And the Fun Begins

So, the wonderful Progesterone shots began on Saturday. I wasn't really worried about it until right before it took place. Cory kept asking me "Are you ready" and I kept telling him NO that I needed a few more minutes (I think I was worried that my cheek wasn't 100% numb). After I got a piece of gum to chew on, I was ready (I guess it helps me with concentration). No worries...it didn't even hurt!! Cory did forget how hard it is to push the medicine in...it's an oil and it has a little more resistance then the other injections he has given me. He's a pro at giving shots...I love the way he walks me through the entire process. "Okay, you're about to feel a little poke". Soon followed by "All done". So far, so good...other than the injection sites being extremely sore. I have included several pictures that my mom took of the injection process on Sunday. Notice how BEAUTIFUL her new kitchen is!!! Everything turned out really nice, but I have to admit...I'm going to miss the mauve counters!!! Enjoy the pictures and sorry if I'm showing too much ba-donk-a-donk (I have to document this entire process)!!!

Dr. McDreamy getting ready to put that entire needle in my muscle!!!

Why am I smiling?!?! Maybe because Maw Maw is about to pass out. Notice she's covering her eyes and trying not to look. She didn't want to see me in pain. That long needle has to go ALL the way in. OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Starting tomorrow I will increase the Progesterone from 1/2 cc to 1 cc. It has been a very busy week at work, and yes, it's only Tuesday. I was pulled today for TAKS testing, which meant I have had to prepare sub plans for 3 days this week (and just in case you don't know...preparing sub plans is a difficult task). I have uploaded all of my grades in the computer since I have to export progress reports before I leave on Wednesday and I have to finish printing out the sub plans for Thursday and Friday. For the most part, everything is ready to go...I just need to go back and double check to make sure I didn't leave out anything important. Mom and I have a massage scheduled tomorrow evening, so hopefully I will be stress free and ready for Thursday. I have to call mid-morning Thursday to check on the "thaw" process of our "embies" and I'm scheduled to be there at 12:30. I feel so ready for this transfer (not that I wasn't last time, but I'm so much more relaxed and haven't stressed out about it this time). Please keep Cory and I along with our embryo's in your thoughts and prayers the next few weeks. Our hope is that the embryo's will attach to my uterine lining and continue to grow as a healthy baby or healthy babies.

Depending on how I feel, I will post an update after the transfer. Cory will be leaving early Friday morning, so I will have my mom here to pamper me all weekend. I'll be here on the couch if anyone wants to stop by to visit!!!

XOXO~

Hayley =)

Transfer #2 Scheduled

YIPPIE!!! Today's appointment was great. The lining of my uterus decided to thicken over the past two weeks and my hormone levels are exactly where they need to be (PRAISE GOD). I was actually super excited about going downstairs to Walgreens to fill my prescription for more Progesterone and syringes/needles (never thought that would excite me as much as it did)! I will continue taking the Estrace, antibiotic, and steroid and then on the 26th of April, I will begin the Progesterone injections. I'm scheduled for the transfer on Thursday, May 1st at 12:30 PM. I have decide to take Thursday and Friday off (and possibly Monday if needed) to rest and stay off my feet. I'm so happy about the transfer, but go figure...that weekend is going to be crazy. Cory will be traveling to St. Louis early Friday morning for a "boys" baseball weekend (GO CUBS) and I'm giving Sheri (my sister-in-law) a baby shower. Things will get done because I have already recruited my mom and Tarah to help out so that I can stay off my feet as much as possible! I'll be relaxing on the couch for a few days and watching movies if anyone wants to stop by and visit (hint, hint)! I know I will be bored out of my mind, but I want to take it easy this time around (I was at work the next day after the first transfer and going up and down the stairs at the apartment).

Keep the prayers coming...they are truly helping. Everyone keeps telling me that they have a "feeling" this time it's going to work and I hope and pray they are right!!! I'll keep everyone posted on what's going on (maybe I'll post a picture of the HUGE Progesterone shot next week). Thanks again for all of the prayers!

Love ya'll~
Hayley

Fair QUEENS!!

WARNING...the pictures you are about to see are not to be copied and sold for millions without permission!! This past weekend, we headed out to the BBQ cook off at "The Fair" in order to re-live memories from the past. This event is usually a high school reunion for surrounding areas, however, this year was a little different... not too many Gator Grads there (or we just didn't look real hard). Tarah, Marissa, and I had a great time talking, laughing, drinking cold beer, dancing, and singing! The boys (Cory, Matt, and Brandon) just enjoyed their beverages and talking (and probably laughing at us). Here are few pictures from our FUN evening!

2008 GCFR Fair QUEENS...it was a 3 way tie!!!

# 1 Brazoria Co. Matt Crowder Supporter!

VOTE FOR MATT CROWDER!!!

Me and Tarah getting ready for another year at the fair! This year, Cory didn't take us to the Busy Bee and treat us to cheese sticks and a Dr. Pepper. Tarah...I did end up going home with him this year! Ha ha ha...I'm cracking up!

For those of you who remembered...I'm going to the doctor tomorrow morning. Hopefully the lining of my uterus decided to thicken over the past two weeks. Will update again after tomorrows appointment.

~Hayley

Good Luck Kelly

OK...for those of you who do not know, I have recently met someone who is also going through the IVF process as well. It's funny because we were introduced to one another through coworkers and we talked on the phone for about 2 weeks before we even met. The more and more we talked on the phone, the more and more we learned about the things we share in common and we knew that we HAD to meet. Are you ready for this list? Here it is: we both teach first grade in Alvin (different schools), both have a dog named HOLLY (her Holly is a Golden Retriever and is expecting puppies in early May if anyone is interested), we both drive Tahoe's, Kelly and her husband Robby graduated from SFA (and so did Cory), both of our in-laws have beach houses in Boliver, we both attend St. John's the Baptist Catholic Church in Alvin, we both converted to the Catholic faith because of our husbands, we both LOVE Tommaso's (the local pizza joint here in Alvin), we are both going through IVF, and we both LOVE to shop. I know there is a bunch more that we have in common, but I can't seem to remember everything!

Anyway, Kelly began her IVF process a few weeks ago and is ready for egg retrieval. This will actually take place tomorrow morning (April 14th) at 6 AM. So... please keep Kelly and Robby in your thoughts and prayers. This is a very exciting step in the IVF process, but at the same time, it is VERY stressful. You go through so much to prepare your body for this day and all you can do is hope and pray for tons and tons of healthy eggs. Then you have to pray that they are mature eggs, that they fertilize and grow to be big, strong, and healthy embryo's for the transfer. So, with that being said...I'm sending MANY prayers Kelly and Robby's way. Wishing you both the best of luck tomorrow and the next few weeks!!!

Have a great week!

Love~
Hayley =)

Long Time NO Blog

Hello everyone! I know it's been a super long time since I have posted an update and I do apologize for that. YIPPIE...I FINALLY started my period last Monday (March 31st) and I never thought I would be SO excited. I had a doctors appointment this morning and I assumed I would have lab work done and an ultrasound, but boy was I WRONG. As it turns out, I was scheduled for a hysterosonogram today (I had no clue this was going to take place). I was extremely nervous about having this done (especially since I was all alone...I didn't know if I would be able to handle this without having my mom or Cory there with me), but it was a lot easier than I anticipated. The doctor inserted a catheter and used water to "blow up" my uterus. This allowed him to see if there were any polyps in my uterus. Good news is...everything is NORMAL...THANK GOD! If the outcome would have been different, it would have explained why the embryo's did not attach and grow the first IVF transfer. Note to self...if you ever have to have this procedure done, make sure you sit in the up-right position for a few minutes before standing and trying to get dressed. Water that is forced in must come out...wasn't expecting that, but I had a good laugh (all by myself)! Tonight I get to being taking Estrace again once a day for a week, then I will bump it up to twice a day for a week. I will also begin taking an antibiotic as well as a low dose steroid until my next appointment on the 21st of this month. Hopefully my uterine lining will respond to the medication since we are doing it much "slower" this time. If not, I was informed by my doctor that I will have another test done...but this one will take place in the OR. PLEASE pray that my uterine lining decides to respond this time because I really don't want to take a trip to the OR UNLESS I'm having another embryo transfer.

On the other hand, Cory and I (and Holly) were able to spend the entire day on Sunday out by the pool. The water was still pretty chilly, but that didn't stop Cory and Holly from getting in. After hanging my feet in the pool for several minutes, I was able to move to the first step, then the second step, and then I was able to get all the way into the shallow end. It was chilly, but at the same time, it was pretty refreshing. My parents came over to enjoy the afternoon with us and Cory and I fixed the most delicious meal (filet's, baked potatoes, salad, rolls, and the best part of all...Oreo balls). Needless to say, we were all stuffed!

Well, I better get going so that I can get my things ready for work tomorrow. It sure was nice having the day off. After the appointment, I treated myself to a small shopping spree! Take care and enjoy your week. Don't forget to pray that my uterine lining responds this time to the medication!

XOXO~
Hayley =)