We have been asked, "Why is that you adopted your babies as embryos through the Snowflakes Program with Nightlight Christian Adoptions, but are traveling to the NEDC (National Embryo Donation Center) for the Frozen Embryo Transfer?" This is an excellent question and we know that our situation is definitely out of the norm here. Let me explain how we came to this special arrangement.
When a family goes through the Snowflakes program to adopt babies as embryos, Snowflakes allows the adopting family to choose the clinic and doctor of their choice to perform the Frozen Embryo Transfer. When we adopted Sarah and her siblings we had trouble finding a clinic here in Houston and a doctor who would do the transfer for several reasons. One was that because Sarah and her siblings had been frozen close to 12 years at the time of our adoption, the genetic parents had not undergone STD testing since it was not required back then. Now, because of regulations, STD testing is mandatory for all genetic parents before they undergo IVF. The second reason we couldn't find anyone to accept our precious embryos was because after viewing the paperwork on our little ones, no clinic wanted to perform the FET. It came down to where the doctors saw that there was such a minute chance that any of the embryos would survive the thawing procedure, why bother with harming their competitive and positive statistics? They also continued to try and talk us out of "using" as they put it, "these embryos" when we could use donated eggs with Rhea's sperm and do IVF? We would explain why we did not believe in IVF and we continued to look for another doctor. Finally, Nightlight assisted us in finding a clinic and a doctor who would accept our tiny ones and perform the FET. We traveled to Dallas which was only three hours away. You guys all know the rest and Sarah is here with us.
So jump forward to our current adoption through Snowflakes. We were chosen by a couple to adopt their remaining 8 embryos from 2008. The necessary testing had indeed been completed, but because the genetic mother tested positive for being exposed to the Hep B virus at some point in her life, these little 8 lives were quickly labeled "high risk" by the original clinic. Because of this label, it was very difficult to find a clinic locally who accept our newest family members. Nightlight came to the rescue again. They made a call to Dr. K at the NEDC and Carol the embryologist at the NEDC. After consulting with both Dr. K and Carol, Nightlight called us to tell us that the NEDC would accept our embryos and would accept me for a transfer.
The NEDC has their own EA program where they match families and then do transfers for the adopting parents. Having us come in is an exception and we are grateful to the NEDC and to Dr. K for taking our family. I had a phone consult months ago with Dr. K about the Hep B test results on the genetic mother. He went over all the paperwork and said he saw nothing to concern him that the babies would have any risk of having Hep B.
So, there you have it. The story of how we adopted embryos for our second adoption through Nightlight again, but are having the babies transferred at the NEDC in Knoxville, TN.
Next post: Why do we have to go to the NEDC in February and then turn right around and go in March? What is a "Mock Transfer"? What kinds of medications do I have to take?
Showing posts with label Our Tiny Ones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Our Tiny Ones. Show all posts
January 22, 2013
December 17, 2011
Happy Transfer Anniversary Baby Girl!
I have not forgotten to update. It is just that blogging with a newborn and 4 other kiddos has not allowed the time. I am soaking in all these first months of baby days as much as possible. Baby girl is a dream and a blessing!
One year ago today, she, after being frozen for TEN years, along with 2 of her biological siblings, were transferred into my womb.
Here I am, one year ago, with the embryologist minutes before the transfer:
And here she is today:
Embryo Adoption has been a beautiful path for our family! We thank our Lord for bringing us to this place.
One year ago today, she, after being frozen for TEN years, along with 2 of her biological siblings, were transferred into my womb.
Here I am, one year ago, with the embryologist minutes before the transfer:
And here she is today:
Embryo Adoption has been a beautiful path for our family! We thank our Lord for bringing us to this place.
August 9, 2011
It's a...
'bout time I posted huh? (That title was pretty mean wasn't it?) I will not write a book about everything that has kept me from blogging, but I assure you, most of it, has been good! Our family has had some struggles with illness here and there, the dishwasher went out, PookieBear fell and knocked her two front baby teeth pretty hard (though they are still staying put), and Rhea has been swamped with projects/work and has not been home too much. All that aside, God has been faithful and we are getting so very excited to holding our sweet baby in a few weeks.
The other day, Rhea shared that, to him, giving birth to our baby is like going to Russia for that second trip to pick up your adopted child and bring him or her home.
Our first trip through embryo adoption was to go meet our child in Dallas where we had the frozen embryo transfer procedure. We "met" our children under a microscope that sat in a sterile and secure incubator. Rhea and I were able to look and see the 3 of our 6 adopted children who had lived through the night. It is a moment in time that goes far beyond hearing we were chosen by a placing family, and far beyond a positive pregnancy test. Time stood still as Rhea and I marveled at what God was doing amongst the office full of reproductive intervention. Three precious babies who had been frozen in a tank in a dark room since March of 1999 were now under a microscope in a warm incubator ready to be moved into a natural, God-designed environment where babies should grow.
Jumping forward from that December morning, we are now approaching the birth of the one baby who God chose to continue to grow and live in our family. We are three weeks away from that "second trip", as Rhea shared, to bring our child home with us to shower with love and raise him/her in the admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
These last few weeks, I have been to the hospital for numerous doctors' appointments. All is well, just the typical high-risk monitoring one must undergo when one has a blood clotting disorder. The blessing of weekly, doppler heartbeat checks and ultrasounds has been actually a joy to hear and see each week. We pray to share our adoption story as God leads us as we come into contact with people while we are out and about, while in waiting rooms, and standing in line at the store. We always have at least one of our children with us and they are able to witness and sometimes participate in these encounters with others.
Yes, embryo adoption is not a type of adoption that many people have heard of, but our family is saddened when the door to share our experience is halted before we can even get to the topic of EA. The reason the conversation never seems to get to EA? Time and time again, the conversations never get past the following questions:
"How many children did you say you already have?"
"Was this pregnancy a surprise?"
"So, you really wanted more children?"
Then the one I got not too long ago... "Are all of them from the same marriage?"
Okay, if all that is not sad enough, the last 2 out of 3 of these conversations happened with women in their 60's-70's. A generation, I supposed would smile upon larger families. As we teach our children that each child is a blessing from the Lord, they continue to hear the world tell them something so very different.
So many women who read this blog, have struggled, or continue to struggle with infertility. They pray that they will have children. They will treasure every kick, hiccup and pain of pregnancy if God so chooses this for their lives. I have done that very thing this pregnancy. EA was not the adoption road we originally took, but God led us to it and we are so grateful.
So, tomorrow, I will be back in the waiting room for another ultrasound appointment and NST. At any time, I could be sent across the hallway to go to L&D. Am I excited? yes. Is there a part of me that does not want the pregnancy to end yet? yes. And just for the record, I don't think Mudpuppy is ready either! He/she continues to flip and flop into a new position every day. Seriously! In the last two weeks, this baby has been breech, transverse, head down, transverse, breech again, and now, this morning, I can tell the baby is transverse again. This baby is certainly getting more exercise than me. : )
We were blessed this weekend by our church family with a beautiful baby shower. This baby is so loved by so many who have traveled this road with us. They, too, look forward to meeting our precious one in a few short weeks.
Thank you all for texting and emailing and staying in touch these past six weeks I have been out of touch. I plan to keep you updated as we approach Mudpuppy's BIRTHday.
The other day, Rhea shared that, to him, giving birth to our baby is like going to Russia for that second trip to pick up your adopted child and bring him or her home.
Our first trip through embryo adoption was to go meet our child in Dallas where we had the frozen embryo transfer procedure. We "met" our children under a microscope that sat in a sterile and secure incubator. Rhea and I were able to look and see the 3 of our 6 adopted children who had lived through the night. It is a moment in time that goes far beyond hearing we were chosen by a placing family, and far beyond a positive pregnancy test. Time stood still as Rhea and I marveled at what God was doing amongst the office full of reproductive intervention. Three precious babies who had been frozen in a tank in a dark room since March of 1999 were now under a microscope in a warm incubator ready to be moved into a natural, God-designed environment where babies should grow.
Jumping forward from that December morning, we are now approaching the birth of the one baby who God chose to continue to grow and live in our family. We are three weeks away from that "second trip", as Rhea shared, to bring our child home with us to shower with love and raise him/her in the admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
These last few weeks, I have been to the hospital for numerous doctors' appointments. All is well, just the typical high-risk monitoring one must undergo when one has a blood clotting disorder. The blessing of weekly, doppler heartbeat checks and ultrasounds has been actually a joy to hear and see each week. We pray to share our adoption story as God leads us as we come into contact with people while we are out and about, while in waiting rooms, and standing in line at the store. We always have at least one of our children with us and they are able to witness and sometimes participate in these encounters with others.
Yes, embryo adoption is not a type of adoption that many people have heard of, but our family is saddened when the door to share our experience is halted before we can even get to the topic of EA. The reason the conversation never seems to get to EA? Time and time again, the conversations never get past the following questions:
"How many children did you say you already have?"
"Was this pregnancy a surprise?"
"So, you really wanted more children?"
Then the one I got not too long ago... "Are all of them from the same marriage?"
Okay, if all that is not sad enough, the last 2 out of 3 of these conversations happened with women in their 60's-70's. A generation, I supposed would smile upon larger families. As we teach our children that each child is a blessing from the Lord, they continue to hear the world tell them something so very different.
So many women who read this blog, have struggled, or continue to struggle with infertility. They pray that they will have children. They will treasure every kick, hiccup and pain of pregnancy if God so chooses this for their lives. I have done that very thing this pregnancy. EA was not the adoption road we originally took, but God led us to it and we are so grateful.
So, tomorrow, I will be back in the waiting room for another ultrasound appointment and NST. At any time, I could be sent across the hallway to go to L&D. Am I excited? yes. Is there a part of me that does not want the pregnancy to end yet? yes. And just for the record, I don't think Mudpuppy is ready either! He/she continues to flip and flop into a new position every day. Seriously! In the last two weeks, this baby has been breech, transverse, head down, transverse, breech again, and now, this morning, I can tell the baby is transverse again. This baby is certainly getting more exercise than me. : )
We were blessed this weekend by our church family with a beautiful baby shower. This baby is so loved by so many who have traveled this road with us. They, too, look forward to meeting our precious one in a few short weeks.
Thank you all for texting and emailing and staying in touch these past six weeks I have been out of touch. I plan to keep you updated as we approach Mudpuppy's BIRTHday.
January 26, 2011
Back Once Again from Another Appointment
I really love my new OB. He is very thorough and was very sensitive to all that we have been through. He went over my medical history thoroughly. I could tell he actually read through everything before he came into the exam room.
He did the ultrasound himself and he found absolutely no evidence of a Baby B or that there was ever a Baby B. So, the tech at the midwife's office made a mistake. We are very excited that our little baby is doing well. He/she is measuring at 8w 4d and the HR was 169! We have more pictures and they are more clear than Monday's photos. I also met with the financial counselor about payment schedules, scheduled my next appointments and then got some information from the hospital for their fees. I was at the medical complex for 2.5 hours.
I have repeat progesterone/estradiol draws in 2 weeks and then my 12 week appointment 2 weeks later. The OB will be doing another u/s, running a thyroid panel and I am sure a bunch of other blood tests at that time. I cannot thank you enough for your prayers during these past few weeks. We are so grateful for our strong little baby who is growing! I am off to rest. It has been a long day! : )
He did the ultrasound himself and he found absolutely no evidence of a Baby B or that there was ever a Baby B. So, the tech at the midwife's office made a mistake. We are very excited that our little baby is doing well. He/she is measuring at 8w 4d and the HR was 169! We have more pictures and they are more clear than Monday's photos. I also met with the financial counselor about payment schedules, scheduled my next appointments and then got some information from the hospital for their fees. I was at the medical complex for 2.5 hours.
I have repeat progesterone/estradiol draws in 2 weeks and then my 12 week appointment 2 weeks later. The OB will be doing another u/s, running a thyroid panel and I am sure a bunch of other blood tests at that time. I cannot thank you enough for your prayers during these past few weeks. We are so grateful for our strong little baby who is growing! I am off to rest. It has been a long day! : )
January 25, 2011
More Changes
I spoke with the nurse & doctor at RE's office today. Based on my estradiol level, I can officially stop wearing the estrogen patches. My progesterone was 20. Dr. M is comfortable with this level and I am to remain on the Crinone progesterone supplement and retest my level in 2 weeks.
Next, we discussed my ultrasound report from yesterday. He would like me to get into see an OB sooner than later. He said he would like my OB to evaluate the twin situation himself. Here are the reasons why:
Please pray for the doctors to have wisdom regarding my pregnancy and for my all day morning sickness to be manageable for travel and during the appointment. Thank you everyone. I will update tomorrow as soon as I am able.
Next, we discussed my ultrasound report from yesterday. He would like me to get into see an OB sooner than later. He said he would like my OB to evaluate the twin situation himself. Here are the reasons why:
- sometimes my RE has seen a twin that is slower to grow, but catches up. He didn't want us to get our hopes up, but wanted the OB to do his own ultrasound and determine what is going on with twin B.
- Since I have APS, an autoimmune blood clotting disorder, my RE would like Baby B to be examined thoroughly by ultrasound and to check the blood flow/circulation to Baby A.
- If twin B has stopped growing, more than likely my body will reabsorb the baby, but there is a chance I will experience spotting and possible bleeding. With me being on blood thinners, this could be a concern. Thus another reason for me to become an established patient with my new OB in case of an emergency.
Please pray for the doctors to have wisdom regarding my pregnancy and for my all day morning sickness to be manageable for travel and during the appointment. Thank you everyone. I will update tomorrow as soon as I am able.
January 24, 2011
We are Home from the Ultrasound Appt.
We have one little baby growing with a strong heartbeat of 150 and measuring right on schedule at 8 weeks. It is still so amazing to me after all this time to be able to hear the baby's heartbeat at such an early stage of life. So, without further adieu, we introduce our little baby.
It was a bittersweet morning full of tears of joy & sadness. We are in mourning, yet are jubilant at God's great blessing of continued life in my womb. We are prayerful that our little one will fight, grow, and live for us to teach him/her of God's amazing love, grace, and power through His Son. We rejoice in God's goodness, grace, and mercy!
As you know, we had 3 little ones transferred. One of our babies never implanted and we lost he/she very early on. Our other baby just recently stopped growing. We were so excited to see Baby B today. However, no heartbeat was detected and he/she was only measuring a little past 6 weeks. In memory of our little pumpkin, I share with you our sweet baby picture that we will cherish.
It was a bittersweet morning full of tears of joy & sadness. We are in mourning, yet are jubilant at God's great blessing of continued life in my womb. We are prayerful that our little one will fight, grow, and live for us to teach him/her of God's amazing love, grace, and power through His Son. We rejoice in God's goodness, grace, and mercy!
Leaving for Our Appt
We are leaving in about 1/2 hour for our u/s appointment. It has taken me literally 2 hours to get ready. I have to keep taking breaks b/c of morning sickness. ugh. I know that m/s is a very good sign, so no complaints-just letting you know how it is around here. Thank you for your e-mails & texts letting us know you remember what today is and are as anxious as we are to see what God has planned for our family. I will be back with some news later this morning...
January 14, 2011
Queasy is a Good Thing
So, since NONE of those photos fit the picture of my life right now, I skipped the idea of posting a funny pic for you!
I do have 24 hour queasiness going on. I haven't actually been "sick" yet, but I definitely with each passing day am getting closer to being there. This is all good. No complaints from me, Rhea, or the kids, but I know they miss me making dinner this week. We have a little over a week to go before our ultrasound and we are getting so excited to "see" our baby(ies). In the meantime, I need to type up my health history to take to our new OB. Our last kiddo was a home birth with a midwife, but with my new diagnosis of APS, I will have to deliver in a hospital. So, interviewing OBs will be what Rhea & I do in the days following the u/s.
I did get to spend most of the day at the hospital holding my friend's new baby girl. She was 5# 13 oz when she was born and doing great. I have never held a baby that small. It was such a blessing to be with her and her momma. My friend has APS too and we have become a lot closer in the last 9 months. I feel so awful today stomach wise, but getting out and being with her passed the time and was such a treat and an honor to be able to be with my friend and her baby for the day!
January 5, 2011
The Cause of the 10 Day Fever
The test results are in, all was clear and the Dr.'s hunch was right. I have been having a reaction to the progesterone's carrier oil ethyl oleate. So, no more PIO injections for me. I will be using Crinone from here on out. I will happily go pick it up today from the pharmacist.
Oh, and that extra Beta I asked to be snuck in?? 2166! That is a rise from 1134 in 30 hours! I am elated and praising God for His protection over these little ones. So, the drama should subside a bit and I can get back to grading papers, teaching lessons, preparing taxes, and cooking meals (the last will make my family happy). Thank you for your prayers as always. They are appreciated and never taken for granted.
Oh, and that extra Beta I asked to be snuck in?? 2166! That is a rise from 1134 in 30 hours! I am elated and praising God for His protection over these little ones. So, the drama should subside a bit and I can get back to grading papers, teaching lessons, preparing taxes, and cooking meals (the last will make my family happy). Thank you for your prayers as always. They are appreciated and never taken for granted.
January 4, 2011
evening update...
This has been a very tiring day. The fever stayed around 101 most of the day. I went back and forth with the nurse on the phone as she tried to track down my doctor to discuss my case. Finally, the doctor called me himself around 3:00. After we visited, he suspects that my body has been battling against the oil in my PIO injections. Over time, my body is reacting strongly to it. He is taking me off the injections and moving me to suppositories. He had me go to my midwife to have blood drawn for a CBC and give a urine sample to make sure I do not have a UTI. The midwife will call me with the results in the morning before she faxes them to my doctor. My doctor and the midwife reassured me that my fever is not dangerous to the baby. I am to rest, drink plenty of liquids, and rest some more!
The pharmacy called a bit ago to confirm that I knew that a one week's supply of the progesterone gel/applicators my doctor prescribed was $248! Uh, well, okay. All for the babies. Did I happen to mention that I had the midwife check off the hCG Quant. box on the lab form? ; ) I'll will post all the findings when they call in the morning. I thank you for your prayers today. I am feeling so much better this evening and even was able to eat a big bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.
Oh and one more thing. I can get my u/s done at the midwife's clinic on the 24th and don't have to go to Dallas!
The pharmacy called a bit ago to confirm that I knew that a one week's supply of the progesterone gel/applicators my doctor prescribed was $248! Uh, well, okay. All for the babies. Did I happen to mention that I had the midwife check off the hCG Quant. box on the lab form? ; ) I'll will post all the findings when they call in the morning. I thank you for your prayers today. I am feeling so much better this evening and even was able to eat a big bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.
Oh and one more thing. I can get my u/s done at the midwife's clinic on the 24th and don't have to go to Dallas!
Waiting for the Call
Well, my temperature did go up last night to 101 and I had to page the nurse. She told me to take 2 extra strength Tylenol. The ones I had were the 8 hour kind. So, at 3 a.m. right at the 8 hour mark, my fever was back to 101. I took some more, kept drinking cool water, cool wash cloth on my forehead and put the ceiling fan on high. I dozed from about 4:30 or so until 7:00. I have no symptoms to date with this fever except body aches and chills.
Now I am waiting for a call from the clinic. The nurse will be consulting with the doctor on my fever situation this morning and see if he wants me to go in to have a CBC run to check my white blood count. If I do, I will be asking to throw one last hCG on there : ) --might as well?
Thank you for your encouragement. I am hopeful and prayerful through all of this. I will update when I hear from the clinic. I got up long enough to do my injections and do this quick post.
Now I am waiting for a call from the clinic. The nurse will be consulting with the doctor on my fever situation this morning and see if he wants me to go in to have a CBC run to check my white blood count. If I do, I will be asking to throw one last hCG on there : ) --might as well?
Thank you for your encouragement. I am hopeful and prayerful through all of this. I will update when I hear from the clinic. I got up long enough to do my injections and do this quick post.
January 3, 2011
Beta #3
17dp5dt Beta is 1134.
They had wanted it to be higher but the nurse said the Dr. is "okay" with that number. The number is supposed to double every 48-72 hrs. Mine has doubled every 84 hours from my last beta last Wed. The doctor doesn't want another beta run and said that they would see me on my ultrasound appt. on the 24th.
I also spoke to the nurse about my daily low grade fever and she said to keep resting & drink fluids and call if it goes over 100.3 again. I am at 100.1 right now in bed and am shutting down the computer to go to sleep. Please pray for our little ones. After having 6 miscarriages, the "beta" game brings back memories that I keep having to shove back in the past. The Lord is sovereign and He gives "strength for today and great hope for tomorrow". Thank you for praying.
They had wanted it to be higher but the nurse said the Dr. is "okay" with that number. The number is supposed to double every 48-72 hrs. Mine has doubled every 84 hours from my last beta last Wed. The doctor doesn't want another beta run and said that they would see me on my ultrasound appt. on the 24th.
I also spoke to the nurse about my daily low grade fever and she said to keep resting & drink fluids and call if it goes over 100.3 again. I am at 100.1 right now in bed and am shutting down the computer to go to sleep. Please pray for our little ones. After having 6 miscarriages, the "beta" game brings back memories that I keep having to shove back in the past. The Lord is sovereign and He gives "strength for today and great hope for tomorrow". Thank you for praying.
January 1, 2011
Update
I haven't posted "daily" entries like I usually do because I am battling a low-grade fever. It started on Monday and it comes and goes. I discussed it with the nurse when she called with my results on Wednesday and she said if my fever went over 100 degrees to call. The fever has stayed around 99.5-99.9 when I have it.
At first, I thought I was trying "not" to get a bug and my body was fighting it. I have no symptoms except body aches that come from having a low-grade fever. I wonder if it might have something to do with my PIO injection sites though? I am not having an allergic reaction there, but I have huge knots and am VERY sore. I will discuss it with the nurse when she calls on Monday with my next beta results. I woke up fever-free today and feel a bit better : ) I felt icky all day yesterday, but was determined to go out on our wedding anniversary. Rhea and I went out during the day to eat and shop. I was VERY much asleep by 9 p.m.! Rhea and the kiddos definitely outlasted me!
I will post our next beta# on Monday afternoon when after we get the call...
At first, I thought I was trying "not" to get a bug and my body was fighting it. I have no symptoms except body aches that come from having a low-grade fever. I wonder if it might have something to do with my PIO injection sites though? I am not having an allergic reaction there, but I have huge knots and am VERY sore. I will discuss it with the nurse when she calls on Monday with my next beta results. I woke up fever-free today and feel a bit better : ) I felt icky all day yesterday, but was determined to go out on our wedding anniversary. Rhea and I went out during the day to eat and shop. I was VERY much asleep by 9 p.m.! Rhea and the kiddos definitely outlasted me!
I will post our next beta# on Monday afternoon when after we get the call...
December 29, 2010
Beta #2
Our 10dp5dt beta was...213
Our 12dp5dt beta is.....
413
Normally, we would go back in on Friday to have more blood work and see if the numbers are still doubling, but since the clinic and the labs are closed this Friday (NYE), we will have to wait until Monday morning for me to get blood drawn again. He would like to see the number at 1500+, but anything over 1000 will give us breathing room. Our sonogram is scheduled for Jan. 24th to get a peek!
We are continuing to praise God through every little step of this journey! Thank you for being here with us!!
December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Extended family has arrived and we are getting ready for a wonderful Christmas! I will be back with our Beta results on Monday. I should have them sometime that afternoon. I am feeling great and pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas!
December 22, 2010
5dp5dt
Well, I woke up this morning and feel great! I am energized to do laundry (and boy do I have laundry to do). Make the shopping list for Rhea to go to the grocery store for us (because he won't let me do that because it might be too strenuous ; )
BooBear has a sewing lesson today and the kiddos all have piano lessons today. So, that will keep my time occupied. Now if the COLD weather would just come back? It is very muggy and 68 right now.
BooBear has a sewing lesson today and the kiddos all have piano lessons today. So, that will keep my time occupied. Now if the COLD weather would just come back? It is very muggy and 68 right now.
December 21, 2010
We are Home--4dp5dt
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| These are our new mugs for 2010 from Williams-Sonoma we purchased in November when we were at the flagship store in San Fransisco. We have been using them since before Thanksgiving!! |
We are back home and one would think that after spending days of bed rest, I would be itching to get after my daily routine, but oh no, not this time! I woke up this morning feeling queasy. I made my self eat, but I feel icky. I never get stomach bugs, so I have no idea what is going on. It has stayed the same all day, no better-no worse. Just a BIT early for morning sickness, so who knows.
Rhea's parents arrive for Christmas on Thursday and my father arrives on Friday. Rhea sent me back to bed with a big Christmas mug (see above) of peppermint tea. I pray I will feel back to myself tomorrow : ) I am glad to be back home though!
The clinic's nurse just called, my estrogen & progesterone levels from this morning's blood draw are perfect. They said they will call me on the 27th after I get my PG test drawn. I have a 10:30 a.m. appt!
December 20, 2010
Last Day of Bed Rest
I'm still here : ) The hotel where we are staying charges quite a bit for internet in our room, but since I have been a VERY good patient and have stayed in bed, Rhea gave me internet for my last day of bed rest. So, wow, where do I start???
Well, first I am going to thank everyone for their prayers over the last week. I can tell you that your prayers were felt and appreciated by all of us. I have so much to share that has happened over the last few days, but until I can get to it all, know that seeing God work through each step has been humbling, joyful, strengthening, & truly peaceful. There has been sadness as we grieve the loss of 3 of our adopted children & there has been great joy as 3 of our adopted children are snuggly in my womb.
I will share all of the journey from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning soon. I am journaling that and will share that when I finish it. Rhea and I are both forever changed by adopting and are honored to have traveled this road thus far. In the past, each time I think I "might" be pregnant, I count the days and am anxious to take a pregnancy test. This time around, I will wait until the agreed upon time Rhea and I set for me to take a hpt. I will be heartbroken if our babies do not live, however, I have great HOPE in Christ and He is my focus and first love.
The transfer went smoothly. They did not give me any pictures to take home of our babies, but when the embryologist brought them into the procedure room and put them into the incubator, she called Rhea over and the nurses helped me out of bed (I was on Valium by then) to go look through the microscope to see our babies. Rhea and I had tears in our eyes. Three of our precious little ones were alive and looking strong. I was escorted back to bed and as we waited for Dr. M., the embryologist told us that all three looked strong one was lagging behind a bit, but was continuing to develop. She said she prefers to grade them on a scale of A to C. She said that 2 of ours babies were A- and honestly I forgot the grade of our other baby. Truly, grades mean nothing to me. We have physically seen with our own eyes how God took the weakest to live and we know He can continue to grow these babies in my womb.
Medically, my estrogen came back a bit low on Friday, so the Dr. upped my estrogen patches to 6 from 4. Rhea will go by the clinic today to pick up some extra ones until I can have some more delivered by the pharmacy to my house. I go into the clinic tomorrow for another estrogen & progesterone blood draw. After that, back to Houston we go. Our beta blood test in on Monday the 27th a week from today! Rhea and I agreed that when I come home from getting my blood drawn that morning, I can come home and take a hpt.
I have been blessed to be a mother of 16! I have 4 in the other room finishing brunch, I have great hope that 9 are in heaven, and I have 3 in my womb. God is incredibly gracious. I am in awe.
Well, first I am going to thank everyone for their prayers over the last week. I can tell you that your prayers were felt and appreciated by all of us. I have so much to share that has happened over the last few days, but until I can get to it all, know that seeing God work through each step has been humbling, joyful, strengthening, & truly peaceful. There has been sadness as we grieve the loss of 3 of our adopted children & there has been great joy as 3 of our adopted children are snuggly in my womb.
I will share all of the journey from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning soon. I am journaling that and will share that when I finish it. Rhea and I are both forever changed by adopting and are honored to have traveled this road thus far. In the past, each time I think I "might" be pregnant, I count the days and am anxious to take a pregnancy test. This time around, I will wait until the agreed upon time Rhea and I set for me to take a hpt. I will be heartbroken if our babies do not live, however, I have great HOPE in Christ and He is my focus and first love.
The transfer went smoothly. They did not give me any pictures to take home of our babies, but when the embryologist brought them into the procedure room and put them into the incubator, she called Rhea over and the nurses helped me out of bed (I was on Valium by then) to go look through the microscope to see our babies. Rhea and I had tears in our eyes. Three of our precious little ones were alive and looking strong. I was escorted back to bed and as we waited for Dr. M., the embryologist told us that all three looked strong one was lagging behind a bit, but was continuing to develop. She said she prefers to grade them on a scale of A to C. She said that 2 of ours babies were A- and honestly I forgot the grade of our other baby. Truly, grades mean nothing to me. We have physically seen with our own eyes how God took the weakest to live and we know He can continue to grow these babies in my womb.
Medically, my estrogen came back a bit low on Friday, so the Dr. upped my estrogen patches to 6 from 4. Rhea will go by the clinic today to pick up some extra ones until I can have some more delivered by the pharmacy to my house. I go into the clinic tomorrow for another estrogen & progesterone blood draw. After that, back to Houston we go. Our beta blood test in on Monday the 27th a week from today! Rhea and I agreed that when I come home from getting my blood drawn that morning, I can come home and take a hpt.
I have been blessed to be a mother of 16! I have 4 in the other room finishing brunch, I have great hope that 9 are in heaven, and I have 3 in my womb. God is incredibly gracious. I am in awe.
December 17, 2010
Transfer Update
I am happy to report that babies are safely transferred to Mommies womb. I received news from Rhea that Shannon is back at the hotel and resting. Rhea said "everything went well and she is absolutely radiant" Praise the Lord for his provision and protection.
Please continue to pray as Shannon is on bed rest. What an exciting day for the Robison family and we are rejoicing with them. Shannon will update as she is able. Thank you for supporting them and following them on this journey.
~Gina
Please continue to pray as Shannon is on bed rest. What an exciting day for the Robison family and we are rejoicing with them. Shannon will update as she is able. Thank you for supporting them and following them on this journey.
~Gina
Moving to transfer
My friend Shannon has asked me to post this update for her as time is short.
To the Glory of God 3 babies have survived and will be transferred at 12:30 today. The Robison family is praising the Lord and holding fast to Him as they proceed in faith to transfer. Shannon will update in greater detail about this amazing night; how "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong." 1 Corinthians 1: 27 The 3 babies that have survived were the ones that were not expected to survive the thaw-the weakest. We serve a mighty God of whom "all things have been created by Him and for Him. And he is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1: 16-17
Following the transfer Shannon will be on bed rest. Thank you for your continued prayers for this dear family as they are faithfully trusting the Lord with the next step in this adoption journey.
~Gina
To the Glory of God 3 babies have survived and will be transferred at 12:30 today. The Robison family is praising the Lord and holding fast to Him as they proceed in faith to transfer. Shannon will update in greater detail about this amazing night; how "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong." 1 Corinthians 1: 27 The 3 babies that have survived were the ones that were not expected to survive the thaw-the weakest. We serve a mighty God of whom "all things have been created by Him and for Him. And he is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1: 16-17
Following the transfer Shannon will be on bed rest. Thank you for your continued prayers for this dear family as they are faithfully trusting the Lord with the next step in this adoption journey.
~Gina
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