To My Science Baby On His First Birthday
Sebastian, I have been thinking for quite a while now of what I wanted to write to you, for your...
Tag: ivf
Overdue, Induction, and Birth Story – Buckle Up, It’s a LONG One
Our son was due on July 13th, 2017. I’d like to point out that at 36 weeks pregnant our OB told me to take it easy to encourage him to stay in. We were afraid that he would arrive too soon! Well, it looks like our Little Bear took our pleas a little too seriously because he did not want to come out. We hit 40 weeks, and at the OB office we discussed induction. I was hoping I could go into labor on my own to avoid interventions, but – it didn’t quite work out that way. Dr. Lee...
A Letter To Our Son at 40 Weeks Pregnant
Dearest Little Bear, This was originally going to be a sweet, sentimental letter to you (that I still plan on finishing) but for now, in the extreme heat and humidity I have dealt with the past week, I have one thing to say and one thing to say only. Please. Just. Come. Out. We want to meet you, and I am not above bribery. I will let you stay up all night and we can have a party at your crib if you just come out on your own. Consider this your official eviction notice because Mommy is very tired,...
Infertility vs Mother’s Day
Time to get uncomfortable. Ready to feel some feelings? Let’s talk about Mother’s Day. I’ve discussed this with a few other women in my support group who have struggled with infertility and have completed their journey – either through stopping treatment, or achieving success through IVF, adoption, or surrogacy. And a common thread among us is extreme difficulty reconciling your feelings about motherhood when you have closely identified (and lived) as an infertile person for a long time. You mark days like “Mother’s Day” and “Father’s Day” on your calendar and make a mental note about how that will be a day...
Two Hour Glucose Tolerance Test A.K.A. Lime-drink Hell and Results
On Friday, March 31st – both Dean and I went to the Quest Lab that is closest to our house to do my glucose tolerance test. Also known as the test that searches for gestational diabetes. Or, as Mr. Brimley would say: Now, the reason I selected this particular Quest office was because they offered a 7:15AM appointment time, and when you are pregnant and fasting, a) the sooner you can eat, the better and b) I am still working, so I wanted to make sure I didn’t impact the office with my absence. As always, we came prepared – Dean...
Over Halfway Done – Progress Report!
As a quick aside before I update everyone – the pregnancy comparisons to food are super weird. Last week it was a Mango, and now it’s an ear of corn? Okay, app. Whatever you say. I will be 24 weeks this Thursday, the 23rd and have my routine OB appointment the following day. According to both my pregnancy apps, his brain is continuing to develop and his lungs are developing the “branches” of his respiratory tree which will help him breathe in the outside world. Apparently, he is now considered ‘viable’, even though he would need intensive neonatal care. How am...
Anatomy Ultrasound
This morning, with a VERY full bladder, we had our anatomy scan. Now, before everyone gets all: Let me get through a few things first. You still with me, or are you scrolling down to get to the good part? Come on, stick with me. In addition to finding out what private parts our child has, this is a very important ultrasound where measurements are taken to make sure the baby is growing at a healthy rate, certain chromosomal defects can be ruled out, any potential issues with the placenta (i.e. placenta previa), and that the visible organs are functioning/present. Well, this...
The Baby is the Size of What?
I told everyone that I would keep you posted, and look, here I am keeping my promises. We are officially 18 weeks pregnant – only two weeks off from the halfway mark! Crazy right? According to my two pregnancy apps, the baby is now the size of a sweet potato, or – a sugar glider. I’m not sure how I feel about our baby being compared to vegetables and animals, but sugar gliders are pretty adorable, so I’ll allow it. In my first trimester, I had some bloodwork done by Dr. Lee that indicated I may have hyperthyroidism caused by...
Better Late Than Never! FET #2
Okay, okay, I am a bit late in posting this. I’m sorry, it’s been really busy over here. We had our transfer on 10/25, and Dr. Cass was there to perform it! I had my same nurse who performed my ultrasound…again, THE WORST part of the whole thing is needing to pee but not being able to. There was a Nurse in the room who did not introduce herself to me, so as I got into the stirrups, I said, “Hi, I know we don’t know each other, but my name is Jen and this is my vagina.” Everyone laughed,...
Lining Check and Transfer Date
I had my lining check on 10/12, and everything looks great – 11mm like last time, which is great! I go back into the RE office on 10/19 for another ultrasound to check my lining, as well as a blood test to make sure that my estrogen still at a good level. If everything goes well, I start the PIO shots on 10/20. I am actually toying with the idea of filming one of these to document the truly fun part of this experience. I know that this is probably a weird idea, but I figure that there are way...