Heidi and Aaron's Roller Coaster Ride: November 2012

Thursday, November 29, 2012

News

This week's appointment showed that Bebe is still head down, and has a good heart rate of 130. The exciting news is that the doctor is confident that she is close to ready to be born. Since Lady L's strep B test was negative, he is ready to strip her membranes, on Monday!
We are excited, nervous, and very anxious. Of course we know it's a possibility that she could be born at any time, but this news encourages us to be totally ready when we go to bed Sunday night. I will be at school all day Saturday getting things in place, and on Sunday we'll be getting everything ready around the house. Our bags are ready, the car seat is ready, and Bebe's bag is ready. So now, we will just wait for the phone call that it's time to go. And then, something magical will happen:)

Monday, November 19, 2012

37!!!

Lady L is officially "full-term" with our sweet daughter. Anything after 37 is full term, so we are there! We had an appointment today, and her heartbeat was very strong. The best thing was that I got to feel her kick (and punch, possibly bunt, all sorts of flailing of the limbs.) We met with the social worker to go over the birth plan, and I am truly so blessed beyond words to have such an amazing person as my cousin. She is the epitome of selflessness, as generous as they come, and overwhelmingly good.

Last weekend we were able to meet with a photographer and have some maternity/surrogacy pictures taken. I will post the two that I have, and I have permission to link to the rest of the photos.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.k.dube?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.433323243394850.97094.128117047248806&type=1

Link to her direct website: You will need to enter password: baby
http://takentodaytreasuredtomorrow.shootproof.com/event/101971/view#a_all-grid

Also, two weeks ago, my amazing crew that I am lucky enough to call my friends threw a baby shower for us. Again, I was reminded of just how fortunate I am to have crossed paths with some of the loveliest people in existence.

This is one of my faves!

I know I should have fixed the scarf, but I love this one.

The pictures don't do this justice, I have never been prouder of any of our craft projects:)

As we were finishing up.

Thanks so much for following our journey, and caring enough about all of us to keep us in your prayers.

Our Timeline

5-21-2005: The stars allign, and I meet my soul mate, best friend, and goofball of my dreams: Aaron:)

7-4-2006: We are engaged!

7-7-2007: Aaron and I get married!

8-1-2007: We are thrilled to find out we are 2 weeks pregnant, but devastated to discover that it's an ectopic pregnancy, and will not be viable

7-7-2009: We have a positive pregnancy test, and are thrilled, but later that day discover something is wrong. This was either an ectopic pregnancy that flushed itself out, or a miscarriage (most likely ectopic)

8-15-2009: We are pregnant! We later determined it was in fact ectopic.

3-9-2010: We are pregnant, we found out it's ectopic, and has ruptured my right fallopian tube. It's not salvagable, have a surgery to remove the tube and pregnancy.

4-1-2010: Concerned, we have every test imaginable run, and have perfect results on both of our fertility results. Doctors urge us to continue trying, "one of these times it'll reach your uterus."

9-15-2010: Pregnant! We enjoy a few weeks of pregnancy before learning, another ectopic.

10-15-2010: We have had enough. Moving on to next journey. Based on our good test results, we decide to attempt in vitro fertilization, and make an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist

12-9-2010: Recieved our IVF plan, are so excited to start on 1-1-2011.

1-21-2011: We learn that our first cycle will be cancelled. One mutant follicle took over one ovary. We must buy more meds, and try again after another cycle

3-8-2011: After another cycle, we have much better results. They retrieve many eggs from both ovaries, and fertilize all of them.

3-10-2011: They put 2 of the embryos into my uterus, and we freeze the other 4 high quality embryos.

3-18-2011: Positive pregnancy test

3-29-2011: Ultrasound reveals two embryos have attached, and both are in my uterus!

7-1-2011: We have our anatomy ultrasound, which reveals both babies are looking perfectly healthy. One girl, and one boy. We then learn that my cervix has opened. We have a cerclage placed, and begin couch-rest.

7-23-2011: Back in the hospital for the duration, as Baby A's membranes are squeezing through my cervix.

7-28-2011: Our hearts break as we meet our sweet, beautiful, and precious children: Savannah and Charlie. They each lived for an hour, but will be in our hearts forever.

10-5-2011: After several medical complications after the delivery of our twins, and looking at all of the possible options, we apply to Catholic Charities to begin the adoption process.

11-9-2011: Feeling unsure about attempting to adopt, we announce on facebook that we are looking for a gestational carrier.

11-9-2011: Several amazing, beautiful, generous women offer to become a surrogate for us. Lady L is the first one to respond, and we begin "the process"- whatever that means.

1-4-2012: Lady L, her wonderful husband, Aaron, and I attend our "gestational carrier consult" at Mayo Clinic's Reproductive Endocrinology Department. We all pass psych evaluations.

1-6-2012: Lady L and her husband have passed all of their blood work and communicable disease tests:)

1-26-2012: Lady L passes her mock transfer and uterus ultrasound.

2-3-2012: Aaron and I have passed our tests, and we mail off the retainer agreement and fee to our attorney:) Moving right along!

3-22-2012: At 8:22am, our medical team transfers two embryos to Lady L's uterus.

3-29-2012: I received a text from Lady L with a picture of a positive pregnancy test!

4-3-2012: Official HCG beta= 263 "good, strong number."

4-5-2012: Second beta (should be at least 526, double of previous beta)=833! Beta more than tripled!

4-27-2012: First ultrasound, we see our perfect, beautiful little soul and hear the heartbeat.

7-20-2012: 20 week ultrasound, everything is going well with Lady L, and bebe is looking great. We find out it's a girl!

12-18-2012: Lady L gives birth to our beautiful miracle baby. Maizy Sue is the greatest joy in our lives.