A Dream Comes True!

Today was a magical day for Adam and I!  We got up before 5am this morning to head to Nashville for our first appointment with our new Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor, who will also serve as our full Obstetrician.  We arrived early, so had a leisurely breakfast at Starbucks.  Afterwards, we entered the office at 7:30am so that we could fill out the usual paperwork. 

At 8:00am on the dot, we were taken back for our first "anatomy" ultrasound.  The tech was obviously great at her job, and she quickly started.  As usual, Baby A was moving, but in a calm/mellow fashion.  It didn't take very long at all to realize that Baby A was a Boy...100% and no doubt about it!  He was nicely cooperative and we were able to see everything needed to feel great about his measurements.  Since I just knew that I was carrying two boys, I couldn't help but be happy for Adam.  While we both agreed that this would be our only pregnancy regardless, I knew how badly he wanted a son and I was thrilled that he had his wish!

After we completed Baby A's measurements, we moved on to Baby B.  As usual, this little one was VERY active!  Every measurement was a challenge because this little one just couldn't hold still!  After about 20 minutes, she quietened down enough that the tech was finally able to get her BP diameter and other critical measurements.  Just after that point, she did a nice little flip and allowed us a great look between her legs while showing us her butt.  And needless to say, SHE was clearly a girl!  So...I think our little firecracker may not be all sugar and spice!  She seems to put a regular beating on her brother!  When I saw her, I teared up a bit.  I wanted a girl, but had pretty much given up on my wish.  To actually realize that my dream had come true was just magical!

My fundal height is now above my belly-button!  While I'm only 17 weeks, I measure 22 weeks...despite only gaining 6 pounds so far.  I may not gain an excessive amount of weight, but I think I'm headed toward being rather large in the mid-section...and I can't wait!

After our ultrasound was completed, we waited about 15 minutes to meet our new doctor.  I knew he had a great reputation, but didn't know if I would actually like him or not.  In the end, both Adam and I REALLY liked him and feel confident that he will be a great physician for us!  He outlined our "plan" for care and basically plans to perform a scheduled C-section on the week of February 4.  Now, we just have to pray the babies comply with this plan!

Since I was a young girl, I always said I wanted Boy/Girl twins.  I knew it wasn't likely, but I figured that it was always something to hope for.  I never prayed for this, because I knew that my larger desire was just for healthy children.  Once the infertility nightmare began, I just wanted a baby...whatever we could have  by whatever means would be a miracle.  Amazingly, over 2 years later, I think we have it all!  While the route wasn't what I dreamed of and never could have even imagined, today was the true moment where I realized that our dreams really had come true!  Now...we just need these little ones to hang out and grow for 19 more weeks!  We feel so blessed and happy...it's frankly unbelievable and our prayers have been answered!  For those who have prayed, thank you!  They worked!

Hormone Free, Finally!

One key component of our infertility struggle has been my complete lack of hormone production (other than one high level...which is a bad thing).  As a result, I have required quite a bit of "supplementation" over the past 2 years...just to achieve "normal" levels.  Once we became pregnant, the need for hormones that would support our pregnancy was critical.  Without this support, we would have carried a HUGE miscarriage risk. 

While the average IVF lady takes supplemental hormones for 8 weeks or so, I didn't get that lucky.  Even at 12 weeks, my need for additional support was evident through my laboratory values.  Therefore, I have been on the hormones continuously since June 3 (not to mention for the 3 previous cycles)!  As of today, I'm15 weeks 4 days and have been given the order to stop all of them!

It's so nice to stop all of these meds and it's amazing how much more "normal" I feel this evening!  For us, this is a major milestone in our pregnancy and I'm praying that our bloodwork looks wonderful on Monday.  And, on that note, our next ultrasound is Monday!  I know the babies have grown and can't wait to see them again!!! 

As for the recommendations on pregnancy wear, thanks!  I like the Old Navy stuff, but it simply doesn't fit my body shape (or size for that matter).  I've only gained 6 pounds so far, so I think I'm good for another couple of weeks at least!  I did buy a few long-sleeved t-shirts/tops at Motherhood Maternity last week in addition to my jeans, so I'm good to go for now!  Thank goodness for scrubs!

Stretchy Pants, Oh My

Tonight, I decided it was time to purchase a few maternity things, primarily a pair of maternity jeans (aka stretchy pants) and a few long undershirts.  Since I've only gained 4 pounds so far, I haven't completely outgrown my clothes.  But, the waistline in my current jeans is becoming a tad snug and I figured I might as well take the plunge. 

If you are curious about why I care so much about stretchy pants...here's my story.  When my sister was born and Mom was still in the hospital, I was home with Dad.  He tried to get me dressed for preschool, but I kept taking my pants off.  After a couple of spankings and lots of reasoning attempts, I finally gave up and wore the clothes he had selected...though I was NOT happy (mind you, I wasn't even 3 years old yet)!  I went to the nursery for the day, then he picked me up to take me to the hospital with him.  When I got there, I told Mom that Dad was mean to me and made me wear "baby pants" to the nursery.  In my mind, any pants with elastic bands were for babies...which I did not consider myself any longer!  Dad felt bad and asked my Aunt Kay to make me some "real" jeans without elastic.  She did...and I wore them proudly.  Since then, now almost 33 years later, I have NEVER worn stretchy pants (other than for the 2 months I worked at the hospital as a CNA and had no choice)!  I HATE elastic bands and prefer to tuck in my shirts.  Needless to say, this is all about to change with today being the first step!

Luckily, I don't actually NEED to wear the pants yet...but I know the time is coming.  Until then, they will grace my closet and be "in waiting" for the moment when I have absolutely no other options!  Unfortunately (but for the best reason in the world), I think the moment is coming sooner rather than later!

Our next visit to Nashville is September 17.  I'm hoping we find out the sexes of the babies, but know that it may or may not be possible.  I also finish all exogenous hormones on September 14, which is AMAZING if you consider how much of the past 2 years that I have needed them!  So now, we wait...