The New Journey Begins

It has been an emotional last few days with passions in all directions. We had the shock of an unexpected delivery of the twins two weeks prior to the plan. There were some initial health concerns that seem to turn out not to be worries. However, as time progressed new worries set in.

Journey’s End…Sorta

So, roughly 24 hours ago, Kristina and I were at the final routine visit before the scheduled delivery of the twins on November 1. There had been a little excitement earlier in the day as Kristina was trying to decide whether an incident was simply some pregnancy-related incontinence or whether she may have had a sign her water might be about to break. With her first pregnancy there was a similar incident that occurred a few hours before her water broke.

The 29-Week Visit

Today we visited the perinatal specialist for a routine ultrasound and check-up. The boys are healthy and fine. Grayson weighs 2 lbs 9 oz, and "little" Bennett came in at 3 lbs 2 oz. I jest about "little" Bennett because he was the morula and implanted about 24 hours after Grayson; however, he has made up for it now. Of course, who knows which will be bigger in eighteen years?

The 23 Enigma

Last week I mentioned stress coming down on us at this phase of the pregnancy. Many wished for us to have some relief. Well, it didn't come immediately as we were in the hospital last Saturday to treat the second kidney stone Kristina had developed.

Tick-Tock

It has been a stressful week. We had our one-year old SUV break down over the weekend and had to be with loaners for five days. Granted a loaner vehicle is better than no vehicle, but it did throw a curve in our routine. More details would be just complaining...

Everything In Pairs

So, we joke that we do everything twice. We got engaged twice. I bought the ring twice. We set the same day twice. We went through in-vitro twice.

Next Report: 2 Weeks!

The transfer took place today. Kristina is now home and resting for the next 48 hours. She stated this time was a little smoother than the last one. That said, there is a somewhat somber attitude lingering in the early hours after the procedure.

Transfer Tomorrow!

I know we've posted nearly every day for the past week. However, I thought I would drop a quick note to let our readers know what to expect for the upcoming days.

Final Report

We received the final report before we get our grades. As a reminder, the blastocysts are graded on symmetry, size and other criteria. This is a little odd because the criteria to be considered a blastocyst are fairly strict, so there is not much difference in statistical odds between and “A” and a “D” embryo. Nonetheless, the grading system exists.

The Summary

We gave a few updates today on Facebook, but I know not everyone follows that. So, let me summarize the day:

Needles, Needles Everywhere, Nor Any Drop To Drink

Yesterday was the “suppression check” appointment for our IVF cycle. Again what this means is the doctor draws blood to measure Kristina’s estrogen level to be sure her ovaries have “gone to sleep” so that her body’s natural process doesn’t follow the normal pattern. The reason being, we want to control the timing of ovulation and stimulate as many follicles as possible.

We Do Everything Twice

“If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again.”  ~ William E. Hickson

Well, we are back. Yes, somewhat reluctantly, but we are back.
 

Let me clarify what I mean by “reluctantly.” Yes, we are attempting the in-vitro process again. That part is not where any reluctance comes into play. This adverb is reserved for our decision to continue making our progress public for round two.
 

T-Minus 24 …Matey!

This being September 19 and therefore International Talk Like A Pirate Day, I am tempted to write this entire blog post as if you’d changed your FaceBook language. However, as my wife is new to this tradition and the more serious nature of this blog, I will resist the urge…arrr!

And Queue Vomit...

Kristina did throw up last night
A twist of fate, I feared she might
Her dosage has been upped a slight
For the numbers are not quite right

Unknown Steps...

I had planned to write about the orange lying and my continued struggles with giving Kristina the shots. However, after the emotional day it has it has been, that honestly seems like the least of the issues.

Needles Get Under My Skin

Well, last night I did it. I stabbed my wife...with a little 28-gauge needle and injected her with 10 units of Lupron. It wasn't too horrible of an experience; although I didn't look her in the eye the rest of the night and then I left the bathroom to watch a movie about Jesus.

Orange Voodoo

So, it's not really voodoo, but I have been sticking needles into a "graven image" in hopes of practicing some sympathetic magic. Of course, I'm referring not to The Golden Bough theories of magic, but rather I mean I hope to gain the trust and sympathy of my spouse - even if by some magical means. We are both a bit nervous about the upcoming need for me to deliver the progesterone shots after the oocyte retrieval.

The Merchant of Venice

I cannot help but consider Shakespeare’s play as I review my thoughts about meeting with the urologist yesterday. He explained how he would extract the “pound of flesh” from me while under a local anesthetic. Further, like Bassanio, my doctor will have to select the correct box in order to win the prize. Fortunately, my doctor is not limited by choosing only one vessel.
 

Not Exactly Serendipity

There has been a significant event that has potentially threatened our IVF process. For reasons of confidentiality, I cannot explain the problem here. But what I will say is that this is stressful and heart-breaking. At times when hurdles keep springing up before us, one cannot help but wonder in superstition. Is the universe trying to tell us something?
 

Drowning in Dishwater

Stress comes from unmet expectations, I frequently say. I did not expect the vasectomy-reversal to fail. That has been stressful. I did not expect the IVF to be such a complex process. That has been stressful too. However, I really didn’t expect to have to buy a new dishwasher. (It’s peculiar how little inconveniences can create so much stress atop the other).