Transfer....Day 16

It's the BIG DAY....the day that we were hoping to get to. I can't believe we made it. Derek and I have been through some crazy emotions the last few weeks but they all culminated today. We finally have the chance to become parents to OUR child. Not that we won't welcome a child into our home through adoption if that's what is in store for us, but at least we can say we tried! We woke up to quite a dreary day, both Derek and I had no idea that it was supposed to be cloudy.

Kind of a representation of our mood looking back. Dark, Scared, Gloomy on the Horizon.

BUT....we also got an amazing chance to meet a sweet little girl whom daughter she is to two very special people in our lives. Libby Ann Beagley came into this world more loved and excited about. I'm informed from an anonymous source that both parents cried when she entered this world! She was a little one only weighing 5.15. But hey, theres nothing wrong with being itty bitty!

After leaving the hospital my mind and stomach got the best of me and we went home and rested and napped until it was time for our appointment. Roberta called and asked if we could come earlier because poor Klaus (Embryologist) had food poisoning and was needing to get back to the hotel. So we were there with time to spare. We were so excited and nervous and scared.
We  didn't even talk the whole way there.

After we arrived, we found Dr. Tjaden, and he took us to the transfer room. The resident also came in for us which we appreciated so much. Then of course Roberta, Janet and Klaus all came in to identify us and it was go time. They even brought us our very first picture.

Our Little Embryo (Emby)

This is what's called a 7B. It has 7 cells and has a little bit of debris so it's rated a B (like in school). It's right where it should be on a Day 3 transfer though.

It was really neat, the resident was telling us that her sister went through IVF, only had 4 eggs, one fertilized and was transferred and they got pregnant. I have faith. I know that this will happen. Someday in the near future we will be able to call ourselves parents in the making.
Grow Emby Grow!

After the festivities we decided we couldn't just go home so we went to Menards. Yes Menards. We are gettting old, I know. We are updating all of our hardware in our house, it was the first day that I felt good enough to get out, and we had just had our embryo implanted. We had to celebrate somehow. Since we aren't eating out at any restaraunt on our dime the month of April, we couldn't celebrate in food. So why not housware.

We are so ready for the next 2 weeks to fly by. Roberta even said she'll start testing in  5 days, because even she wants to know. We could be more blessed to have such a wonderful support system.

Once we got home, Derek but some of the hardware on the doors, I got a wild hair to cook. Not just dinner but sweets! So my pinteresting has become out of control so I decided to take 2 recipes and make both of them.

First on the list was French Toast Bake

This was the end result. So Delicisous and Easy. 

Then it was on Reese's & Chocolate Chip Big Cookie

It even has a Pretzel Crust.

After both of these. It was time for bed. So off I went....into the arms of my hubby and super cudly puppy.

XOXO

Hardest Day So Far...Day 15

This has been the hardest day so far. I didn't sleep well last night, thinking and hoping and praying that our little embryo's are growing. I know that all you need is one and I believe this to be so true. You just want the process that you're going through to mean something. Throughout my life I've always been blessed to have made it through the TOUGHEST obstacles. I've never wanted sympathy just patience and understanding.

Derek had taken the day off due to an appointment with the dermatologist. He was needing a few moles removed as well as we needed to get the Truck tagged and my tag updated. But the first thing on my mind wasn't either of those things, it was the call. I had texted Roberta early that morning, "hoping for good news again today". She called and of course I missed it. Calling her back, my heart was racing, I was sweating and I could feel my cheeks flushing. She then said, "We have one that looks perfect, the other didn't cleve (this meaning it didn't continue growing) The one that continued was a 5 cell, which is right were it should be on Day 2. The other was still a 2 cell, therefore it probably won't become anything, but she said she was going to keep it and look at it tomorrow at transfer. If it had grown, we will transfer both, if not, we still have 1.
Our prayers so far have been answered, and now its on to the next step.

Transfer. Click Here For Info on Embryo Transfer

As long as the 5 cell continues to duplicate we will transfer tomorrow at 3:30pm. I'm really looking forward to getting our first baby picture. Even if things don't go the way we'd like at least we know we achieved something!

We spent over 5 hours at the tag office yesterday, after that it was nap time. I started not feeling well throughout the rest of the day and ended up calling Dr. Tjaden last night. I knew that it wasn't anything but I really just needed reassurance. He said we would evaluate tomorrow if I was still having pain and difficulties, but to keep up on Tylenol and Ibuprofen and watch for fevers (which I haven't had, Thank Goodness).

One of my best friends for Nursing school went into labor last night and at 2214 on Saturday morning Libby Ann Beagley entered the world at 5lb 15oz with a head full of hair. Can't wait to go and see her tomorrow.

Derek went down to hang out with our neighbors last night and took Bella. She had so much fun. She such a good dog. I went down for a little while but then was ready for bed. Didn't take long to fall asleep though, thats for sure.

Thank you to all that have stopped by and that have continued praying for us. We thank you and can feel the support.

XOXO

Nervousness is an Understatement...Day 14

The day after retrieval....the next few days weeks are going to be the toughest. We find out today how many of of my 3 eggs fertilized! Now if that's not scary enough, tomorrow we find out if the continued growing, then if they do (and that's a big IF) then we go to transfer on Saturday.

 I can't begin to describe the feelings that have been going through my head....all the preparation, 12 days of horrible medicine, and then you wait. I feel as if this whole process was somewhat in our control, up until now. I know that God has a plan and will make whatever is supposed to happen, happen; but I really don't like the unknown!

I woke up to a missed call from Roberta, the message saying "call me, I have your Fert report, it's good news" I couldn't call her fast enough! 2/3 eggs fertilized! Thank God!!! I smiled and laughed and cried! Every milestone we jump, is a glorious day! I called Derek, My Parents, His Parents and sent out a mass text.

This is what they saw this morning. This is a Zygote, or Day 1 of Fertilization

I was in quite a bit of discomfort, so after that excitement, I needed a nap :). Then one of my good friends and I caught up on some much need girl talk for almost an hour! Shell be 32 weeks on Tuesday with Twins! A boy and a girl! I couldn't be happier for a more deserving family!! I then got a phone call from Dr.Tjaden....I'm thankful to have such an amazing doctor! He told me the report about our two growing embryos! I can say it was good to hear it again! Then one of my colleagues from work called to check on me as well as to let us know about our little embryos! I couldn't work in better place with better people!

Most of the day after that was filled with heartwarming texts, phone calls and more napping. My hubby came home made a wonderful dinner and we relaxed (well he relaxed and i slept)

Tomorrow is new day and I hope that our next milestone is met as easy as the last 13!

XOXO

BIG DAY....Day13

It's the day! I can't believe that it's finally here. Im amazed at how fast this has gone but also that we still have a long time to go. I'm so nervous that there won't be any...I know that crazy! I have to be patient and know things will work!

Retreival went well! Dr. Tjaden was able to get 3 eggs, 2 that look mature and 1 not so much. 2 follicles were empty which kinda stinks, but we have 3! That's way better than 0! They were also able to find my right ovary, way out in the stratosphere of my abdomen. Not surprising! But Dr. Tjaden was nervous to get anything off of it due to the fact of the placement and what was around it. So he got what he could!

Slept most of the day away. I was thankful that my mom came over. Derek had a big meeting today at work so he had to go up to Hesston after we got home. My mom is so wonderful though, while I slept, she grocery shopped, folded laundry and made us dinner. I wouldn't know what to do without her! Every step of my crazy life she has been by my side and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Off to bed early due to the fact that my I keep cramping anytime I move. I know it's happening for a reason and have to keep healing now! It's all up to the good Lord above. Please keep prayers coming that are egg fertilize and we make it to retrieval!

XOXO

The Night Before Retrieval...Day 12

It's Tuesday and tomorrow morning we check in at 6:45am....that's early but it will be wonderful to be done!!

My mom called me tonight and said she will be there tomorrow! She's been through EVERYTHING with me and I couldn't imagine her not there!

Derek had softball tonight... So I took my extreme nesting urge and cleaned the house, dishes got done as well as laundry! All the things I know I won't want to do the rest of the week. After that it was relaxation! So with that, it's off to bed for an early rise! Prayers!

XOXO

Down to the Wire...Day 11

Monday is upon us and it's the last day of meds for me! I'm so thankful! Our last sonogram showed 5 follicles with the lead at 24mm. That's a great sign and my estradiol was over 1700! They did their job and grew! Now it's time to go get em! Retrieval will be Wednesday at 8am sharp! Dr. Tjaden is a wonderful doctor and I know I'll be in good hands!

We take our "trigger" shot at 8pm tonight, therefor 36 hours later we will be in surgery!!!! The next few weeks will be long and tough but I have an amazing husband, family and friends to help me through it!

Mullerperdooper....Day 10

Well Sunday was quite interesting....I was so tired from Saturdays festivities and my hubby was tired from his tequilaing, but there were still things to do!

My appt went really well, my follicles are growing and my estradiol is over 1200! Woah....can I tell you I never dreamed we would get this close to retrieval! Dr. Tjaden is thinking trigger Monday for a Wednesday, which means only 2 more days if shots! Thank God!!! Though once retrieval comes, it's all out of our hands and into to The Lord above! I pray everyday for strength to get through these next 3 weeks.

I had a brudal shower for one of my JLW friends, it was beautiful and got to catch up with some others! Then went and saw The Luck One today, drug my hubby to it and met up with some close friends of ours! It was great to see them and the movie was good too! Super good chick flick! After that nothing much to talk about, Derek and I were exhausted!

Keep those prayers coming! XOXO

Life Gets Busier....Day 9

Well, It's finally the weekend. I'm so glad that I got to have sometime to rest and watch TV and update this here blog. The morning was busy, but fun! We had over 50 people show up for the Old/New Party. My friend Laura and I always crack ourselves up, due to the fact that we are both very punctual people. That being said, not many people are anymore....but we always seem to show up at the same time, 15 minutes early.

After the craziness of the morning, I washed my car, enjoyed a wonderful Cherry Limeaide from Sonic and went home to my cozy bed and took a much needed nap. It was delightful. My hubby was at work for the day, poor guy, and I enjoyed the quiteness of the house.

Our neighbors are so fun and wonderful. Once waking up from my much needed sleepiness we were invited over for a cookout, thankgoodness for the Fitztastics and Zynderifics because I didn't have to cook nor bring anything. They are amazing! The Mullerperdoopers are THANKFUL for you. (please disregard the nicknames, it's a neighborhood thing :).

I missed being able to hang out with a good friend tonight, Meg, I'm sorry I missed your call. My sleepiness and hormones are taking over my body. I don't seem to be thinking like the normal Chelsea. I hope you enjoyed your night off, and we must have dinner ASAP at Olive Garden. It's been calling our names for quite sometime ya know.

As for the meds....same old same old. I was thankful that Derek was home so he could give them to me. I would have probably cried if I had to them myself. Stupid I know, but when you are on hormones and more tired than awake, shooting yourself with 3 different meds just doesn't sound exciting or fun. He was able to do them in my arm, so it wasn't nearly as bad as in my legs. I hopeful that tomorrow will bring good news that Retrieval is on the horizon. I'm ready to get these little eggs out of me and into a much better environment so they can grow. I can't wait....I seriously can't believe that this is really happening. My life will forever change with phone call of a + test. I hope that we get there.

Tomorrow brings a bridal shower, shopping with my girlfriends and hopefully a early nights sleeping. We have a BIG week ahead of us. Prayers....please keep them coming, thanks for reading, and I'll write more tomorrow.


I found this song on one of my friends blogs. hardermagic.blogspot.com and I had to share. It's beautiful in every way.

Crazy Day of Work and Day 8....

Friday is FINALLY here. I couldn't be happier for the weekend. I do have quite a few things planned, but I'll still have some time to rest. This day here at CFRM was CRAZY. I think we had to have seen over 50 patients in 4 hours. I'm not kidding. IVF cycles are a beautiful mess at our clinic 4 times a year, but it makes time fly!

We both had sono's today. Mine showed that those 4 follicles are growing the way they should, we might have even seen a 5th. Still no Right Ovary, but who cares! Just like we talked before, we DO NOT need quantity, just quality!

My estradiol went up to 932, which pretty much means, I have a reason for feeling so crummy. Dr. Tjaden even asked me today if I wasn't feeling well. Like I've said in my last posts, I just don't feel like myself. My back has been hurting since Wednesday, my appetitie is practically non-exsisten, and my head sometimes feels like it could explode. BUT....I'm not complaining. If I wasn't having these symtpoms, I would be so much more nervous. There have already been a few patients that have been cancelled. I can't imagine the feeling.

One of my best friends and her kids came over tonight. I had planned on going out with some girls from Junior League, but my PJ's and bed had a much better appeal to them than dressing up and eating fancy food. No offense girls, my hormones are just talking! Rachel cooked the best french toast, scrambled eggs & sausage patties I had tasted. I think it's also the fact that I didn't have to cook either :). It was great to see the kids too. Cleo (4 months) is getting so big and Marcus( 2.5 years) is talking up a storm. He's very adament about telling someone that they are doing a good job and that he's a big boy and can swim. We had a wonderful time of lounging with the kids, girl talk and watching Diego.

Derek went to a Comedy Central special at WSU last night with the guys. He's been working so much, even has to work this weekend. I'm thankful to have a husband that loves his job and is a wonderful provider. He's the best thing that has EVER happened to me.

Tomorrow, is the Old/New Party with Junior League at Headquarters. We are expecting over 70 people to show up and show what the League is all about to the incoming New Member Class. I think it's going to be a lot of fun!  www.jlwichita.org

Sunday is my next sono. Keep those prayers coming, because I think he's hearing them and answering them in the only way he knows how. Making me peaceful with this whole process.

Slow Mow....7

Wow! It's already been a week of meds! A whole week of stabbing myself! Haha! I finally broke down and gave them in my stomach today. It burns so bad in my legs, it's hard to continue! But it's par for the course of what I would go through.

The girls at work are starting to notice that I'm not quite myself.                                                       Cristal said that I look like I could snap any second! I don't really feel like that, just more like I'm slow mow. I'm definitely noticing more discomfort, especially in my lower back. Man is there pressure!

I start Cetrotide tonight. This medicine blocks ovulation, so my ovaries can continue stimulating without my body doing something it shouldn't. This is exciting because I'm actually getting farther than I expected! I never thought once starting this process we would get to potential retrieval and here we are 7 days in, my body's responding! God is great, he's hearing prayers!

Tomorrow will be interesting! Roberta and I both have sonos! They will make sure her lining is doing what it should and mine will check things out again! As for now, keep praying please! Anything helps!

Things They Are A Changing....6

It's Wednesday, half way through the work week, Thank goodness!

Had my first sono today. I was really nervous. When you aren't sure how you're body is going to respond, it's very scary! This whole process depends upon these two little things floating in my pelvis. Who knows how many times they've been moved, poked, accidentially touched during my many abdominal surgeries.

Nervous that they wouldn't find either, Dr. Tjaden was able to find my Left Ovary. My right one, who knows, it's MIA. I'm sure that it will do something, but that doesn't mean we can actually get to it. He's hopeful that once it stimulates more, it will show face. We will see. I have a very stubborn body, which means my organs are much more stubborn.

My estradiol was 392, which was an impressive jump from 60 on Sunday. That's a good sign! Thank the Lord. Just means those 4-5 follicles he saw today are producing that much hated hormome of a women. I feel as if I'm on HYPERACTIVE PMS. Oh well. If this is all that I have to deal with, Roberta gets pregnant and we are blessed with a biological child, I will take what God feels I can handle and run with it. I'd run a marathon with it, if it means this process works.

Funny side note. I was calculating out when Roberta would test after transfer. Low and behold it's the one day that a Mother is recognized. You go it. Mother's Day. Either way, it will a day, month, year I will never forget!

Day 5....

Its Tuesday....I'm really starting to notice the effects of theses drugs. I'm so tired I could fall asleep at any moment. I'm only 6 days into it, REALLY? I've now done 3 days in a row and it's getting easier. I've figured out to make it not hurt any more. Thank Goodness! I have my first sonogram tomorrow. Hopefully they can find my Right Ovary...please God let them find it.

Derek plays softball tonight, so the house is all mine. Hopefully he doesn't hurt himself like he has the last 2 Tuesdays. First he had a pop up ball get him in the collar bone, that was quite a bruise, and then he pulled his groin last week. Poor guy, getting old sucks :).

He's been amazing throughout this process so far and I have to say I couldn't imagine doing it with anyone else. Last night he rolled over before bed and said "Thank you for going through this, I'm so sorry you have to do all of this and I can't wait to start a family"-Let me tell you, the tears about fell. I love him with all my heart.

Updates will come tomorrow about the sono and my lab result. I'm nervous, excited & scared.

Day 4

Not much to write about today, its just a Monday. I was going to try and go work out today, but I can tell you that it didn't happen. I'm starting to not feel so good, even though I know its early. Meds are going fine, I've now done 3 days of injecting myself. Yes again I know i'm a nurse, but it's a little different doing it to yourself.

It's a blah kind of week, really busy at work. But at least I don't have to work this coming weekend.

I feel that we are in the middle of something I've always wanted to do.

I thank God everyday that it's a possiblity.

This is who I am. This is who I'll be. This is my LIFE!

Working.....Day 3

Amazing that yesterday there were over 121 tornadoes in 4 different states and today it's sunny skies and crazy winds. We didn't have any power for 3-4 hours last night. That was fun, but it certainly came back on at 2am with a louder than normal radio. Derek wasn't too happy and we were both super tired.  I had to work this morning, only 3 patients. Easy enough.

My estradiol was 60, just meaning that my ovaries are doing there job. Had my first headache today, not sure if that was related to this or the crazy weather. I'm hoping that after 3 more days of medicines, my ovaries look like.

We Shall See!

Not much else going on today

Tried a new recipe from Pinterest

Chicken Salad with Pecans and Dried Cranberries

You can find the recipe

 http://www.momswhothink.com/chicken-recipes/chicken-salad-recipe.html

Trying another one tonight, If it's good, I'll forward it on!

Day 2......Tornadoes & Music

Today was supposed to be one of the most dangerous days I've ever seen. Tornadoes were forecasted all over Kansas, Missouri & Nebraska & amazingly the meterologists were right! The TV was all about the weather throughout the day, though my girlfriends and I had concert tickets to the Miranda Lambert concert. We weren't going to let the weather get in our way. We made it to the concert no problems, not even a speck of rain. The concert was amazing, we had great seats and were in great company.

This is one of the songs that Jerrod Neiman wrote about Kansas. He's from Liberal. I loved it!

Jerrod Neiman was amazing and quite good looking, Chris Young can sing his heart out, Miranda is one amazing perfomer, until they had to stop the concert.She was quite funny, she said she would pray for us.  Low and behold mother nature had a better idea, supposedly the tornadoe was headed straight for Intrust Bank Arena. They stopped the concert, told us it was "just a severe thunderstorm" and they would be starting the concert up once the weather wasn't severe. After that though we were all spent.

This was one of the Tornadoes. I can't believe how eery and mean this looks. My prayers are with all of the people with damage to their homes.

As for the fertility treatment. Same old same old. The Menopur still burns and I gave them to myself today for the first time. It was scary, sutpid I know, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. I'm curious to what my Estradiol will be tomorrow. It's becoming more real and hope my body is cooperating.

The First Shot...1

I opened the box and gasped a little. I know I work around all of these drugs each day...but these are the medicines that are going to make these ovaries do there job.Hopefully they wil get us through the next few weeks...and hopefully to retrieval. My sono today went great, they still can't find my right ovary, who knows where it went! I'm sure it will show its face soon!

Two of my best girlfriends are coming over tonight...they are so supportive! Just an evening in to watch movies and eat lots of food!! I couldn't ask for a better Friday night! My first dose of medicine tonight is both Gonal-F and Menopur, I'm sure the people have gone through this process know what I'm talking about....for those non medical/fertility patients, they are hormones. I'm sure I won't be nearly as excited 10 days from now, but as for today...I'm gonna enjoy my time with my girlfriends, my hubby and dog!

The Beginning

I'm sitting here thinking that this process time in my life is happening...tomorrow. I have my sonogram and then start my meds....I can't believe it's here. I've been waiting for this day to come for my whole life, the possiblity of becoming a mom could potentially happen and I can't believe it!

My husband is SO excited and I'm so thankful that he's a supporting in this whole process. My life wouldn't be complete without him.

I hope that since this is my first blog post ever, it becomes easier. My goal is to write daily throughout our journey, hopefully this means 9 months or so.