for a great ultrasound so that we have great news to share with our families on Thanksgiving! We certainly have plenty to be thankful for...ickiness and all!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
All is well!
Wow - so I've totally neglected update with my results from Monday's blood test but I am absolutely thrilled to say that my HcG levels not only doubled, but they tripled from 700 to 2200. My IVF nurse said that Dr. Katz said that the levels are rising "beautifully" and because it looks so good, he doesn't need for me to come in for a 3rd blood test. WOW! What a blessing!
Now I neglect to mention that I went in for the test at 7/7:30 on Monday morning and was expecting a call by around lunch time...WRONG...I didn't get the call until 4:30 which seemed like FOREVER and I went through the gamut of emotions and obsessive thoughts during that time. "They haven't called yet because it's bad news, they call and report the good news first." "They haven't called yet because its good news, it it were bad news they would call earlier and let me know." Anyway, the news was GOOD, GOOD, GOOD!!!!!
I'm supposed to continue my progesterone injections (daily) and estrogen patches (twice a week) and now we just WAIT until November 23rd when we're scheduled for our first ultrasound. We're praying that we see strong healthy little peanut(s) at that visit!!!! I'm passing the time by reading "What to Expect When You're Expecting" (a wonderful gift from a friend and co-worker) :) I've also learned that I'm currently only 5 weeks along and the little nugget(s) is/are only the size of an orange seed(s)!!!! CRAZY! We won't know whether or not we have one or two nuggets until the ultrasound - as long as it/they look healthy I honestly don't care. Praying for a strong, HEALTHY little one (or two) on the 23rd.
As far as symptoms go, it's hard to say...I've been nauseous and had no appetite since the whole IVF process began. I basically have to force myself to eat and I don't really enjoy it at all. No vomiting or anything like that, just generally not feeling great and not enjoying eating (which is not at all like me). I've lost about 7 pounds but the nurse said much of that is probably loss of fluid and bloating from the moderate OHSS symptoms I had. Trying to focus on eating healthy foods when I'm able to make myself eat. I don't know if it's just my mind playing tricks on me, but I'm WIPED out! Literally exhausted. When I get home from work I just want to lay down and do NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING! However, I have also had insomnia where I wake up in the middle of the night around 2am and cannot for the life of me get back to sleep. That started a few days after the transfer, so I'm working on about 3 weeks of 3-5 hours of sleep a night. I wonder at what point that will catch up with me and I'll just pass out? It seems like it's too early to have any pregnancy symptoms so maybe this is all mental. Anyway, I'm grateful for every discomfort and will not complain about a single woozie moment so long as this all works out in the next 8-9 months :)
So we're in great shape so far and just praying daily (and hourly) that things continue. Wishing, hoping and praying for an excellent visit on the 23rd. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the outpouring of support. I have to admit that it is very scary to be so open about things this early in the game, but on the other hand I know God hears every single prayer, so the more the merrier!!!!!
Now I neglect to mention that I went in for the test at 7/7:30 on Monday morning and was expecting a call by around lunch time...WRONG...I didn't get the call until 4:30 which seemed like FOREVER and I went through the gamut of emotions and obsessive thoughts during that time. "They haven't called yet because it's bad news, they call and report the good news first." "They haven't called yet because its good news, it it were bad news they would call earlier and let me know." Anyway, the news was GOOD, GOOD, GOOD!!!!!
I'm supposed to continue my progesterone injections (daily) and estrogen patches (twice a week) and now we just WAIT until November 23rd when we're scheduled for our first ultrasound. We're praying that we see strong healthy little peanut(s) at that visit!!!! I'm passing the time by reading "What to Expect When You're Expecting" (a wonderful gift from a friend and co-worker) :) I've also learned that I'm currently only 5 weeks along and the little nugget(s) is/are only the size of an orange seed(s)!!!! CRAZY! We won't know whether or not we have one or two nuggets until the ultrasound - as long as it/they look healthy I honestly don't care. Praying for a strong, HEALTHY little one (or two) on the 23rd.
As far as symptoms go, it's hard to say...I've been nauseous and had no appetite since the whole IVF process began. I basically have to force myself to eat and I don't really enjoy it at all. No vomiting or anything like that, just generally not feeling great and not enjoying eating (which is not at all like me). I've lost about 7 pounds but the nurse said much of that is probably loss of fluid and bloating from the moderate OHSS symptoms I had. Trying to focus on eating healthy foods when I'm able to make myself eat. I don't know if it's just my mind playing tricks on me, but I'm WIPED out! Literally exhausted. When I get home from work I just want to lay down and do NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING! However, I have also had insomnia where I wake up in the middle of the night around 2am and cannot for the life of me get back to sleep. That started a few days after the transfer, so I'm working on about 3 weeks of 3-5 hours of sleep a night. I wonder at what point that will catch up with me and I'll just pass out? It seems like it's too early to have any pregnancy symptoms so maybe this is all mental. Anyway, I'm grateful for every discomfort and will not complain about a single woozie moment so long as this all works out in the next 8-9 months :)
So we're in great shape so far and just praying daily (and hourly) that things continue. Wishing, hoping and praying for an excellent visit on the 23rd. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the outpouring of support. I have to admit that it is very scary to be so open about things this early in the game, but on the other hand I know God hears every single prayer, so the more the merrier!!!!!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
My 2ww
2ww normally stands for the dreaded 2 week wait - the time lapse between ovulation and either a positive pregnancy test or Aunt Flo's cursed arrival. This 2 week wait is different, my 2ww was a 2 week walk with Jesus. I picked a scripture to meditate on each day. That Bible is full of meaningful and inspirational messages. If you're not into it, you're definitely missing out. I highly recommend spending time daily in God's word!!! And need to be more disciplined with doing so myself, even when I'm not begging for a blessing from God.
So here is my 2 week walk, scripture by scripture....
Day #1 (Transfer Day)
"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7
Day #2
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
Day #3
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Day #4
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
*shared with me by a friend - perfectly suited for that day!
Day #5
"Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them." Matthew 18:19
Day #6
"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14
Day #7
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Day #8
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Day #9
“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
*shared with me by a friend - perfectly suited for that day!
Day #10
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Day #11
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will grant you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
Day #12 (Test Day)
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 15:16
So now we're at the end of our 2ww and Praise the Lord the news thus far is positive. I hesitated as to whether or not share the news as I know what a delicate time this is, but I have been so thankful for all of the love, support and prayers that we've received from you all that it didn't seem complete without sharing the happy news with all of you who have been kind enough to share your prayers with us. So please know that we are optimistic and committed to celebrating each and every victory. We have a long ways to go, but are so happy for the gift that has been given to us at this moment. Praying that this early, early, early pregnancy will continue successfully over the next 8 months (God willing)!
Love and blessings to you all!
So here is my 2 week walk, scripture by scripture....
Day #1 (Transfer Day)
"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7
Day #2
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
Day #3
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Day #4
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
*shared with me by a friend - perfectly suited for that day!
Day #5
"Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them." Matthew 18:19
Day #6
"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14
Day #7
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Day #8
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Day #9
“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
*shared with me by a friend - perfectly suited for that day!
Day #10
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Day #11
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will grant you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
Day #12 (Test Day)
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 15:16
So now we're at the end of our 2ww and Praise the Lord the news thus far is positive. I hesitated as to whether or not share the news as I know what a delicate time this is, but I have been so thankful for all of the love, support and prayers that we've received from you all that it didn't seem complete without sharing the happy news with all of you who have been kind enough to share your prayers with us. So please know that we are optimistic and committed to celebrating each and every victory. We have a long ways to go, but are so happy for the gift that has been given to us at this moment. Praying that this early, early, early pregnancy will continue successfully over the next 8 months (God willing)!
Love and blessings to you all!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Short and SWEET...
Got the results this afternoon....
POSITIVE!!!!
That's right for the first time EVER, I can say that I have a BFP!!!! (Big Fat Positive) My HcG is currently 700, which my Dr. said is very, VERY good! We have to go back on Monday for more blood work to ensure that the HcG is doubling. So pray for 1400 (or above) on Monday!!!!!
We're cautiously optimistic as we still have a ways to go but are currently much further along than we ever have been in the past. I have no words to express my thanks for the prayers and support from so many! I wish I could contact each of you individually with the good news. Continued prayers are appreciated as we pray for things to continue as they should for happy, HEALTHY, baby(ies) :)
Much love!
POSITIVE!!!!
That's right for the first time EVER, I can say that I have a BFP!!!! (Big Fat Positive) My HcG is currently 700, which my Dr. said is very, VERY good! We have to go back on Monday for more blood work to ensure that the HcG is doubling. So pray for 1400 (or above) on Monday!!!!!
We're cautiously optimistic as we still have a ways to go but are currently much further along than we ever have been in the past. I have no words to express my thanks for the prayers and support from so many! I wish I could contact each of you individually with the good news. Continued prayers are appreciated as we pray for things to continue as they should for happy, HEALTHY, baby(ies) :)
Much love!
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