Wednesday, January 30, 2013

What We've Been Up To

After a lot of thought and prayers, we have decided to go ahead and post a little bit about what we've been up to lately.  I will go ahead and warn you that this is a pretty long post, and it contains personal thoughts and information.  It's a pretty big deal, but ultimately we know and understand the power of prayer and are trusting that those of you who still actually keep up with my blogs will be faithful to pray for us in the next few weeks.

After almost 2 years of trying to have a baby on our own, on December 21, 2012 we found out that the only chance of getting pregnant would be through IVF (in vitro fertilization), along with the ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).  Although we were very shocked and saddened to hear of this news, we were quickly given a peace about the whole situation.  We really like our doctor, who is located in Fort Worth, and he made us feel very comfortable and gave us so much hope and positive feedback.  He and his wife actually went through our same situation, twice, and was successful.  It's so nice to know that our doctor has actually gone through the same exact process as we are about to do.  Of course, we walked away that day with so many questions, concerns, and thoughts---the risks, costs, timing, etc---but after a lot of talking and praying we decided pretty quickly that it wasn't really a choice....we HAVE to do it!  God is truly our Provider, Comforter, and life planner, and we are so thankful that we are able to go through this process in order to have a sweet child!

We will be going to numerous appointments, I will be taking LOTS of medications, and plenty of waiting for the right timing along the way.  Trent and I both know that we would do it all in a heartbeat because we have been longing so desperately for a child of our own.  The end result will be TOTALLY worth it!

The rest of my posts will be smaller journal entries that I write along the journey of IVF, mainly so that I will remember everything, but also so that you can keep us in your prayers.

Jan.2, 2013 
Trent and I had our second appointment with our doctor today.  It was basically a consultation.  After a couple of weeks of praying, thinking, and discussing, this appointment was what we needed to do in order to move forward.  We were able to discuss the exact procedures for IVF, and had many questions answered.  All we have to do now is wait....for the first day of my monthly cycle....so we could call and get this going.  We are so thankful God has provided us with a supportive family, friends, and a great doctor for what is soon to come.
Philippians 4:6-7

Jan. 18, 2013 
I don't think I have ever been so anxious and excited for my "monthly visitor" to come.  Finally, she's here and 2 days early!  Woohoo!  God is so good!!  I called and let the nurses know the "good" news, and I was able to set up my baseline ultrasound for Tuesday, Jan. 22.  Can't wait!

Jan. 22, 2013
I'm not going to lie, but yesterday I was really feeling down about what going us with us right now.  It seems that everyday, I learn of someone else who is pregnant---for free!!  It is such a happy and exciting time for my friends and family when they share the news, but it was just really playing a toll on me.  Luckily, my ultrasound was today and it couldn't have been a better appointment.  It was just what I needed to get out of that "funk" I was in.  Praise be to God!  The ultrasound was good and I even got a timeline of the next month---this is really happening!!  In just over a month, I might be pregnant!!!

Jan. 25, 2013
Today was another "big" day for us in our IVF process.  We paid for medications.  Boy, can medicine be expensive!  No wonder I used to think I wanted to be a pharmacist! haha  I will begin taking it next week! :)

Jan, 26, 2013
I received a large package today---my medicines.
This is the box it came in!

I probably spent about 30-45 minutes sorting through everything---pills, syringes, needles, patches, medicines---and reading up on how and when to take them.  Please pray for me as my body will be taking in so many medicines in the next few weeks!

And this is what I will be taking very soon...for someone who doesn't hardly take
tylenol, this is A LOT!!!

Jan. 29, 2013 
Today Trent and I had another appointment.  This one was so that we could be trained on how to give myself daily injections at home.  The nurse went over each medicine I will be taking and showed us how much of each type to use.  She also let me practice filling the syringes with medicines (I know that seems strange, but it's a little scary to think that I am in charge of giving myself the exact amount of medicine at the correct time and in the right way!).  I'm glad Trent was with me because I have a feeling I will be needing him to help remind me of how to do them the right way.
After the teaching session, we went back for my hysteroscopy.  I was REALLY dreading this appointment, as the thought of what what going to be done did not sound appealing!  Basically, this is a procedure where a camera is inserted to look at the lining of my uterus, making sure it is good for holding a pregnancy.  I thought it would be kind of painful, but ultimately it was no big deal.  Our doctor also did a "trial transfer" to be prepared for the actual egg transfer day.  I know that God is watching over me through each of these "scary" appointments, and am sure that He has been my strength!

Jan. 30, 2013
Today I'm just asking for prayers as tomorrow morning I will begin giving myself injections.  I am only starting off with 1 right now, but I know these first few times will be the hardest.  Please pray for strength and comfort throughout the process of injections, as these will continue through the end of February.
Philippians 4:6-7 and Matthew 6:33-34 are on my mind. :)

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

More Embroidery

Here are some of my latest projects that I have completed:

Luke's 1st Birthday shirt!

For Rhyder Ratliff! 

Vera Bradley cosmetic bag
Vera Bradley cosmetic bags

Scarves

For Cason Beall - Carl Jr. and Kelli's boy






The whole set

I embroidered the name and made the pillow.

Another pillow.

Burp cloths.

For twins girls - Rylee and Aubree

Names on the back of the onesie.