One week down!

First off, I need to thank everyone who has prayed for us, given encouragement, and just been an awesome support as we have started on our cycle.  I keep thinking about some of the couples at the Cade Banquet last year that didn't have any family support...I just can't imagine.  We are so blessed to have amazing family and friends!
Monday morning my darling husband got up with me at 5:40 to help cheer me on as I started the Menopur.  That's another blessing...Joe Jones is always the calm, level headed one when I'm in a panic.  Shot was done, Joe went off to bed, and I went off to my munchkins.  That morning we were "blessed" with enough snow to set the kiddos into full excitement...oy vey.  I got home to do my Follistim shot at 5:40 since they are due every 12 hours.  This one didn't stress me out since it's a dial up  pen and I've used it before.  Joe said I could wake him up Tuesday if I needed him to do the shot.  However, my co-dependent self was on a mission to do it on my own!  While the hands were a little shaky, I got it done on my own.  It helps to have the instructions taped up so you can follow, follow, follow directions!  (Gotta love Dr. Jean's Rules Rap)

Everything need for the morning Menopur

One thing that helps with the morning shot is a little Pandora!  Mercy Me and Michael W. Smith are my two most used stations.  Wednesday morning, I discovered this song..."Tunnel".  It was just what I needed to hear.  As far as side effects, they've not been too bad.  I feel a little bloated, but it's tolerable when your friends don't mind the fact you unbutton your pants at lunch.  LOVE my preschool peeps!
Yesterday was my first monitoring appointment.  I wasn't too sure about letting someone wearing a Tom Brady jersey take my blood, but not really my choice.  She commented on my ChuckStrong bracelet, to which I said something to the effect of it won't go with your jersey.  It turns out she does go to Colts games because her husband is a fan, but she loves the Patriots.  (a little nausea just saying that!)  Thank goodness we don't have that problem at our house!  Fantasy Football is enough trash talking for the Jones'.  (Forgive my ADD, back to appointment)  My ultrasound showed my uterine lining is already thickening, they want it to be higher than 8 and it's already at 7.  I have 10 follicles on the left and 8 on the right.  Woohoo.  Granted, some more may develop and some will drop off but I think the fact I had 18 on my first day was a good sign.  As much as Andrew Luck is growing on me, Peyton is still #1 in my heart.  Corny and cheesy, but it's the little things and I took the number 18 as a good sign! Nurse Allison went over everything with me and said she'd call me later.  Bloodwork looked good, Menopur and Follistim doses are the same, and we go back Sunday morning.
I started Ganirelix last night...yeah for another needle!  This one keeps me from ovulating before they want me to.  It was a pre-filled syringe, so that wasn't bad.  Joe was off yesterday so he helped with evening shots.  I had to tape some new instructions to the wall for this one.  We decided on a date night last night, so we went and had dinner at Chili's.  Romance is having a guy understand that even though it's only seven, you're putting jammies on.  We watched Big Bang and the League, and I'm guessing I was out on the couch around 8:30.  Preschool and hormones make for one tired Jonesy!
I set my alarm for 5:30 today so my timing will be on track.  At least after this shot, I got to go back to bed.  Monitoring in the morning and then home for a nap before the Colts/Pats game.  Hopefully tomorrow or Monday we will know our time line a little better.

This song  is my ring tone! :D

The prayers and encouragement are amazing!  Keep praying for us as the shots continue.  Pray that I continue to respond well to the medication and my follicles get to 18-20 mm.  Pray for Joe as he deals with hormonal me.  We are so excited to finally be moving on, but it's a little scary at times.  Pray that we stay relaxed and positive at our outcome.
Love,
Sarah & Joe

This is really happening!

The big box of medicine and needles

It looks like I haven't blogged since the big box of meds came, so we shall start there!  Joe's day off is Friday, so that left momma off the hook for Med Watch.  Walgreen's hadn't given us a tracking number or estimated time, so Joe was sticking close to home.  Good ol' Sue Lynn brought him Pizza King for lunch and hung out so he could go get a part for the Impala.  While they are hanging out, I'm off in munchkin land with my babies anxiously awaiting news of delivery!  The pharmacy left me a voice mail because Fed Ex had said nobody was home.  Oy vey, there is never a dull moment.  Before calling Joe, I activate Sue Lynn to Med Watch duty!  Turns out my dearest husband had been on watch while fixing my car in the driveway.  Fed Ex was supposed to attempt another delivery or we could pick it up after 6.  I zoom on home and there's still no box.  Joe ventured out to the Fed Ex place to pick up our valuable package.  Opening the box of medicine was step one in the holy cow, things are getting real phase of IVF!

You would think it would have set in after over a year of planning, but nope!  There's always been a curve ball along the way, and so the fact things are finally on track is a little exciting and scary at the same time.  Yesterday things finally got moving so we knew we would be ready for our start cycle appointment!  Like a kid on Christmas, I was up at 5:30 and wide awake.  In my defense, 5:23 is my daily wake up time for school.  Thankfully, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter were able to keep me quiet and entertained until Midwest opened at 7:30.  Allison had said on the weekends to be ready to head down after I called to set up the appointment.  Sure enough, we tossed on some clothes and were on our way for a 9:00 appointment.  In the waiting room, I was introduced to a new game...Angry Birds Star Wars!  Woohoo.

The ultrasound looked good other than my left ovary is placed a little funky, so can be hard to find.  We met with the nurse and signed our life away AKA signed our consent forms.  Monitoring appointments are set for every day starting Friday the 16th-Wednesday the 21st.  We may not go every day, but they set an appointment just in case.  My school day appointments are at 8, which allows me to go straight to school after!  I'm not worried about the fort being held down while I'm gone because I work with FABULOUS ladies, but I will miss my girls and my munchkins.  Hopefully I won't miss seeing my morning crew every day!  

Drum roll please, shots start in the morning!  I will be waking Joe up for moral support at 6 am for my first dose of Menopur.  12 hours later I will do my first shot of Follistim, which isn't too traumatic because it's what I did for our cycles of IUI.  

Please keep the prayers coming!  We are so thankful for our supportive family and friends that have gotten us this far.  Pray for me as I start injections, pray that my body responds well, pray for Joe and everyone that has to deal with me as my hormones start shifting!

Have a fabulous week!

Love, 

Sarah & Joe

First appointment down, many more to come!!

Sarah's Laughter Devotional 11/1/12

I just read today's Daily Double Portion and had to share it because it is awesome!  If you or someone you know is overcoming infertility, please share this with them.  I really appreciate a daily read to keep me on track!
Sarah


The Best Laid Plans

The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel of the LORD will stand.
Proverbs 19:21

When you stood at an altar as an excited bride and gazed lovingly at the handsome groom at your side, what plans had you laid for your future? You had probably spent hours coordinating every minute detail of your wedding plans, down to the specific color of the napkins at the reception. The honeymoon was planned and was the perfect get-away for the perfect newlyweds. Your future couldn’t look brighter! You had the jobs you had always dreamed of, and you were moving up the career ladders just as you had planned. Everything was going just as you always knew it would. Life was unfolding beautifully, until you tried to get pregnant.

Just as you had done with everything else, you planned just when you wanted to have a baby. You knew just when you want to conceive and had no reason to believe it would happen outside of your timing. Small delays at the onset were no reason for concern, but months turned to years and your plans fell apart. What was happening? Why wouldn’t God allow you to have a baby when so many others conceive so easily? Didn’t He know you wanted a baby more than you desired your next breath? Why is it that the dream most precious to you is the one that seems most out of reach?

Infertility can cause such a crisis in your faith! It can make you feel that God has abandoned you and has nothing to do with you anymore. You may have sensed His presence in such a real way in your life, but now it seems that He is nowhere to be found. How ironic it is that just when we believe God is so far away, He is really so close and is directing our steps!

You may think the casual meeting of a new friend at church is happenstance, until you find that she too has experienced infertility. The Lord has ordered your steps toward someone who understands your struggle. Your Bible falls open to a Scripture that speaks to the hurt your heart feels when your period starts again. Happenstance? No. God’s counsel knows just the word you need to heal your wounded heart. In an unusual move, you turn on the television just in time to see an interview with a local doctor who specializes in the disease you’ve been diagnosed with. The Lord has ordered your steps toward a physician who has the expertise you need. You pray about being able to conceive, yet you feel the Lord whispering to your heart about adoption. His counsel to your heart is wise. If He had allowed you to follow the plan you had designed for your life, you would miss out on the blessings He has designed for you. He loves you enough to allow you to escape your own plans an
d lead you in the way He lovingly designed for you--even if that plan involves infertility.

God has a mighty plan for your life. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) When you come to the manifestation of the plan He has for you, I believe you’ll look with gratitude at the journey He has brought you through and you’ll feel blessed.



(c) 2012 Sarah’s Laughter-Christian Support for Infertility & Child Loss

Adventures in ultrasound-ing

We are moving onward kids, finally!  Today when I told Dr. Bopp it's been a long time coming, he said good things come to those who wait.  The day didn't start off to badly, got to sleep in and run a couple errands before heading to Midwest for my appointment.  I was just north of the Daleville exit when my tire pressure warning came on, and the number went down...fast.  Rather than panic, I just kept saying, "God, just get me off the interstate safely!"  I'm very proud to say that no tears were shed!  Granted, I did call mom and tell her to leave ASAP because Nurse Allison had said the schedule was packed so go ahead and come as soon as we could.  After Allison talked to Bopp, she called me back and said they would work me in and get there safely.  Super Mom to the rescue, so we headed to Indy.  The car was safely parked in the gas station lot, and getting my ultrasound done was more important at the moment.  
I greatly appreciate the staff at Midwest Fertility!  From the friendly face at the sign desk (America who was the sweetheart that answered my panicked phone calls mid-flat!) to the nurses and Dr. Bopp, everyone was so sweet, encouraging, and feeling the pain of a flat tire.  Mom hung out in the waiting room because a saline ultrasound is not something you need an audience for!  Dr. Bopp and Nurse April were with me for the ultrasound.  There was a 2 millimeter spot that was not in an area of concern, but then after looking around he said it was the catheter.  WOOHOO!  That means the uterus is still clear and ready for some embryos to transfer.  With a high five, Dr. Bopp went out to help other patients and I sat thankful for another answered prayer.  Allison went over injections with me, mixing meds, when I give what, and showed me the different needles.  Good times in store!  
Throughout the day, I'd been updating Facebook with my drama.  I was so thankful and felt the love as my friends and family sent prayers and words of encouragement.  After posting we are moving ahead with IVF in November, we were once again greeted with an outpouring of love, prayers, and kind words.  That's one of the reasons I'm so thankful we have been open with our journey...the support we receive really gets us through!
For now, it's back to my munchkins and trying to get plans done and ready for being out for all my appointments.  While I miss my Allen friends, I am so thankful for my move to preschool.  I work with awesome ladies and love my little kiddos.  While I am exhausted by  the end of each day, I still can say I really LOVE what I do.  (It helps that Allison said one caffeinated beverage daily is safe, so my two baby diet cokes are approved! This may help the yawning daily at 3:00!)
The tire saga isn't quite complete yet, we went back to the car when Joe got home.  I observed the process of changing a tire, just in case I ever have to do it myself.  (What are the odds of me actually doing that?!)  Joe finally got the flat one off, and the donut got us home.  He's taking it to fixed in the morning and I'm a truck driving girl for a day or two.  
That's the adventure in baby-making for today!   Dumb flat tire didn't ruin my day or our great news!
For my friends that pray for us and are specific...now we just are thankful for good news, pray for productivity between now and the start of our cycle, pray for me as I brave the needles!  Long term, we pray for healthy embryos so we have two to transfer, and that at least one of those little ones sticks and stays!  
The Cade Foundation awarded 6 grants for 2013, we are excited for these families as they start their journey.  We won't be able to attend the banquet this year because of our cycle timing, but will be with them in spirit!
Love to all and thanks for the prayers & support~
Sarah & Joe

One step at a time

Things are getting real with this IVF!  It's exciting and scary as we prepare for our cycle.  We've waited so long, and now it's really happening...so thankful!
I go this Thursday for another saline ultrasound to make sure everything is still clear from the surgery in May.  Please pray that there are no new polyps and Dr. Bopp will say we are ready to rock and roll come November!  After the fun of the ultrasound, I get to learn about giving myself the different injections....not so much am I looking forward to that part!  I'm trying to remember that whole "Don't be anxious about anything," but it can be scary when it comes to needles.  As we move forward I will need extra prayers for calm hands as I poke myself!  
Our infectious blood work came back, so that was another thing to check off the to do list.  For some reason they didn't receive a copy of Joe's paperwork, so I'm hand delivering his on Thursday.  
Based on my calculations, we have about four weeks until the real fun begins.  It's so exciting to finally be ready to move ahead!  It is easy to get caught up in the "what if's" relating to our cycle, but that would drive me crazy and we know that wouldn't be a far trip.  We are going on seven years with infertility and I truly believe we were given this journey for a reason.  I have never been one to be quiet about anything, so maybe God is using that gift so I can help others know infertility is a real medical condition and that it can be dealt with.  I am so thankful for a husband who has been behind 110% through all of this fertility stuff.  It's not easy dealing with me in general, but throw some hormones on that and Joe Jones deserves a medal of honor.  I am thankful he's always the voice of reason, encouragement, or is just there to get me through a melt down!  We hope that by sharing our story and being open, we will be able to help other couples travelling this bumpy road.
Joe has exciting news, he is now just working at Walls Furniture!  Saturday was his last day at Great Sounds!
Enough rambling but if you are reading this blog, odds are good you can follow my ADD!  Thanks to everyone for the continued love, support, and prayers as we move closer to our IVF cycle.  Please pray for no polyps this Thursday!  (Also, say a prayer for my preschool friends.  The Head Start review is this week!  I am blessed to work with some fabulous people!)
Have a wonderful week~
Sarah & Joe

Rambles from Sarah

We are finally moving ahead with the IVF.  It seems as though we've been waiting forever, but Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of us receiving the phone call that we received the Cade grant.  God blessed us with the Cade Foundation and this past week, He answered another prayer that helped us be able to move ahead! We have an amazing support system in our family and friends, it has helped keep us going along the way.  Being part of the Cade Foundation also provides us with a built in support system!  When I e-mailed Camille and Heidi, they both sent me a sweet, supportive note of encouragement as we move ahead.  While we haven't been in treatment, we have been part of the Cade Foundation family for the past year!    

Joe and I have to get some infectious disease bloodwork done, Joe beat me to the punch by getting it done today.  Dr. Bopp was in Africa on a mission trip (how awesome is that?!), so I just found out today that we will do another saline ultrasound to ensure my uterus is still prime real estate for our embryos.  One day in October, I will head down to Bopp for the ultrasound and to learn how to do the different injections.  The needles scare me a little more than the ultrasound! Come November, we will be rocking and rolling IVF style!   
On a side note, Joe and I were able to go the Colts game last Sunday with his dad.  It was a beautiful day for football with the roof open.  Football is always a fun event together, unless it's fantasy football...that's a whole different story!  
Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we move forward!  We are so thankful for our friends and family!
Love,
Sarah & Joe

Back to life, back to reality

Wow, it's been almost a month since I've written!  What's been going on....just back to school crazy!  It's an adjustment getting back into the routine, but while I miss naps I do enjoy having a regular schedule.  Life in preschool is awesome, it's tiring but totally rocks!  I miss seeing my Allen family every day, but am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with the little munchkins all the time.  Teaching is a crazy, stressful, and rewarding profession...preschool has released a lot of stress from my shoulders.  The first day of school when I left, I was overcome with a sense of relief and peace.  While I loved teaching at Allen, God knew a little less stress would be more friendly for making a baby!  What's new on the baby front?  Not a lot, we still haven't started our cycle and to be honest there are days when that may bum me out a bit.  I'm a little emotionally high maintenance, but Joe maintains me pretty well!  :)  He's always the voice of reason when I get a little emotional...we are going to do our IVF, we have the year to use the grant, I needed to have the surgery to have a prime spot for our embryos, etc.  To keep balanced in all ways, I've started going to church regularly with mom and started doing a Zumba class twice/week.  
Last night at church, this was the verse that smacked me in the head...
Proverbs 16:9 The Message (MSG)
We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.

Yup, God said, "Sarah Elizabeth, chill out!  I've got the plan!"  Granted, that was just the gist I took away from the verse and sermon about God guiding us!  Another bullet point, Don't Hurry!  Jeremiah 29:11 was also quoted.  It was one of the moments where I was reminded that there is a greater plan for us, and my time frame isn't the one that matters.  We've been dealt infertility for a purpose.  It's brought us together through the ups and downs.  We've been able to reach out to other couples facing the same battles.  It's also blessed us with the Cade Foundation, which brought us the opportunity to do the IVF cycle this year and gave us another family of support.

Everyone will know when things are rolling, it's not like I'm ever quiet about anything!  In the mean time, just continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we prepare to take that next step.  I'll close with this song from Kutless, What Faith Can Do.  Pandora whacked me in the head with that song one day when I was kind of down.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Sarah (and Joe)