As we began to hone in on the IVF – In Vitro Fertilization procedure, Kari was scheduled for a plethora of blood tests. We signed up to attend an “injection” class where we were taught how to properly aim extremely long needles into different skin injection sights (done on rubber stress balls at the time) for the hormone shots that were to be doled out daily. Every mom-to-be left that class looking like they needed a strong drink, yet no one could indulge! Shortly after the class and a hefty pharmaceutical lab payment we received a large box!
Yes that’s right. All of the meds for Kari’s procedure. It was getting REAL! We were of course excited and scared. We really felt the pressure that so much was riding on this procedure. We tried not to think of the what if’s, we tried to stay positive and focus on good thoughts and living a stress free life. Tried was the key word, it wasn’t always perfect but we made it work.
Kari and I are blessed with amazing friends and family. My mom visited and Kari’s mom stayed with us for a few days after the painful egg retrieval, they helped take care of our zoo of animals (2 dogs, 3 cats), bought goodies to us, and most importantly listened to us. Kari got REALLY swollen and was very uncomfortable post egg retrieval. We were hoping for a super successful retrieval with a ton of eggs, but we soon realized the reason that Kari hadn’t had previous pregnancies was due to poor egg quality. Only 2 eggs were deemed acceptable. One didn’t multiply as much as expected and one was doing just fine. When we were ready for the transfer of the egg/s back into Kari 3 days later, we decided to put both back in just in case. The doctor didn’t feel confident that the smaller of the two was worth saving and freezing but we still wanted to use it.
Unfortunately with no eggs left to freeze (in ideal circumstances, there would be eggs remaining for use at a later date in the case of a negative result or an opportunity for another child) this meant we really needed this procedure to work! The cost of everything is really in the retrieval process so another attempt just wasn’t fees-able for us in the near future. After the transfer, our family support was in full swing. We had so many people praying for us it was incredible! The love and acceptance that we receive from our loved ones is more than anyone can ever ask for. We are forever grateful!
A few months prior, my youngest brother Matthew and his girlfriend Aubrey found out they were expecting. This was a hard time for me. I was so happy for them and sad at the same time. So many emotions took place! On the night of the Kari’s transfer Matthew and Aubrey had their gender reveal party for their baby. I attended and was excited to find out if I was having a niece or a nephew. Kari couldn’t join due to a 48 hour period of bed rest. I just felt that it was so important to go share in their experience and joy and I had especially hoped that they would be able to share in ours a few moths later. Well it tuned out I will be an Aunt to a lil’ baby girl named Isabella Luna. I can’t wait for her arrival, due June 22nd!
We had an excruciatingly long wait in the days leading up to a blood test to find out if we were pregnant or not. We were on edge and knew we were supposed to be relaxed and calm. There was nothing we could do but count the days and hope.
On the day of the blood test I remember Kari and I discussed that I would leave my phone on me all day. The anxiety level was in full swing. We were supposed to get a result by 2:00 pm. We both went to work knowing that if we stayed home we would pace the floors bare. By 1:45 I was a wreck, disheveled with a frazzled look upon my face. I went into my office to sit for a moment, I looked down at my phone, 1:52. What the Hell! Just then my work phone rang, I answered it and needed to take the call up front. I left my office and proceeded with the phone call. When I hung up the phone I realized the other line was ringing and the caller I.D. had Kari’s name on it. I left my cell phone in the office, go figure! I answered, apologetically, time stopped abruptly and the world felt frozen. I heard Kari crying on the other end. I had a split second to expect the worse, but I didn’t, I just listened. Through trembling tears I heard her softly say “it worked”. What, I said shaking like a leaf, she repeated it, “it worked were pregnant”. I started crying of course, I immediately left work to kiss and hug my wife in person. I called my mom, who screamed like crazy, so did Kari’s mom when we called her next. It was an unforgetable experience, pure joy and amazement.
After the initial blood test Kari had to get 3 additional blood tests to make sure the pregnancy was “sticking”. Everything went perfectly, the numbers increased as needed and we were moving right along. We had a fertility clinic ultrasound scheduled to look for a heartbeat. And there it was, one amazing heartbeat. IT WORKED!
Those days were nerve racking and scary and I certainly came close to fainting out of sheer nervousness a few times, but we did it. We stayed strong when we wanted to give up. We didn’t quit when the times were more than difficult. It made us stronger and united. And we are now pregnant! Our precious baby is due October 18th 2014.
Here are some tips that we found and believed worked for us.
Pure whey powder – after the egg transfer, our fertility doctor read studies that it helped, not tasty, but worth the try. One scoop of the pure stuff, no weird steroid pump-you-up bells and whistles. You have to go to a specialized store for the raw kind.
Also the pineapple core method. There is a theory and a method to the pineapple eating madness. Here is a link:
http://www.fertilityafter40.com/does-eating-pineapple-with-bromelain-help-with-implantation-during-pregnancy.html
We tried to stay calm, I didn’t let Kari do any hard work. Which meant I shoveled this horrible winter’s snow and learned how to use a snow blower. Also during our 2 year fertility journey I have done all of the liter box cleaning (toxic chemical/cat liter disease).
Kari was mindful about what she ate, took prenatal vitamins and although this was the time when she really could have used a drink, she didn’t. She stayed away from harsh cleaning chemicals as well. She also hydrated with an increased intake of water.
The most important part of our experience was again the support, so many people routing for us, helped us to stay positive. Thank You to EVERYONE! We Love You!
Sideways 8
2 Chicks and a Baby 