Congratulations, it's positive!
Where and when you took the pregnancy test.... I didn't do a home pregnancy test. Oh, it was very tempting... believe me, it was difficult to contain my curiosity. With IVF, it's better to try your best to remain stoic and refrain from the over the counter tests that can be false - even with the good news.
Instead, I again took two blood tests, two days apart. The first was a high positive - which was really good news after a failed attempt in November. The second had close to doubled the result of the first. So, we are definitely on the way again! Now begins the LONG wait to see the first ultrasound - seriously... it's like 6 more weeks. AGONY!
First reaction when I received the good news.... relief and happiness. It was a bit stressful waiting for the blood tests, and I spent a lot of the time praying it wouldn't affect the baby's development.
How I told daddy.... This time, we reviewed the online results together, so we knew at the same time... then we just had to spend what seemed like an eternity waiting for the message on the lab talk system.
Reaction... We were elated. We've wanted a #2 ever since #1 was born. We're hoping the sequel is just as awesome as the original.
Who we told right away and their reactions.... LM (the big brother), my parents, and our niece. They were all super excited. We waited for a while to share the news with the remainder of the following - for personal reasons.
This is not our first baby, it is our second.
How our other kids reacted.... Big brother was 20 months old when we received the good news. That's still pretty young. Even so, he was excited. He told his daycare provider's family... and informed everyone he wants a baby sister.
When I plan to tell friends/coworkers, etc... We have chosen to wait a few more weeks. We wanted to enjoy the secret for now... it's nice to have a little privacy for just our family unit.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
About Your Pregnancy - A Quiz
I answered these questions for the first pregnancy... and thought it would be fun to revisit.
Was your pregnancy planned or a surprise? I'm sure you can all guess this
wasn't a surprise. We planned it - but it was a surprise that it actually took
on the first try.
When did you begin to think about having
this baby? We
had been trying since 2008 to get pregnant. When things weren't working, we
decided to enlist some assistance in 2010.
When did you first suspect you were
pregnant? This
time, I wasn’t sure. I spent some time in Wisconsin March 16-18… and I had some
suspicions, but I just wasn’t sure.
When your pregnancy was confirmed, how did
you react? I
was overjoyed again. We’ve been wanting to give our LM a sibling for a while.
It was nice to know the dream was on its way to coming true.
How long did it take to become pregnant?
Did it seem quick or slow? We didn’t really try much. We just resorted to a visit to
the Reproductive folks again. We waited until LM was 18mo old. I wanted him to
be around 2 ½ years when the Stowaway comes home.
What is the best thing about being
pregnant? 1) Knowing
we will be bringing another miracle into our lives. We really can’t wait! 2) Feeling
the baby move around – I love it!
What challenges do you face in this
pregnancy? As
far as I know, there are no challenges that I face. The only potential issue is
Gestational Diabetes... but I will hopefully be able to keep it under control
with diet and exercise like last time.
Who was the first to know you were
pregnant and what were their reactions? We told LM first, but my parents and our niece were
there, so they overheard. We kept the news quiet for others for several weeks.
What was the first thing you bought
specifically for this baby? I am waiting to look at another ultrasound to find out the
sex of the baby to buy anything. We already did the anatomy ultrasound, but the
tech gave us the worst possible image… and we aren’t sure she had it right.
What hopes and dreams do you have for your
baby? Like LM, I
hope the Stowaway will pursue an education and find success, true love, and
complete happiness as I have. I also hope the Stowaway is as easy going as LM…
that kid has been an absolute peach!
What are the most important qualities you
can nurture as a parent? Honesty, integrity, determination, faith, hope, love,
sacrifice, family and sharing/giving.
What were the best things about your
parents as parents?
My parents taught me so many things - they were a constant source of faith,
support, selflessness, sacrifice and unconditional love.
What role do you see your family playing
in your baby's life?
Both of our families will be a big part of our children's lives. We are
fortunate to have amazing people on both sides of our family.
Have you picked out any names? What names
would you consider?
We are stumped this time. I don’t want to give away any of the options yet.
Are there any names to which you would say
"Absolutely not!"? Yes. Names that are just silly to me… or
sound goofy.
Do you want to know as soon as you can if
it's a boy or a girl? Why or why not? Yes because I'm a planner and I like to be
prepared.
What one thing do you want your baby to be
sure to have that you didn't? There was little I didn't have as a child.
I honestly can't think of anything to put down for an answer.
Whose facial and physical characteristics
do you want your baby to inherit? I hope he inherits equally from both sides
- I do hope the Stowaway looks like their older brother. He’s such a beautiful
child… inside and out.
Whose emotional and personality
characteristics do you want your baby to inherit? I hope he inherits equally from both of
us, we're both really even-keel, laid back, and happy.
What tasks do you need to accomplish
before the baby is born? We are in the middle of re-designing the
nursery. It shouldn’t be too difficult to complete… just requires some
dedication.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Drawing More Blood... Anxious to Hear Results.
It's two days later. Though I am more relaxed after a high positive preliminary blood test, I'm still a little anxious as I prepare to go in and have blood drawn for the confirmation, or blood test #2. What they look for is whether or not the HCG levels rise between the first day and this day. They should nearly double the initial test.
While all logic states the results should continue to be positive, based on the initial HCG level reading of 143 iu/L, there is a little voice in my head that holds doubt and keeps whispering "What if?". I mean, all signs point to a good result... but stupid doubt just won't let go.
The result was 258 iu/L, over double the levels from the previous test. We are officially pregnant! Woohoo!!
While all logic states the results should continue to be positive, based on the initial HCG level reading of 143 iu/L, there is a little voice in my head that holds doubt and keeps whispering "What if?". I mean, all signs point to a good result... but stupid doubt just won't let go.
The result was 258 iu/L, over double the levels from the previous test. We are officially pregnant! Woohoo!!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
The Belly - Weeks 1-4 : Early First Trimester
Once again, we are back at the odd counting system. They count two weeks back from the transfer date to get us the date of conception. This is about the time we would have begun the shot regimen. There is really no plausible way I could have been pregnant... but they do this because this is the time when, in natural circumstances, I would have been ovulating. So we'll run with it.
February 24, 2013 - The Date of Conception
Conception is defined as the formation of a viable zygote by the union of the sperm and ovum. February 24 is the date of conception officially listed in my records. This would be about the time we started some of the shots.
By all calculations, you should be making your big debut in the world around November 30, 2013.
March 2, 2013 - Week 1
We have begun the process and are almost to the retrieval date. 6 more days. For right now, I cringe as I endure the shots. LM holds my hand and kisses me after each one. He's such a kind and thoughtful little sweetheart.
The other night, he sat quietly and watched as Officer Dad administered the shot. Afterward, his little eyes grew large and he proclaimed, "Uh-oh. Daddy shot mommy!" Through the eyes of babes. :)
March 8, 2013 - The Retrieval
Everything was textbook. We took LM to daycare, and reported at the scheduled time to a tiny hole of a room in a different unit. I got ready, went through the usual nurse instructions, and the IV team came in to place the IV line for anesthesia. The tech was clearly new, and very nervous. His first attempt failed, and resulted in a beautiful bruise on my arm - as he blew through the vein. Thankfully, the second attempt was a success.
Of course, the requisite warning was there would be pinchy, crampy pain; and I'd be on a weight restriction until the blood tests. The weight restriction took an entirely different meaning this time, as we now have a 28-pound toddler at home. Thankfully, he knows how to climb on his own, and is good at helping mommy out. I did feel a bit of the rumored pinchy, crampy pain afterward; but the pain was gone pretty quickly.
Anesthesia always knocks me on my caboose - so, after I was discharged, I returned home, ate, and slept for a while. When I woke up, it was almost time to get LM from daycare... and I felt MUCH better.
March 9, 2013 - Week 2
Transfer day is coming up quickly now. It's tomorrow! This process seems to take too long sometimes. It is still surreal that we are in the process of trying to bring another beautiful child into this world.
March 10, 2013 - The Transfer
It was a cold, snowy morning when we made our way to the hospital for the transfer. Luckily, we have amazing neighbors who came over to watch LM, as we were first up on the schedule that morning. The neighbor showed up with her oldest son, and we were on our way.
It had been a rather disheartening morning, as I had discovered my lucky charms were nowhere to be found. (I have yet to remember where I stashed them!) While getting prepared for the procedure, I had also discovered the ever-present footprint birth stone charm I wear (it's engraved with LM's name and birth date) had fallen off my necklace chain in transit. PANIC! We tried to retrace our steps. Officer Dad even went to look in the car - and nothing. I was heartbroken at the thought of having lost this beautiful charm. So, Officer Dad contacted our caretaker and asked if she could look around the homestead and see if anything turned up. (It wasn't until after the transfer that we heard they had found the charm and placed it on my dresser for safe keeping. Whew!)
We were taken down to the OR, where Dr. C and his team were waiting. He informed us at this time that 3 embryos would be transferred. Yikes! Apparently the "grading system" for embryo quality had changed since the last time... since it is their goal to give you the best possible odds of achieving pregnancy success, they get as close to a 100% chance as possible... so, three it was!
Afterward, we were taken back to our room, where I had to remain flat on my back for an hour. Once the hour was up, I was free to go. We went home, where I faced a day of bed rest. Ugh! So boring! But, it gives the best possible chance of success. The outcome is more than worth the boredom!
March 16, 2013 - Week 3
We are 6 days away from the first blood test at this point. Thinking this time would pass more quickly was a misconception. At least LM keeps me distracted in the evenings, when I have more free time to think about it. 6 days to wait. Oi!
We are excited to see the outcome this time. Excited that there is a possibility we will get to welcome another member to our family. The fresh transfer worked last time, here's to it working again!
March 22, 2013 - Blood Test #1
After waiting anxiously, we found the HCG level was 143 iu/L. Woohoo! That means a nice, strong positive! I feel a lot more confident this time than when we tried the frozen transfer in November. In my soul, I feel like this one worked.
Finally, an explanation as to why coffee tastes so stinkin' bitter!
March 23, 2013 - Week 4
My current disposition: sunshine and happiness (how could anyone NOT be happy?!)
Still on a high note from yesterday's positive result. Tomorrow is the second blood test - the confirmation, if you will. They look for this number to at least double by then.
February 24, 2013 - The Date of Conception
Conception is defined as the formation of a viable zygote by the union of the sperm and ovum. February 24 is the date of conception officially listed in my records. This would be about the time we started some of the shots.
By all calculations, you should be making your big debut in the world around November 30, 2013.
March 2, 2013 - Week 1
We have begun the process and are almost to the retrieval date. 6 more days. For right now, I cringe as I endure the shots. LM holds my hand and kisses me after each one. He's such a kind and thoughtful little sweetheart.
The other night, he sat quietly and watched as Officer Dad administered the shot. Afterward, his little eyes grew large and he proclaimed, "Uh-oh. Daddy shot mommy!" Through the eyes of babes. :)
March 8, 2013 - The Retrieval
Everything was textbook. We took LM to daycare, and reported at the scheduled time to a tiny hole of a room in a different unit. I got ready, went through the usual nurse instructions, and the IV team came in to place the IV line for anesthesia. The tech was clearly new, and very nervous. His first attempt failed, and resulted in a beautiful bruise on my arm - as he blew through the vein. Thankfully, the second attempt was a success.
Of course, the requisite warning was there would be pinchy, crampy pain; and I'd be on a weight restriction until the blood tests. The weight restriction took an entirely different meaning this time, as we now have a 28-pound toddler at home. Thankfully, he knows how to climb on his own, and is good at helping mommy out. I did feel a bit of the rumored pinchy, crampy pain afterward; but the pain was gone pretty quickly.
Anesthesia always knocks me on my caboose - so, after I was discharged, I returned home, ate, and slept for a while. When I woke up, it was almost time to get LM from daycare... and I felt MUCH better.
March 9, 2013 - Week 2
Transfer day is coming up quickly now. It's tomorrow! This process seems to take too long sometimes. It is still surreal that we are in the process of trying to bring another beautiful child into this world.
March 10, 2013 - The Transfer
It was a cold, snowy morning when we made our way to the hospital for the transfer. Luckily, we have amazing neighbors who came over to watch LM, as we were first up on the schedule that morning. The neighbor showed up with her oldest son, and we were on our way.
It had been a rather disheartening morning, as I had discovered my lucky charms were nowhere to be found. (I have yet to remember where I stashed them!) While getting prepared for the procedure, I had also discovered the ever-present footprint birth stone charm I wear (it's engraved with LM's name and birth date) had fallen off my necklace chain in transit. PANIC! We tried to retrace our steps. Officer Dad even went to look in the car - and nothing. I was heartbroken at the thought of having lost this beautiful charm. So, Officer Dad contacted our caretaker and asked if she could look around the homestead and see if anything turned up. (It wasn't until after the transfer that we heard they had found the charm and placed it on my dresser for safe keeping. Whew!)
We were taken down to the OR, where Dr. C and his team were waiting. He informed us at this time that 3 embryos would be transferred. Yikes! Apparently the "grading system" for embryo quality had changed since the last time... since it is their goal to give you the best possible odds of achieving pregnancy success, they get as close to a 100% chance as possible... so, three it was!
Afterward, we were taken back to our room, where I had to remain flat on my back for an hour. Once the hour was up, I was free to go. We went home, where I faced a day of bed rest. Ugh! So boring! But, it gives the best possible chance of success. The outcome is more than worth the boredom!
March 16, 2013 - Week 3
We are 6 days away from the first blood test at this point. Thinking this time would pass more quickly was a misconception. At least LM keeps me distracted in the evenings, when I have more free time to think about it. 6 days to wait. Oi!
We are excited to see the outcome this time. Excited that there is a possibility we will get to welcome another member to our family. The fresh transfer worked last time, here's to it working again!
March 22, 2013 - Blood Test #1
After waiting anxiously, we found the HCG level was 143 iu/L. Woohoo! That means a nice, strong positive! I feel a lot more confident this time than when we tried the frozen transfer in November. In my soul, I feel like this one worked.
Finally, an explanation as to why coffee tastes so stinkin' bitter!
March 23, 2013 - Week 4
My current disposition: sunshine and happiness (how could anyone NOT be happy?!)
Still on a high note from yesterday's positive result. Tomorrow is the second blood test - the confirmation, if you will. They look for this number to at least double by then.
Friday, March 22, 2013
It's Here! It's Here! The First Blood Test Day Has Arrived!!
"Something worth having is something worth waiting for."
~Unknown
Anxiety. Pure, uninterrupted anxiety. 14 days of gut-wrenching anxiety. Well, you wanted to know what it feels like to wait for this day to arrive... there ya go!
Just when you feel like it will subside, test #1 arrives and you're thrust back into the kingdom of anxiety. I woke up, got ready for work, and made my way downtown a little early to get my blood drawn for the first of two blood tests.
The anxiety isn't so bad...actually...until after the blood is drawn, and you are the mercy of the lab to post the results. It's like waiting for the results of the single most important audition in your life.
Later in the day, the results were posted...a high positive HCG level! Now... more waiting. The confirmation test is in two days... and, though I'm pretty sure the result will be positive, I'm still a little anxious.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Transfer Day is Here!!
It was a snowy morning as we woke up to prepare to leave for the hospital for the transfer. They had me on the really early rotation; and, thankfully, Ms.V from across the street came over with her son K bright and early to watch LM; and we were on our way.
It had been a rather disheartening morning, I had discovered that my lucky momentos were nowhere to be found and had to settle for taking a photo with me that I printed. Upon getting prepared to be taken down for the procedure, I discovered that my ever-present charm on my necklace had fallen off in transit - PANIC! (For those who don't know, hubby purchased a cute little charm with LM's birthstone that has his name and birth date engraved on it - I never take it off... and was heart broken to find it missing.) It wasn't until after the procedure that we heard from Ms. V that it had been found, safe and sound, at home. WHEW!
We were strolled down to the OR - I always find it amazing how freaky cold it is in that room. I know it helps with sterility, but it feels like a meat locker in there! Dr. C. and his team were awaiting our arrival. He informed us that they would be transferring 3 embryos - holy cow, what??!! Apparently, the grading system for embryo quality had changed - as it is their goal to give you a 100% chance of getting pregnant, three embryos it was.
The snowflakes were still falling fast and furious when we returned to our room to wait the requisite hour before release. They were really huge, too... making it look as though we were looking out on a giant snow globe. Although the day was grey and gloomy, the falling snow really made it beautiful!
Another day of bed-rest lay ahead as we were released. Ugh! Bed-rest is the most boring thing a person can be required to do... but it is really worth the boredom!
So... now we wait. Two weeks. 14 days. An eternity, as it seems. You'd think it wouldn't be as bad the second time around... more distractions. Oh, it was worse. Damned anxiety!
It had been a rather disheartening morning, I had discovered that my lucky momentos were nowhere to be found and had to settle for taking a photo with me that I printed. Upon getting prepared to be taken down for the procedure, I discovered that my ever-present charm on my necklace had fallen off in transit - PANIC! (For those who don't know, hubby purchased a cute little charm with LM's birthstone that has his name and birth date engraved on it - I never take it off... and was heart broken to find it missing.) It wasn't until after the procedure that we heard from Ms. V that it had been found, safe and sound, at home. WHEW!
We were strolled down to the OR - I always find it amazing how freaky cold it is in that room. I know it helps with sterility, but it feels like a meat locker in there! Dr. C. and his team were awaiting our arrival. He informed us that they would be transferring 3 embryos - holy cow, what??!! Apparently, the grading system for embryo quality had changed - as it is their goal to give you a 100% chance of getting pregnant, three embryos it was.
The snowflakes were still falling fast and furious when we returned to our room to wait the requisite hour before release. They were really huge, too... making it look as though we were looking out on a giant snow globe. Although the day was grey and gloomy, the falling snow really made it beautiful!
Another day of bed-rest lay ahead as we were released. Ugh! Bed-rest is the most boring thing a person can be required to do... but it is really worth the boredom!
So... now we wait. Two weeks. 14 days. An eternity, as it seems. You'd think it wouldn't be as bad the second time around... more distractions. Oh, it was worse. Damned anxiety!
Friday, March 8, 2013
The Round Up (a.k.a. Retrieval Day)
So, we arrive at retrieval day. We reported to the hospital at the scheduled time - to a tiny hole of a room in a different unit than we were used to. I got ready, went through the usual nurse instructions (what to do after the retrieval... take it easy, the usual.), and the IV team came in to place the IV for the anesthesia.
The tech placing the IV line was clearly new - there were two cues to this... 1) he looked like a green stick and you could read his anxiety on his face, and 2) there was a trainer with him. Bracing myself, I waited for the stick. The first attempt failed. He blew the vein with the needle... causing one heck of a gorgeous bruise that would take weeks to go away - yay! The second attempt was better, it was a success with no bruising.
Of course, the requisite warning debriefing followed... the pinchy, crampy pain... and the weight restriction until the blood tests. This time, I did feel a little discomfort afterward. It was very minor - and it was really gone pretty quickly.
Of course, anesthesia always knocks me on my caboose, so after I was discharged, we had lunch, returned home and I slept for a while. When I woke up, I felt much better...especially since it was almost time to go get LM from daycare.
The tech placing the IV line was clearly new - there were two cues to this... 1) he looked like a green stick and you could read his anxiety on his face, and 2) there was a trainer with him. Bracing myself, I waited for the stick. The first attempt failed. He blew the vein with the needle... causing one heck of a gorgeous bruise that would take weeks to go away - yay! The second attempt was better, it was a success with no bruising.
Of course, the requisite warning debriefing followed... the pinchy, crampy pain... and the weight restriction until the blood tests. This time, I did feel a little discomfort afterward. It was very minor - and it was really gone pretty quickly.
Of course, anesthesia always knocks me on my caboose, so after I was discharged, we had lunch, returned home and I slept for a while. When I woke up, I felt much better...especially since it was almost time to go get LM from daycare.
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