All this time.

Brit Nicole has so many inspiring songs but my most recent favorite of hers is All This Time.  What a reminder that whatever we’re walking through, God is walking right there with us the whole time.  Looking back on this journey, I can see how he’s been with us and given us strength, protection, wisdom, and even guiding us to the exact place we are right now.  I continue to believe God has a much bigger plan for us than we can actually see right now and I pray that He is preparing Dave and I for that while we wait for it to unfold.   I attached her song with my favorite parts underlined.  I’ve also attached the youtube video for you to watch!

 All this Time:  Brit Nicole
I remember the moment

I remember the pain

I was only a girl

But I grew up that day

Tears were falling

I know You saw me

Hiding there in my bedroom

So alone

I was doing my best

Trying to be strong

No one to turn to

That's when I met You

All this time

From the first tear cry

To today's sunrise

And every single moment between

You were there

You were always there

It was You and I

You've been walking with me all this time

Ever since that day

it's been clear to me

That no matter what comes

You will never leave

I know You're for me

And You're restoring

Every heartache and failure

Every broken dream

You're the God who sees

The God who rescued me

This is my story

This is my story

I hear these people asking me

How do I know what I believe?

Well I'm not the same me

And I saw the proof I need

I felt Love I felt Your grace

You stole my heart that day

You’ve been walking with me all this time

All this time

From the first tear cry

To today's sunrise

And every single moment between

You were there

You were always there

It was You and I

You've been walking with me all this time


 

Appointment # 3:

Ultrasound results- Follicle sizes:

(1)16 mm

(1)14 mm

(1)13 mm

(1)12 mm

(1)5 mm

(2)4mm

So, since Wednesday, my follicles are growing.  Our largest follicle right now is 16 mm.  We have a few lagging right behind that which we hope will catch up to the 16mm.  Again, 18-20mm is our goal for a mature follicle (egg inside).  It’s looking like slow progress but progress.   My estradiol level has gone up from 81 since Wednesday to 247 today which is good.  My uterine lining thickness is up to 10.3 and they like it to be above 8 by transfer so that looks really good!  If the other 3 lagging follicles can continue to grow and reach 18, it looks like they could potentially retrieve 4 eggs.  We’re praying for miracles!

For our prayer warriors out there, please pray for:

Pray for miracles all around- that the follicles would grow miraculously over the next few days and that each and every follicle big or small would have an egg inside.  We also pray that each egg retrieved is top quality and in perfect condition ready to be fertilized!!!!  

Thank you and God bless you!

As we approach Easter this Sunday,  this song I heard today reminded me of what Easter is all about.  Jesus died for us, for our sins, for the guilt of sin.  In this life, we will face suffering and pain, but it's not really about us.   It was a good reminder to me that it's all for Him:  this journey, this current situation we find ourselves in, to God be the glory.  It's not about us.  I pray His will be done.   I pray whatever the outcome- God be lifted high.

All For You: Mikeschair

This time, this place is set apart
I stand amazed at who You are
I'm overcome by what You've done
Oh

I'm here right now, I need You now
I lift Your name above the doubt
This is my offering for You
For You

'Cause it's all for You, all for You
Every heart will proclaim
Every tongue will shout Your praise
All for You, oh, oh, oh
All for You, oh, oh, oh

I leave my burden at Your feet
In You I find my victory
There is nothing You can't do
Oh

I'll live my life in 
I'll give it all and lay it down
'Cause I owe everything to You
To You

'Cause it's all for You, all for You
Every heart will proclaim
Every tongue will shout Your praise
All for You, oh, oh, oh
All for You, oh, oh, oh

All will hear, all will see
Love came down and we are free
All will hear, all will see
Love came down and we are free

'Cause it's all for You, all for You
Every heart will proclaim
Every tongue will shout Your praise

All for You, all for You
Every heart will proclaim
Every tongue will shout Your praise

All for You, oh, oh, oh
(All will hear, all will see)
All for You, oh, oh, oh
(Love came down and we are free)

All will hear, all will see
Love came down and we are free
All will hear, all will see
Love came down and we are free

All will hear, all will see
Love came down and we are free 

The appointment today was simply a pre-IVF physical.  Every patient going through IVF has to go through a physical exam prior to the actual procedure.  We did not have an ultrasound or estrogen level done today but will go back in tomorrow for another update on that.  

Yesterday Dave went for a walk at lunch around the neighborhood we are staying in and came upon quite an interesting sign.  I had to take a picture after hearing about it since we don't see signs like this back in Tennessee. Needless to say Dave came back telling me I probably wouldn't want to go on any walks with him.  I agreed after reading the sign myself:) 

We also discovered a pretty cool yogurt place yesterday for our evening out, called Froyozone.  It's similar to our Menchies or Sweet Cece's back home.  We were craving something sweet after dinner so we ventured out and came upon this place.  

Starting our day with prayer.
Found this prayer online called:  "Coping with infertility"

Gracious God, we long for a child and find our hearts shaved of hope
as month after month we go childless.
The love we have to give and share with a child fills us to the brim,
but that love seems thwarted when our longing is not fulfilled.
Look with tenderness on us, O God.
Let the disappointment that hangs over us be lifted by the joy of your touch.
Give us the patience that will re-build hope
as we wait for the fullness of our love in the high calling of parenthood.
We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.

  
First appointment this morning  at 730am. 

Ultrasound Results:
I have a total of 7 follicles growing all on the right ovary.  The left ovary is showing nothing at all.  This has been a little disheartening to us but we are praying that all the good ones are on the right side anyways and it won’t matter. 

 Follicle sizes:

(2)    12 mm

(2)    10mm

(1)    6mm

(1)    4 mm

Current Estradiol level:   awaiting results- will get call later today.

So in terms of sizing- a mature follicle is considered to be 18-20 mm- meaning there is most likely an egg inside of it.  As you can see from above, I am progressing slowly.  We are hoping for the (2) 12mm and (2) 10mm to continue growing well until they reach complete maturity at that 20 mm.  For now I will continue the stimulation medications which will help to do that.  As for the left ovary- it looks like nothing is going to develop.  They don’t really know why but again, we are praying for the 4 biggest follicles we have now to be top quality and all contain eggs inside when they do my retrieval next week.  As for now, we pray that these medications continue to stimulate me to maximum maturity on all follicles!!!!  We also pray for health and safety during the cycle. 

Thanks for you continued prayers and thoughts.  I will keep you posted as we go in again tomorrow for another ultrasound and update.  

4/3/2012

Dave and I arrived in Denver at 1130.  We went and got our rental car and then grabbed some lunch before heading to Walmart for some groceries for the week.  Thanks to my lovely friend Terri and her husband who are graciously letting us stay with them during this time,  we are able to buy food instead of eating out every day not to mention hotel savings.   It’s going to save us so much money and we’re so so grateful for their hospitality and kindness to us.  They have completely opened their home to us with our own guest room and bathroom.  We feel so blessed!  

So, we just happened to fly into Denver the day of the Women’s Basketball NCAA Championship game.  And you’ll never guess which team happens to be in it- Notre Dame- that’s right.  Being here and knowing ND was playing, we just couldn’t pass the opportunity up, so Dave and I scalped tickets and went to the game.  The atmosphere was pretty cool!  The Pepsi Center was totally sold out.  Dave and I were fairly high up but we were just glad to be there and watch the game.  Notre Dame played well in the first half but unfortunately couldn’t keep up with Baylor during second half.  They lost in the end, but it was so neat to be there and experience the game!

Ultrasound # 2 today 
Results:
4 follicles present:
1 at 13 mm
2 at 9mm
1 at 6mm

All on the right ovary- none on the left at this time- well, it's hard to say- she couldn't visualize the left ovary.  So, we don't really know.  Estradiol is rising as expected.  My body is not liking the drugs again this time as I am experiencing this weird numbness/pain in my extremities.  I am trying to ignore it as much as possible but this seems to be the hardest at night when I lay down to sleep.  It keeps me awake and makes it very hard to sleep.  Hoping these symptoms disappear soon as the next 10 days of these medications will seem very long. 

Our first appointment in Colorado is April 4 for another ultra sound and E2 level.  I will definitely keep you all posted.   We fly out tomorrow at 9am.  Dave and I are ready, excited, nervous, and praying without ceasing!!!   Thank you for your support and prayers while we are away.  We have felt so loved by everyone during this time- I can't tell you how much it means to us.  It makes this process seem easier with all the support we have surrounding us.  Thank you!