SURROGACY: A Method of Assisted Reproduction whereby a woman (known as Surrogate Mother, Traditional Surrogate, or Gestational Carrier) agrees to become pregnant for the purpose of gestating and giving birth to a child for others to raise. She (The Surrogate) may be the childs Genetic Mother (Traditional Surrogate), or she may be implanted with an unrelated embryo (Gestational Surrogate).

TRADITIONAL SURROGACY: The Surrogate Mother is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the Intended Father or Sperm Donor. The surrogate's own egg will be used, thus she will be the genetic mother of the resulting child. Usually the Intended Father's name is put directly on the birth certificate and the Intended Mother will need to do a step-parent adoption, however, laws regarding this issue vary from state to state.

GESTATIONAL SURROGACY: The Surrogate Mother is not genetically related to the child. Eggs are extracted from the Intended Mother or Egg Donor and mixed with Sperm from the Intended Father or Sperm Donor in Vitro. The embryos are then transferred into the surrogate's uterus. Embryos which are not transferred may be frozen and used for transfers at a later time if the first transfer does not result in pregnancy.

PLEASE NOTE: The dates I post may NOT be the date that the post says. This is because, the only way I can have my posts in descending order, is to change the post date. Sorry for the confusion and any inconvenience this may have caused! =0)

I decided to go with an agency rather fly solo, because I have not gone through a surrogacy before. I do not know what exactly is supposed to happen and when, and I do not believe I could handle the whole monetary issue. When I decided to go through surrogacy with an agency, I wont lie, I DID search via the web.

A lot of different surrogacy agencys came up, and intending to find the PERFECT AGENCY I went click happy! In the end, I believe I have chosen the very best agency for me, Simple Surrogacy. I called and immediately I was speaking with a wonderful person full of knowledge and serenity. She made me feel very comfortable and answered every question to its full extent. I automatically knew, this was the one. Her name is Stephanie Scott. She is an experienced surrogate herself, and knows first hand what we surrogates go through. That in itself is comforting.

SIMPLE SURROGACY (www.simplesurrogacy.com): Simple Surrogacy was founded in 2002 to assist couples and individuals with the desire to achieve a family through third party assisted reproduction. They were founded on one simple principle: to provide their clients with the highest standard of care in the surrogacy industry at an affordable price. Founded by an experienced Egg Donor and Traditional and Gestational Surrogates, the agency offers a fully rounded knowledge of the experience. Simple Surrogacy does not discriminate based on sexual preference, marital status, race, religion, age, or gender. At Simple Surrogacy it is their belief that their affordability, attention to detail, and personal attention to their clients will make the decision to work with them an easy one! They work very closely with various organizations to provide their clients with the best service for the best price possible. Their referral network consists of some of the most respected doctors, attorneys and psychologists in the surrogacy field. They are highly committed to helping their clients achieve success. Simple Surrogacy is headquartered in Dallas, TX. (Taken directly from their site.)

Stephanie emails me almost weekly, and makes sure I'm being taken care of. She knows how I feel about everything that happens, and takes actions on things that are needed.

Stephanie Scott and Simple Surrogacy were featured in Newsweek in April 2008. "The Curious Lives of Surrogates."

Wanna See the Article? Click Here!

I am matched with a wonderful couple C and S (I will address them as that, until I get approval from them to disclose who they are) who live in Albuquerque, NM. I first viewed their profile from Simple Surrogacy on March 27, 2008. I first spoke with C via telephone on April 9, 2008. We talked about almost everything, and laughed the whole time. Needless to say, we hit it off automatically. C is a very wonderful and smart woman. She is very pretty and is a wonderful mother. She has a wonderful sense of humor, and loves to laugh. She takes things as they are, and doesn't seem to worry much. S is a very nice, intellectual man. He likes to talk and is very soft spoken (so far!). He is a wonderful father, and expresses his love for them a lot.

C and S learned that C's eggs were not good b/c unfortunately they decided to wait a little longer to have children. C and S are both 44 years of age. C decided to let a dear friend donate eggs for her. They were fertilized with S's Sperm with the intention of C carrying them to term on January 2003. The had 6 good embryos. They transfered 2 fresh embryos into C's uterus, and a Baby Girl was born on November 17, 2003. The remaining 4 embryos were frozen. About 2 years later they decided to do another transfer, and transfered 2 embryos (when thawed, the Dr. said that one embryo looked like it had never been frozen, and the other embryo looked as good as it could look, being it was frozen) more into C's uterus. A Baby Boy was born on July 31, 2005.

At the end of the birth of her son, she learned she had HELLP syndrome, because of this, she had to deliver her son 2 months early. She was informed by various medical professionals that it would be in her best interest to never get pregnant again. That is why, I am here to help her complete her family.

HELP SYNDROME: HELLP syndrome is a serious complication of severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure problems of pregnancy). It occurs in about 10 percent of women with high blood pressure of pregnancy. It usually develops before delivery, but may occur postpartum (after delivery) as well. HELLP syndrome consists of the following problems:

• hemolysis - red blood cells break down.
  
  
• elevated liver enzymes - damage to liver cells cause changes in liver function lab tests.
  
  
• low platelets - cells found in the blood that are needed to help the blood to clot in order to control bleeding.

C was told many times that she should "just donate the remaining embryos to science", or "throw them away", but as I'm sure many of you can imagine and understand. Those other 2 beautiful babies were in those tubes as well. These last two embryos could very well be another beautiful child of hers, OR CHILDREN! So, she has called upon the help of a GESTATIONAL SURROGATE (myself) to give those final embryos the chance they deserve!

We had our first Dr.s Appointment on May 7, 2008. It was with Dr. Thompson in Albuquerque, NM. All that was done at this appointment was a HYSTEROSCOPY and an ULTRASOUND. It was said that everything looked very normal.

HYSTEROSCOPY: A way to look inside the Uterus. A Hysteroscope is a thin, telescope-like device that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. It may help a doctor diagnose or treat a uterine problem.

ULTRASOUND: A procedure that uses high- frequency sound waves to view internal organs and produce images of the human body.


Before the appointment, C and S took us to a 2 story eating place. I cannot remember the name of it, but it sold mainly Pies and Sandwiches. Inside it was very colorful and architectual-like. The food was very good, and very healthy! We had a good time.

Then S took the kids home while C, Decateur and I went to the appointment. Decateur and Anthony ended up playing outside in the car while we were inside. Anthony watched "Flushed Away" and Decateur hid wires.

Afterwards, we all went to "Chuck E Cheese's"!! Everyone had a blast! It was Anthony's first time being at Chuck E Cheese's, we had 2 photos made, Ill upload them later (they are still in the glovebox!)

May 19, 2008 I had my blood work done here in Clovis. They will forward the results to Dr. Thompson.

May 23, 2008 (TOMORROW) We are having our Counseling appointment with Lynda Moore in Albuquerque, NM. I will give you an update on how that went in a few days!

As of now, we have been told the following:

• July 6, 2008: THE EXPECTED DATE I START LUPRON!
• July 17, 2008: EXPECTED DATE TO HAVE ULTRASOUND TO VIEW LINING OF UTERUS/ SEE HOW WELL THE LUPRON IS WORKING.
  
• July 28, 2008: EXPECTED DATE TO HAVE ULTRASOUND TO VIEW LINING OF UTERUS AGAIN/ SEE HOW WELL THE LUPRON IS WORKING AND IF WE CAN KEEP OUR TRANSFER DATE.
• August 6, 2008: OUR EXPECTED TRANSFER DATE!
  

May 14, 2008

C sent me flowers!!! I got them at my work, just an hour before I quit! She made an absolutely HORRIBLE day, into a completely DELIGHTFUL evening! The are soooo beautiful and smelled soooo wonderful. Thanks again, C!

The Card Read:

Hi Kayla,
Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and hope you are having a wonderful day. I also hope you had a great Mother's Day- Take care, I'll be talking to you soon.
~C


Oh, And the card next to it, is the HANDMADE by Decateur and Anthony, for me On Mother's Day!

Yesterday, May 23, 2008 :
We had our Counseling session. It went SOOO GREAT!

All that happened, was C (S had to work) was taken into a room with Lynda Moore alone and was asked a series of questions pertaining to the surrogacy. The questions were about what she expected from this, and her beliefs on such things and her opinion on things as well. Then
Decateur and I went in with Lynda as C waited in the waiting room. We were asked the same questions and the same was expected from us. Then, She called C into the room with us, to discuss once again, our view, expectations and opinions and we (once again) got to see what a match we are! There is nothing we don't agree on. I think it helps that I have pretty much given up all of my rights to what happens with the baby. Such as, if the doctor says that there are abnormalities visible in an ultrasound, and says its best to just abort, I personally believe that it IS NOT MY RIGHT to say yes or no. Some may find this weird that I dont think its my right, and I'm sure that others think its wrong that some find it their right! Either way, that is my opinion. Any decisions with keeping, aborting or preventing with this baby (or babies :] ) is not my decision, but is C and S's decision fully. Now I haven't given up all rights, if my body is in danger, I do have a say. But, its also very comforting to know that C has stated it is not her intention by any means to harm me, and she will look out for the my best interest. She really is "One of a Kind!"

We had a lot of good conversations today. Conversations that make everyone feel good because everyone is on the same page. The kind that you love, because you know that you are caring for the other party, and they are expressing how much they care for you. Good Stuff!!


So, Also today we got our Calendar!
Let me tell you, I am soooo freaked out right now. Thats a lot of shots! A LOT! lol. And, I'm super nervous!

The Calendar link is below:

Surrogacy Calendar



Things You'll want to know after looking at my Surrogacy Calendar if your not familiar with fertility drugs:

LUPRON:

A GnRH agonist -- a hormone that works in two distinct phases. Phase one stimulates the ovaries causing them to produce more of the most potent of the three estrogens produced by women -- estradiol. In phase two the messenger hormones that tell the ovaries to produce estrogen decline dramatically. This causes a significant reduction in estrogen levels, and causes women to experience menopause-like side effects.

PROGESTERONE:

Progesterone injection is indicated for progesterone supplementation or replacement as part of an assisted reproductive technology (ART) therapy. Progesterone prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg for implantation. Once a fertilized egg is implanted, progesterone acts to maintain the pregnancy. Progesterone causes the lining of the endometrium to thicken and increases its blood supply.

TETRACYCLINE 250MG:

An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It can also be used with other medicines for treating acne. I will be taking this 2 days before, day of, and 2 days after the transfer. That is because something foreign from my body will be used to do the embryo transfer!

VIVELLE-DOT PATCHES:

Estradiol in a multipolymeric adhesive. The system is designed to release estradiol continuously upon application to intact skin. Estradiol is the major estrogen hormone produced by the ovaries.

VALLIUM:

Valium is a benzodiazepine. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety) and muscle spasm, and also causes sedation.

A lot has happened since my last post, Ill try to go in order for you so its not so confusing...

Today is July 23. First off, me and my family went on vacation to our home towns, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Houston, Missouri. While I was there, I received my meds, and on the 6th of July, I began my Lupron. Its not so bad. For some reason, my mind wont let me stick myself with a needle, instead, it makes me freak out, and well, I just cant do it. I did do it, 2x, but that was it. Since then, My wonderful husband has done them everynight. Now, this is very tricky, considering he works 24 hour shifts every other day at the fire station. So, Yes, I drive a whole 5 minutes to go eat dinner with him, and then we take a trip to the bathroom so he can give me a shot. He has mastered the Lupron. He knows where to give it to me, how to stick it in, how to hold it, and how to release it and withdrawl the needle nicely. A few times, it really hurt. And one time, he wasnt holding on secure enough and tried to move his hand, and LET GO!! So, there was a needle, just hanging out of me! It didnt hurt that much, and no bruises. lol. I was in Missouri when I started my Lupron. Its central time in Arkansas/Missouri, so I started taking my shots at 8pm. Now that were home, I take them at 7:25pm mountain time.

It would be so funny for someone to watch me get my shot. First off, I want Decateur to be as stable as he possibly can be, so I make him stand, not kneel, or sit, because one way or another it would always end up being a weird position. So, I put my foot in the sink. We found this out at the fire station, because in the bathroom there isnt much room to sit or move, just a toilet and a child changing table (which im sure would fall if i sat on...) So, I propped my foot into the sink, and sort of layed my leg sideways onto the counter. That angle is perfect for him to hit the "perfect, no pain" spot. So, I do that at home now too. I think he likes giving me my shots... kind of a way to "get back at me" for whatever, folding a towel, or flushing the toilet while hes showering, lol. Either way, at least hes getting practice for his EMT stuff he has to go through at the station.


On July 14th, was my birthday. I turned the big 22. C, my intended mother, was so thoughtful, that she sent me a bigger bouquet of flowers with an AWESOME square, modern vase, to us in Missouri! That vase is now a center peice on our dining table. I have dark black and brown rocks in the bottom of it, with some very petite white flower tops sprinkled on top. Its pretty. This is them:




She is so thoughtful, I am so very greatful for getting a set of IPs like this!

On the 18th of July, I had an ultrasound to see if the Lupron is doing its job. It is, I was at 10 units, and got knocked down to 5 units, just like I was supposed to be. My lining is thin, and I'm not ovulating. Also on this day, we signed the contract! I was very nervous at first, because contracts have always been known or reffered to as, "signing your life away". But, I swear, It must be the perfect IPs I have, because they have assured me, no matter what, they will take care of me, and call me crazy, but I believe them!!

On the 20th of July, I started my Vivelle Dot patches. I'm on 1 patch until tomorrow, the 24th, my first 2 patch day!! The patch is an estrogen patch, It is thickening my lining. On the 30th, I will have another ultrasound to make sure my lining is thick enough, so that those little Embryos will have something to stick to!

As my calender states, I will begin the Progesterone, PIO, shot on the 1st of August. That needle is HUGE. I am pretty nervous about the whole thing. Its intramuscular, and it goes on the upper left/right quadrant of my buttock. Its gonna hurt. They leave bruises! But, it is imperative I have that PIO shot. That has been known as the best. That shot will maintain the pregnancy, Hopefully one will happen, and I continue that for about 10 weeks, until the placenta is making its own progesterone.



Hello, My name is Kayla, and I am Obsessive Compulsive. I have to have my towels folded a certain way, and put away a certain way. I have to have the WHOLE counter clean, when I clean it. The sink has to be spotless. And.... Things have to be in their place... such as my medicine. Here is my "Sterile Zone":



Yes, I taped an area, on my counter, for my medicine to go. Everything has its OWN PLACE. Am I weird or what?? That white piece of paper, is my calendar, with little boxes next to all medicine, for me to check off what I've taken that day. At least I can admit that I have a problem. Isnt that the first step?? lol. I think its beautiful no matter how weird it is. At least I didn't measure the tape and make it COMPLETELY SQUARE!! Boy did I want to though.

Well, we have our transfer on the 6th, unless something goes horribly wrong, like the embryos dont thaw right, and if that happens, thats the end. =( We will all be sad. But, on a lighter note, we are going to Albuquerque on the 5th, to spend a whole day with my IPs. to relax and have fun together before serious time, during the transfer. Then after the transfer, I will be on bedrest for 48 hours. Lots of "TREAT ME LIKE I'M A QUEEN" time. LOL!! Im so excited!

Until next time!!

Today is August 3, 2008. Just a quick update and photo to let everyone know that I stopped my lupron on the 31st, and on the 1st I began my Progesterone in Oil(pio) shot. On the 1st and 2nd of August, I was taking 1cc of the PIO. Today, or I should say tonight at 8:30pm I will take 2cc. I am using a 1 inch 20 guage needle to withdrawl the thick substance (using Progesterone in Sesame Oil), and then a 1.5 inch 25 guage needle to inject the substance. For at least 15 minutes before hand, I am using a freezer pack to numb the area (wonderful!!), and afterwards I gently massage with a warm wash cloth, and then use (instead of a heating pad, which I don't have) one of those neck things that you warm in the microwave...lol. I have no bruising and not any soreness unless I push directly on the area the needle entered, which is understandable. I told C that I might start laughing when I am given the shot. Mostly because I am so nervous, and then hopefully if I dont feel it, it just cracks me up that there is a 1.5 inch needle in my butt, and my body has no idea!! She told me if I laugh, that the drugs have gone into my head, and Im just plain crazy...well.... I must be crazy, because heres a photo.



Our transfer is in 3 days, on wednesday, the 6th at 11:45am!! Were going up there on tuesday to spend time with the family, to relax and feed off each others anxiousness!! Wish us luck!!

Well, transfer went as planned. I was picked up from the Days Inn around 10:30am (transfer scheduled at 11:45am), greeted by a "Survival package", which included almost every kind of candy and a 6-pack of coca cola, and the most beautiful flowers EVER:


(I think sunflowers are the most beautiful flowers in the world!)

While driving the 30-45 minute commute from Rio Rancho to Albuquerque, NM, at 11:00am we were told to call the office to make sure the last 2 frozen embryos were alive and kicking (well, not so much kicking, yet!), and we were all relieved to hear they were right on track and that our transfer was still going as planned. Huge relief. The look on C's face was priceless. She was so nervous about them surviving the thawing more than anything else I think. Those lil ones were made in January of 2003, that makes them 5.5 years old! They were 6 dayers, and we were told that 1 was good, and the other 1 was not so good. I should have taken a photo of some sort with me lying on the "table" before the transfer, but my mind was so out of it, wondering about so many things, I didnt think to do that. Sorry.

After the transfer, I layed there for about 10 minutes before they could let me use a catheter (boy, I was hurting so bad, my bladder was FULL!), and then about 30 minutes. The actual procedure only took about 10 minutes. Then I was released. We stopped by McDonalds to get french fries (since its a myth that the starch makes them stick! lol) to go, and I was taken back to the hotel to lay on bedrest for 48 hours. Heres me during bedrest:


(my face looks swollen... lol)

I'm not sure if I ever mentioned this before, but I bought (from serenitysurro on surromomsonline.com) 80 pee sticks (pregnancy tests) for the cost of shipping about a month ago. So, since I have so many, and two different brands, I decided to take 2 tests (one of each brand) every time I pee. So far, there hasnt been a little shade of another line yet, but I've had little pings and twinges here and there, and a lot have told me that, that is them latching on. My bloodtest is on the 15th, and then the confirmation bloodtest, of the result from the 15th is on the 18th.

I am still taking my progesterone shot every night at 8:00- 8:30 mountain time, and everyother day putting on a new set of 4 estrogen (vivelle dot) patches. Also taking 1 81mg baby aspirin everyday, along with a prenatal pill!! I've been very moody, hopefully that means that their working up their HCG!! lol.

So, Keep those sticky thoughts in mind! Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts!

So, I've been taking 2 tests (2 different brands) each time I pee ever since the transfer day (august 6, 2008). This morning, I took my first 2 of the day, and glanced, decided it was a no. I threw yesterdays away (for some reason I keep all the ones during that day, maybe to see if something pops up later??? lol) I then put them on the back of the toilet, a litte dissapointed, yet again. I took my shower, and then decided to call the local laboratories and find out how much it will be to get my blood test done on beta day.

As I was about to email C and let her know the costs, Decateur yells out, "YOUR PREGNANT!!", I will admit, I've been really moody lately, and so I rolled my eyes and said, "How do YOU know?". He came into the room holding the 2 sticks and said, "You have lines!!". I quickly grabbed them away and in my disbelief, there they were, Both Positives! Yes, they were the squinty positives, but that counts!!

So I deleted the email, and called C right away. She screamed for the whole 5 minutes we were on the phone, she was so happy!

I went ahead and went on base to see if I could get a blood test there. I did, and an hour later they called back saying it was negative. I was confused. We were grocery shopping when she called, so when we got home, I decided to pee on more! 2 more, both positive, even darker!!

I posted on my usualy site: www.surromomsonline.com and told them what happened and there have been many replies.. apparently (yes, im ignorant, i didnt have any clue) there are 2 different types of tests; Qualitative: relating to, measuring, or measured by the quality of something rather than its quantity. and Quantitative: relating to, measuring, or measured by the quantity of something rather than its quality. Apparently, this mean that Qualitative see if there is the hCG hormone in my blood, and the Quantitative measures how much is in my blood. I've heard that the Qualitative tests have to have a higher amount to show a yes. Wheras, the Quantitative would be taken and the beta number would say if I was or was not pregnant by how high the number is. The hCG is measured in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mI). An hCG level of less than 5 mIU/MI is considered negative for pregnancy, and anything above 25 mIU/mI is considered positive for pregnancy.

Here is a link to the forum in which the other Surros and Ips replied: PREGNANT...or not?

Theres a photo on there of the sticks, but I'll upload here too just in case. Some may have to tilt screen to actually see the lines, they are there, I swear!

That I'm pregnant! Congrats to C and S!! Thank you all for having those happy/sticky/positive thoughts for us!!

Well, on friday, August 15, 2008 I went and got blood drawn, I did so on the way "out the door" right before our trip to Mountain Home, AR (my home town). And I mean literally "out the door" I went into the lab, and Amber (the shot giver), Robert and the 2 kiddos went to walmart for snacks. I didnt realize that SED laboratories here in Clovis, NM, doesn't do same day results, so we had to wait until Saturday to hear that my beta was a 71! I was crying for the hour before they called b/c of stress, and then an hour after the call, b/c I knew I was relieved, but then the worrying began. Aka: HORMONES!

Then this morning, Monday, August 18th, I got another "confirmative" blood test. I made sure to do the research and make sure that I was going to have results today, since I'm almost out of Progesterone (thursday). Good thing I decided to call around, because the only place there, was the lab at the hospital, Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, AR. The other places were MORE EXPENSIVE, and they had to send their results off and wouldnt get a number back for a couple days. Sure enough at around 3pm I got a call stating my beta was 302!


Again, the hormones! lol. Enjoy the update. When I get back to Clovis, I will go to the hospital on base to get another blood test so that they can start setting up my appointments and give me a date for my FIRST ULTRASOUND!!


AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS C AND S!!

So, as soon as I got home from my week long pretty crappy trip to Mountain Home, Arkansas, which was on the 20th, the next day or so I got another delivery of flowers!! They are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!
But no need to convince you, you KNOW I always get a photo!

The card reads: "Kayla, You are a Gift from God! Congratulations to all of us! Love, C & S, and A and A" (their children). I will admit, I cried!





Oh and UPDATE: On September 4th, I have an appointment again in Albuquerque, NM, for our first ULTRASOUND!!!

Today is Saturday, September 6th. There were no updates on the 4th because I did not have the energy or want to do so. We all went into the Dr.'s office nervous and full of anxiety. It was a new doctor that was seeing us, as our doctor was out of town. We weren't treated like normal to begin with, since the whole staff was different that day. As the doctor prepared the ultrasound peice, the nurses in the back were figuring out how far a long I am. Before the doctor could confirm how far a long the fetus was, they agreed on 7 weeks exactly. The doctor was searching and taking photos and finally said, "Are you positive on that shes 7 weeks?" The nurses said, "Yes.", and he said, "Check again.". According to every IVF calendar online, and talking amongst others that transferred around the same time I did, I knew I was 7 weeks. He continued to state that the fetus is not where it should be at 7 weeks, and this is why he questioned. There was no heartbeat, and he stated by this time, we should really see it. He said that the sac is nice, and good to size, but what is inside of it, hes worried about. To him, it seemed as though, the fetus had just stopped growing.

He asked me to continue my medications, and come back to Albuquerque next Wednesday the 10th, and released me. That was it.

I called Stephanie from Simple surrogacy, our rock. And she said not to get too down, she said that in her surrogacy, her surrobaby was the same. She, herself had an ultrasound at 7 weeks, and no heartbeat was found. And they went back at 8.5 weeks, and there was! She said her surrobaby was just a late implanter. She also asked if the Doctor had ordered another beta. That answer was no.

After getting off the phone with her, I immediately called C and told her what Stephanie said. She had hope again, as did I. I told her about the beta, and she said that is weird, and she would be calling the office the following day, to see if they will fax me a request for blood work.

She called the next day, and spoke with one of the nurses that has been with C throughout her infertility. She agreed that it was weird there was no beta ordered, and faxed one. She pulled my file, and looked for C, at the doctors writings and the ultrasound. She also said there was not much hope, but some. She said she has seen some in our situation, and it turns out great. She also said that she has seen some in worse positions and has turned out great also, but not many. So, again, I am a little down.

I went to my surrogacy forums and searched everything about heartbeat, and this link is what I found that made my spirits higher. When did you see the heartbeat?

So, Monday I will be getting my blood drawn for my 3rd beta. I'm unsure of what the number would be if the fetus is still alive, I should prob. research that. But, no matter what, Wednesday, I'll be in Albuquerque again, with our normal doctor.

Wish us luck. Theres nothing anyone can do now, that we haven't already been doing. Its up to the Big Man from here on out...

Here are some ultrasound photos:

These are the 2 Six Day Old Embryos.

This was immediately following the trasnfer on August 6th. Shows where the 2 embryos were implanted.

This was September 4th. Shows the sac. And something very tiny inside of it.

Today is September 10th, 2008, and it was a very good day.

First off, my beta from Monday, September 8th, was 33dp6dt, and the number was 12,212. To a lot, that is a low number, BUT, I did a lot of research and found that you really can not say what is low and what is high, every pregnancy is different, and every woman is different. But, my research showed that I wasn't the only one.. There were a couple of ladies from my forums that had a beta after their 30dp, and some of their numbers were in the 9 thousands, and some higher. There was even a lady who had her beta done at 28dp, and her number was about 13K, and SHE WAS HAVING TRIPLETS!! lol. Anyways, thats that update.

Today, however, I went to Albuquerque for my 2nd ultrasound, and the findings were gorgeous. The fetus is still measuring small (about 6 weeks), but its a lot larger than it was last week, meaning, IT GREW!! You can look at the previous photo from last week, above. Heres the new photo from today:


Also, even before it was pointed out to everyone in the room, I seen it.. and sure enough, the Dr. confirmed, THERE WAS A HEARTBEAT!!!!!!

As soon as he said it, everyone behind me (including, Decateur, and C & S) all let out a gasp, as they were holding their breath. C even began to cry! Happy tears of course!

My estimated due date is : April 24, 2009, I am supposed to be about 8 weeks tomorrow.

Thank you to all who kept their hopes up, and said their prayers for us. Yes we're relieved today, but we also know that there is still a chance of disaster, as there always is in the first trimester, but, right now, were all very happy, relieved, and excited about what may come!

Today is September 23, 2008. I had a Dr's appointment in Albuquerque yesterday, September 22nd. We were all feeling a bit nervous, but kind of on our high horses at the same time. We went in, and proceeded with the ultrasound. The doctor didn't say anything for what seemed like an hour, but it was probably only about 3 minutes. He then said, "I'm not seeing the heartbeat", no one said a word, he kicked us off our horses. He kept trying, turning, moving, pushing, and we could all see the little bean, but, no flicker. He said, it was measuring just a tad larger than it was 2 weeks ago, at the confirmed heartbeat appoinment.

Everyone was walked into the conference room, while I got myself dressed. I walked in there, and C was crying so hard, I had to look away. As bad as it may sound, I almost wish that she would have held it in. I feel really bad. I feel like I hurt her. I feel like its my fault that she doesn't get that brand new bundle of joy, that she was already in love with, she said.

I know, I didn't hurt her. I know its not my fault. But, its just the way I feel. I know there was nothing more I could have done. I did everything I was supposed to do. Took all the medication, went to all the appointments, didn't do anything stupid, like drink or smoke, or anything else your not supposed to do while pregnant. Didnt even have intercourse but one or two times, and it was prob. a month ago!

Anyways, I am staying on all of my medication which include; Progesterone in Oil shot (2cc) once a day, Prometrium (2oomg) 2x a day (newly added, since last week. my progesterone levels were 23 when they like to see a 30 or more), Vivelle dot (patches)4 every other day (that are giving me a rash like no other!), low dose aspirin, and prenatal pills. I stay on the medication until October 1st.

October 1st is when my D&C has been scheduled. Its at 11:15am. I am to be there 2 hours in advance, and wont be released until about 3-4pm. We will be staying in a hotel room that evening. The cramping and bleeding can be pretty bad, I hear.

D&C:
Dialation and curettage is commonly performed following miscarriage or abortion in cases where the uterus fails to fully empty its content. The D stands for dilation, which means enlarging. Curettage (the C) means scraping. Together, this procedure involves expanding or enlarging the entrance of a woman's uterus so that a thin, sharp instrument can scrape or suction away the lining of the uterus and take tissue samples. Today, the procedure is routine and considered safe. It is minor surgery performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center or clinic.