Just keep swimming!

As my husband drives us to the fertility clinic, I can't quite describe my feelings and mood.

I have been physically preparing for the embryo transfer for several months, with exercising more, eating better, and of course those lovely hormones, but mentally I have been ready for this for much longer. I had my moment of freak out yesterday, but today I am calm and ready. We won't find out anything for a couple days, but today is about a new beginning and creating something beautiful. I am going to take it all in, and stay positive throughout.

I am grateful for the long drive though. It gives me time with Eric, time to reflect, and time to really appreciate all of the support we have gotten so far. I don't think I could have started this without my support system.

I am no stranger to hearing someone say "I don't know how you can do that" or "I don't think I could do that." Both of these are honest reactions people have had when I've told them I'm going to be a surrogate, and honestly I laugh when I hear them. It does take a truly special person to be a surrogate, and I definitely think not everyone can do it. I've explained before why I am doing this and with all of the emotions and feelings leading this decision, I could not do it without my friends, coworkers, and family behind me.

Thank you to everyone single one of you that has sent me a text, an email, called, a Facebook message, a hug, and said good luck! You guys are amazing, and I truly appreciate knowing you're there.

Progress update

The excitement is still very much buzzing now that we are 2 weeks into hormones, but they are definitely calming me down as well. Which is probably a good thing for the people around me! I just wanted to give a little update for everyone...

Like I said we are 2 weeks in now and I am definitely feeling the side effects from the estrogen. I have been getting daily headaches, but they are not severe so I am grateful for that. I started with a small dose and have had to increase a couple times so I am aware of different side effects now. Besides the headaches I have been feeling like I do when I have low blood sugar, but this happens after I eat so I know it's the estrogen. It usually doesn't last long, so yet again I am grateful for that. The biggest thing is the calmness. It's hard to describe but I am just all around calmer. Not a bad thing, but very different than what I am use to.

Overall things are going really well and my ultrasounds are showing the estrogen is doing its job so we have the go ahead to continue with the progesterone.

We are coming up on our transfer day VERY quickly now and I ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers. This is something that will forever be a part of our lives, and the kids, Eric, and I are so excited for it!

Stay tuned for the post that will forever change me...

Things are about to get CRAZY!

This week has been a blur for me. It started off like any other week, but as the days went on it got better and better! Anxiously waiting to hear from the fertility nurse this week, I thought the days would drag.

Monday I had a tooth pulled, which threw off my week from the start because I'm not use to not working all day on Mondays. All day Tuesday I thought it was Monday, oops! Then Wednesday came, and I knew it was going to be a great day because this was when I could finally connect with the nurse! I didn't know what to expect but I was ready for anything!

The conversation was short and sweet, which I'm kind of glad because I don't think I heard much after her telling me as soon as my next cycle starts...time to start hormones. WHAT?! Just that simple! She gave me a few other things to remember and then the line went dead.

It was impossible for me not to be excited about this. I told myself that I was going to take this on calmly and not get too overly excited, but who was I kidding?! There have been several moments throughout this journey that I got my hopes up only for there to be a bump waiting for me. Thankfully they have been minor bumps! Nevertheless, I am not letting them dampen my excitement.

Friday morning started like every other Friday. Wake up, get the kids up, eat breakfast, go to work...well it didn't stay that normal for long! I found out that I got to start hormones NOW! Pretty sure I did a happy dance at that moment, and a smile came on so quick that I haven't been able to wipe it off yet. My only wish was that I could see the faces of my IP's the moment their dreams started to become a reality. I was happy with an email though. :)

So here is what is actually happening...I do not have to use the menopause hormones (yay!) So now I am taking an estrogen hormone for a couple weeks. This is helping my body get prepare for the transfer and baby. I have a couple of ultrasounds schedule to make sure the hormones are working, and then I will add another hormone. Then at the end of this month will be our transfer!!!

I am taking all the precautions I can to make sure everything goes smoothly, and the main one is to take one step at a time. I am focusing on the positive in all aspects of my life, and trusting God with everything.

This has been a long time coming, and I thank all of my family and friends for their continued support and prayers! Keep it coming because it's getting good now!

Step 1, actually it's step 9 but who's counting?

Great news! I spoke with the nurse at the fertility clinic today. After weeks of waiting...we are starting hormone therapy next week!! I will have a couple ultrasounds in the next couple of weeks but we are hoping for a late August/early September transfer.

The next couple of weeks are going to be crazy, literally since I will be on hormones, but I am so excited and cannot wait to get started!

Stay tuned for more updates!!