Room For More

4 months old!

2012-01-25T09:55:00.002-06:00

I owe this blog a VERY long update, but a quick one will have to be what I do for now...

We are doing well, just no time to blog. A different season we are in for certain! Thought I'd post a quick pic I took this morning from my phone so you could see baby girl. Sooooo, this little, tiny baby we adopted as an embryo, who was not supposed to live, much less survive thawing is now 4 months old and 21# and very long wearing 12 month clothes comfortably. ; ) Gotta love it! If I buy her anything at this point it will be 18 month for the Spring/Summer. She is rolling over, though with her big ol' self it takes a lot of work on her part ; ) She is smiling, laughing, and is just a joy to have with us. Thank you Lord for blessing us with this precious girl.

Rhea's business is doing well which keeps my bookkeeping side of things busy too. D-man's Lyme Disease is close to remission and he is under a trial of being off medication right now. Leevster is involved in building a scrap metal business, D-man is working to finish up high school and start driving this semester. BooBear is sewing, crocheting, knitting, and cooking. She is loving it all and is learning to balance and plan as she juggles all of her favorite activities. PookieBear is starting her "schooling" this semester and is loving to learn to read and write. In her spare time she plays in her doll house, colors, plays play-dough, and helps me in the kitchen. She is truly a great sous chef and help to me. Her favorite past time though as it has been for 4 months straight is playing and spending time with her baby sister. If the baby is in her bouncy seat, Pookie is right there beside her!

Boobear looks strained in this picture holding baby girl...Well, 21# is a lot to haul around! She still doesn't have full head/neck control yet! ; ) She is a 4 month old in a 9 month old body!

Happy Transfer Anniversary Baby Girl!

2011-12-17T14:32:00.001-06:00

I have not forgotten to update. It is just that blogging with a newborn and 4 other kiddos has not allowed the time. I am soaking in all these first months of baby days as much as possible. Baby girl is a dream and a blessing!
One year ago today, she, after being frozen for TEN years, along with 2 of her biological siblings, were transferred into my womb.

Here I am, one year ago, with the embryologist minutes before the transfer:

And here she is today:

Embryo Adoption has been a beautiful path for our family! We thank our Lord for bringing us to this place.

6 Weeks Old

2011-10-15T10:50:00.000-05:00

Sweet baby girl turned 6 weeks today. We gave her a "checkup" and took all her measurements and plugged them into an online percentage calculator.

She weighs 12 lbs 5 oz Length 23.5 in Head circumference is 15 3/4 in

This puts her in the 95th+ percentile in all categories. Actually is off the chart in weight! As our extended family members have said...my body must make whipping cream for milk! The boys are off at the shooting range today. Us girls? We are backing up the 0-3 months clothes and unpacking the 3-6 month clothes. SHe has outgrown everything in her armoire.

One Month Ago...

2011-09-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

...I had my final doctor's appointment.

This is me before I left:

The next evening I left for the hospital to begin our induction.

Here is our final family photo with Baby Girl on the "inside"

Then 65 hours later... I was standing in my family room with our baby (oh so, tired, but sooo very happy & blessed)!

3 weeks old

2011-09-26T19:44:00.000-05:00

PookieBear just can't get enough of her baby sister

Daddy giving Baby Girl a bath

She is #17!

2011-09-19T08:42:00.002-05:00

My sister came in town this past Thursday and stayed through yesterday morning. She was such a help to us and she enjoyed being with her newest niece!
Our agency Nightlight Christian Adoptions sent this to our sweet baby girl. She is the 17th baby born in their "Snowflake" EA program in 2011 and she is the 276th baby born to date since the program began in 1997. That is 276 babies who survived thawing, growing in their adopted mothers' wombs, and then coming into this world by birth to grow in their new families! God is so very good!

Our little girl is on FB

2011-09-14T20:33:00.000-05:00

We are not on FB anymore, but our sweet little one is!
Go "like" her!!

http://facebook.com/EmbryoAdoptionAwarenessCenter

Couldn't Help It...more pictures

2011-09-14T12:33:00.000-05:00

Leevster and his littlest sister. He has a knack for getting her settled for her morning nap!

D-man has been working hard with his Daddy getting this project completed. D-man gets dropped off at home around 6:00. He showers, eats and has family worship with all of us. Last night, after we finished family worship, I went to tuck in PookieBear. I came back to find these two in the family room still.

And then there is just this "couldn't you just cuddle her all day long?" picture. She loves to be swaddled. She is also a tummy sleeper, but when she is good and asleep, I can flip her over for some photos!

She Does Look Like Her Oldest Brother!

2011-09-13T07:43:00.000-05:00

After our sweet girl was born, Rhea commented on how much she looked like D-man when he was born. I did see the resemblance, but it wasn't until after we brought her home and Rhea got out D-man's baby pictures that we really saw it. You can judge for yourselves. Funny, an old friend, commented on yesterday's post that she noticed the resemblance before I even mentioned it to you all! ; )

D-man 1 day old

Baby girl 1 day old

How about that! Now if she didn't look a thing like any of us, we wouldn't care. Our hearts explode with love for this sweet baby. There is not one ounce of difference in the love I have for this baby and the love I have for my biological children. She is part of me. This adoption experience went on the most windy road I ever thought possible, but Rhea and I still tear up at God's goodness and love as He steered us to EA. I'd do it all again if I could, and who knows, maybe God will allow us to do it all again. We love you sweet girl!!

To God be the glory!

More Pictures You Say??

2011-09-12T11:42:00.000-05:00

Things have been going well at our home except the fact that we miss Rhea so much as he is away at a very focused & detailed project from 6:30 a.m. to midnight 6 days a week. This past week, he had to work 7 days straight. Thankfully with our phones, I can text him Scripture, and photos & sound recordings throughout the day of the kiddos. We are so grateful for our baby girl and she is well loved and held often as you can imagine! Enjoy some photos and I will continue to work on finishing the birth story to share in an upcoming post : )

PookieBear & Her Baby Sister

2011-09-09T19:11:00.000-05:00

We are adjusting to all that a newborn brings to a family. We are loving every moment of this sweet precious baby. I am soaking in every smell, coo, cry, cuddle and snuggle these first few days. It has been a very special time for our family. I will post her birth story soon for those who like reading that kind of thing ; ) One week ago at this exact time, I was less than three hours away from holding our sweet baby on my chest for the first time!

Here she is!

2011-09-03T13:09:00.000-05:00

Mudpuppy is a ...

2011-09-03T03:20:00.000-05:00

Girl!!!! Our precious little one was born Friday night at 9:54 pm. She weighed 8lbs. 9ioz and 21 3/4 in. long. We are all doing well!!

Still waiting

2011-09-02T15:05:00.000-05:00

On dr to check me. Though contrx are 2 min apart and stronger. I don't seeme going home. Just trying to stay relaxed whe listening to Fernando Ortega. Loving psalm 37 right now too.

Pitocin

2011-09-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

Didn't make a lot of progress overnight. Baby still high. Pitocin started. If it doesn't work and baby is still strong, Dr. will send me home this evening and we will try again next week.

We are here

2011-09-01T22:58:00.000-05:00

We are in our room. I was 1cm/40% effaced. Took first dose of Cytotec at 10:00. Next check/dose at 4:00 a.m. Pitocin starts at 7:30. :)It is hard to believe that the bassinet next to me will have our baby in it tomorrow!! Thank you Lord! (posting from my phone)

So Tomorrow Night It Is!

2011-08-31T15:14:00.000-05:00

The baby is healthy and thriving and my health is good. We are at peace with the decision the doctor is making and understand the "whys" and know that it is the right thing to do. So, we are checking into the hospital tomorrow night at 8:00 to begin the induction. Baby Mudpuppy Robison should make his/her entrance into this world sometime on Friday! We appreciate the prayers. Also, if you would, please pray for BooBear. She started running a 102.4 fever at lunchtime today. We are needing to find new child care arrangements with this new twist : ) I will update soon!!

A Sign?

2011-08-31T08:03:00.001-05:00

I have my doctor's appointment this morning. My bag is packed, the kids' are packed, Rhea is somewhat caught up on sleep, the laundry is caught up (again), and lesson plans are completed. Now, to have a baby!

There are only a couple of people who know what I am about to share. In fact, I was not going to share this on the blog, but only in a private journal. That plan changed this morning...

Backing up, I have shared that I have an autoimmune blood clotting disorder. I had six miscarriages before it was figured out, but now we know. And now I am on blood thinners during this pregnancy. This health situation has put me in the position to where I will need to have a hospital birth. Now I am grateful for hospitals, medicine, and the expertise of the medical field, but here is my struggle.

Rhea and I are being responsible by having our child in a hospital to be there in case my blood doesn't clot after the birth. Our midwife, from the beginning, said this is what we should do and we trust her. Sure, I found another midwife who would do a homebirth, but Rhea and I trust our midwife who delivered PookieBear.

So, at every check up, the baby is great, my BP is great, my amniotic fluid is great, and my placenta is healthy and thriving, so why induce? Why can't I just go to the hospital when "it is time" and have our baby? Why do Rhea and I have to fight so hard to be "allowed" to go past my due date (because I always go past my due date). Why does my age play in to this? I have already had an uncomplicated home birth in my forties. My blood clotting disorder isn't even in play because there are no signs of the medication having effects on my body or to the baby with my weekly screenings. However, the doctors tell us that the chance of having a stillborn baby increase after 39 weeks with women with my condition. Well, yes, if they are not being monitored and closely watched, which I am. I have never been induced or had a c-section and this new reality that the OB is presenting is tough for me to process. I need to say here though that we really like my OB and he is conservative on so many issues of pregnancy. He is experienced with my condition and quite level headed and patient. I am never rushed when I see him. We just butt heads on induction. Rhea and I have been visiting with my midwife to find the right herbs and home remedies to try to do all that we can to help my body be ready earlier than it normally is ready for the big event.

The adoption system whether domestic or foreign is full of red tape and battles. Our medical system in our country is as well. Rhea and I even learned yesterday that our family pediatrician of 11 years, along with his colleagues, has taken a stand and will no longer see any patient who has not been fully updated on all vaccines. I wonder what it will all be like for our children when they have their children?

So, I have shared the one and only anxiety/fear that I have going into this labor and delivery, being induced with 2 different drugs and the doctor breaking my water prematurely. Yes, I completely trust our Lord to guide me through this. I do, but I am weak at times I will admit and truly keep giving this fear up to the Lord daily and even several times throughout the day. This struggle has added one more challenge in this entire adoption process. All of which have drawn Rhea and I closer together and have drawn us even closer to the Lord. We know this is all for our best and our good.

I focus on my husband, the kids, and last minute nesting, but once those contractions start up, I think about it again. Then the contractions subside and I go on. As I approach my appointment in a few hours I fight it all over again.

Well, I was walking Rhea & D-man out as they were going off to work together this morning, when something caught my eye in one of our flowerbeds. It was still dark as my guys were leaving for the day, but I saw something white on one of my gardenia bushes. No way! Not only are we having the worst drought and heat wave in who knows how many years, but my gardenias have already bloomed for a second time this year (which gardenias do not do). I asked Rhea if that was a gardenia I saw. He walked over, picked it, and handed it to me with a smile. He knows gardenias are my favorite flower God created and he knew I was starting to get anxious this morning about my appointment. There are no other visible blooms, buds, nothing on that gardenia bush or any of my other ones. There is this one lone fragrant flower. So, it takes a little ol' flower to finally straighten me out? Yes.

Rhea and I hugged good bye and as I walked back in the house to put my special gift into water and take a picture of it for our child's baby book, I thanked God for His kindness, His protection over me and the baby, His loving grace and mercy, His patience with my foolish ways, and for His creation, and specifically for sending me such a beautiful and perfect gift this morning. I am no longer anxious. My focus is not on the medical system, my doctor's wishes, or the details of what will happen. I am focused on my God, our family and the wonderful, beautiful, moment when our precious baby who the medical world said would never make it, will be in our arms. Our baby, out of a freezer where he/she sat for 12 years, adopted and transferred to my womb, to our family, for the last 8+ months, is now ready to come into the world to be raised to know the One who created all things, Who's love is everlasting, and who gave His only Son for His people. We serve a mighty and holy God!

22 And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat ; norfor your body, as to what you will put on. 23 "For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap ; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds ! 25 "And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span ? 26 "If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters ? 27 "Consider the lilies, how they grow : they neither toil nor spin ; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28 "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith ! 29 "And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 "For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek ; but your Father knows that you need these things. 31 "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:22-31 NASB (emphasis mine)

The Window is Getting Smaller!

2011-08-26T13:59:00.000-05:00

I am either days away from giving birth or no more than a week & a half away from giving birth!

The appt. went well. Amniotic fluid levels have not changed and are in the high normal range, baby is still head down, baby is active and my BP looks great. Then there is "the dreaded check"...He told me I was 1cm and definitely thinning.

I am to come back next Wednesday for my 39w check up. If I am at 3cm, he will put me in for an induction that night. If I am not a 3 yet, he will schedule me for the following Wednesday. On top of that, he is on call for all of the Labor Day weekend if I happen to go into labor then.

I have given birth 4 times. Each time I have not gotten to 3cm until hours into labor and then I go from 3-10cm rather quickly. So, knowing that, I am focusing on the after Labor Day date. Though, I will let you all vote if you'd like! Remember, the earliest I have gone into labor with any of my kiddos has been 41wks 3days.

It just is so amazing we are finally here! We will actually hold our little one so very soon!

postponed appointment until tomorrow

2011-08-25T13:15:00.000-05:00

The doctor's office called this morning to reschedule my appointment I had for today. I set it for next Monday. A couple of hours later, the phone rings and my doctor insists on squeezing me in tomorrow. I assured their office I wouldn't mind waiting until Monday, but I was told "nice try" by my Dr. and I go in tomorrow at 10:00 for my weekly u/s, NST and "check".

Unless there is an "emergency", I don't see him putting me into the hospital being that it is Friday and he is not on call this weekend. I will update after I get back.

Seriously!?!

2011-08-24T12:21:00.000-05:00

This is our local forecast for this coming Friday:

Day

Night

Partly Cloudy

High
108°F

Precip
20%

Wind:	From NNW at 6 mph
Humidity:	46%
UV Index:	10+ Extreme


Sunrise:	6:56 AM CT
Avg. High:	93°F
Record High:	101°F (1951)

Clear

Overnight Low
75°F

Precip
0%

Wind:	From NE at 4 mph
Humidity:	48%


Sunset:	7:53 PM CT
Avg. Low:	72°F
Record Low:	61°F (1966)

Head Down It Is!

2011-08-18T12:16:00.000-05:00

Yes, Mudpuppy is head down, though I was told the head is high and I still have a lot of room for the baby to flip and move, so we will pray gravity does its job.
NST went well and the doctor checked me. He said I wasn't kidding that my body liked to hang on till the end. My cervix was closed tightly. We discussed that if everything continues to look this well, He may let me go in the day after Labor Day (40w 2d) for the induction. That would be a week later than originally planned! I am excited by the prospect because I have never gone into labor before 41 weeks and this new date would be closer to when my body would be ready.

Well, now to keep nesting!

What I Will Miss & A Poll for You

2011-08-17T11:25:00.001-05:00

It's funny, I haven't wanted this pregnancy to end. I know it sounds strange, but those who are close to us understand. I have been savoring every kick, jab, long-lasting bout of hiccups, and even the strange way this baby likes to rest his/her bony parts on my sacrum (can we all saw OUCH?). I will share a list of the things I will definitely miss and will soon forget if I don't record it. Trust me, so many time during this pregnancy, I have said to myself "Oh yeah" when something happens that always happened when I have been pregnant before, but I definitely forgot about it.

I will surely miss:

The changing of positions to keep us all on our toes this last month. We continue to always remember how this precious baby was the one who we were told by many doctors would not survive and now Mudpuppy is the most active and busy baby I have ever carried. "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" 1 Cor 1:27
Dreaming of what our baby will look like. Though we have been told by more than one u/s technician that this baby has a lot of hair, I love to think about what precious God-designed features I will be gazing at so very soon.
Our other children, including our 16 year old, running to feel the baby when it is moving and kicking.
Our sixteen year old giggling like a child when he feels the baby's hiccups. He just thinks that is so "cool"
Having to change my shirt at least once a day because my belly has hit a counter or I spill something on myself. Oh, but wait, I will still have to change shirts because of baby spit up huh?
The second trimester energy level. I got so much done. I never, ever, have that kind of energy unless I am pregnant in my 2nd trimester?
Cuddling & reading stories to the kids while they have their hands on my baby belly.
Rhea talking to the baby each night before bed. Rhea can settle down Mudpuppy so quickly with his voice.
Not feeling guilty for walking by something on the floor instead of taking the time to bend down and pick it up.
Not feeling guilty if all I am able to pull off for dinner is sandwich night.
PookieBear as my "baby". I am treasuring these last couple of weeks with her being my little one.

So, if I had posted this last week. The post would end there, but now that I am a couple of days away from 38 weeks and know that we are less than 2 weeks away from our induction, I have noticed something. Where, last week, I never wanted this pregnancy to end in so many ways, now I remember how these last couple of weeks, God transitions a mother into the "Nevermind, I am ready to have this baby" stage! So, while I reflect on the list above, I know that the Lord is preparing me for labor and delivery as I will not be missing any of the following things that have become "issues" this last week.

never-ending nightly heartburn and stuffy nose, lower back aches, the huge effort to get up from a sitting position, and a baby's precious little head pushing up against my lungs & diaphragm causing shortness of breath.

Yes, I do not complain about any of these, because every step of this pregnancy I treasure through the tough stuff too, but God definitely is preparing me to let go of the pregnancy phase of this child's life and look forward and embrace the upcoming birth of our precious baby.

Tomorrow is our next appointment and u/s. and have decided on the baby names. During family worship last night ,it was such a sweet moment to hear the excitement of the kids as they can now put names to their Mudpuppy!

Here are two polls for you. You can guess the sex of the baby and also what position you think the baby will be in at tomorrow's ultra sound.

**above post edited (8/17 9:12 p.m.) b/c a dear EA buddy pointed out I used "his" in the first paragraph. I fixed it to say his/her, but just so you know Rhea & I have NO idea if our baby is a girl or a boy! Your guess is as good as ours!

Dear Mommy, Daddy, & all my Caring Doctors,

2011-08-10T15:27:00.000-05:00

Dear Mommy, Daddy, & all my Caring Doctors,

I am having fun keeping you all on your toes! I am glad Mommy's appt went well today and that she is healthy and still on schedule for induction at the end of the month. By now, you have all learned that I like to flip. I like to flip a lot actually. So much, that it is fun to watch all of your faces each week when you see me in a new position on the ultrasound screen. It is fun to try out new positions to find just the right comfy spot. I like this one so far a bit better than others. Though it has only been a couple of days and I tend to change positions several times within one week. I know this is not your favorite position Mommy for me to be in, but hey, it's better than the transverse position I was in last week huh?

So, I am thinking I should get a 10.0 from the judges for this great pike position off the diving board? Don't you?

If you remember in the ultrasound, I was in perfect pike position with straight legs and had my arms wrapped around my ankles. You guys should have seen your faces! I am glad you are not concerned Dr. M and realize I am just having fun. I will do my best to be in the position you want me to be in on induction day. I heard you say that you will physically move me with a procedure called a version if I do not behave on induction day. Mommy, remember to drink more fluids. It is over 105 degrees out there! I can't wait for our next appointment. Anyone want to guess what position I will choose for next Thursday?

Much love, Your sweet & busy baby,

Mudpuppy

p.s. Tell my siblings I am sorry I was not in a position for pictures today. I will try better next week. : )

It's a...

2011-08-09T08:06:00.000-05:00

'bout time I posted huh? (That title was pretty mean wasn't it?) I will not write a book about everything that has kept me from blogging, but I assure you, most of it, has been good! Our family has had some struggles with illness here and there, the dishwasher went out, PookieBear fell and knocked her two front baby teeth pretty hard (though they are still staying put), and Rhea has been swamped with projects/work and has not been home too much. All that aside, God has been faithful and we are getting so very excited to holding our sweet baby in a few weeks.

The other day, Rhea shared that, to him, giving birth to our baby is like going to Russia for that second trip to pick up your adopted child and bring him or her home.
Our first trip through embryo adoption was to go meet our child in Dallas where we had the frozen embryo transfer procedure. We "met" our children under a microscope that sat in a sterile and secure incubator. Rhea and I were able to look and see the 3 of our 6 adopted children who had lived through the night. It is a moment in time that goes far beyond hearing we were chosen by a placing family, and far beyond a positive pregnancy test. Time stood still as Rhea and I marveled at what God was doing amongst the office full of reproductive intervention. Three precious babies who had been frozen in a tank in a dark room since March of 1999 were now under a microscope in a warm incubator ready to be moved into a natural, God-designed environment where babies should grow.

Jumping forward from that December morning, we are now approaching the birth of the one baby who God chose to continue to grow and live in our family. We are three weeks away from that "second trip", as Rhea shared, to bring our child home with us to shower with love and raise him/her in the admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).

These last few weeks, I have been to the hospital for numerous doctors' appointments. All is well, just the typical high-risk monitoring one must undergo when one has a blood clotting disorder. The blessing of weekly, doppler heartbeat checks and ultrasounds has been actually a joy to hear and see each week. We pray to share our adoption story as God leads us as we come into contact with people while we are out and about, while in waiting rooms, and standing in line at the store. We always have at least one of our children with us and they are able to witness and sometimes participate in these encounters with others.

Yes, embryo adoption is not a type of adoption that many people have heard of, but our family is saddened when the door to share our experience is halted before we can even get to the topic of EA. The reason the conversation never seems to get to EA? Time and time again, the conversations never get past the following questions:

"How many children did you say you already have?"
"Was this pregnancy a surprise?"
"So, you really wanted more children?"

Then the one I got not too long ago... "Are all of them from the same marriage?"

Okay, if all that is not sad enough, the last 2 out of 3 of these conversations happened with women in their 60's-70's. A generation, I supposed would smile upon larger families. As we teach our children that each child is a blessing from the Lord, they continue to hear the world tell them something so very different.

So many women who read this blog, have struggled, or continue to struggle with infertility. They pray that they will have children. They will treasure every kick, hiccup and pain of pregnancy if God so chooses this for their lives. I have done that very thing this pregnancy. EA was not the adoption road we originally took, but God led us to it and we are so grateful.

So, tomorrow, I will be back in the waiting room for another ultrasound appointment and NST. At any time, I could be sent across the hallway to go to L&D. Am I excited? yes. Is there a part of me that does not want the pregnancy to end yet? yes. And just for the record, I don't think Mudpuppy is ready either! He/she continues to flip and flop into a new position every day. Seriously! In the last two weeks, this baby has been breech, transverse, head down, transverse, breech again, and now, this morning, I can tell the baby is transverse again. This baby is certainly getting more exercise than me. : )

We were blessed this weekend by our church family with a beautiful baby shower. This baby is so loved by so many who have traveled this road with us. They, too, look forward to meeting our precious one in a few short weeks.

Thank you all for texting and emailing and staying in touch these past six weeks I have been out of touch. I plan to keep you updated as we approach Mudpuppy's BIRTHday.

So That's What It's Like!

2011-06-15T12:34:00.001-05:00

The kids had a hard time visualizing how the baby is situated right now. I found this picture for them:

So, now they understand why heartburn is often & kicks are uncomfortable. No complaining here, that is for certain! Baby still has plenty of time to consider flipping around so no worries here either. Now to kick the constant Chick-fil-a milkshake craving...

edited: PookieBear and I just went to the kitchen and made delicious milkshakes in our BlendTec! YUM!

Ingredients: raw milk, plain yogurt, raw cocao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ice... No more Chick-fil-a temptations for me!

Last Minute Appointment with the High Risk OB

2011-06-10T23:46:00.001-05:00

Well, I was calling the high risk OB's office of Dr. S this morning to schedule my 3rd trimester follow up appointment. The receptionist was so super nice, put me on hold, and when she returned said that I was supposed to be coming to see Dr. S every month and I hadn't been to their office since March. She did not know where the mix up happened, as I thought I wasn't supposed to return until sometime during my 3rd trimester. The receptionist, continued and asked if I could come in today and they would squeeze me in. "Uh, okay?, sure."

Well, everything turned out to be fine and the office staff and Dr. S was sorry if they alarmed me. It was such a blessing to see our little one, well, big one as I will explain in a moment. I wish Rhea could have made it, but with the last minute appointment, there was no way for Rhea to rearrange his schedule. I had the same technician as last time and she was wonderful. I dread ultrasound appointments like most people dread going to the dentist. I let fear seep in and have to fight it off with a stick. It is a constant battle I am afraid. The Lord is gracious and I know that as I release those fears to Him, my sanctification process continues its path.

Dr. S said we have a very healthy baby, in full breech position (which explains the heartburn and painful kicks down below) who happens to be measuring over 2 weeks ahead of schedule. She also said the baby is over 3 1/2 pounds (I am only 27w 5d)! Oh, and Dr. S happened to throw out too that the baby had a big head. Oh my! She checked my labs that I had run at my regular OB's office this past Wednesday and she was expecting to see that I had failed my glucose test as that could account for the larger baby size, but no, I passed my glucose test! My thyroid panel was all within range, my iron was low, but I expected that. As my sister mentioned this afternoon, I probably won't be needing the XS cloth diapers I purchased.

I go back to see Dr. S in 4 weeks. She did say that I would not be going past 39 weeks. Now with a big baby, I am thinking maybe that sounds like a good idea? ; )
I see my regular OB in 2 weeks. I can't believe we are getting so much closer!

Oh, I guess you would like to see a pic or 2 of Mudpuppy? He/she was VERY wiggly today, so the pictures are blurry, but you can see the cute little nose and hand up by the face in the first one. The blob to the left of the face is the other arm.

It has been a blessing too, to see so many EA babies born this past week. Little lives out of the freezer, into the arms of their parents. Thank you Father!

What's New at Our House

2011-06-09T12:50:00.002-05:00

Well literally speaking, we have a new range! Our old one finally gave out and we had enough points saved to get this new range delivered and installed for a big whoppin' $20! I never realized how awful my burner output really was!

I have also been sewing some more. I made these PJ pants for Leevster &

my 4yo nephew.

Of course we made GI Joe PJ pants out of the scraps!

Next, this past Saturday when Rhea was working, I finally got around to making slipcovers for our 16yo glider rocker. This rocker does not match our decor anymore, as we have all dark wood pieces now, but this chair is so comfy and I have rocked all 4 kiddos in it, I just couldn't give it up. So, slipcovers it is! I had no pattern and with a lot of use from my seam ripper and lots of Velcro, I finally finished!

Then, it was time to make wetbags. These are reusable zipper bags to put soiled cloth diapers/wipes in when traveling or at home. They can also be used for carrying wet swimsuits or soiled clothes during the season of potty training! The bag gets tossed in the laundry with the dipes or other garments. The one above has PUL (waterproof fabric) on the inside and outside. I made 2 of those. One for me and one for my sister.

This bag I made in a larger size for our diaper changing area for our baby. It has cloth on the outside and PUL on the inside. BTW, I have NEVER done zippers before & they weren't that scary after all! I used a free online pattern/tutorial for the bags. I have 2 more to make. A medium one for the diaper bag/travel and an extra for the nursery. I have also finished my CD stash, thanks to my sister's help. We are ready to give this cloth diapering adventure a whirl! (well I am, but the other kiddos are still not too sure)

And finally, why you haven't heard from me most of all...

Our entire house came down with "the crud". The girls (including me) got it the worst, but we stayed on top of it with EOs, homeopathy, & herbal tinctures. Pookie and I sound the worst still as ours moved into bronchitis.

28wk OB appt was yesterday. I had my 1 hour glucose test done, thyroid blood work run, and the baby is measuring 2 weeks ahead of schedule! Sounds good to me, as we know I am not going to be going past 39 weeks.

I did have a great visit with my OB yesterday about inducing. He wants me to labor at home and says as we get closer h will discuss with me some things we will try to get my body to go into labor early and me labor at home. I also told him how I "stall" during labor and in the past I have been given Pit and then I cannot stay on top of the contractions without and epi. I told him that at our homebirth that eventually the contractions got going again and everything was fine.

He was very positive and said he wants to stay as non-invasive as possible and it will all come down to the NST results at the end. I have several friends who have used my OB and have been very pleased with how he handles L&D. Rhea and I are completely at ease with our choice in doctors.

Well, I believe that about catches you up around here!

100 Days to Go & What I Have Been Sewing

2011-05-26T11:49:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow marks 100 days until our due date! However, we already know that I will be having the baby sometime between mid and late August, so really we are closer than that for our baby's birthday!!

BooBear and I enjoy sewing together (we are learning together and are both very GREEN beginners). We especially like to sew gifts for others when we have the opportunity. A friend of ours recently had a baby and I decided to sew some cloth wipes for the family. BooBear usually helps me, but she is busy sewing her little sister's swimsuit to match hers that she recently finished. I will post pics of them together after Pookie's suit is completed.

So, while BooBear was working on her project, I made these cloth wipes. My sister uses cloth diapers for her son and these are her favorite kind. I am not sure if this mother is using cloth diapers, but these cloths make great washcloths too.

First, I started with basic flannel, though I use decorative flannel when I can find it on a great sale. I also use terry cloth. The idea is to have a large square 9" x 9" with one side with soft flannel and one side with terry (for those stubborn diaper changes). This is a large wipe that most daddies will appreciate and you can use one side, fold and use, and fold again, for a single diaper change. My sis keeps hers folded in a wipe warmer with a little bit of water and essential oils.

I cut my squares, matched right sides together, used a straight stitch, left an opening, trimmed excess fabric off seams and corners, turned the wipe right side out, pressed wipe with iron, and used a decorative zig-zag stitch around the edges.

I then bundle them with a ribbon, enclose a card and pop them in the mail. This set is going to a new baby boy. The ribbon above is really lavender, but it showed up pink in the photo for some reason? For gifts, I use brand new flannel and terry. For the wipes BooBear and I are making for our little one, we are using old receiving blankets and worn out hand towels. It was fun to do these yesterday. As I sewed, I prayed for the family who will receive these, for their newborn son, and thanked God for the blessing of new life and for Him filling His children's quivers!

I Finished!

2011-05-21T13:31:00.001-05:00

I finished PookieBear's dress!

I even chose the option for the ties (a first time try for me).

Here is the pattern I used.

Now on to helping the Leevster finish his hunting vest he started!

24 Weeks

2011-05-18T10:41:00.000-05:00

I am 24 weeks pregnant? Really? The 1st trimester was s...o...o...o long and now the 2nd trimester is going by a bit too quickly for me : ) My appointment went well last week. All very straightforward. Cravings? still coffee! So VERY strange as I couldn't even stand the taste of the stuff when I was pregnant with the other four. My late night bowl of cereal seems to still be a must too.

I continue to nest like crazy. This wonderful weather we have been experiencing in the Houston area has been such a treat. I cannot think of the last time we were able to sleep at night with the windows open in May!

We have the garden planted, I have 2 closets gutted and cleaned out, I have gone through all the hand-me-down clothes and got "real" about what to keep, and I started sewing PookieBear's new dress. Though, I have not made the kind of progress she would like to see. She wants to wear it, now!

I found a great gentleman's chest for D-man off Craigs*ist. It looks great in his room. Iy was a needed perk for him as he went on a 3rd antibiotic this week and it has been rough on him. However, because it has been hard on him, we know that more Lyme bacteria is being zapped. He also started 2 online summer school courses this week and he is looking forward to the classes.

I do have pictures to post, but I am going to need to employ a child to upload them all for me off the 2 cameras and my phone so I can share them soon! Well, off to grade some papers and finish that dress for PookieBear!

23 weeks & our family

2011-05-09T21:55:00.001-05:00

The last month has flown by, but then it hasn't. We have been up to all kinds of things! In the last 4 weeks:

D-man turned 16 & BooBear turned 11
My grandmother died
My sister and her boys came to visit
We went to Dallas for my grandmother's memorial service
D-man had a rough month with his Lyme Disease
D-man has had a great last few days with his Lyme Disease
I have felt like I have been on the computer WAY too much
I have been on the computer, but it allowed me to be caught up on all the taxes and paperwork for the business.
I found a changing table on Craigsl*st
I need to find a crib, twin bed for PookieBear, and a chest for D-man
I have only gained 7#. With PookieBear at this point I had gained 15# who knows?
I need to work out ~~more~~ (period!) using my new DVD (since I have only used it once)
I was BLESSED with a stroller, carseat combo from my sis, along with a bouncy seat, maternity clothes, a highchair, a swing, and lots of baby boy newborn clothes (if I have a boy).
I feel fantastic and am feeling the baby move a lot.
The baby gets hiccups FREQUENTLY! It is the strangest feeling
I continue to wonder where all the dirty laundry comes from? Does it hide somewhere? I thought I was caught up!
I sewed 2 maternity skirts. They are cute and comfy.
I am working on a sundress for PookieBear next
BooBear had 10 inches cut off her hair today to donate to Locks of Love.
D-man starts 2 online summer school courses next week.
We are now official iPh*ne owners (with kids who thankfully program them for us)
Rhea's business is picking up like crazy! Thank you Lord!
We decided we would do a vegetable garden this year after all. We had 2 last year and were not going to do one, but the kiddos all want to do one, so better late than never!
I have been TOTALLY enjoying my gardenias & roses that are blooming!
Our dog is destined to be an outside dog if he keeps going to the neighbor's property to roll in horse poop
Leevster & BooBear continue to take ASL classes and L-O-V-E it!
BooBear is still taking weekly sewing lessons and is learning so much
the older 3 kiddos had their spring piano recital last week
My kids are into watching the old Roy Rogers episodes right now and BooBear is starting to "talk" like Dale Evans. Yee-Haw!
Our Tahoe may not make it through the summer without some major TLC. hmmm....
Nesting has begun--tomorrow? PookieBear's closet!!
Cravings? strangely enough....coffee! Also, a big bowl of cereal before bedtime'
I have my next appt with the OB on Wednesday.
Mudpuppy is so amazing to us. He/she is such a testimony to God's faithfulness and providence. We still reflect on the fact that this little tiny one was conceived under a microscope in March of 1999, was frozen for nearly 12 years, transferred by a doctor to my womb, and is kicking me as I type this. Truly AMAZING!

I have pics of some of the above bullet points to share. I will post those with my doctor's appt update later this week. Love to all of you!!

19 week Dr. Appointment

2011-04-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was an uneventful check up with the OB! The baby's heartbeat was in the 140's, the nurse commented on how I had not gained much weight (now that is a first for me to be told that), my blood pressure looked good, no need for blood work this time, and he said I will see you in 4 weeks!

If we are to do any vacationing, my doctor would like me to be home from out-of-state travel by June 30th. I can travel close to home for July, and "Don't plan to go anywhere in August". My doctor will start doing weekly stress tests and ultrasounds beginning at 36 weeks. Because of the blood thinners I am on, there is a high likelihood, that my placenta will become less effective and my amniotic fluid will decrease. So, starting at my 36wk appt., I need to be ready to go to the hospital. If any of the weekly tests show either of these things happening, I will be sent to the hospital to be induced. If I check out fine and clear each week, he will not induce until week 39. So the latest day this baby would be born will be Aug 30th.

This is so strange for me to know when this baby will arrive, as I have never been induced and all my babies have come on their own timing, between 41-42 weeks. Rhea's birthday is in the middle of August and Rhea's mother is at the end of August, so we will see who gets to be close to Mudpuppy's birthday.

Lyme Disease is a BEAR!

2011-04-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

D-man has been battling chronic fatigue something awful. It is debilitating. He is in bed about 20h a day. When he is awake, he is in a fog. This is all a part of chronic Lyme Disease. We just have to keep moving forward with baby steps always trying new things to see if they will help. I am glad I am feeling better so I can be involved in helping research and seek new answers. He has not had one "good" day in over 2 weeks. Please pray for our D-man. It is hard for him as I believe he is realizing that falling a year behind in school is a strong reality.

We have a church conference coming up at the end of the week we are attending. He wants to be able to not only go, but to be clear-headed enough to listen to the speaker. We are praying that not only he will be able to attend, but he will "feel" like being there. Thank you everyone.

And We Have a Nickname!

2011-03-31T11:09:00.001-05:00

Since PookieBear made the comment about the baby being all muddy after she saw the amber-tinted 3D ultrasound pictures yesterday (see yesterday's post for the picture), we decided that the baby's nickname will be.....Mudpuppy!

Peek-a-Boo!

2011-03-30T18:30:00.001-05:00

That's what our little one was playing today at the MFM appointment! Our baby is measuring right on schedule. There were no indications of any birth defects or health challenges. The MFM (who Rhea and I both loved) knew here stuff and we discussed my past thyroid challenges, my current APA/APS diagnosis, and what future visits were necessary. All in all, we could not ask for a better appointment and news. I will definitely be induced no later than 39 weeks, but I understand why and am quite comfortable with that decision. I return to see her in my 3rd trimester, but she told us she felt really good about everything and Rhea and I left on cloud nine!

Could the ultrasound technician tell if it was a boy or a girl? You betcha! Did Rhea decide at the last minute to go ahead and find out? Uh, not a chance! So, we will wait until our little one is born in August to find out if it is a girl or a boy.

After having so many miscarriages, I tell you what, I could have watched that screen with the beating heartbeat for hours. That alone was such a comfort. God has been more than gracious to our family and we are humbled.

BTW, In the past, with the black and white u/s photos, PookieBear told us that the baby must be scared since it was "so dark in there". Today, with the amber u/s pictures, PookieBear said, "Look, the baby has mud all over it!"

Not 5 months after all!

2011-03-23T07:33:00.000-05:00

I am not in my 5th month of PG! You think I could figure this out after 4 kiddos, but no. I went by this chart but then realized that it has a 10th month? I think I will be finding another chart, ha!!

month 1 Nov 29-Dec 26	month 2 Dec 27-Jan 23	month 3 Jan 24-Feb 20	month 4 Feb 21-Mar 20	month 5 Mar 21-Apr 17
month 6 Apr 18-May 15	month 7 May 16-Jun 12	month 8 Jun 13-Jul 10	month 9 Jul 11-Aug 07	month 10 Aug 08-Sep 04

Well, I thought I didn't have to go to the Dr. for 4 weeks!

2011-03-21T18:45:00.002-05:00

Remember my OB wants me to have a Level 2 ultrasound at 20 weeks? Well, apparently my OB sent my chart over to the MFM who my OB wants me to see. I got a call from the MFM's office today and she wants to see me ASAP. Really? I contacted my OB's office and they said if the MFM wants to see me sooner than I need to go. His guess is that it probably has to do with my 6 spontaneous miscarriages. Whatever the reason, I am going next Wednesday to the high-risk OB. When scheduling my appointment, the MFM wanted to see me this week, but had one slot open. It would have taken a lot of rearranging for me to make that appointment, so I asked if I could come next week. I was told I could but no later than next Friday (the end of my 17th week). So, next Wednesday afternoon it is! I have never had a Level 2 ultrasound and I heard they are pretty neat. I am making a list of questions to ask the MFM when I go. I will update you after we get home. Oh, and I realized yesterday that I started my 5th month of pregnancy! : )

The Lyme Disease Car is in 2nd Place VOTE AGAIN!

2011-03-20T16:51:00.000-05:00

We have moved up 3 spots since yesterday! We are currently only 200 votes from 1st. We can do this. Please vote again today to help bring awareness to our country about Lyme Disease!

CLICK HERE and then click the vote button and you are done for today! Thank you friends!

The Lyme Disease NASCAR is up to 5th Place!!

2011-03-18T11:12:00.000-05:00

We have moved up 2 spots since yesterday! There are currently only 2400 votes separating 1st and 5th place! We can do this. Please vote again today to help bring awareness to our country about Lyme Disease!

CLICK HERE and then click the vote button and you are done for today! Thank you friends!

Lyme Disease NASCAR-Please Vote!

2011-03-17T08:22:00.002-05:00

As you know, our eldest son suffers from Lyme Disease and the tick borne co-infection Bartonella. Toyota is sponsoring a contest for the paint scheme for Michael Waltrip's car for an upcoming NASCAR race. Please vote EVERY day until 3/26. Please post this on your blog, post it on FB & Twitter (because I am not on those), and e-mail it to your friends. You do not have to do anything except click on the link and then click on the vote button next to the car. Bringing awareness to this debilitating disease that affects young and old alike is so very important. Thank you for your help!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

p.s. If you have time to leave a comment to let Dustin know you voted or passed the link on somehow, I know he'd love to see the response! Thank you all again!

15 week appointment

2011-03-16T14:28:00.001-05:00

I had a wonderful appointment today. My BP was fine, the baby's heart rate was 141 and the best news, I don't have to go back for 4 weeks! Ahhh...to be low-maintainence again!

The OB did say he wants me to have the Quad-screen test done at the beginning of 20wks and then a Level 2 ultrasound with the high-risk OB he works with. If the high-risk OB sees nothing to be concerned about, my OB says he is "good to go". I will also have my thyroid levels checked at 20 weeks again, but he said I do not have to retest my glucose again until 28 weeks. I like that news too.

I was confused as to why I needed a Level 2 u/s and that I "had" to have the Quad test run when I thought it was voluntary, but after the OB explained that since the baby is not genetically ours and we don't know the complete family history, he would feel best checking all that we could at the 20 week mark. It made sense then, but I tell you I have those "oh yeah" moments like today when the doctor told me his thoughts, where I remember that this tiny child growing inside of me is genetically not ours. This type of adoption is so different, but so amazing and I am blessed and honored to have been chosen to mother this little one who is thriving inside of my womb. Thank you God for this gift to our family.

I passed!

2011-03-14T16:35:00.000-05:00

I passed my one hour glucose test! PTL! Now, could someone please pass the chocolate cake?

Catching Up...

2011-03-09T13:12:00.000-06:00

I am still here! I just haven't felt up to posting these last few weeks. Having a high-risk pregnancy has been a new adventure for us and challenging to say the least. The baby is doing well and we continue to thank God daily for the blessing of each new day with this pregnancy.

I went for my 12 week appointment and all was well. The nurse was even able to pick up the baby's heartbeat with the doppler! I had my OB panel blood work drawn, I was told to stop my supplemental progesterone, and went home. All was good. The next day I woke in the morning and was unable to pee. Well, off to the clinic I went to get a cath. That was a painful ride to the clinic, but I was so glad to get there. The OB did an u/s and found I had an incarcerated uterus. Basically, anatomically speaking, things weren't in the right place and therefore kinking my bladder and causing the acute urinary retention to happen. The OB's plan was to have me cut back on liquids in the evening to prevent this from happening again. I was to return in one week for a follow-up u/s for him to determine if my uterus had moved back into place.

All was well for 24+ hours. I woke in the middle of the night that weekend and guess what? Yeppers, I couldn't "go". So, off to the ER I went. This time they sent me home with a permanent catheter (NO FUN). I got through the weekend. called my OB on Monday and back I went in for another appt. I had quickly developed a very, very, painful UTI and he put me on antibiotics.

I was having problems with the catheter and had to make another ER visit later, was given strict bed rest for the week and I went back in this past Friday for the next u/s. We prayed that everything would be "in place". If it was not, the OB would have to do a manual adjustment to move everything into place. (EEK). We were thrilled to see that the baby & uterus had moved completely to where they needed to be.

Because my condition only happens in about 1 in every 6,000 pregnancies the office was abuzz with talk of my case. So, on my Friday appt, I had 3 nursing students in the exam room with me for the appt, follow up, and cath removal. (LOVELY!) Yes, science experiment I am : )

We are thrilled, and praising God for such a wonderful outcome. Now that I am off the progesterone, my all day m/s is not as severe, but it is still pretty bad and I am praying that it eases up soon. Next, I get a call from my OB that my blood work results came back and that my glucose level was 120! I have never had a problem with any of my pregnancies with my glucose levels, but this time I just might? I went in to take my one hour glucose test this morning. I felt covered in prayer by my friends as I drank the chilled, thick, artificially orange flavored, syrupy, drink. I got it down in the required 5 minutes and I kept it down so I could have my blood drawn 60 minutes later. I will get the results from that test on Friday and then I see the OB again next Wednesday for another checkup. I will be 15 weeks at that point. Our church family has been wonderful to provide meals during the last couple of weeks since I have been down. Our family has appreciated & been blessed by their love, support, prayers, encouragement. So, there you go. That is the update on our pregnancy.

Our eldest son D-man has continued to battle Lyme Disease with a co-infection of Bartonella. We have seen highs and lows and currently we are seeing the lows. He has a phone appt. with his doctor on Friday and she will evaluate his progress, diet, and meds and maybe we can get things tweaked a bit. Helping a teenager through the process of managing and living with a chronic illness has been challenging and prayers are always appreciated as we work through this trial.

Spring is here and the weather is beautiful. I have all the windows open today and the kiddos have all gone outdoors for a much needed "extended recess" break! I thank you as always for the kind e-mails and prayers and lifting our family up to the Lord. We are grateful to continue this adoption journey as we walk through this pregnancy!

Free Doppler Rental

2011-02-16T10:46:00.000-06:00

Nothing new here...all about the same--still green! I see the OB next week for my 12 week check up. I will be having another u/s then. I look forward to that part : )

If you are expecting, there is a great non-profit I learned about who will send you a doppler for free if you have a written Rx from your OB/midwife. TinyHeartbeats.org gives you a free doppler to have from 12 weeks until birth. They only ask that you have a Rx written out and have experienced the loss of a child or you are considered high risk. You are asked to ship the doppler back within 10 days of your child's birth so they can send it to the next waiting mother. They will even reimburse your return shipping charges if you desire!

So, You Want an Update Do Ya?

2011-02-05T11:40:00.000-06:00

Well everyone, I wish I had some exciting news to share or something humorous, but I do not. Our little one is growing and now the size of a grape I believe. I will be 10 weeks tomorrow! I still have all day morning sickness and some days it keeps me in my jammies and in bed. Other days, I get dressed, and live on the couch. Other days, I can get up, get dressed and run an errand after the kids finish their studies. Most days though, I am down. I have not asked for Zofran because I am more nauseous than sick so I am not dehydrating AND I really hope that after I am off the supplemental progesterone I will feel better. I have never felt this puny with any of my other pregnancies, not even close, so I am blaming the progesterone at this point ; ) We will see what happens when I stop taking that in another month.

I wouldn't say that I am anywhere ready for maternity clothes, but I am already noticing that certain skirts, I don't like the elastic hitting where it does. On jammie day there is no problem, because I have comfy jammies! I have yet to pull down the maternity clothes from the top part of the closet. I will do that after my next doctor's appointment in a few weeks. I was PG last time in a different season so I will have to see what I have.

We did not get the 3-5 inches of snow we were supposed to get yesterday. Instead we got icicles hanging from the trees and shrubs that were formed with the water from the septic sprinklers! Uh, yuck! The kids were so disappointed. They were really hoping for snow. It NEVER snows in Houston. I mean if it does, it is a dusting at best, so this was to be an EXCITING event here. Well, it was a flop for the kids : ( They did enjoying throwing things at the icicles watching them fall down though. No pictures of that excitement, sorry, LOL! I was able to scrapbook about 12 pages for our family book last weekend. I felt like I actually accomplished something! I do love to scrapbook and wish I could manage to find more time to record our family's memories, but I am grateful for the time I do manage to squeeze out.

I have had fun reading everyone else's blogs and catching up with them this past week. There is so much going on with EA families! New births, new pregnancies, new transfer dates, new consult appointments, and even friends pursuing other types of adoptions are working through the paper chase, finishing homestudies, and one friend is finished and she and her husband are now in the waiting phase to be chosen. So many beautiful and joyous times. Little tiny lives given new hope with new families. God's majesty through His creation of His earth and His children is so full of promise!

It Fits

2011-01-28T19:27:00.000-06:00

Back Once Again from Another Appointment

2011-01-26T18:02:00.002-06:00

   I really love my new OB. He is very thorough and was very sensitive to all that we have been through. He went over my medical history thoroughly. I could tell he actually read through everything before he came into the exam room.

   He did the ultrasound himself and he found absolutely no evidence of a Baby B or that there was ever a Baby B. So, the tech at the midwife's office made a mistake. We are very excited that our little baby is doing well. He/she is measuring at 8w 4d and the HR was 169! We have more pictures and they are more clear than Monday's photos. I also met with the financial counselor about payment schedules, scheduled my next appointments and then got some information from the hospital for their fees. I was at the medical complex for 2.5 hours.

   I have repeat progesterone/estradiol draws in 2 weeks and then my 12 week appointment 2 weeks later. The OB will be doing another u/s, running a thyroid panel and I am sure a bunch of other blood tests at that time. I cannot thank you enough for your prayers during these past few weeks. We are so grateful for our strong little baby who is growing! I am off to rest. It has been a long day! : )

More Changes

2011-01-25T17:59:00.001-06:00

I spoke with the nurse & doctor at RE's office today. Based on my estradiol level, I can officially stop wearing the estrogen patches. My progesterone was 20. Dr. M is comfortable with this level and I am to remain on the Crinone progesterone supplement and retest my level in 2 weeks.

Next, we discussed my ultrasound report from yesterday. He would like me to get into see an OB sooner than later. He said he would like my OB to evaluate the twin situation himself. Here are the reasons why:

sometimes my RE has seen a twin that is slower to grow, but catches up. He didn't want us to get our hopes up, but wanted the OB to do his own ultrasound and determine what is going on with twin B.
Since I have APS, an autoimmune blood clotting disorder, my RE would like Baby B to be examined thoroughly by ultrasound and to check the blood flow/circulation to Baby A.
If twin B has stopped growing, more than likely my body will reabsorb the baby, but there is a chance I will experience spotting and possible bleeding. With me being on blood thinners, this could be a concern. Thus another reason for me to become an established patient with my new OB in case of an emergency.

I had an appointment scheduled for Thursday with the OB, but after the RE called, he suggested me going in tomorrow if possible. Dr. M (my new OB) was able to get me in tomorrow afternoon. Rhea will not be able to be with me for this appointment as he already had meetings scheduled tomorrow.

Please pray for the doctors to have wisdom regarding my pregnancy and for my all day morning sickness to be manageable for travel and during the appointment. Thank you everyone. I will update tomorrow as soon as I am able.

We are Home from the Ultrasound Appt.

2011-01-24T12:53:00.000-06:00

We have one little baby growing with a strong heartbeat of 150 and measuring right on schedule at 8 weeks. It is still so amazing to me after all this time to be able to hear the baby's heartbeat at such an early stage of life. So, without further adieu, we introduce our little baby.

As you know, we had 3 little ones transferred. One of our babies never implanted and we lost he/she very early on. Our other baby just recently stopped growing. We were so excited to see Baby B today. However, no heartbeat was detected and he/she was only measuring a little past 6 weeks. In memory of our little pumpkin, I share with you our sweet baby picture that we will cherish.

It was a bittersweet morning full of tears of joy & sadness. We are in mourning, yet are jubilant at God's great blessing of continued life in my womb. We are prayerful that our little one will fight, grow, and live for us to teach him/her of God's amazing love, grace, and power through His Son. We rejoice in God's goodness, grace, and mercy!

Leaving for Our Appt

2011-01-24T08:36:00.000-06:00

We are leaving in about 1/2 hour for our u/s appointment. It has taken me literally 2 hours to get ready. I have to keep taking breaks b/c of morning sickness. ugh. I know that m/s is a very good sign, so no complaints-just letting you know how it is around here. Thank you for your e-mails & texts letting us know you remember what today is and are as anxious as we are to see what God has planned for our family. I will be back with some news later this morning...

Queasy is a Good Thing

2011-01-14T16:37:00.002-06:00

Okay, in search of a "funny" morning sickness pic to put on today's post, I Googled morning sickness images. I know, I know, who knows what was about to pop up on my screen right? Do you want to know what showed up? Photo after photo of beautiful, thin, 20-something women in plush white robes in beds that look like they are staying at the Ritz-Carlton. The women who were actually photographed in a bathroom were still in their plush white robes with their perfect hair. They had distraught looks on their faces as they stared at the brand new, shiny, designer toilets.
So, since NONE of those photos fit the picture of my life right now, I skipped the idea of posting a funny pic for you!

I do have 24 hour queasiness going on. I haven't actually been "sick" yet, but I definitely with each passing day am getting closer to being there. This is all good. No complaints from me, Rhea, or the kids, but I know they miss me making dinner this week. We have a little over a week to go before our ultrasound and we are getting so excited to "see" our baby(ies). In the meantime, I need to type up my health history to take to our new OB. Our last kiddo was a home birth with a midwife, but with my new diagnosis of APS, I will have to deliver in a hospital. So, interviewing OBs will be what Rhea & I do in the days following the u/s.

I did get to spend most of the day at the hospital holding my friend's new baby girl. She was 5# 13 oz when she was born and doing great. I have never held a baby that small. It was such a blessing to be with her and her momma. My friend has APS too and we have become a lot closer in the last 9 months. I feel so awful today stomach wise, but getting out and being with her passed the time and was such a treat and an honor to be able to be with my friend and her baby for the day!

Now If I Could Just Breathe?

2011-01-10T17:12:00.001-06:00

No, really, I am breathing! I am praising God each and every hour for the wonderful life He has seen fit to place inside my womb. I feel so much better now that I am off that PIO! I am a new person. Whew, that was a mess! I am dumbfounded though that morning sickness has not hit yet. I am usually down with it starting at 5wks. Each pregnancy is different I know, but all of my kiddos made me so very ill! This time around, EVERYTHING is so different with this pregnancy, I am learning even more to trust the Lord, lean on His promises, and take advantage of the good days I have right now.

As most of you know, I have had 6 miscarriages. 4 of them have been consecutive and in the last 2 years. I have lost each of the last 4 between 6-8 weeks into my pregnancy. Now that the doctor found that the cause was more than likely caused by APS (an autoimmune blood clotting disorder) I am on Lovenox, a blood thinner injection, once a day. I also take a low dose aspirin every evening. These next couple of weeks will be my next challenge emotionally. I continue to seek Scripture and turn to prayer whenever I feel doubt/fear start to even start to creep in. I confess it and then rejoice at the lives and the bright day of motherhood I have at this very moment. It is a challenge though I will confess. I have been playing some beautiful CDs of hymns played on the piano the last few days and it truly keeps the tone so peaceful in our home.

Our ultrasound will be right at 8 weeks and yes, I am crossing of the days on the calendar with X's! We have not had snow in the BIG storm of the South, but my kids really had hoped for some. Dallas got some, but nothing much further south than that. There is still a few weeks left for us to "maybe" get a flurry? We can only dream...

The Cause of the 10 Day Fever

2011-01-05T12:01:00.001-06:00

The test results are in, all was clear and the Dr.'s hunch was right. I have been having a reaction to the progesterone's carrier oil ethyl oleate. So, no more PIO injections for me. I will be using Crinone from here on out. I will happily go pick it up today from the pharmacist.

Oh, and that extra Beta I asked to be snuck in?? 2166! That is a rise from 1134 in 30 hours! I am elated and praising God for His protection over these little ones. So, the drama should subside a bit and I can get back to grading papers, teaching lessons, preparing taxes, and cooking meals (the last will make my family happy). Thank you for your prayers as always. They are appreciated and never taken for granted.

evening update...

2011-01-04T18:45:00.001-06:00

This has been a very tiring day. The fever stayed around 101 most of the day. I went back and forth with the nurse on the phone as she tried to track down my doctor to discuss my case. Finally, the doctor called me himself around 3:00. After we visited, he suspects that my body has been battling against the oil in my PIO injections. Over time, my body is reacting strongly to it. He is taking me off the injections and moving me to suppositories. He had me go to my midwife to have blood drawn for a CBC and give a urine sample to make sure I do not have a UTI. The midwife will call me with the results in the morning before she faxes them to my doctor. My doctor and the midwife reassured me that my fever is not dangerous to the baby. I am to rest, drink plenty of liquids, and rest some more!

The pharmacy called a bit ago to confirm that I knew that a one week's supply of the progesterone gel/applicators my doctor prescribed was $248! Uh, well, okay. All for the babies. Did I happen to mention that I had the midwife check off the hCG Quant. box on the lab form? ; ) I'll will post all the findings when they call in the morning. I thank you for your prayers today. I am feeling so much better this evening and even was able to eat a big bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.

Oh and one more thing. I can get my u/s done at the midwife's clinic on the 24th and don't have to go to Dallas!

Waiting for the Call

2011-01-04T09:14:00.000-06:00

Well, my temperature did go up last night to 101 and I had to page the nurse. She told me to take 2 extra strength Tylenol. The ones I had were the 8 hour kind. So, at 3 a.m. right at the 8 hour mark, my fever was back to 101. I took some more, kept drinking cool water, cool wash cloth on my forehead and put the ceiling fan on high. I dozed from about 4:30 or so until 7:00. I have no symptoms to date with this fever except body aches and chills.

Now I am waiting for a call from the clinic. The nurse will be consulting with the doctor on my fever situation this morning and see if he wants me to go in to have a CBC run to check my white blood count. If I do, I will be asking to throw one last hCG on there : ) --might as well?

Thank you for your encouragement. I am hopeful and prayerful through all of this. I will update when I hear from the clinic. I got up long enough to do my injections and do this quick post.

Beta #3

2011-01-03T17:44:00.001-06:00

17dp5dt Beta is 1134.
They had wanted it to be higher but the nurse said the Dr. is "okay" with that number. The number is supposed to double every 48-72 hrs. Mine has doubled every 84 hours from my last beta last Wed. The doctor doesn't want another beta run and said that they would see me on my ultrasound appt. on the 24th.
I also spoke to the nurse about my daily low grade fever and she said to keep resting & drink fluids and call if it goes over 100.3 again. I am at 100.1 right now in bed and am shutting down the computer to go to sleep. Please pray for our little ones. After having 6 miscarriages, the "beta" game brings back memories that I keep having to shove back in the past. The Lord is sovereign and He gives "strength for today and great hope for tomorrow". Thank you for praying.

Update

2011-01-01T09:06:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted "daily" entries like I usually do because I am battling a low-grade fever. It started on Monday and it comes and goes. I discussed it with the nurse when she called with my results on Wednesday and she said if my fever went over 100 degrees to call. The fever has stayed around 99.5-99.9 when I have it.

At first, I thought I was trying "not" to get a bug and my body was fighting it. I have no symptoms except body aches that come from having a low-grade fever. I wonder if it might have something to do with my PIO injection sites though? I am not having an allergic reaction there, but I have huge knots and am VERY sore. I will discuss it with the nurse when she calls on Monday with my next beta results. I woke up fever-free today and feel a bit better : ) I felt icky all day yesterday, but was determined to go out on our wedding anniversary. Rhea and I went out during the day to eat and shop. I was VERY much asleep by 9 p.m.! Rhea and the kiddos definitely outlasted me!

I will post our next beta# on Monday afternoon when after we get the call...

Beta #2

2010-12-29T17:25:00.000-06:00

Our 10dp5dt beta was...213

Our 12dp5dt beta is.....

413

Normally, we would go back in on Friday to have more blood work and see if the numbers are still doubling, but since the clinic and the labs are closed this Friday (NYE), we will have to wait until Monday morning for me to get blood drawn again. He would like to see the number at 1500+, but anything over 1000 will give us breathing room. Our sonogram is scheduled for Jan. 24th to get a peek!

We are continuing to praise God through every little step of this journey! Thank you for being here with us!!

The Call Finally Came!

2010-12-27T15:46:00.000-06:00

We are Pregnant!

10dp5dt Beta#1=213

I go back in Wed. for more blood work. They want to see this number double.

Thank you for all of your continued prayers!! Thank you Lord for your amazing blessings on our lives!!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T07:59:00.000-06:00

Extended family has arrived and we are getting ready for a wonderful Christmas! I will be back with our Beta results on Monday. I should have them sometime that afternoon. I am feeling great and pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas!

5dp5dt

2010-12-22T11:43:00.000-06:00

Well, I woke up this morning and feel great! I am energized to do laundry (and boy do I have laundry to do). Make the shopping list for Rhea to go to the grocery store for us (because he won't let me do that because it might be too strenuous ; )

BooBear has a sewing lesson today and the kiddos all have piano lessons today. So, that will keep my time occupied. Now if the COLD weather would just come back? It is very muggy and 68 right now.

We are Home--4dp5dt

2010-12-21T17:22:00.002-06:00

These are our new mugs for 2010 from Williams-Sonoma we purchased in November when we were at the flagship store in San Fransisco. We have been using them since before Thanksgiving!!

We are back home and one would think that after spending days of bed rest, I would be itching to get after my daily routine, but oh no, not this time! I woke up this morning feeling queasy. I made my self eat, but I feel icky. I never get stomach bugs, so I have no idea what is going on. It has stayed the same all day, no better-no worse. Just a BIT early for morning sickness, so who knows.

Rhea's parents arrive for Christmas on Thursday and my father arrives on Friday. Rhea sent me back to bed with a big Christmas mug (see above) of peppermint tea. I pray I will feel back to myself tomorrow : ) I am glad to be back home though!

The clinic's nurse just called, my estrogen & progesterone levels from this morning's blood draw are perfect. They said they will call me on the 27th after I get my PG test drawn. I have a 10:30 a.m. appt!

Last Day of Bed Rest

2010-12-20T10:52:00.001-06:00

I'm still here : ) The hotel where we are staying charges quite a bit for internet in our room, but since I have been a VERY good patient and have stayed in bed, Rhea gave me internet for my last day of bed rest. So, wow, where do I start???

Well, first I am going to thank everyone for their prayers over the last week. I can tell you that your prayers were felt and appreciated by all of us. I have so much to share that has happened over the last few days, but until I can get to it all, know that seeing God work through each step has been humbling, joyful, strengthening, & truly peaceful. There has been sadness as we grieve the loss of 3 of our adopted children & there has been great joy as 3 of our adopted children are snuggly in my womb.

I will share all of the journey from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning soon. I am journaling that and will share that when I finish it. Rhea and I are both forever changed by adopting and are honored to have traveled this road thus far. In the past, each time I think I "might" be pregnant, I count the days and am anxious to take a pregnancy test. This time around, I will wait until the agreed upon time Rhea and I set for me to take a hpt. I will be heartbroken if our babies do not live, however, I have great HOPE in Christ and He is my focus and first love.

The transfer went smoothly. They did not give me any pictures to take home of our babies, but when the embryologist brought them into the procedure room and put them into the incubator, she called Rhea over and the nurses helped me out of bed (I was on Valium by then) to go look through the microscope to see our babies. Rhea and I had tears in our eyes. Three of our precious little ones were alive and looking strong. I was escorted back to bed and as we waited for Dr. M., the embryologist told us that all three looked strong one was lagging behind a bit, but was continuing to develop. She said she prefers to grade them on a scale of A to C. She said that 2 of ours babies were A- and honestly I forgot the grade of our other baby. Truly, grades mean nothing to me. We have physically seen with our own eyes how God took the weakest to live and we know He can continue to grow these babies in my womb.

Medically, my estrogen came back a bit low on Friday, so the Dr. upped my estrogen patches to 6 from 4. Rhea will go by the clinic today to pick up some extra ones until I can have some more delivered by the pharmacy to my house. I go into the clinic tomorrow for another estrogen & progesterone blood draw. After that, back to Houston we go. Our beta blood test in on Monday the 27th a week from today! Rhea and I agreed that when I come home from getting my blood drawn that morning, I can come home and take a hpt.

I have been blessed to be a mother of 16! I have 4 in the other room finishing brunch, I have great hope that 9 are in heaven, and I have 3 in my womb. God is incredibly gracious. I am in awe.

Transfer Update

2010-12-17T15:34:00.001-06:00

I am happy to report that babies are safely transferred to Mommies womb. I received news from Rhea that Shannon is back at the hotel and resting. Rhea said "everything went well and she is absolutely radiant" Praise the Lord for his provision and protection.
Please continue to pray as Shannon is on bed rest. What an exciting day for the Robison family and we are rejoicing with them. Shannon will update as she is able. Thank you for supporting them and following them on this journey.

~Gina

Moving to transfer

2010-12-17T11:24:00.001-06:00

My friend Shannon has asked me to post this update for her as time is short.

To the Glory of God 3 babies have survived and will be transferred at 12:30 today. The Robison family is praising the Lord and holding fast to Him as they proceed in faith to transfer. Shannon will update in greater detail about this amazing night; how "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong." 1 Corinthians 1: 27 The 3 babies that have survived were the ones that were not expected to survive the thaw-the weakest. We serve a mighty God of whom "all things have been created by Him and for Him. And he is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1: 16-17

Following the transfer Shannon will be on bed rest. Thank you for your continued prayers for this dear family as they are faithfully trusting the Lord with the next step in this adoption journey.

~Gina

Thursday Night Update and Prayer Request

2010-12-16T19:48:00.000-06:00

We arrived to our hotel on schedule, unpacked, went to my acupuncturist appointment and returned to the hotel. As we pulled into the parking garage at the hotel, our embryologist called. She told us that she thawed the 4 little ones who were not expected to survive the thawing procedure. 1 did not survive and the other 3 did! They have very few living cells and are not expected to make it through the night.

The one little one at the blast stage survived the thaw beautifully, but it became evident to the embryologist that the embryo was not completely dehydrated at the time of freezing. This little one soon started to deteriorate and cells began to die. It still has some living cells, but is not expecting to live through the night.

Our last little one who arrived at the clinic just yesterday, survived the thawing process, but our embryologist is concerned because the blast is hatching out and she feel that with no protective eggshell to protect it that it will not survive either.

She will call us at 8:00 a.m. to give us an update on our babies.

We are AMAZED at God’s work as 5 of our babies are living. We are mourning the loss of our one little one tonight. We are praying for our babies to grow & strengthen tonight. We pray that God prepares our hearts for tomorrow. We pray for rest tonight for our family. We thank you for the support and prayers as we travel this journey. Thank you so very much for joining us in prayer tonight.

Love, Rhea, Shannon, & ALL the kiddos.

Tomorrow is Departure Day!

2010-12-15T08:13:00.008-06:00

Not only do we leave for Dallas tomorrow, but something else will happen tomorrow that came as quite a surprise when we heard about it. I will back up a bit and explain some details before I get to tomorrow.

Most of you know that we have 6 little ones who we have adopted. 5 (4 morulas & 1 blast) are from one family. The genetic mother chose a family through the Snowflake program and then that first adoptive family chose us as the genetic mother entrusted them with the difficult task in finding another adoptive family for the remaining little ones.

We had always been told that the 4 morula stage little ones had a very small chance in surviving the thawing process, but our one blast had a 50/50 chance of surviving the thawing process. Very recently, our embryologist consulted with some colleagues across our country and she came back to us to share, based on her research, that there was a 1% chance that the 4 little ones would survive the thaw. That, in fact, the wrong freezing protocol was used and if our babies are not alive when she thaws them, they more than likely died during the original freezing procedure. On top of that, our one blast from that group was given a 20% chance of surviving the thaw.

Again this only happened four weeks ago. We were humbled when it was brought to our attention about a family who had one lone little blast that was available for adoption. (God's plan continuing to unfold, brings us to our knees at times a lot more frequently lately). WIth the assistance of our amazing adoption coordinator, all contracts, paperwork, clinic coordination, and DNA testing agreements from all families was completed and our 6th precious little blast will be arriving in Dallas this morning who has a 50%+ chance of surviving thawing.

So...here we are back to Wednesday...I spoke to our embryologist on the phone on Monday and she let us know that she is going to thaw ALL 6 tiny ones tomorrow late afternoon instead of the original plan of thawing 4 on Thursday and the 2 blasts on Friday morning. She will incubate the survivors overnight for a transfer on Friday morning. So, here is how the schedule now goes:

Thursday Morning: We leave for Dallas
Thursday Afternoon: my acupuncture appt. in Dallas, check into the hotel and get everyone settled.
Thursday Late Afternoon: a phone call from our embryologist telling us how many surviving little babies we have.
Friday Morning: If we have surviving little ones from Thursday, and IF we have no phone call from our embryologist on Friday morning that means we have babies to transfer. I will then go to another acupuncture appt and then on to the clinic to drink lots of water, take a valium, and prep for the 12:30 p.m. transfer.

I continue to repeat to everyone we speak to about our adoption that we know that God is not a God of chances. We know that we trust in His sovereignty on our lives and these little ones' lives. We will completely rest in that no matter the God-ordained outcome of the coming few days. I will not give up praying that we will be in Dallas through Tuesday. Because if we are there through Tuesday, that means there was a transfer and I would be pregnant, and I would be on bed rest until Tuesday.

After experiencing 6 miscarriages in recent years, I can tell you that those emotions and feelings can creep back and I have to fight that fear only through the strength my Father can give. He has brought me here. He is with me, He has given me all strength needed to step forward. Rhea and I both thank you for your prayers and we thank those friends who have continued to show us love and support through e-mails, texts, calls, & e-mails. We have been blessed for you to join us and travel this journey with us. You are all very special to us.

Okay, off to pack the kitchen things for the trip, but first a couple more injections! May God richly bless you this very day!

What's Up With Pineapple?

2010-12-14T20:15:00.000-06:00

I was going through notes/lists preparing to leave and I ran across a note I jotted down about eating pineapple before/after the transfer? Is this a myth or if not, how is the pineapple supposed to help? I have one here at the house to take. We eat pineapple anyway, I just was curious about pineapple & transfers!

BTW, today is the first day for me to do PIO shots 2x a day. I still struggle with these. I did my first Lovenox injection today and it was just fine! A little ice before/after and no burning or bruising! Now, off to organizing the packing...

Short, Purple, Still So Bright...HOPE

2010-12-13T22:21:00.000-06:00

This is one of Pookie's serious stares. She can be so lighthearted, silly, and funny. Other times she is intense, focused and serious. I have leaned a lot to the serious side the last few days. It could be I dread those PIO shots, I dread the upcoming Lovenox shots, or because I have so much to do before we leave on Thursday. Today was the toughest day yet. We even had to cancel plans for tonight that I had been looking forward to for weeks. This is all in God's hands though and I continue to pray through my To-Do list. Still, I am struggling for peace and calm these last few days.

When we lit the Advent candles tonight, the kids were concerned that our 1st purple candle was burning low and may not last to the end of Advent. I assured them we had more candles we could use. They told me that it wouldn't be the same and it needed to be shorter, but not burned up. I sat and stared at the shortest purple candle glowing as it burned and my heart calmed-- it truly calmed as I reflected on the meaning that this little short burning low candle had to offer--Hope. There is great Hope. I am about to go do my dreaded PIO shot myself, but I am peaceful once again and calm and focusing on the bright light this short candle gives and the Light of Hope that comforts my soul. Thank you Jesus!

What PookieBear Said Last Night

2010-12-12T11:49:00.000-06:00

This little girl is on a roll!

I am rocking PookieBear last night and singing Away in a Manger to her.
I am singing, "...the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay."
She says, " Mommy, baby Jesus didn't have a pillow?"
I say, "No, he slept on a bed of hay."
She says, "Awww, I'd give him a pillow if I was his Mommy."

A Conversation with PookieBear

2010-12-11T10:36:00.000-06:00

I am cleaning the kitchen with BooBear (BB-age 10) this morning and PookieBear (PB-age 3) is cleaning her play kitchen next to us. The conversation goes like this:

PB: I love you Mommy.
Me: I love you too baby girl.
PB: I not your BABY girl anymore.
BB: You are Mommy's youngest girl and that makes you her baby girl.
PB to BB: No, Mommy has all our babies.
PB to Me: Mommy, are all the babies in your tummy now?
Me: No sweetie, not yet.
BB: The babies are all in Dallas and we have to go to Dallas so the doctor can put them in Mommy's tummy.
PB: Oh. Mommy, will they be REAL babies?
Me: of course sweetie.
PB: No, Mommy. Will the babies walk and talk and move?
Me: (holding back laughter, realizing she wants to be clear that we are not talking about baby dolls): They have to grow in Mommy's tummy until they are big enough to be born to do all those things.
PB: No, but they will walk by themselves, right?
Me: After they grow up they can do that.
PB (with a big smile): Okay, good.

Friday Doctor Appts.

2010-12-10T23:25:00.000-06:00

I was up at 4:00 a.m. and out the door with Rhea heading to Dallas at 5 a.m.
My appointment went wonderfully. Dr. M set our FET time for 12:30 p.m. next Friday. The nurse went over the rest of my med and injection schedule, and we were back on the road to Houston.

D-man's doctor called for our phone appt. while we were driving back. D-man is on the right track, but Lyme is a slow healing condition. He tested negative for all co-infections, but the doctor believes D's body is trying to fight not only the Lyme, but a specific co-infection. We agree with her on this and D will continue the treatment for this particular co-infection--We still have 1-3 more years of treatment. Please continue to pray for D, as he is struggling so much with concentration and memory.

I will post more tomorrow, but the words are blurring, and I MUST go to bed! : )

Lists, Lists, Lists

2010-12-09T08:09:00.001-06:00

I am not talking Christmas shopping, as I have already finished that (whew). These lists are the ones for us to be able to leave town next Thursday. "Us" being all 6 of us. I am thinking very positively and planning that there will be an embryo transfer and I will be on bed rest for the full 5 days. If that indeed is what the Lord places in our lives, then I need to have this crew ready.

We are blessed to have enough hotel points to have a suite with an adjoining room for us to reside in while we are in Dallas. We will have plenty of room and I actually look forward to the time together in our 1200 sq. ft. living quarters to read together, play games, eat together, and laugh together.

Before that can happen, I must work the lists! Although I run the rest of my life on my iMac, I still like a legal pad for planning trips. On my list...There are clothes, toys, games, and computers to pack, pet sitting arrangements to be made, a Costco trip to make, and menu planning to be organized. With Dustin and I on special diets, I am going to have to get creative cooking in a hotel room. There is no kitchenette. I will have 2 tiny refrigerators, period. I am bringing my Blend-Tec, toaster oven, and hope to borrow a hot plate and an electric hot water kettle to take with us.

BUT before that I need to plan meals for tomorrow. Rhea and I leave at 5:00 in the morning to be at our Dallas appt. at 9:00. I have a friend coming tomorrow to stay the day with the kiddos and "run the show" over here while we are gone. We also have a phone appt with D-man's LLMD (Lyme Disease doctor) to go over all of D-man's test results and future treatment plan. That will happen while we are driving back to Houston tomorrow. Sound stressful? Surprisingly, I am not. ; ) I am completely relaxed and excited to see what next Friday will bring!

So, on to prayer requests:

safe travel to Dallas and back for Rhea & I tomorrow
for my friend and all 7 kiddos in our home tomorrow
for me to have all questions prepared and asked ( I always forget to ask something) to both my doctor and D-man's doctor at our appts tomorrow.
continued good health for our family as we prepare to leave next Thursday to Dallas

and finally, and very importantly, transportation/shipping coordination of our newest adopted little one. It is a closed adoption, so I have no idea where in our country he/she is, but please pray that the 2 clinics can coordinate transportation of our little one to Dallas IN TIME for the transfer next week.

Thank you all once again for your prayers, e-mails, and comments to us. They are such an encouragement to us and we are blessed by them all!

If you have a minute, please read this embryo adoption Christmas post from a fellow EA family.

Only a $69 Boo-boo

2010-12-08T10:34:00.001-06:00

Guess who dropped her vial of Lupron on the tile last night? Yes, the tile won (as a friend told me this morning). I have enough in another vial to do tonight's injection. Sad thing is I only have 4 days left of Lupron and yet, I must order another 7 day kit. It will be overnighted and here tomorrow.

So, in EA adoptions, we have to account for in budgeting, the "misc", just like in any other adoption!

So Far, So Good

2010-12-07T15:04:00.000-06:00

D-man & I are home from Dallas and I need to get dinner cooking and the kids "spiffed-up" for their piano recital tonight. I wanted to quickly update that my appointment went well and the sonogram showed that I was in the upper end of normal for my lining measurement (very good news). Standard blood work was drawn, I chatted with Dr. M for a few minutes and then we were back in the car and heading south toward Houston by 10 a.m. The plan is for Rhea to go with me on Friday, but that is if all of his projects run smoothly this week. : ) Thank you for your comments and prayers!

Leaving for Dallas Today

2010-12-06T08:12:00.002-06:00

I am leaving after lunch today to head to Dallas. It is close to a 4 hour drive and since my appt. is at 8:45 tomorrow morning, I am driving in to spend the night. D-man is going with me to tag-along : ) It will be nice to have the company and because we have multiple kiddos, we purposefully plan one-on-one time with each kiddo on a regular basis. We will be addressing our Christmas cards tonight & munching on pumpkin bread and sipping hot tea as we stay cozy in our hotel room. : )

This appt is for my first sonogram and also for blood work. I will head up to Dallas again on Friday for my 2nd sonogram and more blood work. Thank you for prayers as we travel. Also, pray that my body is preparing properly for our FET next week.

I will be in the same building with our babies this time tomorrow!

Do You See What I See?

2010-12-04T22:18:00.000-06:00

Does our FET countdown ticker REALLY say 1 week & some days? ------------------------------>

"I Go to Prepare a Place for You"

2010-12-03T07:28:00.002-06:00

This past Sunday, our pastor shared a little about going to Russia with his family to adopt 2 of their children. He spoke about the difficulty in making the first trip to see the 2 precious children they were to adopt because they had to leave Russia without them. According to the Russian government's rules, They would have to wait until the second trip to Russia to bring them home. Someone pointed our pastor and his wife to John 14 during this time. I have meditated on these verses all week. Not only was there a peace that washed over me each and every time my eyes followed each word, but I have continued to remain stress free as I prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth and as I make the preparations to take a family of 6 to Dallas in 2 weeks.

Jesus declares in John 14: 1-4 (NKJV)
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know."

Jesus came to earth for His children. He taught, healed, comforted, and declared the Gospel to many. So, how have these verses worked through my life this week?

Jesus clearly states "Let not your heart be troubled": this means no worrying, no stress. I have worked to complete tasks on my list that I have made for this month, but as "bumps" in the plan happen, I am content with what is crossed and not crossed off the list at the end of the day. No stress is very important for my body as we approach our embryo transfer in 2 weeks. "Let not your heart be troubled".

Jesus continues, "I go to prepare a place for you": The love of our Father through His Son humbles me more and more as the years pass. Jesus tells us He must go to prepare a place for us. Through our adoption, I am preparing a place for our children. With each medication, each injection (and soon to be 3 injections a day), each sonogram, each healthy bite of food, each extra hour of sleep, each cup of herbal tea, I am preparing a home for our adopted children.

Jesus tells us that "and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also". When I am in Dallas next week for our sonogram, I will for the 1st time be in the same building, steps away, from our adopted children. Rhea & I can tell them this very verse ourselves; precious little ones we will come again (to Dallas) ...I will receive you to myself (embryo transfer procedure)...and we will bring you (all of you) home.

What an incredibly awesome God we serve!

He Shall Reign Forever & Ever!

2010-11-30T19:58:00.000-06:00

******Pause the Christmas music on the

right sidebar before playing video******

Please share your thoughts/reactions after you view this. I'd love to hear from you: )

How can something so small wreak so much havoc?

2010-11-30T09:55:00.000-06:00

I have been just moving through the past couple of months, taking those little OCPs & injecting Lupron with no side effects. Then this past Sunday night came, and it was time to lower my Lupron dose. It was also time to stick this little patch on my tummy and change it every three days. But wait, by next week, I will be wearing 2 patches and then 3 and by the end of that week, possibly 4 patches!

So, currently, I have one tiny patch affixed to my tummy. I woke up Monday morning with a headache and guess what? I still have a headache! Please tell me this is not a side effect that will be with me until our FET day! (ouch, it hurts my head to look at exclamation points) When I add more patches will the headache(s) get worse? I am not complaining. I am so happy to be this close to our FET, just curious about this lovely side effect : )

I just have to SHOUT out loud!

2010-11-29T16:16:00.000-06:00

Aaron & Jennifer began their embryo adoption process some time ago. They just received the results of their 3rd FET. Congratulations you two and we will continue praying for Jennifer and the baby(ies)! We are rejoicing with you and praising God for this tremendous blessing!

Coldwater Creek Groupon Hurry!

2010-11-29T08:44:00.001-06:00

Groupon has a great deal today only while supplies last! For $25 you get $50 worth of shopping at Coldwater Creek! The gift card can be used good in-store or online through March 11, 2011. If you are not signed up with Groupon (no charges ever), please use this link for me to receive credit. I have been receiving Groupon mail for a few months. I pass on most, but every now and then, there is one I cannot pass up like today's! You can also print the gift card out to give as a gift. Happy Cyberday Monday shopping!

Decorating This Year at Our House

2010-11-27T17:17:00.000-06:00

We decided to let the boys do the exterior lighting this year & BooBear is doing more of the interior than usual. They are all having fun preparing our home for celebrating our Savior's birth. However, as I was finishing the kitchen up Thanksgiving night, I was invited to see BooBear's room. Well, not only is the exterior wrapped with lights, she has lights delicately draped throughout the interior as well. She has a tree with presents in the family room corner of her dollhouse too. Now on to the rest of the "big" house!

Dearest sweet little ones,

2010-11-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

(a picture of our clinic where our precious ones are residing for the moment)

Dearest sweet little ones,

Happy Thanksgiving! I pray that you will be at home with us next Thanksgiving in the arms of family members here in our home. Some of you will more than likely be with your heavenly Father, but know that that is the most perfect place to be and we will be together so very soon praising God day and night. You 5 are so very precious to us! We have a surprise for you too. Ready? In the next couple of weeks, you will have one more brother or sister joining you! This precious one was given to us by a very special family and will now be your brother or sister. Your new sibling is a very healthy 5 day blast and Ms. Lily will place you all together. God has blessed us tremendously with each of you. We look forward to the day we will be in the same room with all 6 of you in Dallas together in 3 weeks & 2 days! Happy Thanksgiving & We love you!

FREE Amazon Christmas MP3 Downloads!

2010-11-23T08:02:00.000-06:00

click above for a FREE Christmas Album download for you and then...

download a FREE Christmas Album for the kiddos.

Organic Pumpkin on Amazon!

2010-11-22T10:29:00.002-06:00

Farmer's Market Foods Organic Canned Pumpkin, 15-Ounce Cans (Pack of 12)

Use the link above to go to Amazon, click the lightning deal on the right hand side of the page and then you will have a case of organic pumpkin for $18 and $1.09 goes towards our adoption fund! Thanks Angela for the tip!

Also, check out Matthew's mommy's blog for a $3 GC credit for MP3 downloads on Amazon & help with their adoption expenses!

Thank You for Using Our Amazon Button!

2010-11-20T21:03:00.004-06:00

Amazon.com Widgets

Every time you shop at Amazon and choose to come to our blog first and link to Amazon through our button on our sidebar, Amazon pays us 6%+ for each of your purchases. Since we added the button to the blog and told some of our friends a few weeks ago, we have earned $37.81 so far for the month of November! That is a blessing to us! Though it might seem like a small amount, we know that these small amounts of money are gifts from our Heavenly Father. Each and every little gift covers a part of a larger need and soon the larger need will be a small need!

So thank you friends for taking an extra few seconds to click on our Amazon link to take you to Amazon! It takes one extra step, but it is definitely a way to help one family pursue adoption! ((HUGS))

We are 27 days away!

2010-11-19T20:59:00.001-06:00

I was visiting with our embryologist today and she talked about how "close" we were getting to our FET. I guess it really hadn't hit me yet how close we truly are to our big day! My last 2 weeks have been so full and busy. For a mom like me who prefers to not be on the go, life circumstances have taken me away from home quite a bit and I really haven't had the time to think about how many days until our FET. We are excited like anything, we pray throughout the day for our little ones & our clinic staff, but I have just been moving through each day and didn't realize how close we really are to going to Dallas!! I hung up with our embryologist, pulled up the calendar on my computer and literally counted the days and there were:

2 more days of those "blister pack tablets" I have to take
9 more days until I lower my Lupron dose & start my E2 patches
18 more days until I go to Dallas for b/w & a Sono
20 more days until I go to Dallas again for more b/w & another Sono
21 days until my last Lupron injection
22 days until I start PIO injections, & oral Medrol & Tetracycline
24 days until I start Lovenox injections & baby aspirin for my APA Dx
26 days until we go to Dallas
27 days until our FET!

I had butterflies all in my stomach just thinking about it : ) We are preparing to have a nice, relaxing Thanksgiving with immediate family, decorate for Christmas on Friday, and start our Advent devotionals that Sunday. (btw: thank you for continuing to lift up D-man in prayer. He has had a rough week and been in bed. We appreciate your prayers) We are all looking forward to a quieter Thanksgiving with all that has been going on around here. ....27 days!

btw: I must give a big shout-out to Franchesca at Small Bird Studio. She did an amazing job on my blog facelift! She is running a GREAT Christmas special and her wait list moves quickly. I hope you go visit her check out her portfolio.

btw: Did I mention we are 27 days...Oh, I did? Sorry, we are just so excited : )

Thank you Lord for blessing us so abundantly.

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

2010-11-15T23:44:00.002-06:00

This is the week to put together and drop off your Operation Christmas Child shoebox! We have so much fun doing this each year. We stock up at back to school time when supplies are super cheap, so we can do more boxes. I will post pictures of the kiddos doing their boxes when we pack them this week.

Also, you can include a photo and a letter for the child inside your box AND you can also print out a barcode on the OCC website after you make your shipping charges donation. This way your box can be tracked and your family will receive an e-mail letting you know where your box(es) ended up! Please consider putting together a box. Drop off locations are easily found by entering your zip code on the OCC website. Spreading the love & the gospel across the globe. That is celebrating Christmas!

Bullet Points

2010-11-15T10:44:00.001-06:00

The San Francisco trip went smoothly. D-man & I even had the opportunity to "opt-out" at both airports! goody!
Lots of blood work was drawn and D-man is now on 2 antibiotics. The Dr. suspects a co-infection from the tick as well as Lyme.
The results will be ready in December and our next appt (by phone) is on 12/10
I was tested too as she needed to rule out gestational Lyme Disease!?!
The Leevster's 13th b-day bash was lots of fun on Friday-Sat
We went to a special friend's birthday party on Saturday
The Leevster & I went to church yesterday. D-man was down hard, Rhea felt awful, and I left the girls at home to care for everyone.
Woke up at 4:00 a.m. this morning to PookieBear in our bed and "tossing her cookies". Changed sheets, her clothes, my clothes.
Got a bowl, laid her on a towel on the new sheets...20 min. later...here we go again. Why did I think the bowl and towel would help?
Repeat the above situation every 20-30 minutes
Washing LOADS and LOADS of laundry--and typing fast b/c my 20 minutes before PookieBear needs me is almost up!
Leevster & BooBear just reported (as I am typing) that they both feel "weird" and have a headache and their tummies feel funny. I told them that they better go outside to the woods, the toilet, or a bowl, NO SHEETS!
D-man is still asleep. He is still recovering from the trip and Leevster's b-day. Lyme Disease really pulls him down if he is not careful.
Oh, and I took my first Lupron injection last night! 12/17 will be here before we know it.

Whew!! God is good and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Have a beautiful Monday everyone!!

San Francisco Trip

2010-11-08T22:27:00.000-06:00

We will be leaving to go to San Francisco for D-man's appointment in a couple of days. The weather is supposed to be sunny and cool and we are looking forward to a few hours of shopping the morning before his appt. We will be taking plenty of pictures! Thank you for your prayers for safe travel and for the doctor to determine each of the bacterias we are dealing with in D-man's Lyme Disease.

Catching Up...

2010-11-04T10:24:00.002-05:00

Well, with our tiny ones safe and sound in Dallas, I wanted to post a few pictures of the kiddos. We received a HOT blast here where we live a couple of weeks ago. It stayed until a couple of days ago. Now it seems like fall. This was at a park day with some friends. BooBear & PookieBear are hot & sweaty from playing, but I loved this sister picture.

The lighting stinks in this picture and I don't have time to tweak it, but I couldn't resist this expression on PookieBear.

Yes, D-man looks like a growly bear, but he is not. He was just having a rough day with his Lyme Disease symptoms that day, but his buddies were nice enough to go sit by him and chat. Here they are either discussing the upcoming elections or airsoft strategies (or both).

Finally, later that day, Rhea took the Leevster to our local bank as he won the coloring contest they held. Our bank has been wonderful over the last couple of years as we have gone through the adoption process. They are supportive and inquire about how things are going each time we stop by. Next post...writing our letter to our placing parents & preparing for our trip to San Francisco...do you think I can squeeze anything else in between now and our FET?

FedEx Delivers x 2!

2010-11-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

(our precious ones are now safe & snug and residing in the building on the left)

The best news is that according to our adoption agency coordinator, our 5 precious little ones are safe and sound in our clinic in Dallas. They have been transferred to a permanent tank where they will wait until Dec. 16th. When I go for my appt. in early Dec., I will be in the same office as our tiny ones! It was so precious, as Leevster asked if we could see them while we were in Dallas. : ) It won't be too much longer little sweeties!

FedEx also delivered this to our house today:

Could this be a homeschool science lesson today? uh, well, I think I will pass on that. ; ) D & I did the inventory and put the box away until I need its contents (Nov. 15th). Though, I suppose I should watch the CD on how to do injections? I wasn't nervous about the injections until I saw ALL of the needles. And that large pile on the left, uh, those needles are H-U-G-E!

Thank you Father for protecting our precious ones through human hands at FedEx and for providing the funds needed for us to receive the box which will help prepare my body for our FET. We serve a magnificent God!

The Transporting Prayer Schedule Begins!

2010-11-01T08:36:00.001-05:00

Your prayers mean so much as we approach "turn 3" as my NASCAR husband would say. "Turn 4" is within sight. Here is what is happening in the next few days. Would you commit to pray on one or more of these days?

Monday Nov. 1st: The travel tank for our little ones leaves our clinic in Dallas today by FedEx to Baltimore, MD.

Tuesday Nov. 2nd: The travel tank arrives to the clinic in Baltimore. Our little ones will be removed from the freezing tank they have been sitting in for over 10 years and will be moved to the travel tank in the afternoon and then picked up by FedEx.

Wednesday Nov. 3rd: Our little ones arrive in Dallas at our clinic by 10:30 a.m.

Thank you for joining us in prayer for our 5 precious ones, for all people who will be handling them, and for safe travel as they come home to Texas.

**I will update on Dustin soon. We are getting paperwork together to get him to San Fran.

Our New FET Timeline!

2010-10-27T23:22:00.003-05:00

Hello all! We have A LOT to share, but I will be breaking it down into several posts so that it is a bit easier to digest : ) However, we have had people ask us to post our Timeline so that they can be in prayer for specifics as we get closer to our frozen embryo transfer (FET) stage of our adoption. So, here we go...ready?

10/31 - I start my first 2 meds (birth control pills-to control my cycle for the doctor to give these babies the best possible chance at a successful transfer--would I take BCPs for any other reason after all we have been through? The 2nd is doxycycline for 10 days to take care of any possible infection that could be hiding out in my body
The first week of Nov. - a big box of meds, syringes, and who knows what else arrives at our house. ($1,000+ please pray for provision)
11/1- our embryologist ships her travel tank to Maryland clinic
11/2 - our babies are transferred to the travel tank and shipped by FedEx that day (please pray for all who will handle our precious cargo)
11/3 - our little ones arrive at our Dallas clinic by 10:30 a.m.
11/15 - I begin Lupron injections
11/29 - $3,000 due to Dr. M in Dallas (praying for God's provision for this)
11/30 - Did I mention I was doing meds and injections? Well, this is continuing and there are more of them now.
11/30 - leave to go out-of-state to take D-man to a Lyme Disease specialist.
12/1 - D-man has 1st appt with the Lyme specialist.
12/2 - D-man has 2nd appt with the Lyme specialist & return to TX.
12/7 - day trip to Dallas for a sonogram & blood work.
12/10 - day trip to Dallas for a sonogram & blood work (yes, I know we will have just made the 3 hr drive both ways 3 days ago)
12/16 late afternoon - our embryologist will thaw our Four 5-day morula stage embryos and call us at the hotel. Our surviving babies will be incubated overnight. (pray for our hearts to be prepared for this call)
12/17 (morning)- Transfer Day! We will transfer which ever little ones God has for us that morning, whether they are the surviving incubated tiny ones or the one 6-day blastocyst that is ready to be thawed the morning of the transfer.
12/18 - begins 3 more days of bed rest in our hotel in Dallas.

Coming in the next few days...D-man's Lyme Disease update (we would appreciate continued prayer please--he is a very sick young man), my latest autoimmune diagnosis (hint...APA), and more FET procedure questions answered.

Lyme Disease Update

2010-10-25T17:08:00.000-05:00

This is what we are trying to do in our home right now. I will tell you, so very little is EVER shared about Lyme Disease. We've all 'heard' about it and honestly, I heard about the disease more from our veterinarian when referring to protecting our dogs than I ever heard from anyones about protecting our children! As Christians, we do not live in fear. We are dealing with a nasty bacteria and the co-infections that can accompany Lyme Disease. There is no quick and easy cure as these types of bacteria live in tissues and only show in the bloodstream while traveling.

We are in the process of finding our son a specialist who is very familiar with Lyme Disease (LD). Easy you might think in the Houston area, but finding a true Lyme-Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) is not easy at all. So, as our family joyfully looks forward to our upcoming FET and the hope of pregnancy and birth of children, we are juggling that with helping our eldest fight the nasty bacteria that has entered his body.

God allowed us to find the tick and know that the symptoms our son is dealing with are all related to the bite eight weeks ago. We continue the herbal protocol and have now needed to introduce antibiotics to the regimen, but there is a need for us to find and get to an LLMD for proper clinical evaluation and testing to make sure we are only dealing with one bacteria. It is difficult to watch our teenage son who is intelligent, full of life and joy, shut down with pain and chronic fatigue.

There are so many people who suffer from LD and ever knew this until LD affected our family. So, I am balancing serving my Lord, serving & loving my husband & my children (including our 5 wee ones) & balancing researching this disease.

I will keep you posted...

They Will Be in TX on November 3rd!

2010-10-20T18:16:00.001-05:00

We got word today that our embryologist in Dallas will ship her tank to Baltimore and then our little ones will ship overnight to us and be in Dallas on November 3rd! Please pray for our little ones' safety and health as they are handled & transported. Please pray that all who come in contact with our little ones will stop to think about what they are truly handling, precious lives. May God move and stir the hearts of all who come in contact with our little babies. We serve an amazing God and we thank you for joining us in prayer!

The 3 Day Yard Sale is Officially Over (total is now included)!

2010-10-16T18:22:00.004-05:00

It is over. All is cleaned up. We took some VERY special friends to dinner to celebrate God's gracious gifts. Rhea and the boys are out picking up the yard sale signs around the area. Next? We will count all of the money God has blessed us with! Our goal was $2500. Update coming soon....

info added 9:30 p.m. Sat. : Well it is all counted. After praying with tears in our eyes and praising God for His blessings of provision, friendship, and prayers & love from others, we are still trying to let this all sink in.

Our Goal: $2,500.00
Our total sales for 3 days: $2,767.00
Our total from the donation jar we had out during the sale: $ 176.00
Refund check received this weekend from the Houston doc who quit working with us: $300.00

Grand total God blessed us with this weekend: $ 3,243.00!! <-----Do you see that?? Do you see why we are in tears? We are joyful, humbled, exhausted (but a good tired), and on cloud 9 (wherever that is? we are there)!

We are mailing a check to Nightlight on Monday for $3,500. This is our final payment and our 5 little ones will be in Dallas so very soon. I start meds the first week of November. Our transfer will be in December and God willing, we will be giving birth to a child in August!

Have You Seen the NEW Embryo Adoption Video?

2010-10-11T19:12:00.000-05:00

I found this video. It was uploaded just 3 weeks ago. It is put out by the NEDC. It is narrated by Chelsea Noble Camer*n, includes interviews with Dr. Keenan & staff, and also includes our EA coordinator from Nightlight Christian Adoptions, Megan Fabian!