tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28127176721847884212024-02-18T21:01:06.973-06:00Delivering Miraclestashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-4434868092776860442018-06-22T14:50:00.001-05:002018-06-24T11:33:04.703-05:00New site! Hey, hey! I'm packing up this blog and moving to a new blog home. I'll continue to share updates about my surrogacies, the surrogacy process, how to stay healthy during pregnancy, how to recover during the postpartum phase, and share some mundane life stuff.<br />
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I'd love it if you followed me on over to <a href="https://surrogatestrong.com/" target="_blank">Surrogate Strong.</a><br />
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Drop by and say hi, and visit often!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-7329542351581689352018-06-11T17:28:00.004-05:002018-06-12T14:30:25.565-05:00Weekend Wrap-upWrapping up the weekend for you on this Monday afternoon. We spent the weekend a few hours away at my mom's house, chilling by the pool. The plan was to do nothing, and we mostly did just that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private pool, burgers on the grill = WIN!</td></tr>
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We had a surprise visit by cousin, whom I haven't seen in a couple of years. She's great company and makes for good laughs and conversation. We spent lots of time in the pool with some very loud and rowdy little boys (no pics because they move too fast!). Dinner was served up on the grill with sides of fresh fruit - a perfect summer poolside meal. I even convinced one of my pups to take a dip in the pool. It was not his favorite moments. I think it was more fun for me than it was for him.<br />
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With my mom's house being out in the country, we are able to see some pretty cool things like fireflies, pond turtles, bullfrogs. We don't get to see that in the suburbs where we live. We had the pleasure of watching a squirrel have his breakfast early Sunday morning.<br />
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We were able to get pretty close to him while he chowed down on his mushroom. I inched just a little closer to try to take a better photo and spooked him. He grabbed what he could in his little squirrel hands and up the tree he went. Lukas and Isaak thought this was quite an adventure!<br />
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We met up with my brother in law for breakfast and catching up on Sunday morning, then it was back in the pool for the day! </div>
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A long, relaxing weekend was just what we needed, along with a change in the scenery for a minute. We headed out early Monday morning. As much as I love little getaways, it's always good to be home! </div>
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Tell me, friends, what did you do with your weekend?<br />
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tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-47356791318524579662018-06-09T09:47:00.000-05:002018-06-12T14:30:50.902-05:00Hitting the RoadMy mom lives on a couple acres in west TN. It's pretty quiet out there except for the crickets and frogs at night. The Memphis humidity is never a picnic but she has a pool that she doesn't have to share with anyone. It's a nice trade. The drive is only about 3 hours, and we make it several times a year. After the rough season we had over the last football season, we're in need of a bit of a break - a moment to breathe, relax, and recharge. So, we hit the road Friday morning to do just that...myself, one husband, 3 kids, and 2 pups!<br />
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Fortunately, I got a fresh pedicure and manicure the day before. You can generally find me barefoot all over the football fields so I like to treat myself at the end of each season. A cup of coffee, a massaging chair, and a nice pink color is just what I needed. </div>
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I wasn't sure I'd like the color, honestly. I tend to like bolder colors for the summer. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I love this color. It's new from OPI, called <a href="https://amzn.to/2xZHSAE" target="_blank">Tagus That Selfie</a>. </div>
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We spent a couple of hours Friday afternoon in the pool. Then Theo and I got a little dressed up for a night out. A nice dinner at Firebirds (grilled shrimp & spinach salad always a fabulous choice!), a little walk around the outdoor shopping center, and then to a local creamery for dessert. My ice cream looked so good that I didn't even snap a pic before I dove in! </div>
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We don't get many chances to get out without having to parent the kids from the dinner table. So we took full advantage of having a sitter (thanks, mom!) and stayed out until almost 10 o'clock! That's a pretty late night for us, haha!<br />
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A hot walk for me this morning, followed by a cold breakfast, and now it's time to spend the weekend lounging by the pool. Don't be too jealous - enjoy your weekend, friends!<br />
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tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-98770808326657272018-06-04T16:50:00.001-05:002018-06-12T14:31:22.814-05:00Weekend Wrap-up!My little family and I had a super busy weekend! We don't thrive on all the busy-ness to say the least, so we may have needed ALL.THE.SLEEP come Sunday night!<br />
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I had a closing very early Friday morning (8am, before the office even opened 😮). It was a very quick closing and my buyers headed home to go back to bed. But not before I was able to offer them this "sweet" closing gift:<br />
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I had these cookies made by a local cookie artist, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidnightBakesTN/" target="_blank">Midnight Bakes</a>. They turned out so cute!<br />
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I spent the rest of Friday preparing for the final round of playoffs in our flag league that evening and getting ready to travel for Isaak's soccer tournament on Saturday. Friday night was full of flag games. Isaak's team won their second round of playoffs, putting them in the championship game scheduled for Sunday! </div>
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After getting home late from the fields, we got up early Saturday morning, grabbed some Starbucks and hit the road to Cookeville, TN for the soccer tournament. </div>
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It was hot, humid and sweaty in Cookeville. We brought Lukas along, and he did impressively well in the heat and the crowds. Isaak had some tough losses but we got to finish with a family dinner at Chili's. </div>
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It was 10p before we got home. After unloading and showering, it was after 11p before we all got into bed. That's a pretty late night for us, with another early morning on tap to get set up for championship game day. <br />
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Championship day went as well as can be expected in youth sports, especially youth football in the south. We had some unhappy parents and coaches who felt inclined to express those feelings to my husband. (That's the nicest way I can say that!). I guess that sort of things comes with the director role. Ironically, he's never been chewed out by the winning teams' coaches or parents. Perspective. Isaak's team lost their championship game, but placed 2nd in the age division, so good day. </div>
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We are officially done with all sports for the season and plan to spend the summer by the pool, chilling. I have some things in the work and I'll share as I go along. Thanks for stopping by! </div>
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tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-81781013199648418392018-06-01T11:35:00.002-05:002018-06-12T14:31:36.909-05:00I was inspiredMy husband and I run a youth flag football league here in our city. Two seasons a year (spring and fall), we promote and organize a draft to create 25-30 teams of 8-10 players, ages 5-12. We create a regular season schedule and a playoff schedule that ultimately ends with a championship game in each division. We have been doing this for a couple of years and we absolutely love it. We spend a A LOT of time on the football fields (yes, even while I'm pregnant!) setting up fields, hosting refs, listening to parents, encouraging players, managing coaches, and running first aid kits to the injured and water to the thirsty.<br />
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This is us on a recent game day. This is my 10 year old (aka #lastbaby) and the only child of mine interested in sports. We are in the home stretch of the spring season currently, with the second round of playoffs underway tonight. I get the opportunity to meet and share life with so many people. Recently, I spoke with another momma about what it is to find our way in this world, especially as our children get older - deciphering what we love to do and what we have to do, and why it can't but should be one and the same. </div>
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In all this mom life talk, she inspired to really consider what it is I love to do (outside of being a momma of course!) and pursue that, really pursue that. You'll remember a small lament in the previous <a href="http://deliveringmiracles.blogspot.com/2018/05/7-months-since.html" target="_blank">post </a> about my recent choice to get my real estate license last year and how I'm feeling it's not quite the right fit for me. We only get ONE life on this earth, and I want to use mine to pursue what I'm passionate about: the compassion that my God has given to me for infertile couples along with a strong desire to be an advocate for female physical health. In the coming weeks, be looking for some big changes around the blog and even bigger changes in my life as I continue to look for my way in this world. </div>
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tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-39525680343253142732018-05-14T17:11:00.002-05:002018-06-12T14:31:49.030-05:007 Months SinceIt's been almost 7 months (just a couple days shy actually) since one of the hardest days of my life: the day P & Z's sweet baby boy entered the world without breath. Each month has offered time to grieve, question, and begin healing emotionally and physically. I am making my way towards both.<br />
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Shortly after the birth, I began physical therapy at the suggestion of my OB, to restore my postpartum body. I attended twice weekly sessions for 6 weeks. My appointments consisted of functional exercises to retrain and restrengthen my abdominal wall, my hips, and my pelvic floor. I highly recommend that ALL postpartum women (no matter how far postpartum you are!) see a pelvic floor physiotherapist to offer guidance to restore strength and functionality to body after baby. I was released from PT with a clean bill of functional health, no diastis recti, and strong pelvic floor muscles. I don't even pee when I sneeze...after 8 babies, folks! Seriously, see your local physiotherapist. If you're in the middle TN area, I highly recommend Results Physiotherapy in Franklin, TN.<br />
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P and I had a lot of contact in the first couple of months following the birth, but it has waned quite a bit. P is ready to move forward with her dream of having a child and I am in a holding period. I feel we have both made a peaceful acceptance of the passing of her little one; it's an experience that will connect us both: a story that we will each tell from our own perspective. My OB's recommendation is 12-18 months before attempting another pregnancy, and I of course need that time to physically heal. I also need the time to continue to process the experience and decide how I feel about carrying again. Initially, P wanted a commitment that I just couldn't give so soon after the birth. She asked for my blessing to search for another surrogate, and I happily gave it! I want so bad for her to realize her dream of having her very own little one in her arms. Right now, we are both in different stages of our lives and waiting for different things.<br />
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In the waiting, I am continuing my exercises from PT and have seen much improvement. I'm at the gym on the regular and am slowly returning to a pre-pregnancy strength routine. My husband and I continue to run a local youth flag football league for our 4th season - that keeps us pretty busy in the spring and the fall! All my kiddos are growing up right before my eyes, leaving me with no more elementary school aged children at the end of this school year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us together, for once!<br />
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I made a <a href="http://deliveringmiracles.blogspot.com/2017/08/bigger-bump-and-announcement.html" target="_blank">post</a> last year announcing my jump into the real estate world. I have been working a little here and there, but I have to confess that I'm not convinced that this "job" is the right fit for me. I recently had the opportunity to speak with a local woman interested in surrogacy, as an intended parent. I have been able to share my experience and offer advice and direction. I look forward to helping her throughout her surrogacy process. I have also been able to encourage other women to care for themselves postpartum and teach them exercises that will help them along the way. In all this I realized that my passion isn't real estate -- it's my family and surrogacy and pre- & postnatal fitness. So perhaps I shouldn't have been so quick to make the realty announcement. But sometimes we don't know what fits until we try it on. Surrogacy fits me.<br />
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The idea of carrying again has crossed my mind a time or two lately, as I move farther from the birth and farther to recovery. I still haven't decided if I'll carry again. I don't know where life will find me at the end of the year (which is the earliest I'd consider even talking seriously about it!). One day at a time around here. </div>
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Summer is coming and we are excitedly looking forward to lazy pool days and back porch popsicles. I'll pop in more often and let you know where life is finding me.<br />
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tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-75011378528081612612017-10-21T17:31:00.001-05:002017-10-28T16:55:17.884-05:00I have no wordsFriends, I promised I'd be back on time with an update. I'm here as I said with an update -- but it's not a post I ever wanted to have to share. I feel the need to warn you readers that this post will be very long (and still not say enough) and may be hard for some.<br />
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In the early morning hours of Tuesday, Oct 17, I awoke with a fear and the notion that I had not felt the little guy move in some time. I searched my brain to to recall that the last distinctive movement I remember occurred the day before around 7:30a'ish. I hoped that I had just missed his movements throughout the busy day I had had. I poked the belly, gave a little wiggle, changed directions in bed all in an attempt to get some movement out of him. Nothing. As I laid in the dark, I tried not to worry - perhaps he's a hard sleeper. As time passed, all my prompts were met with stillness. I made a call to my office's emergency line. The on-call doctor encouraged me that sometimes little ones move quite a bit less in the third trimester. She instructed me to eat or drink something sugary and lay on my left side and do kick counts. I was to count at least 6-8 movements of any kind in that hour. I was back to laying in the dark trying to will his stillness into movement. After 45 minutes of waiting and praying, there were no kicks to be counted. It was time to head to the hospital.<br />
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I called P on our way as I thought it best to let her know what was happening, assuring her that all was fine and that I was likely being overly cautious. I even felt a little bit like a silly worrier going in, but better safe than sorry. And I told P I'd call her just as soon as I knew anything.<br />
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My husband drove me to my OB's office (he never left my side). We arrived at 9:15a and were immediately taken back to an exam room where I was promptly hooked up to a fetal monitor. The nurse could not pick up the baby's heart right away, so she called in another nurse "with more experience." She could not find the heartbeat either. She said to us, probably reading the concern on our faces, "We should just get the ultrasound monitor out. It'll be much easier." The doctor (although not MY doctor as she was out of the office that week) came in with the bedside ultrasound and began to scan my tummy. "I'm sorry. There's no heart activity," she said with tears in her eye. My first thought was for P and how I was going to have to call her and tell her that everything was not fine. Oh how I wished for someone else to make that call for me, but I knew it only right that I call - it was my place. "I don't know how to say this. I'm so sorry to tell you that there was no heartbeat." Tears.<br />
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A more detailed ultrasound was performed and showed nothing unusual. We began to prepare for delivery that afternoon, at 31 weeks & 6 days gestation. I began pitocin at 3p - how very odd it was for us to be in a delivery room as we had been so many times and not to feel the excitement and anticipation as before. Just stillness and grief.<br />
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P and Z arrived at the hospital around 4p and my water broke just before 5p. I received an epidural shortly after as we all agreed that we had enough pain already. My mother was able to arrive to be with me at 6p. She was looking forward to meeting P one day but certainly not under these circumstances.<br />
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Baby boy arrived at approximately 8:30p, weighing 4lbs, 3oz. The irony of an eerily quiet room after the birth of a child was not lost on us.<br />
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An examination showed that this sweet boy's umbilical cord has become wrapped and tangled creating a kink or knot that stopped the flow of blood and oxygen to his little body. We are told this is very rare and was nothing anyone could have seen coming therefore could not have been prevented. His cause of death will likely be recorded as a cord accident. Although we are thankful to have a reason, the pain remains the same.<br />
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We all got to spend some private time alone with him: P and Z alone and Theo and I alone. He was such a beautiful boy, a perfect mix of his mom and dad. I am so humbled by the trust given me to carry him for every second of his precious life.<br />
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He was laid to rest forever a baby in a private service with his family on October 19.tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-35314648249337951602017-10-14T19:07:00.001-05:002018-06-12T14:32:21.993-05:00I totally forgot about youI completely forgot to update after our appointment a week and a half ago! I thought I had updated, but hopped on today to discover that I actually did not make a post. I guess I only shared with you all in my head. Sooooo, pregnancy brain? 😆<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is my life now</td></tr>
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Super sorry about that one, friends! My last appointment went great. P was able to come and see her little guy. And we were fortunate to get some great 4D pics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUsfzHhv2R5j1nDyaUF4pFlGJbLDH9EvxVXJ0fQ5NN2ewhWpeiYsDckMSLgTxp9SDQoefrOusn0XtLI4mWfW4N1pKD_iiJHgnVjmY2S0ErYmE-017n1IuWwkqjy-mC9THSKpTYE_JYSXY/s1600/30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1078" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUsfzHhv2R5j1nDyaUF4pFlGJbLDH9EvxVXJ0fQ5NN2ewhWpeiYsDckMSLgTxp9SDQoefrOusn0XtLI4mWfW4N1pKD_iiJHgnVjmY2S0ErYmE-017n1IuWwkqjy-mC9THSKpTYE_JYSXY/s640/30.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">isn't he cute!</td></tr>
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My blood redraw came back normal - no anemia. Yay! Our next appointment is in about 5 days, and I promise I won't forget about all my readers again. At this point, I begin appointments every 2 weeks, then will begin weekly check-ups in 4 weeks. We are really in the homestretch!<br />
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I am currently 31.5 weeks. My last belly pic was taken at 30 weeks, so I definitely need to take another. I'll leave you with the 30 week bump...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more than a bump!</td></tr>
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I swear by my pregnancy brain to come back NEXT WEEK with an update!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-75871407036869523912017-09-19T17:59:00.003-05:002018-06-12T14:32:43.486-05:0028 weeks - almost there really!We have made our way into the THIRD and FINAL trimester! Tomorrow will be the official 28 week mark. We have 12 more weeks until due date, 11 more weeks until the max date for delivery (according to my OB), and possibly only 9 more weeks until actual birth given the last delivery that came early at 37 weeks. This time will pass fast, friends!<br />
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My last doctor's appointment was great! I'm happy say that I passed the glucola test and the sugary drink was even tolerable until the sugar rush hit! Thankfully it was short lived. My blood cell count came back low which could be a sign that my anemia may be returning as we head into the homestretch of the pregnancy. I'll be retested next month to determine if any action is needed. On the brighter side, we got to see photos of the little guy in 4D. His face is pressed against the placenta; he must think it's a nice warm pillow since he never turned from it during his photo shoot. I love how you can see his sweet little fingers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBg4PkhWgWaxubT-QelU4Vw9_Xk76YvawPOqQ5FKiDJtKjRYPNPLZe4FZGHOT9Orh7VYnaGLqcEaI5VgyH8_TPbydhxIOcyx26-yVSzDpae8I-flzxwlEZbv0XAjUP8zARb07ZEVod8rO/s1600/20170907_105358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBg4PkhWgWaxubT-QelU4Vw9_Xk76YvawPOqQ5FKiDJtKjRYPNPLZe4FZGHOT9Orh7VYnaGLqcEaI5VgyH8_TPbydhxIOcyx26-yVSzDpae8I-flzxwlEZbv0XAjUP8zARb07ZEVod8rO/s640/20170907_105358.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">super cool!</td></tr>
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I was able to text the photos to P before popping them in the mail to her since she couldn't be there that day. She is able to come to the appointment in October so we are looking forward to that. I hope the little guy is more cooperative for his pictures! We plan to tour the hospital next month as well.<br />
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The legal side of things has been quiet since the initial contracts. Yesterday we received the final draft of the parentage documents for all parties to sign and notarize. Those documents, when submitted and accepted by the courts, will legally name P & Z as the parents and their names will be placed on the birth certificate at birth. We know the baby is all theirs, but having the legal paperwork complete is a nice bonus! </div>
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I made an announcement in the last post about my entry into the world of real estate, and that entry has been quite successful already! I spend most of my days in training classes at my brokerage firm - even though I passed the exam, there is still SO MUCH to learn. I also host open houses on the weekend for other agents where I get a chance to meet potential buyer clients. I currently have my first ever buyer client and we are working on finding him a home for his family. Such an exciting time! If you are in the market in middle TN or know anyone who is, you can find me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/RealtorTashaBrown/</div>
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This belly I have now also makes for quite a talking point at the open houses too! Take a look at these bump pics........</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">26 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KThcR9NP3Lx7Pb3lxKKQ18on2dtj_-BaED4pS1cYesHX0cNbfOSV1oK-CsGlx9w0wxVfT8mdaZ6Ttu9PsWyCO_pSAxUVzMmsGS_1YfMjwIHv6_loZm-GAxu8OVnUjjlylEOEFBEqQ__k/s1600/27weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KThcR9NP3Lx7Pb3lxKKQ18on2dtj_-BaED4pS1cYesHX0cNbfOSV1oK-CsGlx9w0wxVfT8mdaZ6Ttu9PsWyCO_pSAxUVzMmsGS_1YfMjwIHv6_loZm-GAxu8OVnUjjlylEOEFBEqQ__k/s640/27weeks.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">27 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_my5U9kGtSRRxFzw3oZhM0EjgsUaMWWo8vn8T-Ed3WtkKhYjbtXAArnYBe7kfZzpxdLe9-pKNBidqTtuh5gc1yGK_tDcr8OoV1U34W2zVui7l8bgARKbAP8C8IiaZGhiCUkvnAvkVIIU/s1600/28weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_my5U9kGtSRRxFzw3oZhM0EjgsUaMWWo8vn8T-Ed3WtkKhYjbtXAArnYBe7kfZzpxdLe9-pKNBidqTtuh5gc1yGK_tDcr8OoV1U34W2zVui7l8bgARKbAP8C8IiaZGhiCUkvnAvkVIIU/s640/28weeks.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 weeks</td></tr>
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The pics don't seem to show too much change but I feel like I grow every day! I'm not able to get as much good quality sleep as I'd like because it's so hard to get and STAY comfortable at night. I'm a natural stomach sleeper so that means I may not sleep well for the rest of the pregnancy. I'm still at the gym every morning and my energy is still good at the moment. I have no weird food cravings to report, but I've never really had those in any of my pregnancies. I guess I have "boring" pregnancies! 😃<br />
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Our next appointment is October 5 - I hope to have a very boring update then as well, aside from some cute baby photos we hope to get! I'll check in then, friends!</div>
tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-55925808210318516222017-08-31T13:22:00.001-05:002018-06-12T14:32:56.017-05:00Bigger bump and an announcement25 weeks down already and we are just bumpin' right along! (See what I did there)<br />
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I grow a little bit more each week, as is to be expected of course. I'm still in non-maternity bottoms although I am having to fasten the button together with a ponytail loop. I'm in maternity tops a bit more regularly although I find that some of the looser, flowy tops and dresses do just fine.<br />
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If this little guy decides to arrive early like the last one (and it's very likely he could!), we may only have 12 weeks left in this pregnancy. I think that will go by super fast as the holiday season approaches. I know P is super anxious to meet her little man!<br />
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I have nothing really interesting to report as far as the pregnancy goes - everything is pretty much par for the course: too much peeing and never-ending baby kicks. However, I do have some BIG personal NEWS...<br />
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During this journey, I have been considering what to do with my time after this little one arrives. This will be the 8th child that I have carried and delivered, and it's very likely he will be my final carry. As my little ones are growing, I am finding myself with some free time on my hands. With the support of my family and friends, I decided to get licensed as a professional realtor! I am officially working for my local Keller Williams office while completing this surrogacy journey. It's definitely a change of pace and a new venture I'm very excited to begin.<br />
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Thanks for letting me share this news with you all! I'll be back next week with an update from the next ultrasound as well as that awful glucola appointment.tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-87567656557900805532017-08-17T13:41:00.002-05:002018-06-12T14:33:17.515-05:0023 weeks!We are 23 weeks into this thing already, and I have the bump to prove it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYnFImzgFXic3qq7e_sxyHBVysYo3gD0_5lczd2MJUuVtyKmYtP0BHZwBlN65Nq-4DT0QwprrDG8ODrb_BYjnKdTKYTrUis8nJfbbwgGHaXx5vVYx5uAz6-WVwIllD13xgHpabSUNAMv6/s1600/20170815_063316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYnFImzgFXic3qq7e_sxyHBVysYo3gD0_5lczd2MJUuVtyKmYtP0BHZwBlN65Nq-4DT0QwprrDG8ODrb_BYjnKdTKYTrUis8nJfbbwgGHaXx5vVYx5uAz6-WVwIllD13xgHpabSUNAMv6/s640/20170815_063316.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early AM messy hair - please excuse</td></tr>
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I am still getting by with my regular (stretchy) clothes at the moment; maternity clothes are still a bit to big in the waist/belly. They're coming though, promise.<br />
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Little guy moves ALL THE TIME! We got to take another peek during our recent ultrasound a few days ago. We met with the perinatologist who performed the fetal echo to check on baby's heart development. Everything looked great - doc says he saw exactly what he hoped to see at this point. He did share with us (P was present) that IVF babies - all IVF babies, not just those carried via surrogate - have a slightly higher risk of still birth, therefore regular monitoring would be necessary as studies show that a health decline is usually gradual rather than immediate. So baby boy will continue to be monitored via ultrasound monthly for growth checks until 34 weeks, then we will proceed to weekly growth checks after that until delivery. This was also the protocol for my prior carries as well.<br />
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At the appointment, P was so sweet to think of me and bring me a treat from a nearby bakery...<br />
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This is a vanilla bundtlet with cream cheese frosting. I promptly took a bite as soon as I got home! It was a perfect after dinner dessert (I may have a bit of a sweet tooth!) and I did not share it with anyone.</div>
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Appointment day was pretty great as baby is doing well and the treat was just icing on the cake. 😉</div>
tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-85521078023115614072017-08-06T11:41:00.002-05:002018-06-12T14:33:38.186-05:00Anatomy scan looked great!Our anatomy ultrasound went beautifully! P and Z were able to be in the room and see their little guy! At times, he was quite uncooperative for the ultrasound tech, forcing her to give him a little shake in my belly to encourage him to turn and face the right directions for her measurements. He is measuring exactly where he should be, now measuring only 2 days ahead. (Remember, he had been measuring 5 days ahead.) P was sent home with some very cute photos of course, but not before she graciously let me scan a couple to keep for myself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifarn8vdsm5yBKJypZWLiw3YNf57bPczggVbd0xV_9PusDYylPb0UzHZ1pdV-L_XAHrOiNmX_mDFibhMNYyLNtnK3vCnBI0FZZmx3tEgcOXmERreuBCyaef7FiyW7g-B4vfAXpWVIC9ZNt/s1600/21weeksb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1600" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifarn8vdsm5yBKJypZWLiw3YNf57bPczggVbd0xV_9PusDYylPb0UzHZ1pdV-L_XAHrOiNmX_mDFibhMNYyLNtnK3vCnBI0FZZmx3tEgcOXmERreuBCyaef7FiyW7g-B4vfAXpWVIC9ZNt/s640/21weeksb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little guy's profile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97llSEBa1si-riAcxHDDtCGO67IjeWkWT4xJF6mvidWjhaFb20H_JsLYjeulKQHHuZbgnUh9Zi5-boBeGaDZKsMSYhKtcX_sGVm6tdFgQ8s1mb_pxaTZF26OkLOPVqFir5afzHo3rJ-or/s1600/21weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97llSEBa1si-riAcxHDDtCGO67IjeWkWT4xJF6mvidWjhaFb20H_JsLYjeulKQHHuZbgnUh9Zi5-boBeGaDZKsMSYhKtcX_sGVm6tdFgQ8s1mb_pxaTZF26OkLOPVqFir5afzHo3rJ-or/s640/21weeks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">profile with left hand up and legs up, getting ready to kick!</td></tr>
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My doc recommended that we have an additional ultrasound in a couple of weeks to complete a fetal echo under the care of a perinatologist due to studies that show a slight risk increase in heart anomalies in IVF pregnancies. This is standard and my OB saw no concerns on our ultrasound. I have the fetal echo scheduled for August 14; P is going to be at this appointment as well.<br />
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During our appointment, we also discussed the possibility of an early delivery (based on the last very <a href="http://deliveringmiracles.blogspot.com/2015/10/where-have-you-been.html" target="_blank">fast</a> delivery that occurred at 37 weeks). We may be a little ahead of ourselves but it's always nice to know what you might be able to expect. It's especially important for P as she plans to come and stay towards the end of the pregnancy - she doesn't want to miss the birth of course!<br />
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We scheduled my next prenatal appointment for Sept 7; I'll be about 26 weeks along, and will have to drink that dreaded glucola (50 grams of glucose!) for the gestational diabetes test. I'm always happy to get that over with.<br />
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I could tell that P and Z were very pleased with how well the appointment went; they are very excited to be getting closer to meeting their little one! Time will pass fast as they keep busy with their work and as we keep busy with the school year getting underway next week! Baby boy will be here before we know it!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-46525232918024383682017-07-31T13:23:00.002-05:002018-06-12T14:33:52.752-05:00We're at the halfway point!20 weeks...we're halfway there. Actually, I'm 20.5 weeks today so we are OVER half way there!!<br />
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I'm starting to get a much more noticeable bump as we move along...<br />
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I'm in maternity shirts but still in regular shorts, mostly because I am avoiding buying maternity shorts. Their fits are always so weird on me. I figure I'll spend the bulk of the pregnancy in the winter months so I'll need more pants than shorts anyway.<br />
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I am feeling pretty good at this point in the pregnancy. Nausea and food aversions are all gone and I'm back to working out very regularly. Even the varicose vein that I posted about previously isn't giving me much trouble at all. No pregnancy cravings to report -- my diet has returned to my usual following the first trimester. Except for the growing belly, I feel pretty normal.<br />
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The last couple of weeks have been incredibly hot here in middle TN, so I've been spending my days at the pool with my crew. School starts next week so we are soaking up all the summer we have left.<br />
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Our big anatomy scan is in 3 days! I'm so excited for P and Z to able to attend and to see their little guy wriggling all around. He is a mover and shaker for sure!<br />
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I'll be back soon to report on the ultrasound. I'm heading out to take advantage of the sunshine and the slightly less humid day!<br />
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Talk soon, friends!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-79474501269203093052017-07-13T12:23:00.003-05:002018-06-12T14:34:05.743-05:00Any new symptoms?"Any new symptoms?"<br />
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My OB asks me this question at every check up. I usually respond with the usual symptoms that come with a progressing pregnancy - no big deal. Except this past appointment (while still no big deal) I had to share a brand-new-not-my-usual-experience symptom.<br />
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This. This right here...<br />
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Do you see those large varicose veins?! I know they are normal in pregnancy, BUT I have not ever had them, ever. I have spider veins that show up in each pregnancy and they fade shortly after the birth. But varicose veins are new to me! This one (or two) popped up the second day of our trip to SC a few weeks ago and I can only assume it was due to all the walking - over 20k steps a day! - we do while on vacation. They are perhaps in my genetics as my grandmother's legs are covered in them.<br />
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There are no health concerns and they don't give me much trouble save that it's not so pretty to look at of course. It does come with some mild discomfort (a little tender/achy and itchy) at the end of the day if I've been on my feet a bit. Elevating my leg clears that up, so I guess it's a nice excuse to "take a load off" at the end of the day.<br />
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My OB tells me that it's unlikely to go away during the pregnancy and will likely become worse as my uterus grows and blood flow continues to increase. The good news is that most pregnancy induced varicose veins usually go away within the first year after delivery. In the meantime, I'll be sure to take time off my feet, continue exercise for good blood flow, and hope that I don't get anymore!<br />
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We will have the big anatomy scan in a few weeks. P and Z are planning to attend - should be a good appointment!<br />
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No updated bump pic as I was too tired - or lazy - to put on "real" clothes, ha! I will make the effort next week as little boy is definitely growing in there!!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-2679052957800390392017-07-07T16:25:00.001-05:002018-06-12T14:34:20.179-05:00Back from the beach and growingWe are back from a week at the beach and I'm happy to report that both adults and all 3 children remain sunburn free, hooray! (No easy feat under that South Carolina sun!) It was a pretty uneventful trip save for the rainstorms we had to drive through while traveling to and from the island. And it rained (pop up storms) almost everyday we were there, but we were still able to enjoy the beach, take a dolphin cruise that ended with a fireworks show, and take an early morning kayak trip followed by a fantastic breakfast of fresh fruit crepes. That's what I look forward to every year. ;) And of course taste the ice cream at nearly every ice cream store. I have the growing belly to prove it...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby or sundaes??</td></tr>
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Bump pic above was taken right after we got home - about 16.5 weeks. I'm slowly moving into some maternity tops but I'm not quite in maternity pants yet. It still looks like a bit of bloat rather than a baby, I think.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hardly noticeable from the front</td></tr>
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My little belly companion is getting a lot more active this last week; there's no question between baby movement and digestion any longer - another milestone moment in the journey.<br />
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I'm not holding my breath for any real big return of energy (if you remember my previous posts lamenting all the fatigue!), but I'm managing better. I'm pretty much wiped by 4p most days. I definitely need to take care of any errands or domestic duties early in the day...like baking the cherry cobbler earlier for Friday night dessert, which will likely leave me with an even bigger bump but I have to feed the baby, right?!<br />
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Thanks for catching up with me, friends. Enjoy your weekend. Check back next week for an update following my OB appointment in a few days.tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-65122605193010168862017-06-23T12:28:00.000-05:002018-06-12T14:34:33.050-05:003 weeks later and a bump!I cannot believe it has been 3 weeks since I posted an update. I really should do better. I want to keep this blog updated as often as possible, BUT it's the actual doing that throws me apparently. We are currently a little over 15 weeks along and things are going so smoothly that I guess there's just not much to talk about.<br />
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But I do have a lil' bump starting to make an appearance...<br />
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These photos were taken last week, at the 14 week mark, and truthfully some of that "bump" could be a little pregnancy bloat -- does that ever end?! The bump is not nearly as noticeable in my regular clothes but those are my gym clothes and they are bit more fitted. </div>
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I am no yet in maternity clothes, though I suspect I may have to transition into some tops in the coming weeks as mine get a bit tighter as we move along. Thankfully, I can still fit into my shorts and dresses and even my bathing suit for the time being. That's great because my little family and I are preparing to go to South Carolina next week for some beaching and ice cream eating. (I could come back with a bigger bump, ha!)</div>
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I also think I have been experiencing some very early baby flutters in the last few days. They are ever so slight and quite inconsistent; I may only notice them a few times a day. It's very early so it can still be hard to tell if it's the little guy moving around or just good ol' pregnancy digestive bubbles. But he was measuring about 5 days ahead on the last several scans, so maybe feeling slight movement a bit early is to be expected. I'll know for sure soon enough. </div>
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P and I haven't talked much lately. No reason other than there's just not much to talk about -- a rather textbook pregnancy so far. She also keeps very busy with owning her own business so I imagine her time is limited at the moment. We usually communicate more around doctor's appointments and such. That is all to be expected. </div>
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We'll spend the next week at the beach then take a quick visit to my mom's house for a few days to celebrate the 4th of July. My children return to school a month after that so I suppose school supply shopping will be on the agenda in the very near future. These summers seem to roll on by quicker and quicker the older I get! </div>
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My next OB appointment is in about 2 weeks, so definitely be looking for an update about that. I hope to pop in and share some vacation photos here as well. Be on the lookout!</div>
tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-39168163558123824012017-06-02T11:07:00.001-05:002018-06-12T14:34:44.036-05:0012 week scan completeI had the nuchal scan yesterday as scheduled. Everything went well however we won't receive the results for another week. The nuchal scan measurements have to be combined with my labwork in order to have the results. Until then, we wait.<br />
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But we did get to see the little guy on screen again. He has gotten so much bigger since we last saw him a few weeks. Aaaaand he's looking a lot more like a tiny human these days! He was wiggling all around moving his hands and making faces with his mouth. It's always so fun to see that! His heart rate was very normal, coming in at 161bmp. He is measuring 4 days ahead; if he continues to trend ahead as he has been it could mean we'll deliver a "big" baby, whatever that could mean. There's no concern of course, just a little guy that's growing a bit ahead of his gestational age.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnWhE3pARW2fepDlqzMLNo0k6dDwqP9PVFUbXGB-I9t9Zhrc3Ey8YyTZsAHo0eMaj7egacy5AZuB-l0YUBwGqeW7Rt-5BJ4pkUXgsKcldMWd3SE544c8CBtqLo77SgLZFksIT7PwdCcc3/s1600/12weeks-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1334" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnWhE3pARW2fepDlqzMLNo0k6dDwqP9PVFUbXGB-I9t9Zhrc3Ey8YyTZsAHo0eMaj7egacy5AZuB-l0YUBwGqeW7Rt-5BJ4pkUXgsKcldMWd3SE544c8CBtqLo77SgLZFksIT7PwdCcc3/s640/12weeks-edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">isn't he a cute lil' human!</td></tr>
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<br />
P is of course very excited to be moving right along. I was able to send her an image of the photo so she could see him right away. I'll be popping the hard copy in the mail to her today.<br />
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It's warming up a bit here in middle TN, so we've been spending a bit more time at the pool. The water is still a little chilly as our nights are still cool but it's nice to just spend some lazy time around the water. It keeps my kiddos busy for a minute or two and allows me to pick up a nice tan to get the summer started.<br />
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I will have my next prenatal appointment in a few days. I am officially just over 12 weeks (only 5 more days to go in the 1st trimester!!) so hopefully more energy will return soon. I'm still quite tired most of the time. It takes A LOT of work growing a little one.<br />
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Thanks for keeping up with me, friends. I'll check back in soon, but right now the sun is shining and the pool is calling!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-21626770461730099392017-05-23T10:45:00.000-05:002017-05-24T13:33:35.849-05:00Nuchal scan...rescheduledI went to my appointment yesterday as planned only to find out (while I was in the ultrasound room!) that they scheduled the scan too early in the pregnancy. It has to be done between 11 and 13 weeks, and between 12 and 13 weeks is the best time to receive the more conclusive results. Since I was just shy of 11 weeks, we had to reschedule. It was kind of a bummer as I was looking forward to taking a peak at the little bean again!<br />
<br />
Our new appointment for the nuchal scan is June 1; my next prenatal appointment is June 5. Unfortunately, there was no room in the schedule for me to have both appointments on the same day. So back and forth I will go. Thankfully, the drive is only about 20'ish minutes. I feel like I am always at the doctor's office, and I guess that will continue for a bit longer.<br />
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Tomorrow, I will officially be 11 weeks along. My nausea is continuing to wane, making it's debut much later in the day (or early evening sometimes!) now. My dizziness upon standing is lessening as it's not happening quite so often. And my shortness of breath is all but gone unless I spend too much time in the humidity. That time of year is coming but I'm hoping it's just a first trimester symptom and should be out of here before the heat really kicks in. Pregnancy fatigue is still kicking my butt; I'd be content to go to bed every night at 7p if I could! My pants are definitely starting to get a little snug, and I'm sure I'll be having to unbutton them before too long. Thankfully, I have several shorts with the elastic waist (think athletic shorts or linen shorts) and dresses that I think I can wear once the jeans get too uncomfortable. I'm heading into that "in-between" stage where my regular clothes are getting uncomfortable but I'm definitely no where near ready for maternity clothes. Of course I'll post bump pics when there's a bump to show -- at the moment, it just looks like I've been eating more than my share of cupcakes lately, ha!<br />
<br />
Today is the official last day of school for my kiddos, and it's only a half day so they'll be home soon. Summer break begins tomorrow and I'm looking forward to not having to drag kids out of bed for early morning bus stop calls. They'll be out for less than 2 months, but I'm sure I'll be ready for them to go back by then. But for now, I'm looking forward to some slow mornings and lazy summer days in the sun by the pool.tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-26494347516236430652017-05-12T12:24:00.001-05:002017-05-22T13:55:21.585-05:009 week updateThis week officially puts us at 9 weeks along! Our scan earlier this week went very well. Baby is growing and heart rate has jumped to 182! We are really just moving right along. P was able to be present at the appointment; we went out to brunch afterwards. It was nice to be able to spend some time together talking about all the exciting things that come with surrogacy as she begins preparing for motherhood!<br />
<br />
My nausea is trying to subside it seems. It shows up from time to time, mostly when my stomach is empty or right after I've eaten something that disagreed with the pregnancy. It doesn't last all day any longer, so I'm thankful for that! I still battle a bit of fatigue (normal of course!) and I go to bed a bit earlier than usual these days, 9p most nights. I ventured back into the gym this week as I was beginning to feel somewhat achy from all the "rest" last week. I always feel better when I move. To my surprise, my energy level wasn't too low and no nausea at the gym. WIN! I'm interested to see how that changes as we move along.<br />
<br />
My OB's office called me back with my lab results. To their surprise and mine, my iron levels are all normal: I am no longer anemic!! Wahoo!! I guess that iron infusion worked well and hopefully I can maintain good levels throughout. My OB attributes my earlier symptoms (dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, etc) to simply "early pregnancy" and the fact that I'm "a little older" than I used to be. That's a nice way of saying that I'm just an old pregnant women, ha! She did say that pregnancy symptoms can feel worse as women age. So there's that.<br />
<br />
I will begin tapering my medications next week. Basically, I'll be stopping the estrogen patches completely. I cannot say I will miss having all those stickies and their residue all over my skin. I will continue my progesterone injections, but only every other day as opposed to daily until May 31. Those will end completely at that time and I will be medication free!<br />
<br />
My next appointment is May 22 for a nuchal scan. That is a scan to measure the fluid at the base of the neck which could indicate a chromosomal abnormality such as Down Syndrome. Even though the embryo was PGD tested, the doctors feel like this test is still warranted. I have had this test with prior carries (<a href="http://deliveringmiracles.blogspot.com/2010/10/wait-for-it.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://deliveringmiracles.blogspot.com/2014/02/forgive-me-again.html" target="_blank">here</a>); it is pretty routine. And of course any excuse to check on the little guy is always good! I will not actually see my OB at that time; she will call with her thoughts on the scan results and we will talk more in depth at my next appointment on June 5. (I feel like I have lived at doctors' offices this year!)<br />
<br />
The school year is wrapping up for us in a little over a week so I will be busy with end of the year breakfasts, awards ceremonies, picnics, field days, and end of the year parties. You will definitely hear from me after our next scan!<br />
<br />
Thanks for following along with my on this journey. 😊tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-38923506583965444962017-05-03T09:51:00.000-05:002018-06-12T14:37:52.606-05:00First OB ApptI had my first official prenatal appointment a couple of days ago. Although I haven't been released from the care of the fertility doctor just yet, I wanted to go ahead and see my OB and share some concerns with her. For the past week and a half, I have been experiencing some dizziness (that throws my balance), shortness of breath (with only minor exertion), chest discomfort (I assume from the breath shortness), and muscle weakness. All of that along with first trimester fatigue and nausea has had me DOWN for the count!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0xLTTUteZuYBWWQDWK2zvX5k-uJ3GcYDWgsVqzeRoltD1GYdmwdKdRwCDu17nt6H12vTeZFBTcUMjaAiImGUECisRjJCHLckvZq1-BDF_O4p_tcgg_djZfIUl2MFJoBMx-z6pY5MehsT/s1600/8b6b5a2a8847c0a1cca2056e5902dde7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0xLTTUteZuYBWWQDWK2zvX5k-uJ3GcYDWgsVqzeRoltD1GYdmwdKdRwCDu17nt6H12vTeZFBTcUMjaAiImGUECisRjJCHLckvZq1-BDF_O4p_tcgg_djZfIUl2MFJoBMx-z6pY5MehsT/s640/8b6b5a2a8847c0a1cca2056e5902dde7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">current situation...erry day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The verdict from my OB is that these are all normal symptoms of pregnancy with the addition of anemia. No real cause for concern except that it's kind of getting in the way of my life. 😐 A small sacrifice really though. Her suggestion is to basically "take it easy," no exercise or strenuous activity until the symptoms subside, which she suspects will be in a couple of weeks. That should also be when the full effects of the iron infusion should kick in. I hope so. I've always exercised throughout my pregnancies, so it's bothersome that I can't right now. But I will just keep telling myself that this is only a season and the gym isn't going anywhere.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I did get to see the little guy and his heartbeat beating away again. My OB has a portable scanner that she brought in the room to do a quick ultrasound. All is well! She also drew my blood to check the iron levels again. I am of course still waiting to hear back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will see the fertility doctor next week. We will discuss tapering medications as well as check on the little one again. That's still so fun to me! P is coming to that appointment as well and we have plans to grab brunch afterwards. I'm really looking forward to that!</div>
<div>
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<div>
See you all next week!</div>
tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-5842064655471140282017-04-28T13:48:00.000-05:002018-06-12T14:38:04.659-05:00Heartbeat = check!Our ultrasound earlier in the week went exactly as we had hoped! The little guy is measuring one day ahead and his heart was beating like a champ at 132bmp. Both P and Z were able to be at the appointment, and I'm so grateful they got to be there to see their little one's heart pumping away.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlKfAN-ZVKQvbZZYycmZMCe_szD3fvgXcjuU8f9Mo1WkaXAtthjyZAEhMDKqCcmO-3x8sLboW1_b_YeuM3MIl5_OD5uU1AXBk53KwbOMe8O0WfHFZ8cWfkJlsCjayNn_YEW5D42pWlzEH/s1600/7weeks-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlKfAN-ZVKQvbZZYycmZMCe_szD3fvgXcjuU8f9Mo1WkaXAtthjyZAEhMDKqCcmO-3x8sLboW1_b_YeuM3MIl5_OD5uU1AXBk53KwbOMe8O0WfHFZ8cWfkJlsCjayNn_YEW5D42pWlzEH/s640/7weeks-edit.jpg" width="626" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">such a lil' guy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am definitely behind on posting this update. All those early pregnancy symptoms that I had just bragged about not quite arriving yet fully arrived about a week ago. The nausea and fatigue wasted no time in taking me out! I think my anemia is playing a role as well as I am experiencing some nasty symptoms: dizziness, even more fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches. Those in particular have really slowed me down! I have my first OB appointment scheduled for early next week; I will definitely be discussing that and managing the anemia.<br />
<br />
Ultrasound day was also my birthday, yay! After the appointment, my husband took me - just me, no kids! - to Chattanooga for a quick overnight trip to celebrate. We enjoyed some leisurely walks (with more breaks that I'm used to thanks to the fatigue and the breathlessness) in Coolidge Park, the art museum, the zoo, and Point Park at Lookout Mountain. It was nice to getaway, even if it was for just a quick minute.<br />
<br />
We will see the little guy again in about a week. At that appointment, we will discuss the tapering schedule for the medications as I prepare to transition from the fertility clinic to my OB's clinic. That's always an exciting step - no more patches or hip shots!<br />
<br />
Thanks for being so patient with me, friends, as I post updates whenever I can find the energy. Hang with me!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-90817684443633378062017-04-13T11:19:00.001-05:002018-06-12T14:38:26.727-05:00All betas are in!I had two blood draws this week for our final betas. Our numbers are SOARING! My previous <a href="http://deliveringmiracles.blogspot.com/2017/04/no-surprises-here.html" target="_blank">beta </a>was 387. Four days later, that number jumped to 1914; 2 days later, we came in at 4478! Beta levels are supposed to double every 2-3 days; our doubling rate is every 1.5 days! That assures us that this pregnancy is a strong one!<br />
<br />
I have an ultrasound scheduled for April 25 (also my birthday, yay!) at 9am. Both P and Z will be able to come to the appointment; I can not wait for them to see their little guy's heart beating away! After all that excitement, the husband and I will be off to celebrate my birthday.<br />
<br />
I am just over 5 weeks along and have no symptoms to report except for quite a bit of pregnancy fatigue. That's normal for me early in my pregnancies. I have found myself dozing off in the afternoons and going to bed earlier than normal. I have to get all my "stuff" done in the morning or I may run out of energy by the afternoon and be down for the count, ha!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFU5E9r9WbYLUe7zGYJMqa8TbAL4_ksVyy5hgvkj_OIDZqIZK2-cCwCVnBaftIJ5Zyp44ZnJZ-ISBThEwLq0O_szVcyOGjSBrF_aYiTQLPfxIorFLH_DIo7N0Z6ym8jAkjS4dK3-7c2ul/s1600/Tired-just-tired-dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFU5E9r9WbYLUe7zGYJMqa8TbAL4_ksVyy5hgvkj_OIDZqIZK2-cCwCVnBaftIJ5Zyp44ZnJZ-ISBThEwLq0O_szVcyOGjSBrF_aYiTQLPfxIorFLH_DIo7N0Z6ym8jAkjS4dK3-7c2ul/s640/Tired-just-tired-dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me...After 1p</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's my life right now. I'm grateful the nausea hasn't made its appearance yet. I'm sure it's coming. Until it does, I'm eating all the runny egg yolks with sausage for breakfast! All bets are off after the morning sickness arrives.<br />
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Thanks for following along, friends. I'll check in with you soon!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-48888740097988134132017-04-07T18:35:00.001-05:002017-04-17T11:44:31.460-05:00No surprises here!While all those pretty positives in my previous post were so fun to see, the beta numbers were even better to hear! My nurse called me a few hours after the draw to let me know that our beta number was 387! Y'ALL -- that is a FANTASTIC number!! We expected a positive number of course, but this is really, really strong. That's a terrific sign as to how strong the pregnancy is so far. For comparison, my previous positive betas at this point were 251 with the twins and 240 with the singleton. I definitely say we are looking good! Needless to say, P is over the moon excited! (Me too!!) Our due date is Dec 13, 2017. I suppose with my history, P could be welcoming a Thanksgiving baby!<br />
<br />
To celebrate, we stopped by a local'ish <a href="http://piesensations.com/" target="_blank">pie shop</a> and grabbed our favorite: Peanut Butter Silk. Actually, we ordered it a week ago in anticipation of the beta results. We figured it'd either be celebratory pie or sympathy pie. Either way: PIE!<br />
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I will have two more beta tests next week; the RE will be watching to see if those numbers double as they should. That will also give us an indication of the strength of the little guy growing! We will have an ultrasound the week of the 24th. That's my birthday week so hopefully we'll have something big to celebrate!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-61215881575631747122017-04-05T12:14:00.001-05:002018-06-12T14:38:38.327-05:00It's been a long week...I was so disappointed when I realized this morning that it was <i>only </i>Wednesday. It feels like transfer was FOREVER ago, and we still have a couple of more days to wait for the beta test. And my week is kind of slow - I don't have much to do to keep busy to pass away the anxiety of waiting. So, I've been taking home pregnancy tests to keep my mind occupied.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMw_Ml7ZHwsBFbmSvSWHm0_mm1X6pnArBc9GxRJRb0721k8_DgHIQgVURxB_cSzpHzePn4tA7ePdbcXcfsV0IUu4Wz2sajQ5HMAO6GBwiGzdgcni6ztXV3k-ZQziwoMKjazNJxy76tKFwd/s1600/20170405_062900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMw_Ml7ZHwsBFbmSvSWHm0_mm1X6pnArBc9GxRJRb0721k8_DgHIQgVURxB_cSzpHzePn4tA7ePdbcXcfsV0IUu4Wz2sajQ5HMAO6GBwiGzdgcni6ztXV3k-ZQziwoMKjazNJxy76tKFwd/s640/20170405_062900.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ta-da!*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lookie what we have there...those are positives! All day, every day! (Told you I had a slow week!)<br />
*I took the first test on Saturday morning, which was 4.75 Days Past 5 Day Transfer, and each morning thereafter.<br />
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I have let P know each day that I tested; we are both cautiously excited as we know that the blood test will be the only accurate YES or NO. But for now, it's looking very promising!<br />
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I have no symptoms yet as it is quite early (I'm only barely 4 weeks today) other than breast tenderness which could be just as much a result of the progesterone as the pregnancy! Progesterone is not a nice drug; the side effects mimic early pregnancy symptoms.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping the clinic will be lighting fast in getting the results to us. Depending on the numbers, we'll likely have another beta next week, then prepare for ultrasound very shortly after (possibly only a week or two).<br />
<br />
These results definitely make the wait a tiny bit more relaxing. I'll be back very, very soon with Friday's beta numbers!!<br />
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😃tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812717672184788421.post-36015798370502940362017-03-27T16:12:00.002-05:002018-06-12T14:38:57.585-05:00Pregnant until proven otherwise!Transfer went off without a hitch this morning! I even got to wear a fancy hat...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHQF35dYC_17CztzV8RAbQKN1z6QQOL5xX_J5NlGqekw9-Eywx45Z4yBpxjaMHlyz-rdF_FyyaGf6BGLju8a9a9RKa6rCMSBndsTKlBTUawZZTjtR6rvSOS4z_HzvtW1O-9OswLscACfW/s1600/blogtransferpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHQF35dYC_17CztzV8RAbQKN1z6QQOL5xX_J5NlGqekw9-Eywx45Z4yBpxjaMHlyz-rdF_FyyaGf6BGLju8a9a9RKa6rCMSBndsTKlBTUawZZTjtR6rvSOS4z_HzvtW1O-9OswLscACfW/s640/blogtransferpic.jpg" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fancy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrived at the clinic an hour before my appointment time as instructed. P was there as well. She was able to go back into the surgical center with me. My husband had to stay in the waiting room -- only one person was allowed back during the transfer, and OF COURSE I chose this little embie's mama!! 😊<br />
<br />
The transfer was delayed by about half an hour, which wouldn't have been so bad as P and I passed the time away chatting, BUT my bladder had to remain full for the procedure. And since my bladder had been FULL for nearly an hour and a half prior to the actual transfer...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6wG_W_O8R6h73LslDw0i5axxU6lHFxmFfpLEvK42D8IeALeFdFjfMfhsaw1LGZFrLJ3xlPIeNkW0p8ahql2Ozm-sHXY9aJR18Ubrl1h7TQH_ytk6nzRIP3tNEvyMZfXk3smBbiEPi1Np/s1600/pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6wG_W_O8R6h73LslDw0i5axxU6lHFxmFfpLEvK42D8IeALeFdFjfMfhsaw1LGZFrLJ3xlPIeNkW0p8ahql2Ozm-sHXY9aJR18Ubrl1h7TQH_ytk6nzRIP3tNEvyMZfXk3smBbiEPi1Np/s640/pigeon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this might have been me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once we got into the transfer room, they put my feet in the stirrups and covered me with a warm blanket...on my bladder. 😧 The good news is that the procedure was quick, even though a bit uncomfortable. We transferred one 5 day blastocyst, already hatching. Congratulations are in order for me as I held my bladder with a warm blanket, an ultrasound on my belly, and a speculum all fighting against me!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHi1UKRs7geN6_Wg_rxa0oouHAOTbIKGlxd70u3ZjJGs6BjfA39pXRMRm2G4uGx4pWgOhfNIBKq8agq3CkOcGBVsNaAP8BUkXL04bet0tcz2rdH8wvFdPhNwPLwGK5GuVxEFB43bMQ5nd5/s1600/Embie+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHi1UKRs7geN6_Wg_rxa0oouHAOTbIKGlxd70u3ZjJGs6BjfA39pXRMRm2G4uGx4pWgOhfNIBKq8agq3CkOcGBVsNaAP8BUkXL04bet0tcz2rdH8wvFdPhNwPLwGK5GuVxEFB43bMQ5nd5/s640/Embie+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one sweet embie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thankfully, my sweet doctor allowed me to use the restroom immediately after transfer before resting for 30 minutes prior to my discharge. P left to take care of some business before heading home and my husband was able to join me while I lied in the bed in the patient room. After 30 minutes of that, we were off and on our way home.<br />
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My post-transfer instructions include "take it easy" for the next 24 hours, and return to normal activities thereafter. No strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or intercourse until at least after the beta blood test. So, I am nestled on my couch with my laptop, my pups, and my television. My husband here is taking care of me, the house, and my kiddos who are out for the last day of their spring break.<br />
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Beta is scheduled for April 7. I may or not test at home prior to that date. P would like to test as early as possible, but after the last 2 failed transfers last year, I confess I'm a little nervous to do that. That can be an emotional roller coaster for sure! *If* I test, I'll keep you all posted on the results!tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04450808854155495180noreply@blogger.com0