Musings from Bed Rest

It happened.... I think it happened.... I’m 99% sure it happened...yes yes it definitely happened!

On Wednesday, we dropped our boys off at perhaps their favorite place of all time.... Uncle Dan and Ms. Joy's house! Luke (age 3) informed our good friend and neighbor yesterday that "we are going to Ms. Joy's house tomorrow while mommy goes and gets a baby". As blunt as it sounded, he was technically right!

After we dropped the boys off we headed out to Beverly Hills where the transfer office was located. We planned to meet Chad and Stephanie (for the first time in person) at a little cafe beforehand to meet, eat and pray! 

Daniel and I arrived about 40 min early and enjoyed just strolling along the street looking at little shops. After we walked by the shops we turned down one street and enjoyed walking along the residential neighborhood. The houses were so amazing, and each had their own unique style! It kind of felt like Disneyland because they were so close to the sidewalk I felt like maybe I could walk right in to the castle shaped one or the little Riviera shaped one! 

Anyway, back on track!

Chad arrived at the cafe first and I think the first thing out of my mouth was "you're real, not just a photograph!". Hugs all around and we stepped inside to order while we waited for Stephanie, who had a slightly complicated surgery to perform that morning and was running just a few minutes behind.

As I glanced at the menu I quickly decided against any smoothie or juice as I had my 2 water bottles equaling 32 oz. that I would need to drink an hour before the transfer and I didn't want to push my luck and squeeze any more liquid than necessary in there.

Right after we sat down, I looked up and there was Stephanie making her way to our table. I stood up and we instantly locked arms around each other and stood there for a good 30 seconds in a tight hug with each of us wondering "I can't believe this is REALLY happening!?"

We ate and laughed and talked about our INCREDIBLY similar lives! Both of us couples dated long distance, both our husbands were our only real "dating" experience, we both will celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversaries within 10 months of each other, and the list goes on and on. 

Eventually we had to pause our conversation because we needed to get over to the Reproductive center for the transfer.  We made our way back to our cars and even though we attempted to caravan over to the office (about 3 min away), the traffic and one way streets got the better of us. Luckily google maps is a girl’s best friend in those instances and we all caught up again in the parking structure.

Even though we were running a few minutes behind on our check-in time, we paused right there in the parking lot, grabbed hands and prayed over this time! Such a blessing to go through this process with other believers!

We made our way into the waiting room and continued to chat about our son's similarities and funny stories! Between our 2 families we have 5 boys ranging from age 1-6!

Finally, I got called back to get ready. The nurse confirmed my name and who I was a surrogate for. We had thought only one person but would be allowed in the room during the transfer and I had already told Stephanie I wanted it to be her. Well the nurse said there was plenty of room so Daniel could join as well! Honestly, I think he was the most intrigued cause he is my Biology nerd (I say that with love) and has ALWAYS enjoyed my pregnancy appointments and learning new facts and procedures about new areas of medicine. Chad decided to stay in the waiting room since it was tight and I was going to be slightly exposed. He didn't want me to feel uncomfortable in any way which I think was very sweet.

Next the "team" arrived. There was the ultrasound tech (I'm sure I'm not going to get any of the official terms correct so bear with me), our fertility doctor, who would be performing the transfer, the embryologist in charge of bringing in the embryo when the doctor was ready and a nurse. Plus, the 3 from our "party", so it was a full house!

I had taken a Valium about 10 min before the procedure and I do remember at one point feeling like I was gently floating on top of a wave in the ocean. The feeling passed but I knew the Valium was kicking in. It helps patients completely relax and not stress.

So, the whole time, we all were basically just watching the ultrasound screen. The tech was guiding the doctor to the exact spot that is best for implantation. After the doctor was all set up they called for the embryo. We all waited a few minutes and chatted until the little life arrived. I stared at the screen and tried to believe I knew what I was looking at. And then every medical person in the room, all at once, went "Oh wow, PERFECT, that was just PERFECT!"

You could see that the tiny little white bubble of liquid that held the embryo had been placed exactly where the tech had pointed out. 

They quickly sent the transfer tube back to the lab in the next room where they double checked that the embryo was not stuck within the tube and did actually exit into me.

And then we were done. I couldn't believe how quickly, smoothly and painlessly it went. Even my full bladder didn't give me any trouble! They do like the patient to remain laying down for about 20-30 min afterwards so they covered me back up and all the medical staff left us alone. We asked them to call in Chad so we all could be together. We just prayed and talked and told him how it went! We took a few photos and before we knew it the nurse came back in and said we were all good to go!

The guys headed back to the parking garage to grab our car so Chad could show Daniel where he could pick me up curb side. I got changed and then had the glorious task of being wheeled out to the front (after a bathroom break).  

Soon Chad and Daniel arrived and I was wheeled to the car. We hugged one last "I can't believe we finally got to meet and how well it went" hug and I climbed in! We said we would be in touch and off we drove home. 

I think the Valium really started to kick in because I got VERY tired quickly. After helping navigate Daniel back through downtown Beverly Hills to the freeway, I put my feet up and began to drift off. One of the last things I remember is Daniel's protective hand on my belly as he drove!

I woke up as we exited the freeway. I must have been in a Valium stupor cause for a second I was like "did that really just happen?" 

Daniel got me upstairs, I changed into some comfy pj's, snuggled into our bed and turned on some Netflix! Daniel got me some food and completely turned into attentive housemaid, making sure I was completely set before he headed off to pick up the boys. I insisted I was fine and off he went.

So, there you have it. I've been in bed or using the restroom for about 15 hrs. so far and it's GREAT! I woke up at 3:30am to use the restroom and couldn't fall back asleep and I figured I could sleep all day if I wanted to so I just stayed up!

So far, this morning I caught my 3-yr. old tip toeing through my room and when I said "hi" he informed me "you must sleep for 2 days and then I can see you". "No, my love, I don't HAVE to sleep, I just need to lay down and rest but you can come see me. He has now brought me my water bottle and toast like SUCH a big helper. As he left my room he said to himself "2 things...check"

I'll see if I can get this posted from my cell phone but if not I may not be able to post my musings till a few hours from now but figured writing them down now will ensure I remember what an amazing God filled day it was! Thank you to every single person that has been praying for us and over us throughout the last few months and especially this last week! We won't know if the embryo successfully implanted till late next week so if you would continue praying for this little life to snuggle in safe and sound for the next 9 months, we would be SO grateful!