A huge shout out to all of the people who go through this multiple times. Month after month. Waiting and waiting. This wait is excruciatingly long. I seriously can't imagine. My mind is all consumed by this title embryo inside me. Every twinge or symptom, I wonder what it means. Am I pregnant? Did it take? Will I get to help E and P's dream come true? Or was it not meant to be?
Friday really can't come soon enough. But until then, work and life will keep me busy. I'll try to be in the now and not with a wondering and anxious mind.
Waiting... waiting...
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Transfer Complete
It has taken me a few days to be able to find the words other than "wow!" to describe our transfer on Thursday, March 2nd.
I'll start at the beginning. :)
The day started like any other day. Surprisingly I was able to sleep for most of the night. I had no restrictions as far as food or liquid so that was good as well. (I am not a nice person when you don't let me eat! ha!)
I got dressed in "My lucky transfer shirt." How is it lucky? Well it was worn by a now good friend of mine, Leslie, for her transfer just a few months ago. They transferred two embryos to her and one is growing like a weed so I can only hope it had some luck left. If this is successful, we get to pass it on to another lucky surrogate. We've dubbed it "the sisterhood of the traveling transfer shirt." We are dorks and we are okay with that!
As I stated on my last blog, Danielle drove up to Naperville with me. E(intended mother) was so excited to meet her and thanked her for sharing her story because it is what inspired me to do this in the first place. We quickly made an IKEA run right before the appointment. I needed some new storage options for daycare and knew exactly what I needed. I don't think I have ever been in and out of IKEA in under 20 minutes before!
We got to the appointment a little early so we spent some time in worship in the car before heading in. We let Pandora do her work and then specifically chose "Thy Will" by Hillary Scott before heading in. Danielle hadn't heard the song yet and of course got super emotional about what we were about to go in to do. It helped me center my thoughts on God and that He has this. If it is His will, this little embryo will cling on tight and not let go!
Seriously, if you haven't heard this song, check it out here.
So we got our act together and headed inside. First up was blood work. We went upstairs and did that really quick and then went downstairs to the surgery center. We met E and P(intended father) at that time. They brought me a beautiful bouquet of PINK flowers! (Have I mentioned yet that the gender of the embryo is female? E and P chose to do genetic testing to get the best embryo possible. Many actually didn't pass the tests, in fact just this one did. While doing that, they fond out the gender!)
It is about 11:15 at this point and the transfer is scheduled for 12:15. One thing I know I forgot to mention was that I had to have a full bladder for the procedure. This creates contrast on the ultrasound and allows the doctor to see the uterus better. The nurse told me the day before to have a full bladder. I asked her how much and when I should drink liquid. All she could tell me was everyone is different so they don't have a requirement. So what do I do? I google it. Google tells me to drink 32oz of water from 10:15-11:15 (an hour before my procedure so that it is nice and full). Well, by 11:15, I need to go to the bathroom, bad! I was pacing and sweating. :)
About 11:30 E and I were called back into the prep room. We were given these fabulous outfits to wear and spent the next 45 minutes talking and laughing. Over the course of 45 minutes, the nurses let me let "a little bit" out. It was hilarious. The nurse asked me if I lot I could go just a little and make it stop as to not empty my bladder. I was willing to try it. Wow is it hard! :)
At 12:15 the Doctor comes in to greet us. He informed us that the embryo survived the thaw. It had been frozen for almost two years and E let out a HUGE sigh of relief! I can't imagine getting to this point and it not even making it to implant so I am glad that part is behind us.
The doctor and nurses then took us back to the room to transfer the embryo. E sat next to me and held my hand the whole time. The doctor explained each step as he was doing it and we cried and cried when he said it was in there! Now it was time for my body to do it's job!
(The embryo is the large ball thing. If you look at the bottom, it looks like it is hatching which is a good sign, I am told! The arrow is pointing to an air bubble in my uterus where it was placed. The embryo itself cannot be seen on ultrasound due to it being so small)
The procedure itself is actually very simple. It is similar to an annual exam (for you ladies out there) They use a speculum to look at your cervix and then clean the area before inserting a small catheter. Honestly, I didn't even feel it. The embryo is then placed in the catheter and inserted into the uterus. The doctor then checks the catheter with a microscope to make sure the embryo is still not inside before saying he was done.
We were then taken back to our room where I was finally able to go to the bathroom and empty my bladder completely! The doctor came in to discharge us and told me that I can resume normal activity right away.
Upon arriving home I was on a complete adrenaline rush. I had tucker bring me all of the daycare buckets while I sat in the middle of the room reorganizing! I was finally able to fall asleep that night, but it took me a while.
Friday, I took a half day to relax just a little bit. After not sleeping the night before I needed a nap. Although the doctor said I could return to normal activity, I don't think they fully understand what goes into daycare. So I thought it would be best to rest one more day.
So far this weekend, I am feeling great. I have had some mild cramping and blasting which they said to expect. It has been hard to not analyze every little pain, twinge, or feeling I get.
Also, a huge shout out to my neighbor and great friend, Julie. Dan was out of town last night so she delivered my injection for me! Thank you!!
Tomorrow, Monday, I have a blood test to see what my hormone levels are at. This will help the doctor determine if my medicines need to be changed at all. Then on Friday, I will go for the pregnancy blood test. We should know by the end of the day on Friday if this was successful! If it is positive, I will do repeat blood work on the following Monday to make sure my levels are still going up!
Please continue your prayers. This is going to be a very long week waiting for the that test! Pray for the Intended Parents hearts that they are covered in God's love and that this little embryo keeps hanging on!
I'll start at the beginning. :)
The day started like any other day. Surprisingly I was able to sleep for most of the night. I had no restrictions as far as food or liquid so that was good as well. (I am not a nice person when you don't let me eat! ha!)
I got dressed in "My lucky transfer shirt." How is it lucky? Well it was worn by a now good friend of mine, Leslie, for her transfer just a few months ago. They transferred two embryos to her and one is growing like a weed so I can only hope it had some luck left. If this is successful, we get to pass it on to another lucky surrogate. We've dubbed it "the sisterhood of the traveling transfer shirt." We are dorks and we are okay with that!
Had to get a picture with my rock before heading out the door. This man right there is so supportive of me and this adventure. I would not have been able to do this without him!
Tucker saw a picture being taken and of course needed one too. As of now, we have not talked to them about what we are doing. If everything is going okay in a few weeks, then we will start to talk about it with them.
As I stated on my last blog, Danielle drove up to Naperville with me. E(intended mother) was so excited to meet her and thanked her for sharing her story because it is what inspired me to do this in the first place. We quickly made an IKEA run right before the appointment. I needed some new storage options for daycare and knew exactly what I needed. I don't think I have ever been in and out of IKEA in under 20 minutes before!
We got to the appointment a little early so we spent some time in worship in the car before heading in. We let Pandora do her work and then specifically chose "Thy Will" by Hillary Scott before heading in. Danielle hadn't heard the song yet and of course got super emotional about what we were about to go in to do. It helped me center my thoughts on God and that He has this. If it is His will, this little embryo will cling on tight and not let go!
Seriously, if you haven't heard this song, check it out here.
It is about 11:15 at this point and the transfer is scheduled for 12:15. One thing I know I forgot to mention was that I had to have a full bladder for the procedure. This creates contrast on the ultrasound and allows the doctor to see the uterus better. The nurse told me the day before to have a full bladder. I asked her how much and when I should drink liquid. All she could tell me was everyone is different so they don't have a requirement. So what do I do? I google it. Google tells me to drink 32oz of water from 10:15-11:15 (an hour before my procedure so that it is nice and full). Well, by 11:15, I need to go to the bathroom, bad! I was pacing and sweating. :)
About 11:30 E and I were called back into the prep room. We were given these fabulous outfits to wear and spent the next 45 minutes talking and laughing. Over the course of 45 minutes, the nurses let me let "a little bit" out. It was hilarious. The nurse asked me if I lot I could go just a little and make it stop as to not empty my bladder. I was willing to try it. Wow is it hard! :)
The doctor and nurses then took us back to the room to transfer the embryo. E sat next to me and held my hand the whole time. The doctor explained each step as he was doing it and we cried and cried when he said it was in there! Now it was time for my body to do it's job!
The procedure itself is actually very simple. It is similar to an annual exam (for you ladies out there) They use a speculum to look at your cervix and then clean the area before inserting a small catheter. Honestly, I didn't even feel it. The embryo is then placed in the catheter and inserted into the uterus. The doctor then checks the catheter with a microscope to make sure the embryo is still not inside before saying he was done.
We were then taken back to our room where I was finally able to go to the bathroom and empty my bladder completely! The doctor came in to discharge us and told me that I can resume normal activity right away.
I told E I was wearing a "lucky transfer shirt" so she wore Believe! They were both so excited to have this part done!
Let's go little embie! Stick in there!
Danielle and I after transfer! Embryo is in there! Now grab on tight and don't let go!
After the transfer we headed to Portillos. This was a request by Danielle and I! We maxed out on great food and of course brought some cake home for Dan!
Friday, I took a half day to relax just a little bit. After not sleeping the night before I needed a nap. Although the doctor said I could return to normal activity, I don't think they fully understand what goes into daycare. So I thought it would be best to rest one more day.
So far this weekend, I am feeling great. I have had some mild cramping and blasting which they said to expect. It has been hard to not analyze every little pain, twinge, or feeling I get.
Also, a huge shout out to my neighbor and great friend, Julie. Dan was out of town last night so she delivered my injection for me! Thank you!!
Tomorrow, Monday, I have a blood test to see what my hormone levels are at. This will help the doctor determine if my medicines need to be changed at all. Then on Friday, I will go for the pregnancy blood test. We should know by the end of the day on Friday if this was successful! If it is positive, I will do repeat blood work on the following Monday to make sure my levels are still going up!
Please continue your prayers. This is going to be a very long week waiting for the that test! Pray for the Intended Parents hearts that they are covered in God's love and that this little embryo keeps hanging on!
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Transfer Tomorrow
Wow! How is it March already?
We found out last week that my transfer will actually be tomorrow which is Thursday, March 2nd. No explanation to the reason but I am just following God's lead on this one.
This past weekend I added in a progesterone suppository to the other medications and last night was the first night we added in a progesterone in oil injection. This is an injection I will have to have nightly for an undetermined amount of time. It may be a few weeks or for the whole first trimester.
The clinic supplied a teaching video so that Dan could learn how to administer it. We also contacted my Uncle Larry to come supervise and make sure we did it right the first time. Thanks for your help!
The shot is taken in the backside and went perfectly. Very little discomfort for the injection but I woke up pretty sore today (similar to after a vaccination shot). No big deal at all!
I sent this picture to the Intended Mother (IM) and she laughed and said she's never met someone so excited for a shot to the rear end before! She's right! I am excited!!
Since the date has been moved a few times, my best friend, Danielle, will actually accompany me tomorrow to the appointment. Dan had planned on going on the 28th and then cleared his schedule at work again when it was moved to the 1st. He had a lot of meetings on the 2nd so he can't make the trip this time. It is interesting how everything works out though. As much as I want Dan there, it is very cool that Danielle gets to go. After all, she is the reason I was interested in this process. She was the voice behind infertility. I am so excited for the IM and Danielle to meet too!
So, tomorrow at 12:15 is transfer! We will then have a blood test the following Friday to determine if the embryo "stuck."
If you would like, please join me in some prayers. That God's will will be fulfilled through this process, whatever that might be. For calmness for the IM and IF as they transfer their one and only embryo to me. For faith, that my body can do what it is good at (having babies). And for wisdom for the physicians. That the placement of the embryo is perfect and the medications are just right!
See you on the other side!
We found out last week that my transfer will actually be tomorrow which is Thursday, March 2nd. No explanation to the reason but I am just following God's lead on this one.
This past weekend I added in a progesterone suppository to the other medications and last night was the first night we added in a progesterone in oil injection. This is an injection I will have to have nightly for an undetermined amount of time. It may be a few weeks or for the whole first trimester.
The clinic supplied a teaching video so that Dan could learn how to administer it. We also contacted my Uncle Larry to come supervise and make sure we did it right the first time. Thanks for your help!
The shot is taken in the backside and went perfectly. Very little discomfort for the injection but I woke up pretty sore today (similar to after a vaccination shot). No big deal at all!
I sent this picture to the Intended Mother (IM) and she laughed and said she's never met someone so excited for a shot to the rear end before! She's right! I am excited!!
Since the date has been moved a few times, my best friend, Danielle, will actually accompany me tomorrow to the appointment. Dan had planned on going on the 28th and then cleared his schedule at work again when it was moved to the 1st. He had a lot of meetings on the 2nd so he can't make the trip this time. It is interesting how everything works out though. As much as I want Dan there, it is very cool that Danielle gets to go. After all, she is the reason I was interested in this process. She was the voice behind infertility. I am so excited for the IM and Danielle to meet too!
So, tomorrow at 12:15 is transfer! We will then have a blood test the following Friday to determine if the embryo "stuck."
If you would like, please join me in some prayers. That God's will will be fulfilled through this process, whatever that might be. For calmness for the IM and IF as they transfer their one and only embryo to me. For faith, that my body can do what it is good at (having babies). And for wisdom for the physicians. That the placement of the embryo is perfect and the medications are just right!
See you on the other side!
Friday, February 17, 2017
Cycle Update
Last week, I shared my blog publicly. I cannot say how grateful I am for such overwhelming support. This has been a very long process for my family and has already had so many ups and downs! I am so grateful for the love and support show by my friends and family.
This past Wednesday, I went for my monitoring appointment as usual. That included an ultrasound of my ovaries and uterus as well as blood work. Everything looked good so my medications stay the same and we are right on track.
On Thursday, I was notified that I needed to go for a monitoring visit this coming Thursday. It turns out that my OB office does not have an ultrasound tech in on Thursdays. We were able to move it to Friday but this will push back our transfer date by one day. So, as long as all goes as planned, transfer will now be Wednesday, March 1st.
I have to tell you, I was really bummed about this. There is something about it now being in March that I was just not okay with. I know its just one day but it is a WHOLE month different.
Well after talking to the Intended Mother, I found out it is her mom's (grandma's) birthday on March 1st! I say maybe it was planned a little bit in God's mind!
This past Wednesday, I went for my monitoring appointment as usual. That included an ultrasound of my ovaries and uterus as well as blood work. Everything looked good so my medications stay the same and we are right on track.
On Thursday, I was notified that I needed to go for a monitoring visit this coming Thursday. It turns out that my OB office does not have an ultrasound tech in on Thursdays. We were able to move it to Friday but this will push back our transfer date by one day. So, as long as all goes as planned, transfer will now be Wednesday, March 1st.
I have to tell you, I was really bummed about this. There is something about it now being in March that I was just not okay with. I know its just one day but it is a WHOLE month different.
Well after talking to the Intended Mother, I found out it is her mom's (grandma's) birthday on March 1st! I say maybe it was planned a little bit in God's mind!
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Medication Start
On Wednesday, February 8th, I finally got to begin the medical portion of this process!
I went and had baseline testing done. This included an ultrasound and blood work. I was able to arrange to have this done here in town as well as all follow ups. I go to my OB's office for the ultrasound and the hospital for blood work. Both are then sent the same day to the fertility clinic in Naperville. Medications will be adjusted according to the results each week.
As I took my very first hormone pill last night I couldn't help but get emotional. This journey as been a long time in the making, not only for me, but for this family. I took some time to pray for them, for the doctors, and for my family.
One of my favorite songs in the past year is "Thy Will Be Done" by Hillary Scott. Every time I get frustrated by things taking too long or not going my way, I take a moment to say, "Thy will be done." It's a moment to remember that I am not in control. That God has the final say and I am just along for the ride. Instead of God riding shot-gun with me, I am riding along with him. I will ride this crazy wave, until he tells me it is time to be done.
So, as I join the Intended Parents on their ONE embryo journey, I am at peace with the fact that they know God's will will be done. That science can only do so much and it ultimately is up to our maker to decide what our lives will look like!
Today is another big day. Today, I have finally announced on social media what our intentions are. I am excited to spread the word about surrogacy and in-fertility. I hope that my message reaches someone in need and that my work is not just being a surrogate but bring awareness to the world.
To the new comers, thanks for joining me! To family and close friends that already new, I appreciate all of your love and support you have already shown!
I thank God everyday for this blessing and cannot wait to see what he has in store for us!
Check back soon!
I went and had baseline testing done. This included an ultrasound and blood work. I was able to arrange to have this done here in town as well as all follow ups. I go to my OB's office for the ultrasound and the hospital for blood work. Both are then sent the same day to the fertility clinic in Naperville. Medications will be adjusted according to the results each week.
As I took my very first hormone pill last night I couldn't help but get emotional. This journey as been a long time in the making, not only for me, but for this family. I took some time to pray for them, for the doctors, and for my family.
One of my favorite songs in the past year is "Thy Will Be Done" by Hillary Scott. Every time I get frustrated by things taking too long or not going my way, I take a moment to say, "Thy will be done." It's a moment to remember that I am not in control. That God has the final say and I am just along for the ride. Instead of God riding shot-gun with me, I am riding along with him. I will ride this crazy wave, until he tells me it is time to be done.
So, as I join the Intended Parents on their ONE embryo journey, I am at peace with the fact that they know God's will will be done. That science can only do so much and it ultimately is up to our maker to decide what our lives will look like!
Today is another big day. Today, I have finally announced on social media what our intentions are. I am excited to spread the word about surrogacy and in-fertility. I hope that my message reaches someone in need and that my work is not just being a surrogate but bring awareness to the world.
To the new comers, thanks for joining me! To family and close friends that already new, I appreciate all of your love and support you have already shown!
I thank God everyday for this blessing and cannot wait to see what he has in store for us!
Check back soon!
Monday, January 30, 2017
The date is set!!
Last Wednesday, the 25th, I received the phone call I have been waiting for! We have an embryo transfer date!
Wednesday, February 8th I will go for my first monitoring appointment. They will look at my uterus, ovaries, and take blood. That night, I will start meds.
Then I will go the following two Wednesdays to do the same thing. If everything looks good on Wednesday, February 22nd then the transfer will be on Tuesday, February 28th!
I am so excited to finally get to this point!
Please keep us in your thoughts as we go through this process. I will update about the different meds and schedule as I get more info!
For now, we are dealing with finding a monitoring clinic, ordering the meds I need, and spending a lot of time in prayer!
Talk soon!
Wednesday, February 8th I will go for my first monitoring appointment. They will look at my uterus, ovaries, and take blood. That night, I will start meds.
Then I will go the following two Wednesdays to do the same thing. If everything looks good on Wednesday, February 22nd then the transfer will be on Tuesday, February 28th!
I am so excited to finally get to this point!
Please keep us in your thoughts as we go through this process. I will update about the different meds and schedule as I get more info!
For now, we are dealing with finding a monitoring clinic, ordering the meds I need, and spending a lot of time in prayer!
Talk soon!
Monday, January 23, 2017
An Update
It has been a long time since my last post. That is because we have kind of been in a holding pattern due to the holidays and schedules being a bit out of the ordinary!
On January 13th, exactly one month after my last post, we received the first copy of our contract! The weekend was spent going over it in detail, making notes about questions we had, and preparing for our meeting with our attorney.
The following Tuesday, we met with our attorney via a conference call. Dan and I were able to voice our concerns and questions and she also informed us of changes she wanted to make. (She is very well versed in surrogacy contracts) We signed off on that copy and it went back to our Intended Parents lawyers. The process then repeated!
Today, 10 days after starting the process, we received the final copy via email! Next step was to sign the document and get it back to our attorney. We asked our wonderful neighbors, Ben and Lucinda, to come be our witnesses to sign as they are a "neutral party." Thanks to them, we were able to sign and return it the same day!
Once everything is signed by us and the IP's, the lawyers will forward the documents onto our agency who will then give the OKAY to the fertility clinic. I am crossing my fingers that I hear from the fertility clinic this week about a transfer calendar/schedule!
So here's to 2017 and the huge life accomplishments we plan on making! Please join me in praying for a quick turn around time so that we can help make these parents dreams come true!
Hopefully, the next update will come soon! :)
On January 13th, exactly one month after my last post, we received the first copy of our contract! The weekend was spent going over it in detail, making notes about questions we had, and preparing for our meeting with our attorney.
The following Tuesday, we met with our attorney via a conference call. Dan and I were able to voice our concerns and questions and she also informed us of changes she wanted to make. (She is very well versed in surrogacy contracts) We signed off on that copy and it went back to our Intended Parents lawyers. The process then repeated!
Today, 10 days after starting the process, we received the final copy via email! Next step was to sign the document and get it back to our attorney. We asked our wonderful neighbors, Ben and Lucinda, to come be our witnesses to sign as they are a "neutral party." Thanks to them, we were able to sign and return it the same day!
Once everything is signed by us and the IP's, the lawyers will forward the documents onto our agency who will then give the OKAY to the fertility clinic. I am crossing my fingers that I hear from the fertility clinic this week about a transfer calendar/schedule!
So here's to 2017 and the huge life accomplishments we plan on making! Please join me in praying for a quick turn around time so that we can help make these parents dreams come true!
Hopefully, the next update will come soon! :)
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