Monday, April 30, 2012

Progress

**Disclaimer-these are not my ovaries!!:)

Well, I had my first "monitoring" ultrasound and bloodwork before church yesterday.  It was fun to juggle getting to the doctor, rushing back to church, setting up the primary room, only to rush into Sacrament meeting barely in time to sit down and catch my breath before primary started!  I am kind of excited to be in Chicago and just have no outside pressures and just RELAX!

Well, the ultrasound went fine.  The reason I posted that picture of the ovaries is because that's pretty much what mine look like right now!  Although I have not been officially tested, all the signs point to me having PCOS or polycystic ovaries. This obviously effects fertility in women since you have cysts on your ovaries.  You actually have a 45% chance of miscarriage as opposed to a 15% chance in "normal" women.  That explains my miscarriages! What it means for me with IVF is that I will most likely produce a greater number of follicles and therefore a lesser quality of egg.  Bummer!  That's also what happened last time with Cooper's IVF cycle.  My doctor has me on some diabetes medication to counteract the possibility of PCOS.

Right now I am giving myself 3 shots a day and popping 2 pills.  I feel pretty normal hormonally, but that doesn't say too much for me!  I am feeling bloated and a bit heavy and super tired.  I am getting very excited to get the process over and done with.  While I am actually on a fast cycle it still feels like the process is never ending!  I fly out to Chicago with Jake on Saturday and hopefully will have my eggs taken out on Sunday, possibly Monday.  More updates coming soon...

Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Beginning

Have you ever received $3000 worth of medication in the mail?
It's humbling to say the least.
 I have decided that I want to document my "Fertility Journey" this time around.  Usually these kind of things are kept very private but I'm just not a private person and I would love it if people would rejoice with us, and if need be, mourn with us.  Plus, I just want to remember it all!  

That being said, tonight was shot #1 administered to myself.  The first of many.  Such a HUGE step in our lives right now and we are going totally on F.A.I.T.H.  I hope I have the strength needed!  So, keep us in your prayers, your fasting, and whatever else you want to keep us in!  Good luck to us!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

CALIFORNIA...Knows How To Party

No really, California does know how to party.  We lived a surreal life for 9 perfect days in Southern California while visiting the Sedgwick's, etc.  We went to the beach, went to Legoland, enjoyed In n' Out, swam every day in the hot tub.  Oh, it was so much fun!
 Cousin Caleb taking Cooper,Luke, and Ethan on a scooter ride.

 Legoland with cousins Madison and Lucy.


 Lucy, Caleb, Madison, Cooper, Luke, and Ethan





 At Dana Point Harbor Beach:




 Luke with his cousin, Hannah.



That Shuggy loves his cousins!

Friday, April 20, 2012

The Brothers

I affectionately refer to my children as "the brothers now".  Whenever I need them all I simply shout "brothers" and they all come...right away...like perfect children...in my perfect world.  Here is a dose of "the brothers"
for you!
 Brother 3, a.k.a., Shuggy
 Bubbles!

 Brother #1: Cooper, a.k.a., Brown Tooth, Perfect Angel
 Life is exhausting for these guys!
The Brothers 3 enjoying "Tea"!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I Was the Murderer and Didn't Even Know It!

We have some great friends out here in the ABQ--one of the best being the Wynder's.  They are super fun, super creative, and just plain awesome.  They put on an 80's Murder Mystery Party.  Here we all are:









Isn't that hair-do amazing?  Anyhow, I ended up being the murderer...How's that for luck?  Thanks for all the fun Wynder's!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Christmas: After

 After Christmas we had the awesome chance to go visit Shalie and Grant in Colorado.  Hands down-most entertaining hosts ever!  We also celebrated both Ethan and Luke's birthdays along with a fair amount of playing Wii!

 Cooper almost beat Grampa at boxing!  That kid is too good at computer games-kind of scary!
 Luke celebrating with Ethan and cousin Chase.



That card looks awfully captivating!