Hello September!

September is here which means it's time for football...and IVF this month!  You would think having the medicine delivered and taking up room in our fridge would be a reality check for me, but no...just changing the calendar did it.  I really thought I had updated our blog at least once this summer since the ultrasound, sorry for being a slacker.  We kicked off August with some tests at Midwest Fertility which were just to make sure all of our levels were in the normal range and give Dr. Bopp up to date information to make the best game plan for our upcoming cycle.  
There really wasn't much time to stress about lab results when I wasn't able to get into my new classroom until the Wednesday before school started.  Thankfully, Joe has connections to a furniture store truck and was easily able to move all of my stuff to Justice in one load.  It took a village and a lot of caffeine, but our room was ready to rock by the time the kiddos rolled in.  

Nurse Alison let us know labs were good and we were ready to move ahead and get medicine ordered.  Bless my momma for waiting at our house all day long for the FedEx guy who came at 3:50 when I was on my way home!  With meds here and in the fridge, I kept thinking about needing to get plans and everything ready for the sub when I'm out for monitoring, retrieval, and transfer-test.  (side note, those plans are still a work in progress LOL)   

When I was in my IVF binder, I came across some flyers Joe had taken from Indiana Reproductive Acupuncture.  They are located right by Dr. Bopp and work with Midwest frequently, but I had to check in with my trusty nurse before making an appointment.  Alison replied that they had several patients do acupuncture and many had good results.  Helping withs tress and anxiety was one of the biggest pluses to trying acupuncture, so I made an appointment.  Joe went with me for my consultation and first session, and the only painful part was the terrible traffic we got stuck in.  I didn't get any pictures of the needles, but I go again on Tuesday so maybe I will take a selfie!

Here's the link if anyone is interested; http://indianareproductiveacupuncture.com/fresh-cycle/.  It really was super relaxing and I'm looking forward to another appointment!

It's just waiting for the next couple weeks for the cycle to start and then the fun begins, it should be around the 16th.  (Pray for preschool because the 12th and 13th, I'm at a professional development!!)   We start with a baseline ultrasound and then medicines on day 3. 

Here's what you can pray specifically for right now...

• Working on cutting back/almost eliminating caffeine    
• Safe travels back and forth to school and appointments
• TSH level to say between 1-2
• Allergies to be tolerable and my head not to explode (no Claritin D or nasal spray during IVF)
  

I will post another update as we get closer and/or if I get a fun picture from acupuncture.  Thanks for the love, support, and prayers as we continue along our infertility adventures. 

Sarah

Here's a few fun summer memories that kept me from updating the blog!

Here we go again!!

A week ago today, we sat down with Dr. Bopp and talked about where we are and what's been going on with our journey to baby.  In spite of what the blog shows, there have been a twist here and a turn there in the past year since I've written.    Today we're going to stick with what's going on in the present.  Because of all the unknowns and things that have happened, I've struggled with writing a blog update and exactly what to say.  I think my devotionals arriving today were what I needed to remember that we have gotten this far with the prayers and support of our family and friends, so I better get to writing!

After our failed IVF, trying again was not something I was sure about.  Joe's dad passed away and life was turned around again.  It's been two years and we are finally ready to go down the IVF road again, praying this road ends with us finally having a baby.  There was no doubt in our minds that if we tried IVF again, it would be back with Dr. Bopp at Midwest.  Meeting with him last Monday just reaffirmed that fact.  I need a doctor that has some warm and fuzzy and not solely focused on the scientific process.  Dr. Bopp greeted us with hugs and we spent some time just catching him up on life at the Jones' house.  We are ready to move forward and try another fresh cycle of IVF.  We did discuss using donor eggs or donor embryos, but together we ended up on the same page...just a fresh cycle with our goods.  I wish I could remember the exact words he used, but Dr. Bopp said God has a plan and every step along the way is leading us to our baby.  (Just another example of why we love him!)  Having been through two IVF cycles, we didn't have as many questions.  We just needed to know what to do on our end to get ready.
One of my biggest worries was needing another hysteroscopy AKA an outpatient surgery.  Have I mentioned that I'm moving to a new building for preschool next year?!  The thought of needing a surgery as I settle into my new room brings up lots of panic.  Luckily, Dr. Bopp was able to work with my schedule and craziness to get an ultrasound scheduled last Friday so if needed, we could do surgery in July.
Last Monday when I scheduled the ultrasound for Friday, 9:45 did not sound like it was too early at all!  What I didn't factor in was our date with Pat McAfee Thursday night (oh my goodness, I could do a whole entry about that!).  Friday morning, I woke up bright and early to head to Dr. Bopp.  (According to my FitBit, I had gotten about 4 hours of sleep.  I'm too old to party with a punter, but that won't stop me from seeing him again!)
I will have to say, Dr. Bopp had me scared for a minute!  When he asked where Joe was, I told him that I was hoping he got up in time for work since we had seen Pat McAfee and had a really late night.  The nurse shared my concern when Bopp said, "Who is Pat McAfee?!"  Long story short, he knows Pat the Punter but didn't know Pat has other skills.  (I was really concerned for a minute!)
The ultrasound looked "prime and ready" which means no surgery needed!  Woohoo.  Dr. Bopp had also received my records from IVF #2, so he has most of the information needed to plan for IVF #3.  We still have to get Joe's record updated, do cycle day 3 bloodwork, and get our infectious disease labs done.  Once Dr. Bopp has all of that info, he will be able to plan the best protocol for us to move forward.  Needless to say, nothing will be happening during the month of August...back to school crazy fills up the agenda!
In the mean time, just pray that our labs and everything come out normal and give Bopp the best information to plan for us.  Pray that my TSH (thyroid levels) stay below 2, when Dr. Orrell checked at the end of May my levels were .25 which is lower than the ideal range.  Please pray that we will get into our new classrooms and settled easily during August!
I will use this blog to update everyone on what we have been doing and what is to come.  Thanks for all of the love and prayers that have gotten us this far and all the prayers that will see us through another cycle.
Did I mention we got to meet Pat McAfee?!

#NIAW #YouAreNotAlone

Wow, I knew I hadn't written in a long time but it's been over a year!  My last blog test was about the results of IVF #2 which weren't what we had hoped for, we have been on an eventful break since that IVF and aren't sure what our next steps are.  However, it's National Infertility Awareness Week so I have to post something!  This year's theme is "You are not alone," and I love it!!  Since we started our infertility journey, we haven't been alone because we have shared everything with our friends and family.  While sharing results such as a negative pregnancy test or another procedure is a challenge, it has also served as a good therapeutic outlet for me.  Every step of the way, we have been blessed with friends and family providing us with encouragement, prayers, and laughs.  Without the Cade Foundation, it is hard to say where we would have gone next.  If you listen to nothing else I say this week to help with infertility awareness, remember the Cade Foundation!!!  Share our story with anyone that you know struggling with infertility and trying to figure out the financial aspect.  That's the joy of infertility, it literally is draining physically, emotionally, and financially.  Our Cade Foundation family has been with us every step of the way.

So, what's up with the Jones' journey to baby?!  Nothing much to be quite honest!  After our failed IVF and experience in a new fertility clinic, I was just done and not sure what I thought about our next steps.  It was time for a break, just time to enjoy life as Joe and Sarah without worrying about shots, appointments, and the ups and downs.  I started back at Ball State to get my Master's in Early Childhood Special Education since special needs preschool is where I need to be.  

Joe's dad passed away at the end of June, so priorities and our focus was shifted.  J2 was one of our biggest cheerleaders and supporters, we always looked forward to our dinner dates with Dad.  One of the biggest things I try and remember is to take advantage of each day that you're blessed with and let others know you love them!  Little Miss Reegan became the newest member of the Jones' feline family, another furry friend and link to J2.  (She's the queen of the castle)

August brought back to school and more classes, insert a tired and crazier than usual Sarah!  I love my classes and what I am learning, but oh my goodness...working full time and two classes per semester=a little more crazy than usual.  We decided that the whole make a baby plan was on hiatus until I'm done with school.  (The last thing this girl needs is additional hormones these days!)  

The new year brought some different loss and grief, January 23 between when I left for school and when Joe got up our fat cat Baby passed away peacefully.  One month later, Kitty passed away after suffering.  They were our first babies and were 16 so they both had good and happy kitty lives.  Losing Kitty and Baby was really more traumatic than I would have expected.  Kitty and Baby were the ones who had to hear me cry and yell about not being able to get pregnant.  Kitty would curl up and cuddle whenever I needed it, I'm not certain but I think pets take on an extra special comforting role when you're battling fertility treatments.   

In the mean time, we have enjoyed two fun trips to Las Vegas which ended up with me having four more tattoos!  The other day when I was driving home, I had the thought (or realization?) that God's plan really is what's best and He knows what we can handle.  In the past year, we have faced the loss of a parent and two pets.  We have been working full time and Joe has taken up cooking while I do homework.  Life is busy and crazy!  There are times when I have this perspective and understand why we haven't had a baby yet and then there are times I still get mad.  Infertility is up and down, it's always with you- even if you're not actively tackling it.  You are not alone in the journey and the love and support of others are what keeps you from going totally bonkers!  

If you or someone you know is dealing with infertility, please share this blog, my name, and the Cade Foundation with them!  We have been blessed and known we weren't alone, we want to be there for others!

Regular version of Sarah and Joe in Vegas

Fancy Sarah & Joe
(FYI- don't get used to this look!)

Not what we were hoping for....

"Held" by Natalie Grant

 

That's all that I've come up with so far after staring at the computer for thirty minutes.  One of my friends who continues to encourage me introduced me to the song, "Held," after the miscarriage after our first IVF.  It still holds true.  Alright, I'm going to start back at Monday.  Bear with me if I'm even more random than normal, a little ADD, emotion, and grief may equal no real sequence.

We set out Monday morning for Dr. Morris once again.  Anxiety and emotion were flying high and we managed to get there an hour early.  (I really wasn't speeding that much on the way up!)  Since we were just there for a blood test, it was a super quick trip and they got us in.  I think the day of the pregnancy test may be the scariest part of the whole IVF process.  I can handle the injections and procedures, but the waiting can make you bonkers!  Our game plan was just to head straight home after the blood draw.  We made the occasional potty stops of course and finally ate lunch in Anderson.  That's progress from our first IVF when we couldn't go anywhere in public while we were waiting.  As we got closer to home, "God Gave Me You," came on K-Love and I experienced breakdown #1 of the day.  It's so fitting, we have been through way too many ups and downs and Joe continues to be my rock and helps me stay somewhat sane.

They had told us the nurse would call when the results came back, but that it wouldn't be until late afternoon.  Can we just say the clock was moving even slower?!  As I was unlocking the door to home, the phone rang.  It was negative, my HCG was only 3.2.  Anything under 5 is considered negative and they don't retest.  I'm not sure devastated would be the word, there just aren't any words to explain it.  I was so sure that this was going to be our time, we had been blessed with this IVF cycle, it just seemed like a healthy baby was going to be the picture perfect way to wrap up the story.  Nope, nothing, not even a glimmer of hope.  Everything is pretty blurry after that except for Joe holding me while I sobbed and reassuring me that we did everything that we were supposed to.  There was guilt after the miscarriage and there was guilt after finding out our embryos didn't stick.  I think it's human nature to rethink every move you made or any thing you did...if only there was an answer for why.  Granted, I had listened to the sermon about avoiding the "what if" scenarios of life but in this situation there was no way to avoid it. 

The thing about infertility is it can be a vicious cycle or roller coaster.  Things seem to fall into place, go smoothly, and you're filled with hope that this is going to be the cycle that leads you to a healthy baby.  I'm pretty sure we had the most prayed for embryos to date.  I was holding out hope, and then the harsh reality of a phone call shattered it once again.

Since I've blogged and updated pretty much a play by play for this cycle, I knew I needed to let our family and friends know the results weren't what we wanted.  We would need different prayers now, prayers of peace and comfort as we grieve.  I really hope everyone knows how much the love and prayers have really gotten us through this and will continue to get us through.  I'm also super thankful for Pastor Glenn at church who provides encouragement, support, and prayers.  (I started going to Union Chapel with mom to save her gas driving to Marion, and I'm so thankful to be there!!)

What's next on our journey?  Who knows!  It's time to step back and just enjoy each other.  I've already taken advantage of some positives- real coffee, real diet coke, a glass of wine, and my ADD medicine!  You have to count the small blessings when your heart has been broken.  I'm super excited for a motorcycle ride with my handsome husband very soon.  Monday I will return to my munchkins and just tell them I was sick but missed them.  Hugs from some of my favorite little people will be good for the soul!  Some days I do get frustrated, I've been called to be a teacher and love children.  Not being able to have our own can be a bigger burden at times, but at the same time I'm blessed to have so many little people to love on while we wait for our blessing! 

Please continue to keep us in your prayers.  We faced a loss and need to go through the grieving process.  We will continue to support and share about the Cade Foundation.  They have helped us attempt two IVF cycles to start a family and we are so thankful.  We continue to receive love and support from them.  National Infertility Awareness Week is coming up, so it will be another chance to share our story and speak out about infertility.  It's such an exhausting, intimate, and emotional disease to overcome.  While there are times I'm sure I overshare, I just want others to see and know that they aren't alone.  I cannot fathom the hot mess I would be without an amazing husband, strong faith, and a huge support system!  It breaks my heart to think of others who face infertility alone.

This showed up in my timeline on Facebook, just a perfect reminder for me!  We will share and update as we have anything to share.  Just know we are feeling the love and prayers and greatly appreciate them!

Love,

Sarah and Joe

Really going to work on this one!





Waiting...

If I paid myself $1 for every time I've reminded myself of this verse over the past week, I'd be rich!  The progesterone shots in the booty may be uncomfortable, but waiting from embryo transfer to the first blood test...it can be painful!  Tomorrow morning we venture up to Dr. Morris for our first blood test.  Please pray for a high HCG, below 5 is negative, we are aiming for above 50.  This will be the first stop, after tomorrow the test will hopefully be repeated every 2-3 days to monitor the HCG number increasing.  Yes, we are driving 4 hours and 40 minutes for one blood test that has the potential to change our lives.  It's worth it.  ;)
I'm thankful that we are covered in prayer.  The past few days have been rough.  While I'm really working on having faith and looking forward, I'm not perfect and have caught myself in the "what if" or "last time we did this..." scenarios in my head.  Thankfully, I've got a couple sermon podcast saved that remind me not to focus on the what if's and to fear not!  We've been doing the Transformed series at church and it has been fabulous and just what I needed right now.  I'm pretty sure I've listened to the one about stressed to blessed a billion times since last weekend!  (Maybe not a billion, but I've lost count!)  I've also got, "Don't Give Up," "Change Your Life by Changing Your Mind," and "How to Deal with How You Feel" that are playing on a loop! 
On Saturday nights, mom and I sit with the same group of people.  It's our little Saturday night family.  Last night, two of the ladies prayed over me and it was just what I needed.  I'd been teetering on the hot mess wagon off and on, and having some faithful friends pray over me gave me the peace I was in major need of!  Well, today I hopped back on the hot mess wagon in full force.  Joe loves hashbrown casserole, I don't so when I make that for him I make chicken and noodles for me.  Off to Marsh after lunch (and two hours for a dumb oil change at stupid Walmart) to get groceries to be a good little woman and cook dinner.  My ADD self often forgets things, add some hormones and anticipation...it was bound to happen that I would forget a minor ingredient for hash brown casserole.  Yup, I forgot the hash browns.  As soon as I park the car, a major meltdown erupts.  I told Joe I don't want to go to the doctor tomorrow, he told me to take a nap!  (He really has amazing patience with me)  Being the good guy he is, I curled up in the recliner while he ventured back out for hashbrowns.  Just another day on the emotional roller coaster of infertility! 
Please pray for our safe travels tomorrow.  We are praying for a positive pregnancy test that leads us to a healthy baby.  I'm going to need a lot of prayers in focusing on the future and not "what happened last time."  Joe could use some extra prayers as he has to not only wait for the results, but deal with the hormonal mess that is me!  I'm planning on updating tomorrow night, but make no promises.  Regardless of what happens, tomorrow is going to be an emotional day! 
Thanks for the love and prayers!
Sarah and Joe

From the transfer to the couch

Greetings from the couch!  I'm really not sure why I'm just updating about how the transfer went, I've not had much else to do.  I've got to start off by thanking everyone for their prayers, words of encouragement, and love.  Going through IVF is a physically and mentally draining adventure, I can't imagine not having so many friends and family supporting us!  It makes me extra thankful when I think about how hard it is for people to share about their infertility journey.  If you're reading this blog, you've been able to see how it is really an intimate and emotional process.  Pray for those couples facing infertility but aren't comfortable sharing their story!  I pray that by sharing our story, we are helping other couples get the feeling they aren't alone.
Saturday morning we got up early so we can travel our familiar road.  We started off having breakfast with J2.  We arrived at PJ and Kevin's to see Gramma, Grampa, and Aunt Kristi.  I'm thankful that we were able to spend our "waiting for transfer time" with family.  After Jack's soccer game, the Flora family arrived!  Pizza, Uno, and family...just what the doctor ordered!  Love my niece and nephew! (and their parents of course)  PJ and I had movie night while Joe snored on the couch, yeah for finally seeing Frozen!
Once again, we set our alarms for Sunday to get there on time for the transfer.  Our appointment was at 9:15 so thankfully we didn't have to be up before sunrise.  Finally, we were blessed with a sunny drive and not much traffic...so we arrive about forty minutes early.  In being honest and opinion, I can't leave out one little thing...my meltdown in the car.  We were parked, Joe said are you okay, and I burst into tears.  While I'd been working on staying positive, having hope, etc.  I finally had a moment where the fears came out my eyes.  Joe said it was too late to go back now.  (Have I mentioned how awesome my husband is?!)  After I composed myself, we crossed the street. 
Well, the problem came when there was nobody at the surgery center desk or upstairs in the office.  I double checked our appointment time, we made countless trips up and down stairs, and paced around the waiting room.  Right at 9:15, new Nurse Alison came out.  The front desk staff wasn't able to make it in and she was the only nurse.  We had kept missing her when she would peek out.  (It wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't still traumatized from the day we were left waiting for the OB two hours during a Clomid cycle!  I'm a bit paranoid!!) 
Alison got us all settled in.  There were two other couples scheduled and we all had arrive around the same time.  While I was able to eat and drink for the embryo transfer, I couldn't potty.  The full bladder helps with the ultrasound when they transfer the embryos.  Bless Joe...if I can't potty, he didn't potty!  I rocked my cute hospital gown, my lucky Colts socks under their slipper socks, and Joe got to wear his head to toe outfit.  We didn't take a picture since he was wearing the same shirt as our last transfer day.  Dr. Morris came in to go over our embryo development, he was a little disappointed that we didn't have more fertilize than we did.  (I didn't tell him I had friends praying specifically for two blastocyst embryos!!)  We had two blastocysts, one was graded AC and one was BC.  The A and B refer to the inner part of the cell, the C grades the outer membrane.  Dr. Morris said he'd rather have the higher score on the inner cell, so that made me feel better.  We were wheeled back and I got strapped in.  Knowing how wiggly I am, the fact he has Velcro straps for the legs is probably a safe bet.  In the room we have Dr. Morris, a nurse, Joe, me, and two ladies from the lab.  Joe was at my head and the nurse manned the ultrasound, pressing so nicely on my full bladder!  It took them a minute to load the embryos, he said that it's hard to catch them in the petri dish.  Dr. Morris uses a catheter to transfer the embryos.  It's cool to be able to watch on the screen.  You can't see the embryos, but you can see him safely place them in the uterus.  Praise the Lord, I can potty!  Dr. Bopp had told us you can't pee them out, poop them out, cough them out, or walk them out...which I kept telling myself! 
After relief, it was time to lay flat and let the embryos settle and time to take a selfie!  (That song may be the worst thing I've heard and Sirius kept playing it!!)

Since we had the long drive home, nurse Alison was comfortable letting us go around 10:30.  Dr. Morris doesn't require bed rest, but she said to take it easy if I could.  I really appreciated having a nurse caring for us who had been through this herself and was shared that with us.  We signed our papers and were on our merry little way.

We stopped in Merriville for a little comfort food at Cracker Barrel.  Once we finally made it home, I migrated to the bed with the iPad, my Pretty Little Liars book, and three kitties.

I've taken off this week and next to be able to rest and avoid extra germs.  I'm really so thankful that I have a job where I miss it if I'm out!  (Although it would be different to have a job where you just called in sick and didn't have to get ready for a sub!)  I've gotten pictures of my munchkins, messages from parents, and reports from my staff because they know I worry.  Kitty and I have settled into the couch for most of the day.  Today, we watched some professional development webinars.  I'm taking it easy like a good girl, but I miss my kiddos!  Rocked my blue shirt and blue light today for Autism Awareness, too.  (Joe even rocked a blue shirt for work.)
Now, we just wait.  Our first pregnancy test is on Monday so there's nothing else to do between now and then.  Big Bang Theory, Friends, and Sex and the City provide my comic relief during the day.  Tonight, we switch to the progesterone injections.  It's going to be more uncomfortable, but it's much more affordable than the other progesterone.  We can use prayers as we start injections twice daily!  Pray that it's not too painful and that I don't say mean things to Joe while he does it.
I'm looking forward to church on Saturday.  I watched last weekend's service online.  We have been doing the Transformed series and it has been so relevant and great at this time in life.  I listened to the sermon "From Stressed to Blessed" twice in 24 hours last weekend.
Pray that our little embryos have implanted (at least one) and are settling in so we will have a healthy baby...or babies in nine months.  The anticipation of "the test" is huge and I try not to think about it.  What will be the longest wait is from the time of blood draw to results on Monday.  Just pray for peace as we wait and comfort with the test results.  If the first test result is positive, we continue the progesterone and repeat the blood test.  Updates will come on that later!
Again, words just can't express how thankful we are for the love and prayers!  Keep 'em coming please!!
Love,
Sarah & Joe





Next Stop...Embryo Transfer

Here's a little video that explains IVF in two minutes!

http://youtu.be/HnGQI_rtOzw

Saturday night after church, we ventured north again...I can now navigate us to Dr. Morris' office without Google Maps!  We stayed overnight at PJ's in Crown Point.  Our monitoring appointment was bright and early at 7:30 Sunday morning.  All was looking good, we just had to once again wait to hear back after Dr. Morris reviewed the labs and ultrasound.  Random IVF fact, all these hormones are to stimulate your follicles and produce eggs.  That's all fine and dandy, but it leads to ovaries that feel like the size of Texas!  We spent some time with the family while anxiously awaiting news from the doc.  Cue a sigh of relief  when Nurse Brittany called to give us our directions.  Sunday night was going to be the trigger shot and retrieval would be on Tuesday morning.  The trigger shot is done about 36 hours before the retrieval.  We packed up, picked up the 4 doses of antibiotic I needed, and ventured down 65 again to make it home for the trigger shot.  While I can do shots wherever, Joe was a man on a mission that we could do these at home.  This trigger shot was HCG and Follistim...so a little different than I've done before.  I am so thankful not to have any major side effects from the injections,  just a headache here and there or some cramping compliments of my ginormous ovaries.  I think I blocked out the part about being so lovely and bloated.  Odds are if you see me in the next two weeks, I will be living in yoga pants that have never been to yoga!
Monday night we ventured north again.  Our arrival time was 6:30 on Tuesday morning...oh goodness!  On the bright side, since we had such an early time it involved less time for me to whine about being hungry and thirsty.  We met another Nurse Alison!  I'm a dork, but it made me feel better...that reminder of the familiar!  Alison shared that she had been through IVF as well.  Chit chatting about preschool helped distract my tired nerves. Around 7:30, they wheeled me back.  I remember the anesthesiologist asking me what my favorite cocktail was.  My response was a glass of sweet, red wine...he said it just so happens Dr. Morris has an amazing wine cellar.  That's the last thing I remember! 

There was a sticky note beside the bed with the number 18.  Woohoo!  Of course I still love Peyton even though he's not in Indy anymore.  We had 18 eggs during our first IVF, too.  After the grogginess wore off, we were wheeled out and headed home.  They had given me some medicine for the pain, so the trip home and most of Tuesday are a little blurry.  I slept a lot and missed Bible study. 



Wednesday morning we received our alert that there was a message in Patient Portal.  (Patient Portal is how we receive lab results, instructions, etc.)  We had 11 of the 18 eggs fertilize.  Another step in the right direction.  My prayers have switched from fertilizing to having two of the best embryos ready for a day five transfer.  (So, for my friends that pray specifically for us...please pray for two great embryos to transfer and that at least one will stick and give us a healthy baby!)
My game plan has been to take off from the embryo transfer to the time of pregnancy test from the munchkins (and more specifically their germs).  Getting ready to miss two weeks of preschool is a nice distraction from all the overthinking you can do while hormonal and waiting for the next step!  I'm so thankful that Kathy Baryoh is able to sub for the majority of the time I'm out.  Having someone reliable and trustworthy is just a huge relief!  My staff at preschool is amazing, so I know my little guys will be in great hands.  Being out and planning ahead does increase this ADD girl's focus and organization.  I had lunch with my dear friend Christy.  It means so much to have a friend pray for you, hold your hand, and give you encouragement.
On the way home from Marion yesterday, it hit me...the emotions and anticipation of the wait between transfer and test.  I'd been able to distract myself with school stuff, I hadn't spent much time focusing on the emotional adventure ahead.  It was a little time to drive, be overwhelmed, pray, and listen to some encouraging music.  In one of the sermons for the Transformed series we are doing at church, Pastor Gregg talked about you control your thoughts.  So, I'm really working on not letting myself get too anxious, freaked out, scared, etc.  I'm just focusing on hope and faith!

Today, I've been attempting to be domestic.  Dr. Morris doesn't require bed rest after the transfer, but for my mental health if nothing else I will be taking it easy and propping my feet up for a couple days.  I've managed to wash our sheets and comforter and make some no bake cookies.  It's the little things.
We are overwhelmed with the support and love we receive along our journey.  It means more than you know!  As our family and friends pray for us in the next few days, please pray that we can stay hopeful, calm, and not get caught up in all the what if scenarios or what happened last time thoughts.  Pray that our little embryos will grow and that we will have two perfect blastocyst embryos to transfer and that one or both of those little guys will implant and become a healthy little bambino!
We can always use prayers for safe travels, especially since the snow won't go away.  Our plan is to head north in the morning, spend tomorrow with PJ, and then head home after the transfer.  (Yes, I will probably have the seat leaned back and my feet on the dash)
I'm sure I will update Sunday or Monday! 
Love,
Sarah and Joe