I had that third beta drawn early this morning. Well, yesterday morning now, I guess.
Andddd.... (little happy dance), the number was 112!!!!
Way higher than I was hoping it would be. I was planning to be happy with anything over 60 really. I thought 75 or 80 would be cool. So 112 made me feel so much better.
I sent Johnny and Seth a text as soon as I found out, and told Chris as soon as I got home. I think there was a huge, collective sigh of relief. And a little disbelief that our number came back so good! I still feel the cautious optimism feeling. But at the same time, I feel like we can relax and celebrate a little too.
Our next draw will be the routine day 20 draw. The clinic is hoping to see a beta over 1,000. So, we're still keeping our fingers and our toes crossed, but we might have uncrossed our eyes.... :)
After that, it will be a heartbeat ultrasound!!!!
Summary:
beta #1, 6dp5dt: 2.2
beta #2, 8dp5dt: 15
beta #3, 11dp5dt: 112
Lilypie First Birthday tickers
pregnancy ticker
Monday, November 26, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Clear as mud
Well. It's time for those pesky betas.
When you get pregnant without the aid of a doctor, lab equipment, and a lot of medication, you confirm with a home pregnancy test. 2 pink lines on a plastic stick brings such amazing joy, and no one ever questions the information those 2 pink lines give. With IVF, we have the betas. A number from day 6 and day 8 post transfer. If the first number doubles, then you're considered pregnant.
We got the results of my betas yesterday. According to our clinic rep, the first beta was "not negative, but very low". I actually had the result of the second beta before the clinic called. My number? 15.... If that was my beta from draw #2, then what was it the first draw???? My gut was thinking somewhere about 4 or 5. I was a little shocked when they told me what it was.... 2.2. Wow. Not negative, but very low. Well, our initial number doubled, all right- it went up almost 7 times. If the numbers were higher, we'd all be doing a happy dance, and congratulating each other on the pregnancy. As it stands, we are all just very cautiously optimistic.
Right now, I'm afraid of what's called a "chemical pregnancy". This is where there is a positive pregnancy test, and positive betas. The betas are generally low, though, and often stop going up. Or, we get to a heartbeat ultrasound and find a sac with no baby.... I know of 2 surros who had betas in the range of mine, though, who have gone on to carry perfectly healthy pregnancies.
When I got pregnant with my oldest, I tested the first day I missed my period. I got a very, very faint positive line on that HPT. But it was there! I never questioned that positive, and I never even thought of beta numbers. And I went on to have a healthy term baby.
Right now? I have 2 HPTs with positive lines. The first to rival what I got with my own pregnancy, and the second a little darker. I have betas that have doubled. But knowing the numbers this time is killing me. They're low, and just that one teeny tiny little fact is holding us all back from the celebration we deserve.
We'll have another beta drawn on Monday. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the number goes up again- as much as it did from that first to the second draw!
Beta #1, 6dp5dt: 2.2
Beta #2, 8dp5dt: 15
When you get pregnant without the aid of a doctor, lab equipment, and a lot of medication, you confirm with a home pregnancy test. 2 pink lines on a plastic stick brings such amazing joy, and no one ever questions the information those 2 pink lines give. With IVF, we have the betas. A number from day 6 and day 8 post transfer. If the first number doubles, then you're considered pregnant.
We got the results of my betas yesterday. According to our clinic rep, the first beta was "not negative, but very low". I actually had the result of the second beta before the clinic called. My number? 15.... If that was my beta from draw #2, then what was it the first draw???? My gut was thinking somewhere about 4 or 5. I was a little shocked when they told me what it was.... 2.2. Wow. Not negative, but very low. Well, our initial number doubled, all right- it went up almost 7 times. If the numbers were higher, we'd all be doing a happy dance, and congratulating each other on the pregnancy. As it stands, we are all just very cautiously optimistic.
Right now, I'm afraid of what's called a "chemical pregnancy". This is where there is a positive pregnancy test, and positive betas. The betas are generally low, though, and often stop going up. Or, we get to a heartbeat ultrasound and find a sac with no baby.... I know of 2 surros who had betas in the range of mine, though, who have gone on to carry perfectly healthy pregnancies.
When I got pregnant with my oldest, I tested the first day I missed my period. I got a very, very faint positive line on that HPT. But it was there! I never questioned that positive, and I never even thought of beta numbers. And I went on to have a healthy term baby.
Right now? I have 2 HPTs with positive lines. The first to rival what I got with my own pregnancy, and the second a little darker. I have betas that have doubled. But knowing the numbers this time is killing me. They're low, and just that one teeny tiny little fact is holding us all back from the celebration we deserve.
We'll have another beta drawn on Monday. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the number goes up again- as much as it did from that first to the second draw!
Beta #1, 6dp5dt: 2.2
Beta #2, 8dp5dt: 15
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Wishing, and hoping, and dreaming, and waiting....
Waiting is the worst, and I am awful at it.
After the embryo transfer, you're instructed to go home and "rest". Full bedrest for the rest of the first day, then two "princess days" after. Those pretty much mean stay in bed or on the couch, have people bring you food, and catch up on your DVR (and maybe even a little sleep!). After your three days, it's back to life as normal. But the entire time, eating at the back of your brain, is one question... Am I pregnant now???
The clinic here does blood tests- the Beta hcG draws, at 6 and 8 days post transfer. For me that is the Wednesday before and the Friday after Thanksgiving. They will have the results, but won't call us until Friday. With Betas, the second number is the important one. They will compare it to the first number taken (if it is not a negative from the first), looking to see if it has at least doubled in the two day period. If it has, then you are considered pregnant.
Now, I'm part of the ranks of IVF gals who just can't wait for that silly 2nd blood draw. You can bet that I'll be taking a home test at some point. With my last surrogacy, I was able to wait until a week after transfer to test. I had my bedrest, then we flew home, then I worked my three nights- so waiting wasn't that hard. This time, I had the transfer and my three days, then two days off before going back to work. And the waiting is killing me!!! I work tonight and the next two, so that will help.
I'm wondering when it will be best to take those pesky home tests though.... Last time, I got a very faint positive on 7 days post transfer. But my first blood draw is 6 days post transfer this time- do I do it on the two days of my blood draws, or wait until that 7th day??? Or do I just buy the Costco pack and do a test daily? lol....
It's very hard not to get my hopes up. I'm trying so hard to be neutral until we know for sure. I know a negative result will be... well. We all know how a negative result will feel. Since Thursday, I've dreamed both that I am pregnant and that I'm not. I've been pretty crampy, and that is usually a good sign. Then I tell myself to just be patient and wait until I can test... torturing myself and over analyzing every little twinge won't give me an answer either way.
But have I ever been known for my patience???
After the embryo transfer, you're instructed to go home and "rest". Full bedrest for the rest of the first day, then two "princess days" after. Those pretty much mean stay in bed or on the couch, have people bring you food, and catch up on your DVR (and maybe even a little sleep!). After your three days, it's back to life as normal. But the entire time, eating at the back of your brain, is one question... Am I pregnant now???
The clinic here does blood tests- the Beta hcG draws, at 6 and 8 days post transfer. For me that is the Wednesday before and the Friday after Thanksgiving. They will have the results, but won't call us until Friday. With Betas, the second number is the important one. They will compare it to the first number taken (if it is not a negative from the first), looking to see if it has at least doubled in the two day period. If it has, then you are considered pregnant.
Now, I'm part of the ranks of IVF gals who just can't wait for that silly 2nd blood draw. You can bet that I'll be taking a home test at some point. With my last surrogacy, I was able to wait until a week after transfer to test. I had my bedrest, then we flew home, then I worked my three nights- so waiting wasn't that hard. This time, I had the transfer and my three days, then two days off before going back to work. And the waiting is killing me!!! I work tonight and the next two, so that will help.
I'm wondering when it will be best to take those pesky home tests though.... Last time, I got a very faint positive on 7 days post transfer. But my first blood draw is 6 days post transfer this time- do I do it on the two days of my blood draws, or wait until that 7th day??? Or do I just buy the Costco pack and do a test daily? lol....
It's very hard not to get my hopes up. I'm trying so hard to be neutral until we know for sure. I know a negative result will be... well. We all know how a negative result will feel. Since Thursday, I've dreamed both that I am pregnant and that I'm not. I've been pretty crampy, and that is usually a good sign. Then I tell myself to just be patient and wait until I can test... torturing myself and over analyzing every little twinge won't give me an answer either way.
But have I ever been known for my patience???
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Transfer Day!!!
November 15, 2012
Today is the day!!! All the meds, all the blood tests, all the ultrasounds... All in preparation for today- we're going to transfer embryos into my uterus, and hope with all our beings that we grow a baby!
My transfer time was at 11am. But I was going to do the acupuncture as well- it takes place both before and after the transfer, so I had to be there at 10. I'm glad that the appoint time was in the morning. We pretty much got up, got everyone ready for the day, and left. The big kids went to school as usual, and Finn went to hang out with our friend Christine for a few hours.
I was more curious about the acupuncture than scared. Chris had been talking to Scott (the acupuncturist) on and off for about a week, so we knew a little of what to expect. We did NOT, however, expect him to be 6'6 tall!!! I think I came up to maybe his belly button.... He took me and Chris back to the transfer room to get us settled. Things in our room looked updated and maybe even new-ish; in stark contrast to the Regan era transfer room we had been in last time!!! lol..... Chris was able to stay in his own clothes this time, and neither of us had to wear an OR bouffant cap. After the obligatory disrobing from the waist down and wrapping myself in a sheet, we called Scott back in to get started.
I was also given that magic of magic pills at this time.... the Valium. Clinics give Valium pre-transfer to induce relaxation and to reduce the incidence of of uterine contractions with all the goings- on that will happen in there. The acupuncture was painless and quick. He was using 36 gauge needles (translation, very small)- in my feet, ears, wrists, the top of my head, and in my lower abdomen. There was maybe a little pin prick when the needles were placed, but after that, the sites only felt warm. The goal of the acupuncture was relaxation and increase blood flow to the appropriate areas. To be honest, I'm not sure if it helped with my relaxation or not- the Valium kicked in about the same time he was done placing the needles. I rested in quiet peace for about 25 minutes before he took the needles out.
Then it was transfer time! Dr. Slater came in to discuss the procedure with me. There were 12 blasts (5 day growth embryos) in the lab; 6 from Johnny and 6 from Seth. The plan was to transfer 2 of Seth's blasts, and hope for one to take, and to freeze Johnny's for a later date. As Dr. Slater was going over the paper with me, she said that we were implanting 1 blast. I said "only one???". Turns out she has just spoken to Seth, and he and Johnny had decided to just implant one embryo.... Okay, I thought, the pressure's on!
After making sire that my bladder was sufficiently full (it was...), it was time to place the embryos... uh, embryO. Even through my Valium haze, I made extra special sure to pay attention to what was going on. For all the preparation that goes on, the actual transfer is surprisingly short and uncomplicated (at least on my end). They clean the cervix off with a wash, then thread a double lumen catheter up into my uterus. Then they pull out the inner catheter and place the embryo into that. They rethread the catheter, then place the embryo in the uterus. Sr. Slater pointed out that it was placed between two air bubbles- so she could see exactly where it was going.
After the placement, I was reclined back on the table, and Scott came back in for the second round of acupuncture. This time the needles went into my hands, my legs (by my knees???), my ears, and I don't really remember if there were any more..... My bladder was super full, but I was relaxed enough that it didn't bother me too much this time. Another 20 minutes, and the needles came out, and it was time to go home.
Now comes the waiting.....
Our official Beta draws will be on Wednesday and Friday next week.
I hate waiting.
Today is the day!!! All the meds, all the blood tests, all the ultrasounds... All in preparation for today- we're going to transfer embryos into my uterus, and hope with all our beings that we grow a baby!
My transfer time was at 11am. But I was going to do the acupuncture as well- it takes place both before and after the transfer, so I had to be there at 10. I'm glad that the appoint time was in the morning. We pretty much got up, got everyone ready for the day, and left. The big kids went to school as usual, and Finn went to hang out with our friend Christine for a few hours.
I was more curious about the acupuncture than scared. Chris had been talking to Scott (the acupuncturist) on and off for about a week, so we knew a little of what to expect. We did NOT, however, expect him to be 6'6 tall!!! I think I came up to maybe his belly button.... He took me and Chris back to the transfer room to get us settled. Things in our room looked updated and maybe even new-ish; in stark contrast to the Regan era transfer room we had been in last time!!! lol..... Chris was able to stay in his own clothes this time, and neither of us had to wear an OR bouffant cap. After the obligatory disrobing from the waist down and wrapping myself in a sheet, we called Scott back in to get started.
I was also given that magic of magic pills at this time.... the Valium. Clinics give Valium pre-transfer to induce relaxation and to reduce the incidence of of uterine contractions with all the goings- on that will happen in there. The acupuncture was painless and quick. He was using 36 gauge needles (translation, very small)- in my feet, ears, wrists, the top of my head, and in my lower abdomen. There was maybe a little pin prick when the needles were placed, but after that, the sites only felt warm. The goal of the acupuncture was relaxation and increase blood flow to the appropriate areas. To be honest, I'm not sure if it helped with my relaxation or not- the Valium kicked in about the same time he was done placing the needles. I rested in quiet peace for about 25 minutes before he took the needles out.
Then it was transfer time! Dr. Slater came in to discuss the procedure with me. There were 12 blasts (5 day growth embryos) in the lab; 6 from Johnny and 6 from Seth. The plan was to transfer 2 of Seth's blasts, and hope for one to take, and to freeze Johnny's for a later date. As Dr. Slater was going over the paper with me, she said that we were implanting 1 blast. I said "only one???". Turns out she has just spoken to Seth, and he and Johnny had decided to just implant one embryo.... Okay, I thought, the pressure's on!
After making sire that my bladder was sufficiently full (it was...), it was time to place the embryos... uh, embryO. Even through my Valium haze, I made extra special sure to pay attention to what was going on. For all the preparation that goes on, the actual transfer is surprisingly short and uncomplicated (at least on my end). They clean the cervix off with a wash, then thread a double lumen catheter up into my uterus. Then they pull out the inner catheter and place the embryo into that. They rethread the catheter, then place the embryo in the uterus. Sr. Slater pointed out that it was placed between two air bubbles- so she could see exactly where it was going.
After the placement, I was reclined back on the table, and Scott came back in for the second round of acupuncture. This time the needles went into my hands, my legs (by my knees???), my ears, and I don't really remember if there were any more..... My bladder was super full, but I was relaxed enough that it didn't bother me too much this time. Another 20 minutes, and the needles came out, and it was time to go home.
Now comes the waiting.....
Our official Beta draws will be on Wednesday and Friday next week.
I hate waiting.
Superstitious much???
I am the first to admit that I am superstitious. I knock on wood, I avoid saying certain words and phrases at work, and I believe what goes around comes around. So far, I think we've all come in contact with positive signs for this transfer.... There was my dream a couple weeks ago; not only did it have significance for me, but it turned out to have some significance for Seth and Johnny too. It was one of those Twilight Zone moments when they told us..... We've had two "pregnant" bell peppers since I've started taking my meds- and I don't cut up bell peppers very often!!! The stars seem to be aligning to make this process smooth and uncomplicated...
While I can't do everything exactly the same in preparation for this transfer as I did for the last, there are some things that I can do. Tessie at the agency offers pre-pregnancy and pregnancy massage for her surros. She has also added pre-transfer acupuncture to her services. I really wanted to try acupuncture this time, but was a tiny bit bummed that I would miss out on that massage (I couldn't do both). But sitting in my email in-box, I found a coupon from the massage therapist for a free birthday massage in the month of November.... What? I'll be able to do them both??? Why, yes I will, thank you!
So, I started off my transfer week with a nice relaxing massage. Next, I went in for a pedicure. When getting ready for transfer last time, I had read that green was a good luck color for a lot of surros. So, that July I got a pedicure and had my toenails painted green. Now, I went to a different nail salon this time, and they didn't have that true kelly green polish that I loved so much- so I had to pick a different shade. I asked for the flower design on my big toe, and what she gave me was rather Christmassy (ugh), but I was prepared not to be thrilled with the design. I had landed the older lady at the salon, and usually don't like what she paints on my toes!!! What mattered was the green, though....
The night before the transfer, I took a nice, hot, relaxing bath. Johnny and Seth gifted me with a fabulous collection of bath goodies when they came to visit. They had been sitting on my kitchen table for almost a week, taunting me with their delicious smells... The one I chose for pre-transfer night was the lavender good- night one. It smelled fantastic and was sprinkled with gold dust- maybe sleep sand??? It certainly gave me a relaxing end to a busy day, and was a great send off into a restful sleep.
We had such amazing results after our last transfer, how could I not want to try and replicate that winning formula??? I know this is a different time and a different journey, but anything helps, right?
Here's hoping for positive test results!!!
While I can't do everything exactly the same in preparation for this transfer as I did for the last, there are some things that I can do. Tessie at the agency offers pre-pregnancy and pregnancy massage for her surros. She has also added pre-transfer acupuncture to her services. I really wanted to try acupuncture this time, but was a tiny bit bummed that I would miss out on that massage (I couldn't do both). But sitting in my email in-box, I found a coupon from the massage therapist for a free birthday massage in the month of November.... What? I'll be able to do them both??? Why, yes I will, thank you!
So, I started off my transfer week with a nice relaxing massage. Next, I went in for a pedicure. When getting ready for transfer last time, I had read that green was a good luck color for a lot of surros. So, that July I got a pedicure and had my toenails painted green. Now, I went to a different nail salon this time, and they didn't have that true kelly green polish that I loved so much- so I had to pick a different shade. I asked for the flower design on my big toe, and what she gave me was rather Christmassy (ugh), but I was prepared not to be thrilled with the design. I had landed the older lady at the salon, and usually don't like what she paints on my toes!!! What mattered was the green, though....
The night before the transfer, I took a nice, hot, relaxing bath. Johnny and Seth gifted me with a fabulous collection of bath goodies when they came to visit. They had been sitting on my kitchen table for almost a week, taunting me with their delicious smells... The one I chose for pre-transfer night was the lavender good- night one. It smelled fantastic and was sprinkled with gold dust- maybe sleep sand??? It certainly gave me a relaxing end to a busy day, and was a great send off into a restful sleep.
We had such amazing results after our last transfer, how could I not want to try and replicate that winning formula??? I know this is a different time and a different journey, but anything helps, right?
Here's hoping for positive test results!!!
Friday, November 16, 2012
The meds change a little...
About the same time Seth and Johnny were here to visit, my medications changed. The clinic calls them our "to go" meds. Something about that strikes me as funny, but I'm not really sure why.
So, for these "to go" meds, I continue on the daily prenatal vitamin and baby aspirin. I've added another course of antibiotics- in the form of a Z-Pack. The antibiotics are because of the procedure itself- they will be inserting foreign equipment into my body for the transfer. Even though the equipment is sterile, they don't want to take any chances. I'm taking Medrol, 2 pills twice a day. Medrol is a steroid, and it helps suppress immunity temporarily. This is so my body won't see the embryo as a foreign invader and try to attack it. I get to stop the daily subcutaneous shots of Lupron (woohoo!!!), but I start the twice daily Crinone. Crinone is the progesterone supplement I will be taking. Most gals undergoing IVF will take a daily IM shot of progesterone. I, however, had a horrible skin reaction to the injectable form last time.... This is a vaginal "gel" that goes in in the morning and at night. I will continue this one through the first trimester of pregnancy. I'm also continuing the twice weekly doses of Estradiol- an IM shot that happens on Tuesdays and Fridays; also to continue through the first trimester of pregnancy.
I don't foresee any weird symptoms or changes with the meds- I've been on all of them at some point or another in the past. Until now, I've also been having weekly blood draws to test my levels of estrogen, making sure that everything is as perfect as it can be for transfer day.
The transfer always makes me so nervous... Then I'll a ball of anxiety until I can test afterward. I know my body can do this..... I believe in the power of positive thinking, and I keep telling my body and lecturing my uterus that we WILL get pregnant. lol.... I've seen IVF fail, though, and that terrifies me. We do everything right to prepare our bodies to accept an embryo; the medications so the hormones are right, the ultrasounds to make sure the uterus is plump and ready, following the embryos to make sure they are as healthy as can be.... Heck, even placing them exactly where they need to be to grow! And yet, sometimes it just doesn't work. There are the hopes and dreams of two very special men riding on this transfer- and though it's not top of the list, a lot of money. I try to banish the thought of failure as soon as it tries to creep in at the edges of my consciousness- positive thinking and all- but the thought does try to worm its way in....
And then I tell myself This WILL Work!!!!!
So, for these "to go" meds, I continue on the daily prenatal vitamin and baby aspirin. I've added another course of antibiotics- in the form of a Z-Pack. The antibiotics are because of the procedure itself- they will be inserting foreign equipment into my body for the transfer. Even though the equipment is sterile, they don't want to take any chances. I'm taking Medrol, 2 pills twice a day. Medrol is a steroid, and it helps suppress immunity temporarily. This is so my body won't see the embryo as a foreign invader and try to attack it. I get to stop the daily subcutaneous shots of Lupron (woohoo!!!), but I start the twice daily Crinone. Crinone is the progesterone supplement I will be taking. Most gals undergoing IVF will take a daily IM shot of progesterone. I, however, had a horrible skin reaction to the injectable form last time.... This is a vaginal "gel" that goes in in the morning and at night. I will continue this one through the first trimester of pregnancy. I'm also continuing the twice weekly doses of Estradiol- an IM shot that happens on Tuesdays and Fridays; also to continue through the first trimester of pregnancy.
I don't foresee any weird symptoms or changes with the meds- I've been on all of them at some point or another in the past. Until now, I've also been having weekly blood draws to test my levels of estrogen, making sure that everything is as perfect as it can be for transfer day.
The transfer always makes me so nervous... Then I'll a ball of anxiety until I can test afterward. I know my body can do this..... I believe in the power of positive thinking, and I keep telling my body and lecturing my uterus that we WILL get pregnant. lol.... I've seen IVF fail, though, and that terrifies me. We do everything right to prepare our bodies to accept an embryo; the medications so the hormones are right, the ultrasounds to make sure the uterus is plump and ready, following the embryos to make sure they are as healthy as can be.... Heck, even placing them exactly where they need to be to grow! And yet, sometimes it just doesn't work. There are the hopes and dreams of two very special men riding on this transfer- and though it's not top of the list, a lot of money. I try to banish the thought of failure as soon as it tries to creep in at the edges of my consciousness- positive thinking and all- but the thought does try to worm its way in....
And then I tell myself This WILL Work!!!!!
Getting to know each other
November 6-11, 2012
Wow, how the time does fly!!! It's the beginning of November, and almost time for our transfer... At the beginning of the process, three or four months always feels like forever away, and you're pretty sure that the time is just going to drag on. Funny how it doesn't though. Now, it's less than a week before we are going to implant hopefully healthy embryos into my "gorgeous" uterus.
Since we are so close, it's time for Seth and Johnny to come out for a visit. The egg donor has been taking her medication, and she is ready to go. I've been taking my medications and my uterus is ready to go. Now all we need are the embryos, and we need the guys for that!
Chris and I were excited for the visit- excited to meet Seth and Johnny in person, excited to introduce them to our kids, and excited to spend some time with them. They were going to be here for 5 days, and we were hoping to spend as much time as possible with them.
The guys flew in on Tuesday night, but we weren't able to meet up with them until Wednesday evening. We decided to invite them over for dinner at our house for the first meeting. That way the kids could be in and out, and we wouldn't have to worry about entertaining them, and we could sit and talk without thinking of the time. I want to describe what spending time with them was like, but everything I can come up with sounds so cliche.... Simply said, it was a fantastic meeting. Chris and I really feel like these two wonderful men are going to be fantastic parents, and a great addition to our family for the next year- and maybe longer!
We crammed every minute of togetherness that we could into the visit. From dinner at our house, to a trip to the Aquarium with the kids, visits to a couple of our favorite restaurants (all breakfast food, funny enough), and one really lame party for the cupcake shop down the street. I was pretty sure they might just be getting tired of us by the time they had to go home.... ;)
Chris and I were so thankful that we were able to spend so much time with Seth and Johnny- and so grateful that they wanted to spend that kind of time with us. We've said all along that surrogacy takes many forms- from a business relationship to almost a family relationship. Chris and I view surrogacy as a family event, and we really prefer to be close to whomever we carry for. It warms our hearts and makes the prospective journey that much sweeter when out IPs feel the same way.
We got all kinds of pictures when they were here, but I don't think there is one with me and Chris, Johnny and Seth... But here is a picture of me with Johnny and Seth.... Don't we look so happy?!?
Wow, how the time does fly!!! It's the beginning of November, and almost time for our transfer... At the beginning of the process, three or four months always feels like forever away, and you're pretty sure that the time is just going to drag on. Funny how it doesn't though. Now, it's less than a week before we are going to implant hopefully healthy embryos into my "gorgeous" uterus.
Since we are so close, it's time for Seth and Johnny to come out for a visit. The egg donor has been taking her medication, and she is ready to go. I've been taking my medications and my uterus is ready to go. Now all we need are the embryos, and we need the guys for that!
Chris and I were excited for the visit- excited to meet Seth and Johnny in person, excited to introduce them to our kids, and excited to spend some time with them. They were going to be here for 5 days, and we were hoping to spend as much time as possible with them.
The guys flew in on Tuesday night, but we weren't able to meet up with them until Wednesday evening. We decided to invite them over for dinner at our house for the first meeting. That way the kids could be in and out, and we wouldn't have to worry about entertaining them, and we could sit and talk without thinking of the time. I want to describe what spending time with them was like, but everything I can come up with sounds so cliche.... Simply said, it was a fantastic meeting. Chris and I really feel like these two wonderful men are going to be fantastic parents, and a great addition to our family for the next year- and maybe longer!
We crammed every minute of togetherness that we could into the visit. From dinner at our house, to a trip to the Aquarium with the kids, visits to a couple of our favorite restaurants (all breakfast food, funny enough), and one really lame party for the cupcake shop down the street. I was pretty sure they might just be getting tired of us by the time they had to go home.... ;)
Chris and I were so thankful that we were able to spend so much time with Seth and Johnny- and so grateful that they wanted to spend that kind of time with us. We've said all along that surrogacy takes many forms- from a business relationship to almost a family relationship. Chris and I view surrogacy as a family event, and we really prefer to be close to whomever we carry for. It warms our hearts and makes the prospective journey that much sweeter when out IPs feel the same way.
We got all kinds of pictures when they were here, but I don't think there is one with me and Chris, Johnny and Seth... But here is a picture of me with Johnny and Seth.... Don't we look so happy?!?
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