Due Winter 2012

[Addy]

I definitely feel really big, but luckily my office is business casual so I feel like I can hide my bump behind some maternity pants and loose shirts. No one at work has said anything to me, so maybe no one has noticed. Although I know that is just wishful thinking, I am sure they notice the hourly bathroom breaks I am going to tell my boss next week, so that will clear up any rumors.

[BlissfulCS]

Addy- So you are in maternity pants already too? I thought it was crazy that I had to break them out already. I LITERALLY CANNOT FIT IN MY SUITS AT ALL ANYMORE (not even with bellybands because my hips are also getting bigger). I mentioned on the other thread that I gained 6 pounds before this cycle in order to get my BMI to the perfect fertility zone, so I started at a disadvantage. Plus I used to exercise a ton and only just this week started doing the elliptical every other day for only 20 minutes. So I have gained another 8...14 pounds total over the last 4 months. I started at a disadvantage...but I for sure already have a bump! I am trying to slow it down a little, responsibly.

AFM- we tested out water and did not get good news today! We are on a delicious and spring fed well. I just love our water! But being on a well we decided to get it tested and boy am I glad we did. Turns out we have coliform bacteria (uh...you don't want to know where it comes from, just use your imagination). I called the OB and he said not to drink anymore but also not to worry and that as long as I haven't been sick it is fine. The coliform bacteria itself won't harm you in small amounts, but I guess it indicates that our well is exposed to potential contaminants and that other more harmful stuff like E.coli could get into the well (the good news is we tested negative for the more serious stuff). I don't want you to get the wrong impression, our home is lovely and on a beautiful inland lake...not in some podunk town in Michigan. But it is in a rural area and a well is our only option. So its only bottled water for me. Had me super scared today for awhile and totally grossed out!

[deftonesmo]

Alissa: I've always been open about my fertility struggles. I feel compelled the share. When I first got diagnosed, I didn't know anyone who had gone through IVF and I decided to be open about it to help others if they had fertility issues. No shame, no blame. I'm also the type of person who needs my community to support me, good or bad news. Most of my friends, co-workers, and family knew we were doing IVF and thus, know we are pregnant. They've been incredibly supportive through the BFNs and the BFPs. However, my friend didn't tell anyone until the end of her first trimester. Everyone is different. The only downside is that I don't have any "cute" reveal stories. Those m&m's are adorable! I think we may have a gender reveal party, where we'll have a cake made with pink or blue frosting on the inside and share the news with our family & friends. Something has to be a surprise!

[Addy]

Bliss- I had to go out and buy maternity pants like two weeks ago. I couldn't believe I needed them that early, but none of my pants were fitting. I really don't exercise, minus walking my dog, so I wasn't that fit when we did IVF. I am currently at my heaviest weight (I blame the meds ), so I am really nervous about how I am going to look after I gain all that pregnancy weight. Oh well, it's for a good cause!

Deftonesmo - I love the idea of a gender reveal! I think those are just the cutest ideas. Hopefully we can have one when we find out the flavor of our bean. My DH is a very private person, so he requested that we keep things to ourselves (about IVF and the pregnancy). It wasn't easy, by any means. Luckily I found this board where I could express my concerns, frustrations, and share our news. It hasn't been easy, but none of my close friends are really trying to have families and I'm not that close with any of my coworkers that I would even bring up starting to have a family. If people were to ask me if we did IVF, I would talk about it since I am not ashamed by it.

[deftonesmo]

Addy: I hear ya. Fortunately, people have been very sensitive and supportive to my IVF conversations/revelations. Everyone deals differently with infertility and I totally get being private about it. After our first BFN, DH was saying, "WHy did we tell everyone?" But it was much better after our BFP =) I didn't realize that some people have religious objections to IVF. DH and I are not religious and most of our friends aren't either, but I've been fortunate not to deal with any sort of judgement from others. I've actually become the resident IF Go-To-Person, as many teachers come up to me now with, "I have a friend who is doing IUI" or "We've been trying for six months and now we're going in for tests. What should I expect?" etc. It's not a role that I necessarily aspired to have, but I am glad to offer people insight on my experiences, as it seems I've been there, done that I tell DH we were chosen for this path for a reason. The universe must have known that our IF struggles would have strengthened our marriage and that we could handle it. Of course, I already knew that and would love to have all that $$$$ back! Ha, Ha! Have you guys had any sort of judgement or negative reactions to IVF?

[BlissfulCS]

Mora- not a single person has been the slightest bit judgmental about it which actually surprised me, I expected there to be some hardliners out there that felt that we were fighting against God's intent. Interestingly, we are religious, but I look at all of this as part of God's plan. So does my RE who is also a devout Christian. When he came in for our transfer on a Sunday, he was jammin the Christian tunes which I thought was kind of cool and very interesting since so many people these days are afraid to express their religious identity in the workplace. Who knows...maybe the positive melodies helped this time around.

[smoon0021]

Hello Everyone!!!!

Been awhile since my last post, how's everybody?
Sorry if I can't do personals coz I only often use my pc or cp to surf...
Hoping that's eveyone's well....

So, AFM Got my sono today! My baby got twice bigger compare to the last one...
Every part of my baby's can see of course except of the gender. I'm glad that the baby is healthy
and baby's heartbeat is 150. Sizing 5.3cm, Everything is good. And I'm happy coz that...
My next sono is on 7/29 another long wait uh! But it's all worth it! Now my baby's officially a FETUS!
great isn't it?

Wishing Everyone A healthy pregnancy! And GROW babies GROW!

Have A GREAT DAy!

[Addy]

Congrats smoon on an excellent u/s!

AFM - had an OB appt today and all they did was listen for a heartbeat. I almost started to tear up when we heard it. No u/s today which I was kind of bummed about, but oh well. I go back in 4 weeks. Maybe they will be able to tell the flavor by then.

[BlissfulCS]

Smoon- congrats on a great u/s and heartbeat. Sounds like things are just moving along great.

Addy- so happy for you! I know its not an u/s, but it certainly is the reassurance you were hoping for (and that we never doubted!) It feels great, huh? Thinking about you on your big weekend telling your families. Enjoy!

AFM- Water tests 2, 3, and 4 all came back in perfect condition. It seems the test is super sensitive and the bacteria could have come from the sink, DH's hands, etc. So we are in the clear! At least as far as the water supply. Of course when I was buying foundation today I realize the stuff I have been using has salycic acid in it (Neutrogena Skin Clearing). It seems after perusing the internet that it has only been shown to create issues when ingested and that it is unlikely that the small amount in foundation would cause birth defects. So much to worry about when pregnant!

Speaking of worry, today is my first day without progesterone (crinone)! I am actually really excited to be done with it. But of course there is this little part of me that worries.

Went golfing with my sis, her new beau, and DH today. Actually, I only drove the cart. I wanted to play sooooo badly but DH thought the twisting would be too much. He says in a couple of weeks I can do whatever I want but he wants me to take it easy until after the first trimester. So cute! Of course after a couple of beers he started to get amorous and I was like "uh...no! In a couple of weeks we can do whatever we want but right now we should take it easy... " Ha. Ha...I am so anxious for the second trimester for so many reasons!

[NancyB]

Bliss-- so glad about the water. That is so good to know. I hear ya on the Progesterone. I can't wait to stop my PIO but at the same time I know I'll be nervous. My RE mentioned drawing blood at my next u/s and he'll wean me off PIO and estrogen. My backside is sooooo sore. Today I was in a small local shop buying fresh tomatoes. Another person and I backed into each other (lightly) and I couldn't believe how it made my backside hurt. So very sore from all these PIO shots. I keep reminding myself it will be beyond worth it.

[deftonesmo]

Alissa: Cute story =) DH is going nuts from the lack of "intimacy" too . . . poor guys . . . wish I could help my DH out, but I feel like throwing up every three seconds and my gag reflex is on red alert . . . yeah . . . not so much . . . looking forward to the second trimester too! =) glad to hear your tests came back normal . . . Going off the progesterone can be scary . . . but it will all work out =)

Addy: You want boring appoinements =) They make you pee, weigh you, get your bp, listen for the hb, and the send you on your way. For me, I only got an u/s when they couldn't pick up the hb on the doppler. Stressful! Of course, we heard it on the u/s, but I like the boring appointments much better! After I got discharged to the OB, I only had 4 more u/s. One at my inital OB visit, one u/s when they couldn't hear the hb, one at the first trimester screening (4-D is so cool!), and the last one at the 20 week anatomical survey. I think you'll get more if an issue comes up. There are lots of u/s places where you pat $100 and you get a 4-D ultrasound. It's a bummer that we don't get to see the baby more, but again, boring appointments are the best

nancy: sorry to hear about your backside . . . ouch! My RE is stopping PIO at 10 weeks . . . you're almost done!

Smoon: yay for a healthy fetus =)

AFM: had my last RE appointment on friday . . . I have officially graduated i had an OB appt last week to check my cervix for spotting, but my first REAL OB appt is on Thursday . . . our 1st trimester screening (BUN study) is on 7/20 . . . excited to see a 4-D image of the little guy, but nervous as the testing . . .

[BlissfulCS]

Congratulations on graduation Mora! My screening is 7/21 so we will be back to back. Jealous- my OB only uses the 4D if you schedule and pay extra for it. I guess they just use a plain old u/s for the visits and screening (or at least I think). We are going to pay for the 4D when the time comes though.

In the intimacy department... I caved yesterday. Hope this is not TMI . I was so nervous at first...almost like the first time. Ha ha. But it was just fine. Better than fine! I think we are going to be okay from here on out (in moderation). And I am super excited that DH isn't one of those guys that gets weird about it. I also am relieved he loves the new curves. He is one of those guys who likes petite women (although he wont say that, I know him) so I was really worried, but I think he is having fun with having a "new wife". lol.

Nancy- Ouch!!! I don't miss PIO at all and am so glad I switched (even though Crinone has its own drawbacks).

AFM- I felt great again yesterday. I am sure being off the supplemental progesterone helped. I worked out a little in the morning (20 easy minutes of elliptical), went boating, and swam a bit. That is the most I have done since before I started the cycle and its the most like myself I have felt in a long time (the intimacy with DH helped ). Exercise has always been such an important part of my life and I am so glad that I feel well enough and am far enough along to bring it back a little.

DH "confessed" to wanting a boy yesterday. It was sort of funny, he began by saying he would be thrilled with anything and it didn't matter and then he walked out of the bathroom where I was getting ready. A couple of minutes later he came back in and said with confidence and a whole lot of emphasis. "No...you know what???? I DO want a boy and I am not afraid to say it. I'd love a girl too but yes, I want a boy."

I'm not worried about him being disappointed, this is the man who said about adoption "I am not a king, Alisa. Its not like our bloodline needs to be carried on. I just want us to have a child." I actually thought it was pretty cute (and no surprise of course that he wanted a boy, I think most of them do!).

Have a Happy Fourth ladies and remember if you are out in the sun to stay hydrated.

[DALLAS]

Hope everyone had a great holiday! I sure did, but I am so tired! This weekend was the most activity I have had in quite some time. My morning sickness has started easing off this week, which is good, it just comes and goes and I dont know when it will come or go!I have my NT u/s on Friday. I am super excited about seeing the babies again. Its been 2 wks since Ive seen them! Luckily with twins I get an u/s with each visit.

[NancyB]

My IVF nurse called today to give me my weaning off meds schedule. On 7/21 I get to go to EOD for the PIO shots. Final PIO will be 8/4. My left hip is bruised terribly right now. I know it will all be worth it and just keep reminding myself of that. I'll be glad to go to EOD on the PIO. I stop estrogen on 7/23, I think. It's only twice a week so not too bad.

[easley4]

Hi ladies, I hope you don't mind me crashing but I'd love to get ya'lls input on my beta report. My beta was today and it came back at 88, my RE seemed very happy with the number and set me up an U/S appt on 7-19. When I had a twin pregnancy my 1st beta came back at 450 so I am nervous that this beta is kinda low. My ER was 6-22 and my ET was 6-25. We transfered 1- 8cell and 1- 6 cell. What do ya'll think? Any input would be great!!! Congrats to you all, glad to see there really is a light at the end of this LONG tunnel