Randomness of all sorts…

Hello all! I did not intend to have this long of a break between posts. I started and stopped writing too many times. I will begin with something obviously quite important to me.

In mainstream social media it seems everyday is celebrating or paying tribute toward something random – National Coffee Day, Middle Child Day, Donut Day, Black Lab Day, etc. However, in October 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This is obviously something close to my heart considering the losses we have experienced, and the losses many dear friends and family have suffered through. My love goes out to everyone who has had to endure a pain such as this.

A few weeks ago, I came across this photo and article. I had to share this for those battling infertility that read my blog…you may appreciate this. Others I understand if you are initially turned off a bit by the photo, but it is truly incredible.

Picture shared by the Sher Institute. The patient and baby happen be from St. Louis.

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Well since I last wrote, it has been mostly calm and peaceful, IVF wise. I have continued with the testosterone gel in the mornings and birth control pills in the evening. I have been slightly crampy, moody, and headachey with a sore chest and heartburn…all common side effects. I take my last BCP Saturday and will NOT miss it for a single second.

I wish I could say my beloved Cardinal’s were still doing well, but nope. It was a painful and heartbreaking end to the season to say the least. However, their unusual and early exit in the Postseason is probably better for my heart rate, blood pressure, and overall health. Now, Let’s Go Blue Jays!!!! My aunts, uncles, and cousins are living in a constant state of panic. For those who don’t know…my dad is from Toronto, so they have always been a second favorite team for us!

My set up and “good luck” items didn’t help for the disgrace that was game 2.

Part of my rally towel collection which was removed weeks too soon. STL isn’t used to this!

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A week ago today at 4:32p “Reproductive Partners” pops up on my phone. My heart drops as always, as I fumble to answer the call. I thought maybe they had received the results early from the one embryo that needed to be retested. Not the case. I figured the retest would have happened the day after they called me with the initial results; however, they informed me it just happened last Tuesday, as it had to get put into their schedule. The embryologist let me know the embryo survived the thaw and biopsy, wonderful news! It was then refrozen. She shared with me this was the one embryo graded as “good.” I am hoping it comes back normal, but I am not holding my breath. When transfer time comes AND if this embryo comes back genetically normal, it would be the last one we would transfer due to all it has been through in its short existence. We should get another call in a few days with the report.

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, I was able to spend time with this pretty one!! We picked each other up after the Cards loss, had a great meal at an beautiful restaurant on the beach, and laughed too much! I loved our time together, and cannot wait to see you again soon 🙂 Xo

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Last Wednesday, I had an ART (assisted reproductive technology) appointment. It is similar to orientation; yet, we have been there done that, but I went along with it since I am new to the clinic. Chris missed out, as he was out of town for work. I watched a 20-minute video, followed by an appointment with a nurse coordinator to review the calendar, medications, and questions. I was able to chat with Dr. F before and after the appointment. I am seriously obsessed and feel so lucky to have her in my life. I know, I am slightly dramatic.

Pretend watching the orientation video for San Diego Fertility.

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This past Saturday morning we headed to the Desert/Palm Springs to visit Chris’ family, about a 2.5-hour drive from Carlsbad. Rancho La Quinta Country Club, where his parents and grandmothers live, will always be a special place to us, as it is where we were married nearly two years ago. We had a nice time, tasty meals, shared stories and laughs, and enjoyed the always-beautiful scenery. The pup left exhausted, as she was nonstop in the pool. Chris got in quite a few card games with this 90 & 91-year-old grandmothers, too sweet! 🙂 We drove back Sunday around 5p, once Chris’ important football games were complete. 😉 I know how special it is for him to spend quality time with his family. In the kindest and most honest way, I really envy the distance factor! It isn’t easy being 2,000+ miles away from my immediate and extended families.

This would last all day if I allowed it!

Gorgeous views from Grandma Margaret’s home.

Had to sneak this picture, as Grandma Agnes (middle) hates having her picture taken. Grandma Margaret is on the left. These two are both over 90, and are as great as can be!

This picture doesn’t do justice the beautiful colors in the sky on Saturday evening.

Sunday morning coffee with a view 🙂

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Next up – Ultrasound and Blood work Tuesday 10/27 at 11:30a. If everything checks out well (no cysts/abnormalities and normal Estrogen levels)…I would begin the stimulation medication Wednesday 10/28. I am really, really hoping my body responds the same way as cycle one, but as we have been told, each cycle can be different. Hypothetically speaking, I respond in a similar fashion, I would be on the stim meds for approximately 9-12 days followed by the retrieval which, as of now, is tentatively November 8-11.

I pray the plan stays on track for MANY reasons. The potential success of our future family is first and foremost! But, I am dying to see my family and friends, as it will have been nearly seven months by the time we make it home for Thanksgiving!

I believe that is all the randomness I have for now! I hope you all have a wonderful week! I will be back soon 🙂 Xo

Carlsbad’s version of Fall. 10.10.15 at the beach. I SOOOO miss actual Fall with cooler temps and the leaves changing.

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Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess. Just breathe, and have faith that everything will work out for the best. – Robert Tew