Changing gears

About a month ago, I found out that my younger brother and his wife were going to be having a baby. Despite their own struggles to get pregnant (2 miscarriages) and my love for my brother, it was still somewhat painful news to hear. Today, they learned through an amnio that their precious little girl has Trisomy 18, or Edward's Syndrome. As we will begin working towards our baby, they will begin saying goodbye to theirs. It's uncharted territory for our family. We're a high-performing bunch, and it's been hard enough to cope with everyone's difficulties in having a baby -- this, we're definitely not equipped to handle alone. Thankfully, we aren't alone.

I trust that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. I trust that God is still God. I trust that He will work this for His glory. Thanks for your prayers.

Houston, We Have A PLAN!

Hooray! I passed my baseline tests with flying colors, and we qualified for shared risk!!!! We are so thankful for the results, and humbled by your prayers and support. I start BCPs tonight and have my meeting with the IVF coordinator next Wednesday to get my calendar. I don't think I have EVER been this excited to start a process that involves so many needles!!! Thanks again for all of the support!

Here we go again!

I'm CD 2 right now, so I'm going in tomorrow morning for my IVF baseline bloodwork and ultrasound. Recall that we were postponed on our IVF schedule last month because my antral follicle count was only 5 and needed to be at least 12 to qualify for shared risk -- our IVF coordinator is hopeful that my count was low because I had been on BCPs the 2 months before to finish healing from my June surgery, meaning that things should be better after this "hormone-free" month.

At any rate, tests are at 7:45 in the morning, and prayers and positive thoughts are appreciated! Will let you all know when we know something . . .

“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)

Thanks for checking in.

Wow - I never cease to be amazed at the support network that we have all created for each other. Thanks for your kind words and advice over the weekend.

I went in on Monday for a Beta (negative -- shocker :)) and a big PIO, which should bring on AF sooner rather than later. Once that happens, we'll be back to the IVF starting gate with baseline tests . . . and back to praying for at least 12 antral follicles!

I don't anticipate that there will be a lot to say between now and then, but I'll be checking in on you ladies!

You were right!

Called the doctor -- if no progress by Monday, I need to come in for some bloodwork and a shot; if progress over the weekend, I am to call Monday morning and schedule the baseline IVF ultrasound/bloodwork.

Thanks for the advice. I do love having a plan.

Well hmmmmm . . . .

Okay people. I should have started my cycle by now. By my count, 4 days ago. Let's get one thing clear -- I know I'm not pregnant (don't mean to imply God isn't still in the miracle business by that statement, but I'm not). I'm a little worried that if I start over the weekend that I will miss my chance for the beginning of the cycle bloodwork and ultrasound and then we'll get pushed back another month for IVF . . . yikes! Maybe I call the clinic tomorrow and see what they think? I just hate to be that neurotic patient (any more than I already am). Maybe I just wait it out and count it as character development in patience? Maybe I make the trek to CVS to drop $12 to confirm what I already know (don't worry, not doing that)? I wouldn't be so concerned except we have a friend's wedding at the end of next month and I really don't want to miss it . . . although obviously I get the priorities in any decision on that front.

Advice, please?!

No personal news, might as well post about Sarah Palin.

Okay folks, let's discuss. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm voting for Obama, but I find myself intrigued by Gov. Palin. Why? She's bold and assertive, loves the Lord and her children, and sees that she can do the best for her family by trying her best to change the world. To me, that's cool. Now I know, I know, there's lots about her that's not cool. I didn't say I was voting for her, I said I was intrigued.

What about you guys? Does she stir your imagination, even just a little? Here's to a non-IF discussion for a small change (at least until I go in for my ultrasound -- stay tuned!).

Hope everyone's off to a great week!

Long time, no post

This is what happens when your work life gets crazy, you go out of town for 10 days, and your laptop is broken! I'll have to say that I've missed you ladies, and enjoyed catching up on the blogs tonight.

Not too much to report around here. Waiting on AF so that we can go back to the RE's office for the Day 3 bloodwork and ultrasounds again . . . here's hoping my antral follicle count is WAY up from last month (for those who like to pray really specifically, we're going for at least 12). If not, we'll have some decisions to make. No point in game-planning, we'll work it out when/if we get there.

Fingers crossed for so many of you who are soldiering through cycles and making plans for the future.