19 Weeks

This week we found out I have a thyroid problem that sometimes occurs with pregnancy. My doctor doesn't seem too worried, I will have to take medication until I give birth to keep it under control. Of course this is safe for the baby.

The babies room is now completely empty. Craig is starting this weekend with the chair rails and bead board. We have found the bedding, so we now have the fun task of picking out the paint. I think we are going with a zoo theme. Neutrals with browns, tans and greens. very cute but not too over the top.

I haven't felt the baby move yet, though I'm hoping he kicks me soon. He was going crazy during our last appointment so I know it's any day now. I'm still sleeping fine, but we went Sunday to get me my body pillow. I was waking up on my back every morning and this is not good for the baby, the pillow seems to be doing the trick. My weight it right on track, hopefully all these holiday treats won't put me over the edge..... heeheehee

Today was the day, will it be pink or blue. Well my husband got his wish and a baby boy it is. We were so overwhelmed and excited, we both cried (tears of joy of course). Now my dreams of pink butterflies and ponytails will be replaced with jungle monkeys and nike baby gear.

It was truely amazing to see our little man up on the screen. I drank some orange juice right before we went in and WOW he was active. little arms and legs moving all over the place. I can't wait to actually feel him move in my belly. My doctor said everything looks good so on to the room we go and now the fun begins........

As far as me, I'm feeling pretty good. I try to exercise at least a few days a week and eat as healthly as possible, but I must admit, baked goods are my down fall, wouldn't even dream of trying to passing them up. So far, I've been lucky enough to skip the heartburn I've herd about and I'm still sleeping quite comfortably. I know this will soon pass.

15 weeks - Baby's first concert

On Sunday we went to the Coldplay concert and the Baby loved it. We were rocking out. This was probably the first concert I've been to sober to and it was still awesome. At the end, they dropped paper butterflies and we saved some for my memory book. I leave for Mass on Wednesday, I can't wait. It's been over 6 months since I've been home. It's going to be freezing, so my mom bought me a wool jacket so me and baby would be nice and warm.

All the tests came back negative for Downs Syndrome. That was great news. We go for more testing in 2 weeks and hopefully we can find out the sex. Craig has cleared out the spare room and we are awaiting to see which colors we will be going with. Pink or blue? Pink would be nice, but I am truely blessed either way.

Our 13 week picture

Today was amazing, We got our real first view of our little angel. What a difference 6 weeks make. At 7 weeks, on the ultra sound, there was just a blob, now you can see the head, and nose and lips. Utterly amazing. The specialist checked the fold on the back of the babies neck to detect Down Syndrome, he said everything looked fine, but we won't know for sure until the bloodwork comes back. We go back in 4 weeks for another ultrasound, hopefully we can find out what the sex is. Yippee

12 weeks

I offically can't fit into any of my cloths already unless they are dresses or stretchy skirts. Thank goodness I already had a bunch of work dresses. I don't look prego yet, just like I've gained a few LBs. I have purchased few items so far and will need a full new wardrobe shortly.....I will need some warm clothes to go to Mass in November. I can't wait to see my girls and my family, it will be very exciting to be with and share my happiness.

I am starting to feel better, still a bit queasy if I don't eat first thing in the morning, but much better. My energy is also coming back. I have been cleared for the gym and it feels great to sweat again!

I go for next Doc appt next week. This is to the specialist to check for Down Syndrome. Hopefully we will also get a picture of our 13 week tyke. It will be nice to bring something home with me and will be amazing to see my Lime (as the book calls her) on the monitor.

Heartbeat 9-22-2008

Friday was an amazing day. We herd our babys heartbeat for the first time. There was 1 very strong heartbeat. Craig and I both cried. We have another unltrasound this week. Dr. Roseff said that this week and ultrasound is very important. They are looking for the baby to almost double in size and the heartbeat to also double in beats. If this happens, for IVF patients there is a 96% chance that I will carry full term. Craig and I are extremly excited. Twins would have been a blessing, but financially 1 baby is better for us.

I am feeling queasy almost every day. I was hoping this wouldn't happen to me since usually I have an iron stomach, but no such luck. Most of the books I am reading actually say this is a good sign, lets us know there are goings on in there. My bottoms are a bit snug, but thanks to the belly band I think I will be able to get through at least 12 weeks without having to buy any new bottoms. Hopefully we will get a more clear ultrasound picture so we can see our little tyke.

Our IVF Journey (9/12/2008)

As most of you know, Craig and I were having trouble concieving a baby so we were sent to the Fertility Specialist. After many many tests we were told we only had a 15% chance of conceiving on our own. Dr. Roseff explained to us that if we were younger there were procedures we could have done to increase our chances, but being that we were both going to turn 35 shortly our only option was IVF. I knew that this was a possiblity but I really never thought this could happen to us. He told us to think about it and let him know shortly as he wanted us to start the process as soon as possible. We had briefly talked about and already knew the answer.

The next week we ordered our meds and had our shots class. Our doctors office is fantastic. They called me everyday and held my hand through every process. 2 weeks later we started with the tummy shots and pills. Craig would mix 2 different meds and dart them into my tummy everynight. During the next 2 weeks I would travel every morning to the doc office for blood tests and ultra sounds. This was a very emotional and exciting time. Everyday my overies would grow a bit larger and my belly would feel a bit heavier. 10 days of this and it was time to travel to clinic for the retrieval.

For this procedure I was put under local anesthesia. They collected 16 eggs, 5 were immature and 3 were no good. This left us with 8 good eggs. By day 3 we had 4- 8 cell A quality and 3- 7 cell AB quailty. We decide to implant 2 A quality eggs. We also had 3 eggs survive to freeze. After the transfer I was to stay off my feet for 48 hours. This I loved. Craig was so great. He set me up on the couch and waiting on me hand and foot all weekend. I also worked from home for 3 days just be sure.

Now all we could do is wait. I now had to start getting progestrone shots in my butt everyday, which are far worse than the belly shots and back to the doctor every 3 days to check my hormones. After 2 weeks I went in for the Pregnancy bloodtest. I worked from that day just in case it was bad news. By this point we were excited, scared, nervous. What if it didn't work. Only 50% of 1st time IVF cycles work. The call came in and I could hear Susan giggling on the other end and she happily said YOUR PREGNANT. I asked her, are you sure and said no doubt. I couldn't help let out a huge sigh of relief and of tears of joy. This really worked.

So here we are. 7 weeks of ups and downs, sore tummies and bruised butts, but worth every second of it. This process is not an easy one but I feel very blessed that we were sent to Dr. Roseff and Susan. I truely believe they had so much to do with our success. We go for our first ultrasound next week to see if there are 1 or 2 embyos. I will be updating the site every so often. :)