5 weeks

How far along: 5 weeks

Total weight gain: None

Symptoms and Body Changes: Nothing really. A bit tired in the evening

Best moment of this week: Finding out that my TSH levels were normal.

Miss anything: Not at all

Food cravings/aversions: Not really.  I was really hungry at work the other day so I went to 7-11 to find something to eat. I ended up getting chocolate milk but when I got back to the office I realized it wasn't sealed. Fail. Other than that, cheese and crackers have been good. And chez cereal.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really. I was a bit queasy last night going to bed, but it could be from hunger.

Sleep: I've been sleeping pretty well, still miss sleeping on my stomach.

Movement: Too early

Have you started to show yet: Too early

Maternity clothes:  Too early

Gender: Too early

Labor signs: Too early

Happy or moody most of the time: So very happy but nervous...there's still a lot that can happen. 

Milestones: Nothing really.

Looking forward to: Same as last week...Our first ultrasound at 6 1/2 weeks on 10/6.  With each next step, I feel that I can breath a bit easier.

4 week update...the size of a poppyseed!

How far along: 4 Weeks

Total weight gain: None, I actually think I've lost a few lbs.

Symptoms and Body Changes: Cramping, twinges, sore boobs, lower back, tired...but it could all be from the amount of estrogen and progesterone I'm on?

Best moment of this week: Getting our first ever positive pregnancy test and getting the news of a strong beta #1 (116) and an even stronger beta #2 (256)!!

Miss anything: No, I'd give up anything for this. It's been 4 years in the making.

Food cravings/aversions: Not really.  I am hungry more often the past week or so.  Last night I couldn't really eat anything, but I don't think it was pregnancy related.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really. I was a bit queasy last night going to bed, but it could be from hunger.

Sleep: I'm not too excited about not sleeping on my stomach, but hey, whatever works.

Movement: Too early

Have you started to show yet: Too early

Maternity clothes:  Too early

Gender: Too early

Labor signs: Too early

Happy or moody most of the time: We are so very  happy but very emotional.  With 4 years of infertility struggles, you can't help but think of the worst case scenario for everything. We are trying to enjoy this time as it should be one to celebrate, but we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves. Throughout this entire 3rd IVF cycle, we've been using the term "cautiously optimistic" which will probably be the case until we get through the 1st trimester.

Milestones: Our first EVER positive pregnancy test on 9/16.  And then on 9/17, and then 9/18, and then 9/19...and again tonight on 9/23. Hey, I've never seen a positive test before, so I have to keep checking that it's true.

Looking forward to: Our first ultrasound at 6 1/2 weeks on 10/6.  With each next step, I feel that I can breath a bit easier.

Photo taken on 9/18 at 3 weeks, 5 days.  I guess you could say this is our first photo as a family of 3?  Minus our fur babies of course! And mom, no, I didn't do it on purpose. I really was just pointing at the shirt! 

3rd time's a charm!

We are pregnant. Well, I'm technically the one pregnant, but its 143% a WE thing. We've never seen 2 pink lines on a pregnancy test before until now. It still seems too good to be true. Can it be? Is this really happening? Our 3rd IVF did the trick. I feel like our lucky number is 3. 3 embryos from this cycle and it's our 3rd attempt. Wow. I don't know if this will ever sink in...

Aubrey's Visit to KC

Like I've mentioned before, distractions are good.  This past weekend Greg and I were able to spend time with my cousin, Aubrey.  She flew in to visit us from Houston and we had a blast! It was so much fun having her here, and while we might have spoiled her, I'm pretty sure she had fun too!

We went to Legoland....

And the K-State football game...

And Deanna Rose...

Hope for IVF #3

Well, we were off to Colorado again for IVF #3 at CCRM during June 2014.  I had been on the CCRM recommended supplements since October 2013 as well as eating gluten free since then (minus a weekend trip to New Orleans for my sister's bachelorette party in January - hey, there's not a lot of GF options at 2AM when you NEED food).

In addition to the supplements and going GF, I also saw an acupunturist for about 8 visits prior to heading out to Colorado and then saw one while we were there in Colorado.  Dr. M also changed our protocols this time around, putting me on minimum drugs.  We are going for quality over quality here. It just takes one. We also decided that we were going to push forward to try and get to blastocyst stage, and not stop on day 3 as we did last time.  If anything makes it to day 5, our chances double!

We ended up retrieving 5 eggs this time around.  So the same as last time.  OR IS IT?

Out of the 5 eggs retrieved, 3 of them were mature and all 3 fertilized with ICSI.  100% fertilization rate? Is that possible? Oh, and then we find out that all 3 made it to day 5 blastocyst stage! During the time from my retrieval to day 5, my grandfather passed aware.  I can't help but think that he was watching over us and helping us along the way.  I felt it.  He was there.  He was looking out for us.

This was the best situation we could ask to be in at this point.  We had 3 frozen day-5 embryos.  2 4AA's and 1 4BA.  This means they are all great quality and we could not be more ecstatic.

Thank you for watching over us, Grandaddy.  You are the reasons we are able to try and have our own biological children and I strongly believe you are the one watching over us during this time as well.

Here are a few photos from our trip to Colorado for the retrieval this time around:

Cheers, Grandaddy!

My grandfather recently passed away and to say my heart hurts is an understatement. He was truly an amazing man and Greg and I owe so much to him.  We wouldn't be where we are today without his love and support and it aches me to know he will never be able to meet our children.

I do know he is watching over us as we were able to get some amazing news about our embryos soon after his passing, but it doesn't take away the pain of loss.

Love you Granddaddy. Cheers!

On his 90th birthday

With is beloved dog, Susie!

With his four granddaughters on Christmas 

Back in high school

His wedding photo with my grandmommy, Wanda. 

His high school portrait.

The last photo Greg and I have with him. I'm so thankful for all of the time we were able to spend together. 

Down by the Bayou

This past weekend we went to the wedding of my dad's wife's son in Louisiana. I've driven through Louisiana before, but I don't remember much of it. 

We had a lot of fun! The venue was gorgeous and the reception was a blast. And talk about amazing food!